
The Relic Radio Show begins with The Avenger this week. We'll hear The Mystery of Dead Man's Rock, from April 20, 1946. (28:00) Mr. Moto brings us our final story with A Force Called XO7. That episode aired May 20, 1951. https://traffic.libsyn.com/forcedn/e55e1c7a-e213-4a20-8701-21862bdf1f8a/RelicRadio921.mp3 Download RelicRadio921 | Subscribe | Spotify | Support The Relic Radio Show
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Host
This is the relic radio show. Old time radio entertainment. Still standing the test of time from relicradio.com. welcome back to the relic radio show. Our hour of radio drama begins with the Avenger. This week we'll hear the mystery of Dead man's Rock from April 20, 1946. After that, it's Mr. Moto and a force called XO7. That story aired May 20, 1951.
Narrator
The Avenger.
Jim Brandon
The road to crime ends in a.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Trap that justice sets.
Jim Brandon
Crime does not pay.
Narrator
The Avengers, sworn enemy of evil is actually Jim Brandon, a famous biochemist. Through his numerous scientific experiments, Brandon has perfected two inventions to aid him in his crusade against crime as the Avenger. The telepathic indicator by which he is able to pick up thought flashes and the secret diffusion capsule which cloaks him in the black light of invisibility. Brandon's assistant, the beautiful Fern Collier, is the only one who shares his secrets and knows that he is the man the underworld fears as the Avenger. And now, the Avenger and the mystery of Dead Man's Rock.
Pierre
Simon Robert, I do not wish to sell you any fowls. Why not, Pierre? I'd pay you a good price. That may be, but Mr. Jenkins, the game warden, would think it very funny that Pierre, the best trapper in this territory, should declare so little furs from his traps on the other side of the border. Why, if Jenkins says anything, all you have to do is tell him you've had a run of bad luck or that your tramps were wrong. I will not do it, Simon. You get your furs someplace else. Pierre is not so dumb as you think. You want to buy my furs for some crooked dealings. For all I know, maybe you would bring them across the border. You're going too far. You don't want to sell your furs to me, Don't. But I'm warning you to keep your mouth shut. I do not talk. But Pierre, he is no fool. Simon Robert, do not think that I. Hey, Pierre, look over there. Near Dead Man's Rock, a man is lying underground. Come on, Pierre. Something's happening. I do not like the look of this, Simon.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Me either.
Pierre
Right there in front of Dead Man's Rock is where that customs man was found dead a few months ago. Why?
Simon Revere
Why?
Pierre
Look. It's Jenkins, the game warden. Someone has put a knife in his back. What should we do, Simone?
Sheriff Matt Spencer
I don't know what's going on here.
Fern Collier
What's the matter?
Pierre
Oh, Mr. Spencer, it's game warden. Someone stabbed him in the back.
Fern Collier
Let me see he's dead all right. Say, Simon, what were you and Pierre doing around here?
Pierre
Why, we just came in from checking the trap.
Fern Collier
Southern?
Simon Revere
Yeah.
Pierre
What are you getting at, Mr. Spencer?
Fern Collier
Just this. It'll be a good thing for Pierre if he has an alibi.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Me?
Pierre
You think I killed Mr. Jenkins?
Fern Collier
I didn't say that, Pierre. Only it's pretty well known that you and the game warden haven't been hitting it off lately.
Pierre
Maybe so, but I do not kill him. Honest, Mr. Spencer, I don't see how he could have. We've been together most of the afternoon.
Fern Collier
Well, come along to my office, both of you, and I'll call the sheriff.
Pierre
The sheriff? Why, he hasn't solved that other murder that was committed here at Dead Man's Rock.
Fern Collier
Well, let's see what he can do with this one.
Jim Brandon
Well, Fern, what do you think of Silver Falls?
Jenny
Oh, the waterfall is beautiful, Jenny. When I remember that two murders have been committed right here, I don't feel in the mood to enjoy the scenery.
Jim Brandon
Oh, don't worry, Fern. We won't leave here until we find out who murdered Jenkins.
Jenny
The game warden was a good friend of yours, wasn't he, Jim?
Jim Brandon
Yes, he was. When I was in college, I used to come up here for the hunting almost every season. Jenkins and I tramped many a mile together.
Jenny
It was right in front of that big rock where he was stabbed, wasn't it?
Jim Brandon
That's right. Oh, the old rock seems to be living up to its name lately. It's called Dead Man's Rock.
Jenny
How in the world do these places around here get their names, James?
Jim Brandon
Well, Indian legend flourishes in this part of the country. And according to one of them, two Indian chiefs fought it out to the death before that rock. As to pool at the bottom of the falls, it's both deep and treacherous. The Indians were afraid of it and called it something which the white man translated as the Devil's pool.
Jenny
Oh. To get back to the murders, Jim, have you anything at all to go on?
Jim Brandon
Oh, practically nothing, Fern. Both men were stabbed on the back by a knife. And the knives might lead to some sort of clue.
Jenny
What do you mean?
Jim Brandon
Well, the knives used for the murders were very unusual. They had rubber ringed handles and were exceptionally well balanced. Similar to the one's professional life throw as yours, of course.
Jenny
Those knives could have been used deliberately to mislead the police.
Jim Brandon
That's a possibility, but. But it's the only angle we have, so we'll have to work on it.
Simon Revere
Jim.
Jenny
Who is this? Matt Spencer. The sheriff wants Us to meet.
Jim Brandon
Oh, Matt Spencer is the owner of this big logging company. Practically all the men in this territory work for him.
Jenny
I see.
Jim Brandon
Come on, Fern. Where to meet the sheriff down at Spencer Sawmill. I'm anxious to have a talk with Spencer and see what help he can give us. This is Fence's office, Fern.
Jenny
Gustin. This is an interesting place. I hope we have time to do a little sightseeing before we leave.
Jim Brandon
So far that's all we've done. I wonder if the sheriff got here yet.
Fern Collier
Come in.
Jim Brandon
Oh, hello, Sheriff.
Pierre
Brandon, I want you to meet Matt Spencer.
Jim Brandon
How do you do, Mr. Spencer? This is my assistant, Ms. Collier.
Fern Collier
I'm glad to meet you both.
Simon Revere
Sit down.
Jenny
Thank you.
Fern Collier
Brandon, the sheriff tells me that you were a good friend of Jenkins, the game warden who was killed the other day.
