The Zero Hour and The Key

Tue Apr 28 2026

The Relic Radio Show begins with The Zero Hour this week. We'll hear The Mannequin Sham, from June 12, 1974. (22:06) The Key follows with its story, Subconscious Experiment. That one aired sometime in 1956. https://traffic.libsyn.com/forcedn/e55e1c7a-e213-4a20-8701-21862bdf1f8a/RelicRadio995.mp3 Download RelicRadio995 | Subscribe | Spotify | Support The Relic Radio Show If you’d like to support Relic Radio, please consider a donation at Donate.RelicRadio.com. [...]

Transcript

Relic Radio Host (0:11)

This is the Relic Radio Show. Old Time Radio Entertainment still standing the test of time from relicradio.com. This is the Relic radio show. 60 minutes of radio drama from the golden age every Tuesday@ RelicRadio.com we're going to begin with the Zero Hour. This week we'll hear its story from June 12, 1974 titled the Mannequin Sham. After that it's the key in an episode from 1956 titled Subconscious Experiment.

Lloyd Quinn (0:48)

I'm rod serling. You're listening to the zero hour. Rest your eyes. Your imagination. Today. King Weisscloft's unmasking of a consumer fraud. The Mannequin Sham. Starring Lisa. In the Mutual Broadcasting System presentation the Zero Hour brought to you by the Ford Motor Company. Also by sign off tablets and spray Beach Nut chewing tobacco and International Harvester. This is Hugh Downs with another car buyers report from Ford. Car size and fuel economy are important considerations today. But so is the total cost of ownership which involves purchase price, trade in value and operating economy. At Ford Fields, if you compare mid sized cars, you'll choose Ford Torino. Take some operating economy examples. Torino offers gas saving steel belted radial ply tires, standard runs on regular gas and has a 26.5 gallon fuel tank that's 20% more capacity than its closest sales competitor. And compare some scheduled maintenance costs you'll find in the course of 50,000 miles. That compared to its closest sales competition. Torino's chassis is scheduled to be loosened lubricated only once to there eight times. Spark plugs are scheduled to be replaced only half as often. Everyone says compare. Ford says compare not only the cars, but the total cost of owning a car. The closer you look, the better we look. Today the story of the Quins, a likable couple who love each other. However, at the moment they're living apart. Two people on the outs looking for a way back in. And the route they're about to take is highly dangerous. More than a marriage, it could cost them their lives. Our story is called the Mannequin Sham.

E.J. Quinn (3:22)

I'm sorry I'm so busy, Lloyd. But you know how it is. You should know.

Lloyd Quinn (3:26)

Honey, I want you to come home. As far as I'm concerned, our trial separation is over. I'll change. I love you.

E.J. Quinn (3:32)

Oh Lord. You can't change.

Pamela Covington / Margot Mandel (3:34)

You're a detective. It's your work. I still love you.

E.J. Quinn (3:37)

We just never should have gotten married.

Lloyd Quinn (3:39)

Summary

The Relic Radio Show: "The Mannequin Sham" (The Zero Hour) & "Subconscious Experiment" (The Key)

Date: April 28, 2026
Podcast: The Relic Radio Show
Host: RelicRadio.com
Theme: Showcasing dramatic audio from radio’s golden age, this episode features two vintage radio tales—one a contemporary drama about consumer fraud, the other a chilling sci-fi exploration of tampering with the human subconscious.

Episode Overview

This week, The Relic Radio Show unearths two old-time radio gems:

"The Mannequin Sham" from The Zero Hour (June 12, 1974):
A drama where a separated couple delves into a dangerous consumer fraud perpetrated by a phony modeling school.
"Subconscious Experiment" from The Key (1956):
A science fiction narrative about a scientist who severs a subject’s connection to his subconscious—raising ethical, psychological, and political questions.

1. "The Mannequin Sham" – The Zero Hour

(00:48–21:20)

Main Theme

A tale of deception and danger, as consumer protection agent E.J. Quinn investigates a fraudulent modeling school, risking both her life and a potential reconciliation with her detective husband, Lloyd.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Progression

Opening Context
- Host intro (00:11): Sets the scene for 1970s radio drama.
- Rod Serling voiceover (00:48): "Today, King Weisscloft's unmasking of a consumer fraud. 'The Mannequin Sham.'"
The Quins' Fractured Relationship
- Lloyd wants E.J. to end their separation:
  
  "As far as I'm concerned, our trial separation is over. I'll change. I love you." – Lloyd (03:26)
- E.J. is focused on work, not reconciliation.
Consumer Fraud Emerges
- Pamela Covington seeks help for being scammed by the Margot Mandel Modeling Service:
  
  "That's right, Mrs. Quinn, I don't think they're on the level." – Pamela (04:24)
- The modeling school has taken money for classes that never materialize (05:07–05:16).
The Sting
- E.J. herself signs up to investigate:
  
