NARRATOR:
Faster than a speeding bullet!
SFX:
GUNSHOT, WITH RICOCHET
NARRATOR:
More powerful than a locomotive!
SFX:
TRAIN WHISTLE BLOWS, LOCOMOTIVE RUMBLES
NARRATOR:
Able to leap tall buildings at a single bound!
SFX:
LOUD RUSH OF AIR ... CONTINUES IN BG
NARRATOR:
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird!
VOICE:
It's a plane!
NARRATOR:
It's Superman!
SFX:
LOUD RUSH OF AIR ... UP AND OUT
MFX:
SAMMY TIMBERG'S "SUPERMAN" THEME ... ORGAN ... THEN IN BG
NARRATOR:
Yes, it's Superman, strange visitor from the planet Krypton, who came to Earth with amazing physical powers far beyond those of mortal men. And who, disguised as Clark Kent, mild-mannered reporter for a great metropolitan newspaper, wages a never-ending battle for truth and justice.
MFX:
THEME UP, THEN IN BG
NARRATOR:
Today, with Batman and Robin still missing, Superman, in his guise of Clark Kent, answers his telephone and receives -- spine-tingling news!
MFX:
DRAMATICALLY OUT
ANDERS:
(FILTER) Mr. Kent? This is Frank Anders at the Metropolis Trust Company.
KENT:
Oh, yes, Mr. Anders.
ANDERS:
(FILTER) You asked me to call you if Batman came in.
KENT:
Yes, I did. Has he come in?
ANDERS:
(FILTER) Yes, he's in our bank right now.
KENT:
He is?! Look, Mr. Anders, hold him! Stall him somehow. Don't tell him anything and don't let him get away. I'll be there in one minute flat!
MFX: STING AND CURTAIN
ANNOUNCER:
All right, gang! Get set now for more Superman contest winners! You may be among these, so listen carefully. (READS NAMES AND TOWNS OF CONTEST WINNERS FROM ALL OVER THE UNITED STATES -- FOR OVER A MINUTE AND A HALF!) That's all for now. More, later in the program. So keep listening.
MFX:
THEME ... THEN IN BG
NARRATOR:
And now -- The Adventures of Superman! ... A mysterious man who calls himself Jones, and who is fanatically opposed to our aiding the unfortunate peoples of Europe, developed a vicious and cunning plot to further his selfish cause and at the same time enrich himself.
Learning that the famous Batman was really the wealthy Bruce Wayne, Jones persuaded Superman's friend to go away with him. Then, Jones sent an impersonator to Metropolis, who, impersonating Batman, made speeches against American aid to Europe and led Robin, Batman's young companion, into an ambush.
Then, chaining the Dynamic Duo in an old Revolutionary prison barracks far upstate, Jones and the impersonator returned to Metropolis to take possession of Batman's large fortune. Superman, who suspects the truth, has contacted all Metropolis banks, and as we continue now, he has streaked to the Metropolis Trust Company in response to a phone call. There, in his guise of reporter Clark Kent, he hurries to the desk of Frank Anders, the bank's manager.
MFX:
GENTLY OUT
SFX:
BUZZ OF CROWD IN BANK ... KENT'S FOOTSTEPS APPROACH
KENT:
Hello, Mr. Anders. Where's Batman?
ANDERS:
Oh, hello, Mr. Kent.
KENT:
Where's Batman? I don't see him.
ANDERS:
Ah, he's gone.
KENT:
Gone?! But - but you said--!
ANDERS:
Yes, when he came up from the safety deposit vaults, I tried to detain him, but he said he was in a great hurry.
KENT:
Where did he go? Which way?
ANDERS:
Well, I - I - I don't know. He left just after I called you. With his friend, uh, Mr. Jones.
KENT:
Jones! Then it was Bru-- I mean, Batman's impersonator, just as I thought.
ANDERS:
Impersonator? What do you mean?
KENT:
Look, Mr. Anders, please call Inspector Henderson and tell him the phony Batman just left here.
ANDERS:
But I - I - I don't understand.
KENT:
Please do as I say. Right away! I'll explain later.
MFX:
STING ... THEN IN BG
SFX:
TRAFFIC NOISE, IN BG
KENT:
(TO HIMSELF) This alley is deserted. (WITH EFFORT) So out of these clothes. This is a job for ...
SUPERMAN:
... SUPERMAN. And a tough job. Phony Batman and Jones could have taken the subway or a bus or a taxi or got away in their own car. However, they've gone, I must find them. (FINISHES WITH CLOTHES) There we are. All set. (LOUD) UP, UP AND AWAY!
SFX:
LOUD RUSH OF AIR
MFX:
BRIDGE
LOIS:
Yes, Inspector. I'll tell him as soon as he comes in. ... No, I have no idea where he is. ... Right. Goodbye.
SFX:
RECEIVER DOWN ... OFFICE DOOR OPENS, BRIEFLY REVEALING BUSTLE OF THE DAILY PLANET CITY ROOM
LOIS:
Oh, Clark! Where have you been?