Jim Brandon
Why, that's right, Mr. Spencer.
Fern Collier
Well, I'm willing to do anything I can to help you boys solve the case. What do you Want to know?
Jim Brandon
Mr. Spencer, you're a busy man, so I'll come right to the point. Do you mind telling me the exact layout of your setup here?
Fern Collier
Not at all, Brandon. I own land on both sides of the border. I have an agreement with both governments to bring my lumber in through the waterways to my sawmill. This involves some red tape, of course, and I have to keep all my books owed to the customs man.
Jim Brandon
Well, wouldn't it be a much more direct route to float the lumber over the falls?
Fern Collier
We tried that, but the logs always jammed up in the pool.
Jim Brandon
I see. Well, what about the trappers on your land?
Fern Collier
I permit a few natives to operate. They. They clear their furs of the local.
Jim Brandon
Game wardens about those two fellows who discovered the body of Jenkins. Pierre is a trapper. I know, but what is Simon Revere's position around here?
Fern Collier
He's one of my roughnecks. I mean, one of my fallen. Been with me for years. Above suspicion, I'd say.
Jim Brandon
What about Pierre? Is it true that there was bad blood between Pierre and Jenkins?
Fern Collier
Yes. They were always having arguments about one thing or another. Isn't that right, Sheriff?
Pierre
Yes. Pierre's a hothead.
Jim Brandon
Where are Pierre and Simon now, Mr. Spencer?
Fern Collier
That's pretty hard to say. I can call them in if you want a question.
Jim Brandon
Well, I'd appreciate it.
Fern Collier
We have a whistle signal at the mill. You people make yourselves at home. I'll be back in a few minutes.
Jim Brandon
Thanks, Mr. Spencer.
Jenny
Mr. Spencer seems like a nice man, Jim.
Jim Brandon
Yes, he is cooperative.
Pierre
I told you he would be.
Jenny
So far, everyone seems to be suspicious of Pierre.
Jim Brandon
Oh, Say, Sheriff, that's some moose head over that desk.
Pierre
Yes, that one strayed right into the mill yard one day. Mr. Spencer got him with an air gun from the Aubrey's window.
Jim Brandon
A neck on.
Simon Revere
Yes.
Pierre
Grabbed the first thing he get his fingers on.
Jenny
Mr. Spencer must be a good shot.
Pierre
None better in these parts, Miss.
Jenny
There goes the signal.
Jim Brandon
Oh, say Sheriff, I'm going to tour around a little while we're waiting.
Pierre
Go ahead, Brandon. Mr. Spencer won't mind.
Jim Brandon
We'll be back in half an hour.
Pierre
Okay.
Jim Brandon
Come on, friend.
Pierre
Hello, Pierre. You going back to the middle too? Oh yes, Simon. I heard the signal. What is wrong? I want to. I don't know. Did you trap many furs today, Pierre? Good enough to suit you. You're missing a good bet by not selling me those furs. Listen, Pierre. No, no, Simon. I will not do it. Mr. Spencer, he would not allow Pierre to trap on his land anymore. If I do not declare all the.
Jim Brandon
Furs that I trap.
Pierre
We got a new game warden now. He doesn't know how many furs you usually trap. You declare half and sell me half. He'll never know the difference. No, Simon river, do not ask me anymore. I will not sell. You're a stubborn fool, Pierre. Stubborn and stupid. You leave Pierre beer. If you do not, I will tell Mr. Spencer of your crooked scheme. He will discharge you. You think Mr. Spencer believe you? You make me laugh, Pierre.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Why?
Pierre
If I say the word to Spencer, he'll put you off his land so fast. If that should happened, I would kill you, Simon River. I swear it by this dead man's rock. Before which two men have already died. Your hot headed threats don't frighten me, Pierre. I have more. What is it, Pierre?
Jenny
You.
Pierre
You knifed me. You. No, no, no, I did not. Simon. No, Simon, I didn't. Mon Dieu. He's dead.
Simon Revere
What's going on here?
Pierre
It is Simon River. Somebody has killed him.
Jenny
He's the knight in the back, just like the others.
Pierre
I. I do not know how it happened. Who are you? Pierre.
Jim Brandon
You'll have to come along and tell your story to the sheriff.
Pierre
No.
Jim Brandon
No.
Pierre
I am innocent.
Jim Brandon
We'll see about that.
Pierre
No, I did not do it. I swear I did not do it. Pierre was away.
Jim Brandon
Come back here, Pierre. If you're innocent, you'll be cleared.
Jenny
He's making for the woods. Aren't you going after him, Jim?
Jim Brandon
No use her. He knows the woods better than I do.
Simon Revere
Don't worry.
Jim Brandon
If he's guilty, we'll smum out.
Jenny
Oh, Pierre must be guilty. Jim, no one else was here.
Jim Brandon
This knife is exactly the same as the others.
Jenny
That's not much help.
Jim Brandon
No, but there's another clue here.
Simon Revere
What?
Jenny
Jim, I don't see anything.
Jim Brandon
Look closely, Fern. This knife was either wielded by a very powerful man or was thrown with great force from a distance.
Jenny
But Pierre is a rather slight man, Jim. Exactly where does that leave us?
Jim Brandon
With an open mind.
Jenny
At least you don't think Pierre is guilty, then.
Jim Brandon
No, I didn't say any such thing, friend. But right now I'm going to work on the motive for these three murders. And until I find that, everyone is under suspicion.
Jenny
What do we do first, Jim?
Jim Brandon
You go back to the mill and ask Mr. Spencer to call the sheriff. Tell Mr. Spencer I went into the woods looking for Pierre. And you stay with the sheriff until I get back.
Jenny
Where are you going, Jim?
Jim Brandon
Over the border. Fern, there are a few inquiries I've got to make as the Avenger.
Pierre
Ra.
Narrator
And now back to the Avenger and the Mystery of Dead Man's Rock.
Pierre
Well, Jack, this log is all hollowed out and ready to be packed. Here, come on, help me carry it over to the pile.
Jim Brandon
All right, George.
Narrator
Hey, the boss should be getting here with the stuff soon.
Pierre
Yeah, he said these hogs were to be sent down the river with the regular lumber shipment first thing in the morning. Yes, sir, this has been a mighty good season for the boss.
Narrator
Yeah, and it's about time he started cutting us in on some of that big dole. So far we've been taking all the chances and been getting next to nothing for our trouble.
Pierre
What was that noise? I don't know.
