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

Introduction The Relic Radio Show dives deep into the golden age of radio, showcasing a variety of genres from horror to adventure. In the June 24, 2025 episode titled "Theater Five and Rocky Jordan," hosted by Fred Foy from RelicRadio.com, listeners are treated to two captivating stories: an episode from Theater Five titled "Panic" and an adventure from Rocky Jordan titled "The Return of Tony."

Segment 1: Theater Five – "Panic"

Plot Overview "Panic" unfolds as a tense domestic drama between Cora and Bill Bannister. The story delves into Cora's sudden and inexplicable belief that a painting in their home depicts three children playing when, in reality, only two are present.

Key Events:

• Dispute Over the Painting: Cora becomes distressed upon noticing a third child in a recently purchased painting. Bill dismisses her concerns, attributing her distress to emotional exhaustion following their father's death.

  Cora: "There were three children playing." [04:30]

  Bill: "There are only two." [04:35]

• Steve's Intervention: Bill's brother, Steve, arrives late at night to discuss Cora's erratic behavior, suggesting she might need psychiatric help, hinting at possible motives related to inheritance.

  Steve: "I think it is. Or maybe if something isn't done, Cora ought to see a psychiatrist." [12:15]

• Escalation of Conflict: Tensions rise as Cora accuses Bill of hiding the truth and manipulating her into questioning her sanity, especially in light of their father's will that favors her inheritance.

  Cora: "You're trying to establish the fact that I need psychiatric help." [19:50]

• Climactic Confrontation: Cora's distress leads to a confrontation that results in her being forced to leave, setting the stage for further developments.

Notable Quotes:

• Bill: "All that matters to me, sweetheart, is you." [08:45]
• Cora: "I couldn't tell you the truth, how you really feel about me." [16:30]

Conclusion of "Panic": The segment ends with the revelation that Cora's erratic behavior is part of a larger scheme involving her inheritance, setting up intrigue and suspense about the true nature of her actions and Bill's intentions.

Segment 2: Rocky Jordan – "The Return of Tony"

Plot Overview Rocky Jordan transports listeners to Cairo, where private detective Rocky Jordan becomes entangled in a web of intrigue surrounding the mysterious return of Tony Sherwood, a newspaper reporter with a complicated past.

Key Events:

• Intriguing Visitors: At Cafe Tambourine, Rocky encounters two seemingly odd characters, Kyber and Arnab, who declare their intent to "watch" him, foreshadowing forthcoming troubles.

  Kyber: "You are Rocky Jordan?" [32:10]

• The Mysterious Note: Rocky receives a note from Tony Sherwood requesting his help, prompting him to investigate her sudden reappearance after a two-year absence.

  Rocky: "Tony Sherwood. I'd known her first in Istanbul and then in Cairo." [40:25]

• Investigation Intensifies: Rocky's search leads him to various locations, including Shepherd's Hotel and encounters with Sergeant Greco, uncovering connections between Tony's disappearance and Millard Jaeger, a reputed humanitarian leader.

  Sergeant Greco: "She'd vanished like a desert mirage at sunset." [55:40]

• Confrontation and Revelation: The climax reveals that Stephen Hahn, Rocky's former associate wrongfully convicted for embezzlement, orchestrated Tony's kidnapping to expose Jaeger's fraudulent activities.

  Stephen Hahn: "I was accused of appropriating large sums of money from a world peace organization." [1:15:35]

• Resolution: In a dramatic showdown, Millard Jaeger confronts Rocky, leading to a fatal encounter that exposes Jaeger's deceit. Tony and Rocky reconcile, but the aftermath leaves Rocky yearning for a quieter life away from constant danger.

  Tony: "You want is a home, a quiet one." [1:45:50]

Notable Quotes:

• Rocky Jordan: "You didn't write it? No, I swear I didn't." [1:05:15]
• Tony Sherwood: "I didn't have to give that up too." [1:20:30]
• Stephen Hahn: "It was someone else who wanted me to do this." [1:35:45]

Conclusion of "The Return of Tony": The episode concludes with Rocky and Tony reflecting on their tumultuous relationship and Rocky's desire to leave his perilous life behind for peace in St. Louis, highlighting the personal costs of his adventures.

Advertisements and Non-Content Segments

Throughout the episode, The Relic Radio Show incorporates period-appropriate advertisements for Del Monte products, seamlessly blending them into the narrative and enhancing the authentic old-time radio experience. These segments include promotions for Del Monte Catsup and Tomato Sauce, emphasizing their quality and affordability.

Example Advertisement Snippet:

"Friends, do you know how good catsup really can be? ... Del Monte Catsup, you know, costs less than many other quality brands. Why not try this big treat in catsup?" [1:10:00]

Closing Remarks

Fred Foy wraps up the episode by inviting listeners to explore more from Theater Five and Rocky Jordan, and encourages support for Relic Radio through donations. Upcoming shows are teased, ensuring listeners return for more nostalgic and thrilling radio adventures.

Conclusion This episode of The Relic Radio Show masterfully balances suspenseful storytelling with nostalgic advertising, offering listeners a rich tapestry of old-time radio drama. "Panic" and "The Return of Tony" exemplify the gripping narratives and character-driven plots that defined radio entertainment's golden age.