SFX:
OFFICE DOOR CLOSES, SHUTTING OUT BUSTLE
KENT:
Oh, where haven't I been, Lois. Listen, has there been any word from Inspector Henderson?
LOIS:
Yes, he just called.
KENT:
Did he pick up the phony Batman?
LOIS:
No, he's still looking, but the--
KENT:
Oh, I was afraid of that. I couldn't find him either. There were too many ways he could escape. Subway, bus, taxi, private car.
LOIS:
Why are you so sure it was the phony Batman who came to the bank, Clark?
KENT:
Because that Jones character was with him!
LOIS:
He was?
KENT:
Sure! They forged Batman's signature, opened his safe deposit boxes, and took his whole fortune.
LOIS:
Good heavens!
KENT:
Now I'm sure we'll never see the real Batman and Robin again because Jones can't let them live now.
LOIS:
Oh, Clark, what'll we do?
KENT:
I don't know, Lois, I don't know. Look, how 'bout the recording of Jones's voice? Any luck with that?
LOIS:
No, not yet.
KENT:
Oh, that's bad.
LOIS:
The Daily Planet radio station has been broadcasting the record every hour, and repeating our offer of ten thousand dollars for anyone who can identify Jones's voice and tell us who he really is.
KENT:
Still no takers?
LOIS:
No, not a single once. I've checked with the other stations all over the country who have been playing the recording, too.
KENT:
No soap there, either?
LOIS:
Just several false leads. Jones has been identified as a famous movie actor, a cabinet official, a general, a champion prizefighter, you know.
KENT:
Uh huh.
LOIS:
But I guess we have to expect those things.
KENT:
Yes, I know we do. But I was hoping somebody would identify him correctly because it's obvious from the way he works that he's no small-time operator. Lots of people must know him.
LOIS:
But then I'm sure someone will definitely identify him soon, Clark.
KENT:
They'd better hurry, Lois. Otherwise, I'm afraid we've seen the last of Batman and Robin.
MFX:
STING ... THEN IN BG
NARRATOR:
As the afternoon darkens toward evening and Clark Kent and Lois Lane continue to wait anxiously for someone to identify the mysterious and evil Mr. Jones, Batman and Robin in their ancient prison barracks have been trying desperately to free themselves from the heavy, rusted shackles. In the long, low, dimly lit room, where their ankles are chained to iron staples embedded in the wall beams, the Dynamic Duo have been bracing their feet against the wall, then throwing themselves back violently against their chains ...
SFX:
SHACKLES CLANK, IN AGREEMENT WITH FOLLOWING
NARRATOR:
... hoping to snap them, or to pull the heavy staples from the beams. Each time, they lock their teeth tightly to keep from crying out as the cruel chains cut into the flesh of their ankles.
MFX:
GENTLY OUT
ROBIN:
Ow! It's no use, Batman. These chains won't break and-- (WINCES IN PAIN) Oh, these staples won't come out.
BATMAN:
(WITH EFFORT) Afraid you're right, Robin. Whew! Oh, my leg is as raw as fresh beef.
ROBIN:
Well, so is mine. What are we gonna do, Batman? Jones and his phony Batman will be back soon with your bankroll -- and you know what happens then.
BATMAN:
All I know is what Jones said will happen.
ROBIN:
That's bad because he wasn't kidding.
BATMAN:
I know, but take it easy, chum. We're not cooked geese yet.
ROBIN:
Maybe not yet. But we're all trussed up and ready for the oven, though. Oh, boy, I never thought we'd go out this way, chained up like a couple of dogs.
BATMAN:
Look, cut it out, will ya? I said we're not finished yet.
ROBIN:
You wanna bet?
BATMAN:
Well, not too much, but a small wager maybe.
ROBIN:
Aw, stop trying to cheer me up, Pappy. You know as well I do that we're done for, unless our fairy godmother sneaks a cake in here with a nice big file inside.
BATMAN:
Yeah. How I'd love to have a nice big file right now.
ROBIN:
I wouldn't even mind seeing a cake. Exercising with those chains works up an appetite.
BATMAN:
Remind me of that later, I'll run out and buy ya a steak.
ROBIN:
Hey, when is the last time you ate, Batman?
BATMAN:
Yester-- Holy smokes!
ROBIN:
Hey, never shout like that at a man when he's hungry.
BATMAN:
Cut the comedy, Robin. I just thought of something.
ROBIN:
A way to get out of here, I hope?
BATMAN:
Nothing else but. Your talking about food gave me an idea.
ROBIN:
Go on, spill it. I'm all ears.
BATMAN:
Now, up until today when they brought you in, I've been fed fairly regularly by two of Jones's playmates. Ugly gorillas with guns who've been bringing me a tray. One of them would keep me covered while the other set the tray down where I could reach it. You get the picture?
ROBIN:
Sure, but what are you driving at?