Narrator
We better be careful what we say, George. Maybe somebody's snooping around here.
Jim Brandon
It's too late for caution now. You've already been overheard.
Pierre
Who's that? Where did that voice come from?
Jim Brandon
From the Avenger, George.
Pierre
The Avenger. Let's run for a. Jack.
Jim Brandon
Stay where you are. You haven't a chance to get away. What do you want from us? First, I want to know who you work for. Who this boss is you were talking about.
Simon Revere
Well.
Pierre
We can't tell you that.
Jim Brandon
You'll tell me now, or you'll be under arrest within an hour or I'm.
Pierre
Going to tell him. Jack, we got to look out for ourselves now.
Jim Brandon
You're right. Go ahead. Speak up then.
Pierre
Well, it's Simon Revere. He's our boss.
Jim Brandon
Exactly what did Simon hire you to do?
Pierre
He delivered furs to us. And we packed them in his logs and sent them down a river to the States. And then Simon took care of things at the other end.
Jim Brandon
Where did Simon get the furs?
Narrator
He bought them direct from trappers who were willing to play ball with him.
Jim Brandon
Who did Simon work for?
Narrator
Well, we don't know. You'll have to ask him.
Jim Brandon
It's too late for that. Simon got a knife in his back down at Dead Man's Rock this afternoon.
Narrator
Simon is dead?
Jim Brandon
Yes. And this little fur smuggling racket is ended. Who murdered Simon? The murderer will be in the hands of the law before nightfall. Until then, carry on here as though you know nothing.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
All right, all right.
Pierre
We will do like you say, Avenger.
Jim Brandon
Remember, if you try to get away, it will go hard with you because the Avenger will hunt you down and bring you to justice. Sheriff, do all those traps we passed belong to Pierre?
Pierre
Yes, Brandon. Pierre makes a good living. Is a trapper.
Jenny
Do you mean to say a trapper has to walk this distance every day?
Jim Brandon
Yes, Fern. And Pierre is still visiting each one of his traps, even if he isn't hiding.
Jenny
A man guilty of murder would hardly stick to his job like that, would he, Jim?
Jim Brandon
A criminal almost never does what he's expected to, Fern.
Pierre
Hey, Brandon, you'll find that Pierre is much smarter than you give him credit for him. I'd feel much safer out here if you'd let me bring my gun along.
Jim Brandon
We had to come unarmed, Sheriff.
Pierre
You city detectives have some mighty peculiar notions about solving a crime. Up here in the woods, a gun speaks louder than a crew any day.
Jim Brandon
Well, Sheriff, you promised to play along with me on this little plan of mine. If it should backfire, then we'll handle things your way, okay?
Pierre
How can you expect me to put any stock in that plan of yours? Won't even tell me who your suspect is. If I had my way, I'd arrest Pierre and ask questions later.
Jim Brandon
You'll need evidence, Sheriff. We've got to get that before you start making arrests.
Pierre
See?
Simon Revere
See?
Pierre
He's one of Pierre's traps.
Jim Brandon
Yes, it's just been sprung and hasn't been reset.
Pierre
Hey, somebody was shooting at us.
Jim Brandon
Pierre. Stop shooting, Pierre. It's the sheriff.
Jenny
He's coming over here. Jim.
Pierre
You. You stay away from my traps. Take it easy, Pierre. We're not robbing your traps.
Jim Brandon
No, we came out here to have a talk with you. Pierre.
Pierre
I did not kill Simon.
Jim Brandon
Now, we're willing to give you a chance to prove that if you can.
Pierre
You take care for the fool. You have come to arrest me, but I will shoot you first.
Jim Brandon
Pierre, listen to me. We'll Let you keep your gun if you'll come back to Silver Falls and do as we say.
Pierre
If you don't, I'll organize a party. Sheriff.
Jim Brandon
Pierre will come peacefully. Now, listen carefully, Pierre. All we want you to do is come along with us to Silver for.
Fern Collier
Oh, it's you, Brandon. Why, Miss Collier, you look all tired out.
Jenny
I am, Mr. Spencer. We must have walked 10 miles.
Fern Collier
Well, Brandon, have any luck? Did you find Pierre?
Jim Brandon
Yes, we found him, Mr. Spencer.
Fern Collier
Good. And the case is just about closed. And believe me, I am glad of it. Brandon, all this excitement has slowed up production at the mill.
Jim Brandon
I hate to disappoint you, but the case isn't quite solved yet.
Fern Collier
Why, I thought you said you'd got Pierre.
Jim Brandon
Yes, but Pierre still claims he's innocent and he says he can prove it.
Simon Revere
How?
Jim Brandon
He says he knows the motive for all three murders.
Fern Collier
That sounds more like he's guilty than innocent.
Jim Brandon
That's right. Except that he claims Simon Revere gave him some valuable information before he died.
Fern Collier
Information?
Simon Revere
What kind?
Jim Brandon
I don't know. Pierre wouldn't tell me. But he's willing to reveal that information to the sheriff to save his own skin. He'd be lying. But I'm going to give him a chance to talk with the sheriff.
Fern Collier
Sure. That's only fair.
Jim Brandon
May I use your phone, Mr. Spencer? I'll arrange for the meeting.
Fern Collier
Why, of course, Brandon. Go ahead.
Jim Brandon
Thank you. Hello? Hello, operator? Give me the sheriff's office, please. Hello? Hello, Sheriff? Jim Brandon speaking. Yeah? Oh, listen, Sheriff, I found Pierre. No, no, I didn't bring. No, I didn't bring him in. He wants to talk to you alone. Says he can break the case wide open. What's that? He'll meet you unarmed in front of Dead Man's Rock in half an hour. Hmm, that's right. I'll wait here at the mill for you. Good luck, Sheriff. See you later, Jim.
Jenny
While we're waiting, why don't you show me around with sawmill? That is, if Mr. Spencer doesn't mind.
Fern Collier
No, no, of course not. Go right ahead. I'd go with you, but I have a lot of important work to do.
Jenny
Gosh, Jim, the falls look high when you're standing up here looking down over them.
Jim Brandon
Be careful, Fern. Don't get too close to the edge.
Jenny
No, I won't, Jim. I certainly hope your little plan works out.
Jim Brandon
It will, Fern. This was the only method of catching the killer at the scene of the crime with the evidence on him.
Jenny
But what's to prevent him from trying to make a getaway instead of Coming?