  "Well, Pamela, I think you have a case. We single gals have got to stick together, you know." – E.J. (05:42)
Clues Unravel
- Margo Mandel and accomplices grow suspicious; plan to stage fake classes as cover (07:13–07:38).
Personal Stakes & Tapes
- Lloyd worries E.J. risks too much (09:41–10:18).
- E.J. records evidence, confronts Margo Mandel (10:21).
Danger at the Beach
- Pamela is lured to a supposed modeling shoot, E.J. accompanies her (12:11–12:31).
- Margo and criminal associate Nazarian plot to dispose of the meddling women (13:24, 15:43).
Final Confrontation
- E.J. and Pamela narrowly escape murder; Lloyd and police arrive in time to apprehend the perpetrators (18:33–18:42).
- E.J.: "If Margot hadn't found the camera and the tape recorder, I could have brought them in myself." (19:19)
- Sweet reconciliation hinted between E.J. and Lloyd (19:47–19:51).
Resolution
- E.J. immediately fielding a new fraud call—implying her work never ends (19:59–20:26).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

"Everyone says compare. Ford says compare not only the cars, but the total cost of owning a car." – Hugh Downs’ period advertisement (01:32)
"You know how it works. The door to door bit. They butter up unsuspecting women, then get them to sign up for the service. Doesn't even exist." – E.J. (09:58)
"I’m a detective. E.J., this isn’t good... this tape business especially." – Lloyd (10:21)
"Pamela, by any chance, can you swim?" – E.J. as escape plan forms (18:18)
Humorous Ad Moment:

"S I n e o f F. The sinus medicine that gives you a full dose of pure aspirin plus a sinus drainer." – Ad copy (08:02)

2. "Subconscious Experiment" – The Key

(22:26–47:21)

Main Theme

A science fiction drama examining the perils of tampering with human autonomy. A scientist severs a man’s subconscious, creating a mechanical, obedience-driven ‘perfect voter’.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Progression

Experiment Revealed
- Morris (the scientist) demonstrates his “successful” experiment on Tom:
  
  "What, in fact, I've been able to do is completely sever the conscious from the subconscious." – Morris (24:32)
- Political implications: Tom, now without subconscious or hesitation, is termed "the perfect voter."
Ethical Dilemma and Horror
- Woodward, the politician guest, is unsettled by Tom’s loss of humanity:
  
  "He's got a brain, but nothing to control. Nothing at all... The fact remains you've taken a perfectly ordinary young man and turned him into a sort of monster." – Woodward (29:05)
- "No wars, no revolutions, no governments crashing. Everybody doing exactly as they were told."
Vision of a Controlled Society
- Plan revealed: Operate on doctors so they unknowingly create a society of obedient citizens (30:36–31:30).
- Discussion turns to the danger of losing freedom and conscience for stability.
Show of Control
- Tom is ordered to walk through a closed door, further demonstrating his loss of self-preservation (31:52).
Female Nurse’s Perspective
- Ms. Seward asserts the world would be better without conflict:
  
  "I want to see an end to war fighting. I want to see everybody free and happy... The man unbothered by conscience is free and happy." – Ms. Seward (34:08–34:15)
Woodward’s Resistance
- Despite arguments, Woodward refuses to join the conspiracy, choosing conscience (37:34–37:45).
Climactic Stand-Off
- Attempt to force Woodward onto the table for the “operation” (38:17–39:30).
- He resists, only for Tom to attack him under command, but is ultimately unsuccessful.
Twist & Escape
- Police arrive just in time, having been called by Woodward under a false name, revealing the criminal activities (42:37–46:14).
Coda
- The horror is neutralized; the secret, it is hoped, will "stay in here forever" (46:55).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

"You see before you a mechanical brain that's infallible... Take away the unplumbed part of a man's brain, and he is mechanical." – Morris (27:09)
"What controls ordinary men has no longer contact with Tom. He got frightened, worried. He's not anything." – Morris (31:45)
"As you can see, Mr. Woodward, Tom is very happy. As a matter of fact, he looks 20 years younger." – Ms. Seward (33:59)
"You're a woman!" – Woodward incredulous at Ms. Seward's collusion (34:05)
"I'm warning you, I'll fight like a madman. ... My dear Woodward, I wouldn't think of pitting myself against you. No, No. I have somebody much better. Somebody who does what he's told and is so mechanical that you might succeed in bruising him, but never stopping him." – (34:38–35:32)
"Maybe Mr. Morris had something. He had. I hope his secret will stay in here forever. A closing door finishes the story. Next week, another key will open another door to another story." – Episode close (46:55)

Standout Segments & Timestamps

E.J. and Lloyd’s Marital Tension: 03:22–04:06
Consumer Fraud Exposed: 04:24–05:48
The Beach Kidnapping & Showdown: 16:19–18:43
Ethical Theorizing on Mind & Control: 24:32–31:52
Tom’s Brainwashed Obedience Demo: 31:52–33:59
Woodward's Resistance and Climax: 37:12–39:30
Police Rescue & Aftermath: 42:43–46:55

Overall Tone & Essence

The Mannequin Sham: Lightly hard-boiled but witty throughout (particularly E.J. and Lloyd’s banter), this episode blends marital drama, earnest activism, and classic moral-detective flair with a touch of suspenseful peril.

Subconscious Experiment: Cerebral, philosophical, with an undercurrent of 1950s Cold War dread, the script maintains a clinical, often chilling tone—counterbalancing dialogue-driven exposition with pointed ethical debates.

For New Listeners

This hour delves into the variety and richness of classic audio drama—from a feminist-tinged detective story about consumer scams to a disturbing vision of complete mind control. Both tales capture the artistry and social anxieties of their eras, delivering suspense, ethical conundrums, and memorable personalities.