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Title: Operator #5 #14, May 1935
Author: Curtis Steele, Radio Archives
Narrator: Milton Bagby
Format: Unabridged
Length: 5 hrs and 28 mins
Language: English
Release date: 05-10-16
Publisher: RadioArchives.com
Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi: Classic
Publisher's Summary:
By plague and fire, bribery and chicanery, terrorism and extortion, the insane dictator Ursus Young has established himself as the supreme ruler of America. Who is left with sufficient strength to thwart him? Already, he has scattered far and wide the organization of which Operator #5, America's Secret Service Ace, forms so important a part. Against such tremendous, dictatorial power Jimmy Christopher finds himself battling with a desperation such as he has never felt before....
Into this unprecedented crisis plunged Jimmy Christopher. Only one man, but a man who embodied the American spirit - and stands prepared to perish to protect his country.
Blood Reign of the Dictator is read with stirring intensity by Milton Bagby. Originally published in the May, 1935 issue of Operator #5 magazine.
Members Reviews:
Classic pulp action with a chilling premise
A popular governor promises a return to prosperity while secrety locking up or even killing his political foes! Worse yet he is soon elected President and begins a bloody reign of terror in a once-free nation!
To readers in 1935, this apocalyptic threat must have seemed quite close to home as they watched the rise of Hitler, Mussolini and Stalin in Europe while wondering if the Great Depression would ever end. Thankfully this pulp story has a happier ending as the heroic Operator #5 and the Secret Sentinels of America lead a revolt against the tyrant and restore democracy.
The story's first half detailing the rise of Ursus Young to the Presidency is a facinating study of the fears and anxieties of 30s America and certainly communicates the feeling that 'it could happen here'. He uses several classic tricks of would-be dictators from confiscating property from his foes to give to his allies, selectively using the law when it suits his ends and of course censoring and manipulating the press. And in case the readers miss the point Operator #5 and his allies frequently compare Young to the dictators rising in Europe.
But the second half unfolds by the numbers. Operator #5 assembles a guerilla army to strike back and Young's thuggish army of supporters is soon overwhelmed by valiant patriots. Young even kidnaps our hero's girlfriend and threats her with death at the guillotine! But he fails and the former president (who is never named) is restored to power.
There are some odd choices here. While Young's thugs are dressed in black shirts, the Secret Sentinels of America dress in black robes decorated with a death's head. An odd pick for the good guys.
The main novela is followed by a short spy story called The Fire and then an interesting editorial urging readers to be on the look out for subversive propeganda groups like the German Tourism Agency and the Sons of Italy.
In all this pulp reprint is a decent story and a great look into the fears of 30s America.