Jim Brandon
The sheriff's men are taking care of that. Every thoroughfare is guarded. The sheriff's orders are not to let anyone pass until further word from him. And between you and me, that means until after we've captured the killer.
Jenny
Well, it sounds all right now.
Jim Brandon
Now, Fern, you stand over there on the side and keep a close watch on Dead Man's Rock.
Jenny
Yes, Jim.
Jim Brandon
When Pierre arrives and is directly in front of the rock, give me the signal and I'll open this chain and release all these logs.
Jenny
How in the world did you get all those logs up here?
Jim Brandon
Well, now, we diverted them from the river and let them pile up here behind the chain.
Jenny
Oh, see? Isn't it about time for Pierre to arrive?
Jim Brandon
Well, yes, he should be coming now.
Jenny
Oh, I'm getting worried, Jim. Maybe something's gone wrong.
Jim Brandon
Don't get panicky on me, Fern. Keep your eyes on that rock.
Jenny
Right, Jim. There he is. Here's Pierre. He's coming around the bend in the trail. Get set, Jim.
Jim Brandon
Everything's ready here.
Jenny
He's almost there. Let them go, Jim.
Pierre
Okay, Sheriff, have your menstrual. Go ahead, man. You know what to do. Shoot the Negro.
Jim Brandon
Come on, friend.
Pierre
Down this path, quick.
Jenny
The criminal certainly won't have a chance.
Jim Brandon
To escape this time.
Jenny
The sheriff must have at least 50 men down there.
Pierre
Where are we now, Brandon? We'll give him a chance to come out, Sheriff. Okay, okay. Hey, you. Another falls, you're completely surrounded. Come on out. Come on. You better come out.
Jim Brandon
We'll give you just 10 seconds.
Pierre
If you aren't out by that time, 50 guns will fire into the falls.
Jenny
He's coming out.
Pierre
Wait. That's Mr. Spencer.
Jim Brandon
Yes. There's your murderer, Sheriff.
Pierre
Where? Go get him, boy. And you'll find the knife he meant.
Jim Brandon
For Pierre embedded in one of those.
Pierre
Locations we released over the falls. They're all jammed up in the pool there.
Jim Brandon
Take it easy, Sheriff. The rest of your evidence is still behind the falls. I'll get it for you.
Jenny
Jim's coming from behind the waterfall. Now, Sheriff.
Pierre
What B's carrying? Hey, it looks like a gun to me. I mustn't be crazy. These murders were in the middle with a gun. Stand back, boys. Give him a chance to get through.
Jim Brandon
Well, Sheriff, here's your murder weapon.
Pierre
That's no evidence, Brandon. That gun can't be the murder weapon. These men weren't shot, they were. Knocko, be quiet a minute. Let him talk, Bo. Okay, Brandon, you better start explaining.
Jim Brandon
Sheriff, this airgun shoots knives as well as bullets.
Pierre
Hey, how's that Again, the muscle of this gun has a.32 caliber bore.
Simon Revere
It's lying.
Jim Brandon
That's right. But it has a screw cap on the front that's removable. Yeah, see? So what now? Now?
Pierre
Now, look.
Jim Brandon
This cap removes the inner lining and leaves a smooth bore.
Pierre
That's a new one on me, Brandon. Hey, how did it work?
Jim Brandon
On a very simple principle, Sheriff. The knives were especially well balanced, the type used by professional knife throwers. That balance enabled them to take the air pressure. Those rubber rings on the handles gave them sufficient body to fill the enlarged muzzle so the airblast could project them over the required distance. Now, Sheriff, get these people out of the way and I'll demonstrate.
Simon Revere
Okay?
Pierre
Okay, Brandon. Hey, hey, hey. This will rate you a hunting permit for life and this county.
Jim Brandon
Well, thanks, Sheriff.
Jenny
Jim, when you were making plans to trap Spencer, why wouldn't you tell the sheriff who your suspect was?
Jim Brandon
Fern, I knew he wouldn't believe me without evidence, and I needed the sheriff's cooperation to get that.
Jenny
When did you first suspect Spencer, Jim?
Jim Brandon
From our first meeting. He used the term roughneck in referring to one of his men. That's circus lingo. And furnished a clue that tied up with the type of knife used for the murders.
Jenny
I still don't see how you figured out what the airgun angle.
Jim Brandon
Well, now, Devon's Rock is situated on a point of land that juts out into Devil's Pool. The trail on either side of the rock shoots off at a sharp angle along the edge of the water. It would have been impossible for anyone on the trail to have thrown the knives.
Jenny
So the only other place they could have come from was the waterfall.
Jim Brandon
Exactly. But the waterfall was too far away for anyone to throw the knives. So I began to work on the idea that they may have been shot from behind the falls with an air gun.
Jenny
Then when you found that the motive was first smuggling, everything fitted into place.
Jim Brandon
That's right. Spencer killed off the first two men because they were beginning to suspect him. And Simon because he knew too much.
Jenny
That screen of logs we let loose over the falls caught the knife meant for Pierre.
Jim Brandon
Yes, and that was sufficient evidence even for the sheriff.
Jenny
We'll have to tell Inspector White about that sheriff, too.
Jim Brandon
Sure will, Fernando. We can truthfully tell the inspector that he's brilliant.
Pierre
In new pattern.
Narrator
All characters, names, places and plots used in the Avenger program are fictitious. Any similarity to persons living or dead is purely coincidental.
Simon Revere
This is a thought.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
A thought. A thought.
Jim Brandon
Remember. Listen for another adventure of the Avenger.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Tonight's story. A force called XO7. Starring Mr. Moto. Mr. Ia Moto.
Simon Revere
I stood there in a room in Bellevue Hospital in New York. Beside the young doctor. We watched the patient on the bed. With a sort of stunned, incredible horror. The woman's condition was so fantastic. As to defy all reason. She had grown visibly smaller in the past quarter hour. Her body was not that of a woman, but of a child. The young doctor's fists were clenched around the foot of the iron hospital bed. Mr. Motor. This is unbelievable. Yes.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
I can't stand it.
