Escape's "The Adaptive Ultimate" was taken from the short story of the same name by science fiction author Stanley G. Weinbaum. The story was first published in the November 1935 issue of Amazing, and the author was credited under the name of John Jessel. Escape changed a few things about the story, but it was essentially presented as it was written.
As the episode opens, Dr. Scott is attempting to convince Dr. Bach that he has a theory about human adaptability than he can prove. He has a serum that he tested on insects and animals, but now he wants to try it on a human being. To do that, he needs help. Dr. Bach reluctantly agrees that if he comes across a hopeless case, who consents to the experimental treatment, he will allow it.
It isn't long before Dr. Scott gets his chance. Dr. Bach calls him in to help a young woman named Kyra Zelas, who is dying of tuberculosis. They administer the serum, and she soon gets well.
Not only does Kyra recover, but she begins to adapt to her new life...rapidly.
"Adaptive Ultimate" was adapted for radio by Chet Spurgeon and Herb Futrand. The producer and director was Norman MacDonnell. Edgar Barrier played Dr. Bach and Stacy Harris played Dr. Scott. Also appearing were Elsie Holmes, Frank Gerstle, Lawrence Dobkin, Tom Charlesworth, and Ann Morrison. This episode aired on March 26, 1949.
. Download Escape_1949.03.26_The Adaptive Ultimate
(This is a HQ version of this broadcast. It is a large file, so it may take longer to download.)
When I saw the movie years ago, I was impressed by the convincing dialogue between the two scientists. Of course, when I went back and looked at the original story, the scriptwriter had (wisely) used a lot of Weinbaum's stuff word for word. That's not always the way it works nowadays.
Posted by: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=722339034 | September 29, 2009 at 03:21 AM
I have a question about an episode of (what I believe was) Suspense, unrelated to this post. Here's what I remember:
A guy, a journalist, is putting together a program about a space mission soon to be underway, and at the end, he's out on the street as the people celebrate the successful launch...but he swears that he just saw the pilot walking down the street.
This has been driving me crazy. Does this sound familiar?
Posted by: Jeffrey Arnold | October 03, 2009 at 12:45 AM
Sounds good, but it doesn't sound familiar to me. Maybe someone else knows it? I'll keep an eye out. - Christine
Posted by: Cmillinsf | October 03, 2009 at 02:25 PM
That would be "Cave of Night" by James E. Gunn. An X MINUS ONE broadcast February 1st, 1956
http://www.archive.org/details/XMinusOneEpisode-CaveOfNight2-1-1956
I also remember seeing this on television on the old Desilu Playhouse if memory serves me.
Posted by: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=722339034 | October 13, 2009 at 07:39 PM
Hi Michael,
You are right. I listened to X Minus One's "Cave of Night." What an intriguing episode (and how relevant to the recent "balloon boy" saga).
X Minus One was such a fantastic show.
Thanks! - Christine
Posted by: Cmillinsf | October 21, 2009 at 03:15 PM