The Chronic Rift Network

We return to the world of crusading journalism with "Big Town." Edward J. Pawley takes over from Edward G. Robinson as Steve Wilson, managing editor of "The Illustrated Press," the leading newspaper in some Big Town. This episode proves conclusively that crime doesn't pay and there is no honor among thieves. Then on "Fibber McGee and Molly," Fibber thinks he's found a sure-fire way to avoid taxes. Will the study of his town's most ancient laws put him in clover or will he be eating crow? Episodes Big Town November 9, 1948 "The Fatal Chain" 1:48 Fibber McGee and Molly May 19, 1953 "Old Law to Escape Taxes" 32:38

On "Rogers of the Gazette," Will Rogers, Jr. returns as the editor of that fictional small-town newspaper, the "Illyria Weekly Gazette." Along with dispensing homespun common sense and aphorism-filled advice to the betterment of his readers and fellow citizens, this week he's solving a minor mystery: is Abraham Lincoln complaining about the maintenance of the town's city hall clock? Then on "Archie Andrews," Archie and Jughead's passion for using all the latest slang in conversation isn't going over so well with the rest of Riverdale's residents. Episodes Rogers of the Gazette November 11, 1953 "The Town Clock" 2:07 Archie Andrews May 18, 1946 "Jive Talk" aka "Hip Talk" 32:22

"Living in Harmony" UK Airing: December 29, 1967 US Airing: No Network Airing The Prisoner is trapped in a town called Harmony after trying to resign as the sheriff of another town. Sound familiar? It does to the viewer, but the Prisoner isn't twigging to what's happening. John and writer Jim Beard discuss the Western and what it means to each of them, the completely wasted opportunity in the writing of the ending of the story, and the symbolism of washing hands. Comment on this podcast by writing us at [email protected] or by leaving your thoughts right here on the page.

Lucille Ball stars in a dramatic, criminal role on "Suspense." She plays an ambitious woman who won't let anything stand in her way – not even murder. Then, on "The Jack Benny Program," Jack and the gang broadcast from Corona Naval Hospital. Tonight, they're accompanied by the world-famous (really!) harmonica player Larry Adler, who amazes with his virtuosity. Episodes Suspense October 25, 1945 "A Shroud for Sarah" 1:43 The Jack Benny Program November 19, 1944 "From Corona Naval Hospital" 32:24

"Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling" UK Airing: December 22, 1967 US Airing: August 3, 1968 The Prisoner finds himself in another body, but back in London. He must convince the woman he loves that he is himself while tracking down the man who invented the process that put him in another body. John and writer Jim Beard discuss Jim's wanting to remove this episode from the entirety of the series, John's only real issue with it being the end scene, and a possible explanation for The Prisoner's hostility to women. Comment on this podcast by writing us at [email protected] or by leaving your thoughts right here on the page.

We start off with more of Old Time Radio's quintessential medical drama, "The Story of Dr. Kildare." A tricky operation performed at a hospital is one thing, but a simple operation performed at in an unusual location is another. How will Dr. Kildare remove an appendix from a man who is miles away at sea? Then on "Duffy's Tavern," the Great Gildersleeve himself drops by to listen to another one of Archie's business opportunities.

Episodes

The Story of Dr. Kildare

August 17, 1950

Appendicitis Operation at Sea

1:53

Duffy's Tavern

November 24, 1944

"Guest: Harold Peary"

29:04

"A Change of Mind" UK Airing: December 15, 1967 US Airing: August 24, 1968 The Prisoner is subjected to a process that will lobotomize him when he refuses to conform with the Village and its people. John and writer Jim Beard discuss the episode that on the surface, is a perfect example of what the show is all about. And yet, there are elements that the two have issues with, and they discuss it in detail on this podcast. Comment on this podcast by writing us at [email protected] or by leaving your thoughts right here on the page.

Isis "Dreams of Flight" December 13, 1975 Chala likes to design airplanes and wants to enter the school competition, but her competition is willing to go to any lengths to make sure she doesn't. To make matters worse, Chala's brother is not supportive of her "Dreams of Flight". We come to the end of the first season of Isis with a story whose moral doesn't exactly match the plot. Is this a story about accepting that all people are deserving of respect or is this a story about accepting that woman are as capable of doing anything a man can do? John and Richard discuss this as well as the the story arc of Cindy Lee and the conclusion of the first season of Isis. It's all here and we want to hear from you on what you think of the episode. Write us as [email protected].​ Moral: "People who come from different backgrounds or from different countries deserve the same respect we give everyone else. Putting someone down because they speak a different language or are a different color just doesn't make sense. What does make sense is treating people just the way we want them to treat us." Guest Cast Cynthia Avila as Chala Paul Hinkley as Mark Tom Williams as Bill Fabian Gregory as Raoul

"Professor Goodfellow's GEEC" Aired: September 23, 1973 Professor Goodfellow has developed the means to make humanity's life so much more simpler - the GEEC - a computer system that will run the world and handle all the tasks that occupy humanity and keep them from reaching their full potential. He offers it for free to the world when the US government passes on getting involved. At first, it all seems fine, until a malfunction causes worldwide havoc. While Superman and Aquaman race to rescue as many people as possible, Batman, Robin and Wonder Woman must infiltrate the GEEC complex and shut the computer down. Sounds great, doesn't it? On paper, it is a great idea, but as John is joined by 13th Dimension webmaster Dan Greenfield to discuss this episode, they discover that being a Saturday morning cartoon in the thick of Congress's crackdown on violence, the story is simplified and so much is missing. They talk about the story ideas missing in the concept, the appearance of Plastic Man, and comment on the phenomenon of computers gone bad in the 60s and 70s. John references The Ultimate Super Friends Companion by Will Rodgers. Check it out for yourself by purchasing a copy via Amazon. Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats,Lex and Zod. Links 13th Dimension Website Facebook page Twitter

"It's Your Funeral" UK Airing: December 8, 1967 US Airing: August 10, 1968 The Prisoner learns of a plot to kill Number Two on the eve of his retirement. Does he act on it or does he allow it to proceed? John and writer Jim Beard discuss the episode that has its good and bad points. They talk about the idea of previous Number Twos we haven't seen, the strong ties to Doctor Who's "Marco Polo", and the question of if it's worth bringing The Prisoner to your side by this stage in the series. Comment on this podcast by writing us at [email protected] or by leaving your thoughts right here on the page.