Simon Revere
It's sickening. Yes. What's happened to her? What's caused this? A thousand apologies, Doctor, but this is a secret which must be kept at all costs. The assignment on XO7 started with a personal phone call last Saturday. I had just completed a case in Cairo for US Intelligence. And had returned to New York for a rest and a holiday. I wanted nothing so much as I wanted quiet. I was annoyed. When my phone rang at 10 in the evening. I was already in bed. Hello, Mr. Moto? Yes? Moto, it's Howard Carlton here. Why, Professor Carlton. I've been in Europe. And I've been meaning to call you ever since I returned, but. Motto. Can I see you tonight? There's an entrance to Central park at 50th. There's an entrance into Central park at 5th Avenue and 90th Street. Can you be there in half an hour? You mean outside in this weather? Please, Moto, I know what I'm doing. This is desperately urgent. Then of course, I'll meet you anywhere you say. Fifth Avenue and 90th Street. The entrance to the park in half an hour. Right. Can't you give me any idea of what. Hello? Hello? Who is there? Can make muddy water clear. But if left alone, it will become clear of itself. Professor Howard Carlton was head of the physics department. Of one of the greatest universities in the world. I met him first in Hong Kong many years ago. And I think I can say we each treasured each other's friendship. I took a cab to 5th Avenue and 90th Street. Drizzling rain made murky globs of the street lights. At my right stretched the park. Barren, deserted, and so very dark. The occasional taxi hurried by. As if anxious to get away from the black wetness of the night. Suddenly, out of the mist, I recognized Howard Carlton's massive body. He was wearing a raincoat, and his hat was pulled down over his face. His walk suggested one thing. Fear. I say, Moto, this is awfully decent of you. Howard, what is this all about? Why must we meet outside in this wretched weather? Surely there mustn't wait. What is it? I may have been followed. Let's go out into the park a bit. We can sit on one of the benches there.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
You are afraid, aren't you? Yes.
Simon Revere
Of what, specifically? Being murdered. Murdered? By whom? A man who's blackmailing me. Blackmailing you? Quite successfully. With what? Something I did once. Can we sit down here? Suppose you start at the beginning. Murtaugh. What is it? I thought I saw someone. I'm afraid I'm in a complete funk. Have you ever heard of the Michelson Manley experiment? Never. Well, as you know, I'm not only head of the Physics department at the university, I'm also in charge of the Manhattan Atomic Research Foundation. Some time ago, as you may have read in the papers, There was a 2200 ton Cosmotron completed at the Brookhaven National Laboratory. A 2 billion volt atom smasher. It spews out a beam of hydrogen atoms traveling at the speed of light. This beam is directed, like a searchlight, so to speak, into the interior of heavier atoms. The cosmotron at Brookhaven is, shall we say, the climax of man's struggle to harness the power of matter. We are here, perhaps, to discuss physics. I'm. I'm trying to say that we've invented a weapon. We? My assistant and I. At the Foundation. Yes. An atomic weapon. Dr. Bradley, he's my assistant, started working with a degenerate form of radium known as radium E some 10 years ago. It was to be a cure for cancer. The Atomic Energy Commission realized it had other possibilities. Only Dr. Bradley and I worked on the final phase of it. Now we've finished. Go on. Well, the weapon, it's very simple. It's portable, light, and so deadly, it. It's like having a thousandth part of an atom bomb in a light bulb. Only George Bradley and I are in possession of the complete plans. And now I. I'm being blackmailed. For what? 27 years ago, at Oxford University, I joined the Communist Party. I see. In those days, Communism was rather fashionable. I took the usual nonsense of an undergraduate. And then, as one must if one has any maturity at all, I grew out of it. I forgot it. I got into science. I also forgot something else. What? I forgot to resign from the Party, officially. A man named Sergei Belenkov threatens me with exposure. I am either to turn over the secret of XO7 to him. Meaning to Russia.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Yes.
Simon Revere
Or be exposed as a member of the English Communist Party. And is there any choice? My dear chap, of course there's no choice. I told the Lincoln to do as he liked, that I was going to the FBI. And he's tried to kill me three times in the last 48 hours. I see. Now there's. There's where you come in. I want to go to Washington. Exos must be dealt with on the highest level. Your job's to see that I get to Washington alive. Nobody knows we met tonight. Get two tickets on a plane to Washington tomorrow afternoon. I shall call you in the morning from a police station somewhere. And now, for heaven's sake, give me a cigarette. Yes, of course. Here. Thanks. Isn't there some way we can do this without ruining your career? X07 is more important than a career. Mine or anybody else's. Have you a match? I have a lighter somewhere. Yes. Here it is. Thanks. Howard. Howard, your hand. Put out that lighter. It's just the first finger. It was exposed to EXO7 in an experiment. I shall have it amputated. The weapon is capable of that. My dear fellow, that's what I'm telling you. Exo7 makes the atom bomb as obsolete as a sailing ship. That's why. Oh, I. Howard. Howard. From somewhere in the darkness of the park, a bullet brought instant death to one of the most brilliant minds of our generation. Howard Carlton fell forward to the wet, cold pavement. I took his right hand in mine and felt the tiny, hard, withered forefinger, finger. Not of a man, but of a baby. My first impulse was to call the police. Then I thought better of it. Nothing could bring back the life and there was too much at stake to risk publicity. I left my friend unattended in death and hurried home to my apartment. This is Mr. Moto calling Intelligence G2 and I want private line 825L4, please. Thank you. Hello? Captain Yates. I have some orders. Wire Washington and get me everything on a man named Sergey Valenkov. Right. Also do a fast, routine check on a Dr. George Bradley who works at the Manhattan Atomic Research Foundation. Correct. I will be in your office tomorrow morning at 9:30. I would like this information to be there too. Thank you, Captain Yates. Ah. Truly, the security of the state rests in the hearts of its citizens.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
The dossier on Vilenkov was airmailed from Washington last night, Mr. Mozart.
Simon Revere
Thank you, Captain Yates.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
George Bradley's file is negative. He was registered and fingerprinted when he started working with Professor Carlton. He's 38, a PhD in physics, author of several papers on the treatment of Cancer by radium and X rays.
Simon Revere
He's at death.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
819 East 75th Street.
Simon Revere
I imagine he would be at home on Sunday morning.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Don't you want us to bring him in? No, no.
Simon Revere
Captain Yates, the window of an ansoul is clearest in his own house. I will go to him.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Okay, have it your own way. Anything else for me to do?
Simon Revere
There may be after I have a Sunday Morning Chat with Dr. Bradley in his own house. Yes? You are Dr. Bradley? Yes, I am Mr. Moto. Mr. I. A. Moto. Central Intelligence. May I have a moment of your time?