BATMAN:
Well, there are two of us here now, see? So if we can get the gorillas to bring us some food before Jones comes back, and coax them within reach of our chains--
ROBIN:
Ah! We grab them, give 'em a quick going over, and suggest they remove our leg bracelets.
BATMAN:
Surprising how quickly you catch on, son. Come on now, let's yell and see if we can raise the chef.
ROBIN:
Hey, fellows! Where's the waiter with the water for my daughter?!
BATMAN:
Waiter!
ROBIN:
Hey!
BATMAN:
Chef!
ROBIN:
Garcons!
BATMAN:
Somebody!
ROBIN:
Hey!
BATMAN:
Hey!
ROBIN:
Come on!
BATMAN:
Hey!
SFX:
DOOR OPENS
THUG:
SHADDUP!!!!! (BEAT) What do you guys want?
BATMAN:
We want something to eat!
ROBIN:
Yeah, we're starvin'! How 'bout a ham sandwich apiece, buddy?
THUG:
Forget it. Mr. Jones didn't say nothin' about feedin' ya.
BATMAN:
Look, you've been bringing me food every day, haven't you?
THUG:
Well, yeah, but Mr. Jones--
BATMAN:
Well, he must have forgotten to tell ya. So be a good guy, will ya? Bring us something to eat. Anything.
THUG:
Well--
ROBIN:
Even a glass of water'll do. Just a glass of water.
THUG:
Well, I guess I can do that.
ROBIN:
Attaboy!
SFX:
AUTO ENGINE ... CAR DRAWS UP AND STOPS
THUG:
Hey, wait a minute. Car just pulled up. Must be Mr. Jones now.
ROBIN:
(LOW) Oh, what a break.
BATMAN:
(TO THUG) Never mind him. Bring us the water. Hurry!
THUG:
Wait'll I see. (BEAT) Yeah, it is Mr. Jones. I'll ask him about somethin' for you guys.
SFX:
DOOR CLOSES
BATMAN:
(DISAPPOINTED) Oh, I know what Jones will say.
ROBIN:
Yeah, he'll say it with bullets. Oh, I guess it was a good idea, Batman.
BATMAN:
Yes, Robin, it was. But it came a little too late. And there goes our last chance.
MFX:
STING ... THEN IN BG
NARRATOR:
Their last hope gone, Batman and Robin wait for the arrival of Mr. Jones. WE'LL BE BACK IN A MOMENT WITH THE TENSE CLIMAX OF TODAY'S EPISODE! SO KEEP LISTENING!
MFX:
UP AND OUT
ANNOUNCER:
Stand by now for more contest winners! Here they are! (READS THE NAMES AND HOME TOWNS OF CONTEST WINNERS FROM ALL OVER THE UNITED STATES -- FOR OVER A MINUTE AND A HALF!) That's all we have time for today, gang. If you weren't among these, you may be on tomorrow's list. So don't fail to listen!
MFX:
THEME ... THEN IN BG
NARRATOR:
And now, back to The Adventures of Superman! ... As Batman and Robin, in the prison barracks upstate, see Mr. Jones enter the room in which they are chained, Lois Lane in Metropolis has just rushed in to Clark Kent's office in the Daily Planet.
MFX:
DRAMATICALLY OUT
LOIS:
Clark! Oh, Clark, hurry!
KENT:
What's the matter, Lois? What's up?
LOIS:
They just called down from our radio station to say that a man showed up there who says he knows who Mr. Jones is!
KENT:
No kidding?!
LOIS:
Yes, he's upstairs now, waiting for us. Hurry, Clark, he may really know!
KENT:
Out of my way, Lois, I'm practically up there now!
MFX:
STING ... THEN IN BG
NARRATOR:
Racing past Lois Lane like an arrow shot from a bow, Clark Kent sprints through the city room into the corridor and then, out of sight, leaves his feet and zooms up the eight flights of steps to the Planet radio studio in one great bound -- AS ONLY SUPERMAN CAN!
SFX:
LOUD RUSH OF AIR
MFX:
STING ... THEN IN BG
NARRATOR:
Does the unknown man in the radio studio really know who the mysterious Mr. Jones is? Or is this another false lead? And, if he does know, can he direct Clark Kent, who is Superman, to the upstate prison barracks in time to save the lives of Batman and Robin? Whatever you do, don't miss tomorrow's thrilling episode, fellows and girls, when the unexpected happens, and the suspense grows! Tune in -- same time, same station -- for Chapter Nine of "Batman's Great Mystery" on -- The Adventures of Superman!
MFX:
THEME ... THEN IN BG
ANNOUNCER:
Superman is a copyrighted feature, appearing in Superman-DC Comics Magazine, and is brought to you Monday through Friday at this same time.
MFX:
TO A FINISH
ANNOUNCER:
This program came from New York. Stay tuned to your Mutual station for "Captain Midnight," which follows in just a moment. And right after "Captain Midnight," you will hear "Tom Mix and His Ralston Straight Shooters." This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.