Radio Retropolis

Deutch, who is losing touch with reality with each episode, has just commanded all entrances sealed and to reverse the air ventilation to suffocate Clark, Jimmy and Professor Browning. How will Kent find a way out without revealing his secret identity? Commentary on the realities of the radium threat in 1941 which find its way in many science fiction dramas.

Last time, Clark freed Professor Browning who is the man behind the discovery of the radium ore deposit. But as they escape, Browning points out the running lights of a ship in which Kent will now see how these men are made to dig in the mines. Commentary on the use of reverse angles to enhance the Superman action as well as lead villain Deutch becoming more sadistic.

Clark and Jimmy witnessing hundreds of men chained together in the bottom of the pit of the volcano. Commentary on breaking down radium.

Several crewmen at sea have been treated for infection by the ship's doctor in which life saving amputations of the "infected" area had been performed while some have died. But what is the real sinister motive behind the cause of these infections? Discussion on the superior audio quality of this episode, as well as great storytelling, and where other pristine copies might be. We also discuss Cranston's sudden medical prowess and why this episode is completely misnamed as the Shadow doesn't return from anywhere.

A call comes in on a man after suffering a heart attack had died after he had fallen and fractured his skull. However, there is someone who knows more to the story that this man's death. Commentary on actor Sammy Ogg who co-starred in this episode. Plus actress June Whitley.

Lamont and Margo investigate a mad scientist who uses a rival scientist's mechanical robot to take revenge on those who turned down his invention. Commentary on the origin of the word robot, how this episode and other works of art accurately depicted what our technical future would be. We also take a look at Fritz Lang's Metropolis.

A man who was a witness to his friend's murder in Mexico who escaped back to the border tells Friday and Smith the shaky accounts of what he remembers. Commentary on the unusual story line not common with other Dragnet episodes. Plus a look at the tragic life of Mario Lanza who's radio show was promoted in this broadcast.

Lamont and Margo find themselves at an old castle after having car trouble. There they meet a woman who is later threatened with being committed as mentally ill for claiming to see and hear strange things. Commentary on the comparisons between this script and the classic story Gaslight.

Stolen blank business checks are being passed in supermarkets around the city by a man who died six months ago. Commentary on real check cashing schemes of the early 50s. Plus, a look at the colorful career of tonight's guest star Cliff Arquette who would become a fixture in our pop culture heritage.

In our last episode, we learned of Dr. Deutch's evil plot as both Perry White and Lois Lane find themselves in grave danger. Commentary on the Nazis signing and breaking treaties with the most famous being the German-Soviet Nonaggression Pact.

Last time Clark forced the commander to release him through the escape hatch to helps save the trapped subs below. The commander unaware Kent is Superman is sure he led Kent to his death. More commentary of the innuendos used by the protagonists that identify these are Nazis without stating as such.

Perry gets a call that the Grayson submarine was stuck at 350 feet and that Clark is trapped on another submarine 250 feet below the surface. Commentary on why the word Nazi could not be used in any of these dramatic programs in mid 1941.