Sheriff Matt Spencer
I certainly. Come in.
Simon Revere
Thank you so much.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Sit down, Mojo.
Simon Revere
You are most kind. Ah, the crossword puzzle in the Times. A so so stimulating pastime for agile brain.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Sometimes mine isn't agile enough. I've given up on this one.
Simon Revere
I am glad to see that you are neither rare like jade nor common like stone. I shall trust you. I believe you work with Professor Howard Carlton.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
I do.
Simon Revere
Do you know that he is a communist?
Sheriff Matt Spencer
What?
Simon Revere
Yes.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Well, you're joking. No, no, I don't believe it.
Simon Revere
Disbelieving the truth will not make it any less true. Dr. Bradley, I believe you have invented a weapon called EXO7. Do you mean he told you?
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Why is he out of his mind?
Simon Revere
My dear Dr. Bradley, I am working for US intelligence.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
But X07 is absolutely top secret.
Simon Revere
I know that.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Then why ask me?
Simon Revere
It is a weapon.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
The simplest and most deadly weapon man has ever found. And I hate it.
Simon Revere
Indeed. Why?
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Because I hate war.
Simon Revere
Ah, yes, quite so. Tell me, have you ever heard of a man named Sergei Zelenkov? No.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Why?
Simon Revere
He was blackmailing Professor Carlton. Why? He is blackmailing Professor Carlton. If you either meet or get a letter from a man of this name, you will get in touch with me at once. Certainly, Valenko. Remember it.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Yes, I will.
Simon Revere
Thank you so much for seeing it.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Well, I'm afraid it hasn't been of much use, but you're welcome.
Simon Revere
Sometimes one allows oneself to do things purely because they are pleasant. Good morning, Dr. Brattis.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Zelenkov. Zelenkov. You can come down now. He's gone. Yes. Come downstairs.
Simon Revere
Most of the conversation I could hear and it reassures me.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
I never met a communist yet who didn't have a blind spot. That little man is as dangerous as a keg of nitroglycerin. But George, shut up. Yes, I'm sure he knows Carlton is dead. He said was blackmailing Professor Carlton. He said was, not Is. He used the past tense. You're sure Carlton wasn't alone? When you shot him, I was it. Then Moto was with him.
Simon Revere
To see was an impossibility. It was only since Carlton lit a.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Cigarette I could shoot at all. He shouldn't have killed him. But, Georgie, he, with his own words, told me he would report our little.
Simon Revere
Blackmail to the FBI.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
I could have done something. Locked him up. Yes. The plans for X07 are already on microfilm.
Simon Revere
Yes.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Then have the operation. Now. This surgeon, can you trust him?
Simon Revere
He's high in the party.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Well, that's no recommendation. So are you. Georgie, I will not allow you the insult you Georgia told. You know why I'm doing this? I'm doing this to try to stop a war. Whether I'm right or wrong, you'll do things my way or not at all. Of course, Georgie. There is no need for the temper, the anger. Get your surgeon to come to the house tonight if he can. Unless you get out of America in 48 hours, you won't get out at all. What's this operation involve?
Simon Revere
It is of the most simplicity. The microfilm plans are placed in a stereoplastic capsule inside my body.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
The capsule is secreted.
Simon Revere
There is no danger. But there is also none of the ridiculousness at customs. One cannot, after all, declare an appendicitis.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
When will you be able to travel?
Simon Revere
In four days.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Two days.
Simon Revere
No.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Look, Volenkov, the American eagle may not be as bad tempered as the Russian bear, but if you ruffle his feathers once too often, he'll claw your guts out and throw them in your face. The eagle's mad now, so don't take any chances. It's got to be two days. Today is Sunday. Now, on Tuesday night, you'll take off to Rio. Once in Rio, you can make your own plans for getting to Paris and then to East Berlin.
Simon Revere
Tuesday I will still have the pain from the working.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Well, just be a big, brave communist and you manage. I intend to give New York a little demonstration of XO7 a couple of hours after you take off. It'll kill a few thousand people, but the rest will stop and think. Now get that surgeon over here to open up your fat belly. Sometimes I wonder, Georgie, if we are. Don't wonder anymore. When not.
Simon Revere
Please, no hard work. Come and eat the chachi. I've made it myself. With wine.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Come in. Mr. Moto. I didn't expect you back this morning.
Simon Revere
I have just been to Dr. Bradley's house. Katherine Yates did. The dossier on Vilenkov arrived?
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Yeah. Just after he left. Yes.
Simon Revere
Ah, thank you, Alexis. Sergei Valenkov, born 1899 magnitude. Korsk. Russia, Father. Russian. Murray Chipship.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Wait, what?
Simon Revere
But of course. I should have known. Captain Yates, I want three men to guard Bradley's house on 75th Street 24 hours a day, beginning this moment.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Mind telling me why?
Simon Revere
Let us say it is a suspicion of your info mine.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Nuts. You were born, brought up in San Francisco. You're as American as I am. So don't try being Eastern and mysterious, not with me.
Simon Revere
The bluntness of the oak is more to be admired than the sharpness of the fickle.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Meaning I'm dumb?
Simon Revere
No, no, my friend, not at all. I want God on Bradley's house for two reasons. One, I think he knows Carlton is dead. I made a remark to the effect that Carlton was being blackmailed. Bradley picked me up on the 10th. Is being blackmailed, he said, since the Carlton murder has been kept absolutely secret. How would Dr. Bradley know that?
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Sex. What's the other reason?
Simon Revere
Touchy again.
Jim Brandon
Please.
Simon Revere
Cabbage soup. Cabbage soup? When cabbage soup is made with fratern, it becomes Tchatcy. It is practically a national dish. Where Valenkov was born, Magnator Gorski is famous for it. Like a circus for hot dogs. I smelt Chachi in Dr. Bradley's house. I suspect that Sergey Valenkov will be arriving soon for luncheon.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
And if he does, arrest him. On what charge?
Simon Revere
With suspicion of murder.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Anything else?
Simon Revere
Detain anyone entering or leaving the Bradley house, bring them down here for questioning.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Including Bradley? No, no.
Simon Revere
Let him go and come as he pleases.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Right. That all?
Simon Revere
You will be so kind, Captain Yeats, as to report to me at my apartment tomorrow at noon. Come in, Yeats. The door is unlocked.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Well, here I am, right on the dot of noon.
