"Appointed Hour" - BBC Radio Afternoon Theatre Drama

Описание: Classic Old Time Radio, Vintage radio shows, the Golden Age of radio, murder, mystery, drama, comedy, sci-fi, westerns.

"Appointed Hour" by Douglas Clark, a BBC Afternoon Theatre production, revolves around a military investigation into suspicious Morse code transmissions. The central premise concerns a particular officer, Captain Brocky Benfit, who habitually sends seemingly random Morse code signals at exactly 4:00 PM each day.

The play focuses on a group of officers who become increasingly suspicious of Brocky's behavior. Initially, it's assumed he's just an "irresponsible" Morse enthusiast, cluttering up the airwaves with practice signals. However, subtle inconsistencies in his sending style – sometimes rhythmic and proficient, other times fumbling like a beginner – suggest he might be deliberately trying to disguise his true skill.

The key point of suspicion is his strict adherence to the 4:00 PM start time, regardless of external factors like a sergeant's tea break. This rigid timing leads the investigators to believe that Brocky is operating on a deadline, and that someone is listening out for him precisely at that hour. His transmissions also consistently end within about fifteen minutes, suggesting a limited, specific purpose.

While there's no hard evidence initially, the accumulating circumstantial details point to Brocky as a prime suspect in a potential act of treason or espionage. The play explores the efforts to gather concrete proof against him, hinting at a larger scheme involving the transmission of secret information. The drama culminates in an accusation of High Treason, Levying War against His Majesty, Adhering to His Majesty's enemies, Breach of Faith, Breach of Attestation, and Disloyalty to His Majesty, indicating a severe charge and a military court-martial.