Simon Revere
Punctuality, Captain, is the virtue of the strong. Now, what about this surgeon?
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Well, he went to Bradley's house last night. He was in there almost two hours. We picked him up when he left. He seems to be on the level. Bradley has migraine headaches.
Simon Revere
Indeed.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
The funny thing is, the surgeon guy.
Simon Revere
Wants to go to jail. Why?
Sheriff Matt Spencer
I don't know. At first he refused to come down for questioning. My man got a little insistent. The surgeon took a swing at him, so we booked him now for assault and resisting a police officer in the line of duty. He doesn't want bail? He says he'll arrange for bail Wednesday morning.
Simon Revere
Wednesday morning?
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Yeah.
Simon Revere
I wonder why.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Search me.
Simon Revere
Captain Yates. A man who will not fight injustice is hiding guilt. Could be.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Bradley went out this morning at 8:00. Came back at a quarter 11 carrying a large Factory.
Simon Revere
You did not molest him.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
You said not to.
Simon Revere
You were right. Now I must do some thinking. I would almost trade the honor of my ancestors to know what is going on in Bradley's house at this moment. Georgie, will you stop working on that scene?
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Shut up, Melenko.
Simon Revere
Sometimes I think you have the insanity.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Think what you like. But why don't they know about the Carlton murder at the Foundation?
Simon Revere
You go down this morning, you bring home this. This machine of hell, and no one says nothing.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
I invented it, remember? There.
Simon Revere
Ready?
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Plug it in and switch it on. Will you stop?
Simon Revere
I have the agony, the pain. The wound will never heal enough for travel. Tomorrow night. They want the seven stitches.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
I tell you, I do. You'll be all right.
Simon Revere
You're crazy. Crazy? No.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
No, I'm not. We'll kill several thousand people with this machine tomorrow night. But I'm not crazy. I'll be shot, electrocuted, maybe even lynched. But I'll teach the world a lesson it'll. It'll never forget. Anyway, you don't need to worry. You'll be on a plane halfway to Rio.
Simon Revere
Who is it? Yay.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Let me in.
Simon Revere
Quickly.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
This case is crazy. Crazy. Verlinkoff came out of Bradley's house an hour ago. He must have been there all the time. I followed him to LaGuardia, nabbed him on the Air France reservation desk. He pulled a gun on me and I socked him in the stomach.
Simon Revere
Makes me sick thinking about it.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
My fist darn near went. He had some sort of operation. We got an ambulance, came back to town on the East River Drive. When we passed 75th street, where Bradley's house is, Valenkov went nuts. Started babbling about a machine. XO something.
Simon Revere
Go on, go on. Well, he died of fright.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Why, in the ambulance he died of fright.
Simon Revere
I am a fool. I am an idiot. Son of a thousand idiots. You will drive me at once to Brady's house.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Listen, Mr. Moses. No, no.
Simon Revere
You will listen. EXO 7 is a weapon. The deadliest weapon man has ever known. In the name of 10,000 heavens. Don't stand there gaping at me. We haven't a moment to lose. This must be done quietly. I will go in alone to Bradley's house. You, in the meantime, will follow certain directions to the letter.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Am I to understand, Mr. Moto, that you have deliberately walked into the mouth of the dragon?
Simon Revere
Yes.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Why?
Simon Revere
Because I know what you are going to do.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Don't move. XO7 is rather flexible. It can be made as directional as a searchlight. The mission beam is pointed Straight at your body. All I have to do is flick this switch. And to get out of the way. You would have to move with the speed of light.
Simon Revere
I have no intention of moving, Dr. Bradley.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
You mystify me, Mr. Motoff. You ring my doorbell and announce with that inscrutable oriental calm. That you want to watch the test. How did you know there was to be a test? If you don't keep your hands on your knees where I can see them, I'll kill you. You don't seem to understand what this is. This is XO7. Small, portable, simple.
Simon Revere
This is the filament radium E. Heavy.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Hydrogen in the cathode is in this tube here. And the sun beep Is very weak. But it can split the hydrogen atom.
Simon Revere
Meanings?
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Why do you keep looking at your watch? Are the police waiting outside? Do you think they can rush in with guns and stop me?
Simon Revere
I realize now that they cannot.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Then relax. But keep your hands on your knees. The mouth of the tube is now pointing straight down through Mrs. Hanley's apartment. It takes a moment to warm up.
Simon Revere
Bradley. In the name of heaven.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Exactly in the name of heaven, Mr. Moto. When a human being is sprayed with my invisible methane beam. The water in the body is broken up. A proton in the hydrogen atom is shot free of its nucleus. The water in the body becomes oxygen and hydrogen atoms. You evaporate, you shrivel, you dry up. You become a shriveled, hard, dry, little calcium doll about 3ft long.
Simon Revere
A death ray.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
The dream of inventors for centuries. I will give it to America. The Linkov has taken it to Russia. Tonight, as a lesson, I shall exterminate a few thousand people. Everyone within a radius of a mile, to be precise. And bricks and steels are no protection. 20ft of lead is the only thing that will stop it. Poor Mrs. Hanley.
Simon Revere
Mrs. Hanley?
Sheriff Matt Spencer
She sleeps directly under where I'm standing. She was a rather nice woman.
Simon Revere
Dr. Bradley, I am told you, I.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
War needs to be brought home to us here. So a few thousand die. Perhaps millions will be saved. I think Russia will be afraid to start anything, too. The tube is hot now. I'm going to start moving it slowly from side to side. You'd better stand over in that corner. The light. The power. Somebody's turned off the power.
Simon Revere
I must ask that you keep quite, quite still, Dr. Bradley.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Well, Mr. Moto, that wraps it up. Bradley will be tried for the murder of Mrs. Hanley.
Simon Revere
And he'll fry just the same. Captain Yates, he had quite an idea. An idea? You frustrated by obeying my instructions to have the power company cut off electric service to all of Eastside Manhattan.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Bradley was nuts.
Simon Revere
No, Captain Yates. He had an ideal. Warped perhaps, but of some merit. And he really didn't give the secret.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
Of XO7 to Russia, thanks to us getting the link.
Simon Revere
No, Bradley couldn't really be a traitor. He only wanted us to believe Russia had it, hoping our fear would make us more careful. I examined the microfilm which the coroner removed from the Linkov's body. It was overexposed. It was completely useless.
Sheriff Matt Spencer
You have just heard the world's greatest international detective philosopher, Mr. I. A. Moto, in a force called X07. James Monk starred as Mr. Moto. The script was written and directed by Harry W. Dunkin. Others in the cast were Peter Capell, John Larkin, Gavin Gordon and Scott Tennyson. The music was transcribed. This is Fred Collins speaking, and here with a preview of next week's story is Mr. Moto.
Simon Revere
Utzi has written he who Renounces fame has no Sorrow. Next week, a story that proves the words of the sage. A story of fame and tragedy concerning a flight from Istanbul. And now may I wish you a good night. Blessed with sleep, charm with contentment.
Host
There's more from the avenger, Mr. Moto, the relic Radio show and all of the Relic radio podcasts@ Relicradio.com alongside our shout stream with even more old time radio lots to listen to, all made possible by your support. If you'd like to help out, visit donate. Relicradio.com or click on one of the links on the website. Thanks to those who have helped out. Thanks for joining me this week. Be back tomorrow with an hour of mystery on Case Closed and next Tuesday with our next episode of the Relic Radio Show.
Release Date: November 26, 2024
Host: RelicRadio.com
Description: Unearthing audio artifacts from radio's golden age, featuring a variety of old-time radio genres including horror, science fiction, comedy, adventure, and more.
In this captivating episode of The Relic Radio Show, listeners are transported back to the golden age of radio drama with two enthralling stories: "The Avenger and the Mystery of Dead Man's Rock" and "A Force Called XO7" featuring the iconic detective, Mr. Moto. Hosted by RelicRadio.com, this episode masterfully blends suspense, mystery, and classic radio storytelling to deliver an unforgettable auditory experience.
The story unfolds at Dead Man's Rock, a notorious location where recent murders have left the community on edge. Jim Brandon introduces himself as both a biochemist and the Avenger, a figure who uses his inventions—the telepathic indicator and the secret diffusion capsule—to fight crime (00:11-01:08).
Initial Investigation: The narrative kicks off when Pierre confronts Simon Revere about selling furs, revealing tension between them and hinting at crooked dealings (01:55-03:09). The murder of Mr. Jenkins, the game warden, is discovered, igniting suspicion and fear (03:02-04:00). Fern Collier quickly assesses the situation, prompting an investigation alongside Sheriff Matt Spencer (03:12-04:17).
Jim Brandon’s Deduction: As Jim and Fern delve into the mystery, Jim discerns that the knives used in the murders are unusually balanced and have rubber-ringed handles, suggesting a professional background or a deliberate attempt to mislead authorities (04:17-05:40). This leads Jim to suspect that the murders may be connected to smuggling activities orchestrated by local loggers.
Confrontation with Pierre: Tensions escalate when Pierre refuses to sell his furs, leading to a confrontation where Pierre violently attacks and kills Simon Revere (09:04-10:22). Jim deduces that Pierre’s actions may not be as straightforward as they seem, pushing him to consider alternate motives and suspects (10:15-11:25).
The Avenger’s Strategy: Adopting his Avenger persona, Jim orchestrates a plan to trap the real murderer. He collaborates with Fern Collier and Sheriff Matt Spencer, setting up a scenario at Dead Man's Rock to catch the culprit with decisive evidence (17:05-27:29).
Climactic Resolution: The plan culminates in a tense confrontation where Jim demonstrates the power of his inventions, revealing Sheriff Matt Spencer as the true murderer. Using the airgun to shoot knives as weapons, Jim ensures that the evidence is irrefutable, bringing Sheriff Spencer to justice (22:50-27:29).
This segment highlights the archetypal battle between good and evil, emphasizing the use of intelligence and technology in overcoming adversity. Jim Brandon’s dual identity as both a scientist and a vigilante underscores the theme of utilizing one’s skills and resources to effect positive change.
The Genesis of XO7: The Mr. Moto segment begins with a dire situation at Bellevue Hospital where Professor Howard Carlton is in a compromised state due to exposure to EXO7, a degenerate form of radium intended as a cancer cure but repurposed as a deadly weapon (28:10-31:34). Carlton’s transformation from man to child-like figure heightens the stakes and urgency of the plot.
Blackmail and Betrayal: Professor Carlton reveals to Mr. Moto that he is being blackmailed by Sergei Belenkov, who demands the secret of XO7 to be handed over to Russia or face exposure of his past communist affiliations (31:37-34:15). Torn between his scientific responsibilities and personal safety, Carlton seeks Moto’s assistance to avert disaster.
Moto’s Intervention: Moto devises a plan to protect Carlton by involving Sheriff Matt Spencer in averting Sergei’s schemes. The intricate dance between American authorities and international espionage unfolds as Moto manipulates the situation to prevent the weapon from falling into the wrong hands (37:22-45:21).
Climactic Showdown: In a high-tension culmination, Sheriff Spencer confronts Professor Bradley, who reveals the horrific capabilities of XO7—a weapon capable of disintegrating humans by breaking down their molecular structure (48:09-50:27). The confrontation escalates as Bradly uses XO7 to turn his enemy into a "calcium doll," showcasing the sheer destructive power of the weapon (49:57-50:27).
Final Resolution: Mr. Moto, showcasing his strategic brilliance, thwarts Bradley’s plans and prevents the widescale devastation XO7 could unleash (51:33-52:03). The episode concludes with Moto reflecting on the balance between scientific advancement and moral responsibility, sealing the fate of both the weapon and those who sought to misuse it (52:30-53:02).
This segment delves into the ethical dilemmas faced by scientists whose inventions have perilous potential. Mr. Moto embodies the quintessential detective, navigating through political intrigue and personal vendettas to safeguard national security. The portrayal of XO7 raises questions about the moral responsibilities inherent in scientific discovery and the catastrophic consequences of its misuse.
The Avenger and Mr. Moto episode of The Relic Radio Show offers a compelling juxtaposition of two classic radio dramas, each exploring themes of justice, morality, and the perils of unchecked power. Through Jim Brandon’s vigilantism and Mr. Moto’s astute detective work, listeners are treated to a rich narrative tapestry that underscores the timeless relevance of these stories. Notable quotes and strategic plot developments ensure that newcomers to these tales will find themselves thoroughly engaged, while long-time fans will appreciate the faithful recreation of beloved radio classics.
Enjoyed this summary? For more immersive experiences from radio's golden age, visit RelicRadio.com and explore a treasure trove of old-time radio broadcasts, including horror, science fiction, comedy, and adventure series.