March 24, 2003 - 741114 - The 36th Man

[Charlie]

In order to get started, we will begin with one of my favorite programs, "The 36th Man."

[color=red:a13dd1c65d][b:a13dd1c65d]Again, if you have not listened to the program and prepared your comments, do not read any farther than this post if you wish to participate![/b:a13dd1c65d][/color:a13dd1c65d]

1) Listen to the program (request it in the [b:a13dd1c65d]request thread[/b:a13dd1c65d] in this forum if you do not have it). (Even if you have listened to the program, listen again.)

2) Prepare and post your comments.

3) Read what others have posted.

4) Make any additional comments that you have after reading the other posts.

This should make it interesting.

Remember that the first post by each person will have been made without reading what has already been posted. So, you may see some contrasting points or some that seem to be the same.

We will do this program this week and also get a schedule together for coming weeks as far as to whom will choose a program.

Although I have listened to "The 36th Man" before, I will listen again and post my comments in a day or two. I may get to it today but it is unlikely with today's schedule that I will be able to do any listening.

Charlie

[Charlie]

Well, I may not have picked the best program for this purpose - although I believe that I picked one of the [b:4ed1423373]best[/b:4ed1423373] programs in the CBSRMT series.

The reason I say that is that this whole program makes sense to me and is easy to understand. Some programs are somewhat confusing and I find myself listening to passages over and over to try and understand what is happening. That is not the case here.

To me, The 36th Man is a very creative and unique story. Sometimes I listen to these programs while I am working on projects around the house. At times I find my mind wandering and starting to think about other things. Again, not the case here. This program is riveting and it is nearly impossible to think of anything else while listening.

The acting is superb and this comes together as the complete package to me. I would say that this is one of the best CBSRMT programs that I have ever heard and if I were introducing someone to the program, this would be one of the first programs I would play for them.

The pace is constant throughout the program and it reaches a fantastic conclusion. An epic in the world of CBSRMT!

Charlie

[UNTIL NEXT TIME]

“The CBS Radio Mystery Theater Presents”.....The 36th Man.

I like everything about this episode. The story of Harry as a Lahmed Vovnik, written by Sam Dann , is interesting enough. It is unique. There are fun elements, such as the various efforts to tempt Harry who will not be provoked to do something through promises or persuasion but only to do for the betterment of people. There is the heavy consequences of Harry’s failure.....Our demise. His attitude and direction are simple, yet profound...Help people. I found myself liking Harry quite early on, and even envying his ability to be so good. But, I know it is a story, and this alleviates the guilt, and allows for the fun. What is brilliant about this, and many CBSRMT episodes, are the curve balls thrown in the end. The curve ball here of course is Harry’s anger. This anger isn’t just tossed in to add drama. It is, as revealed when his anger and the storm subside, something Harry has had but not acted on. True, he is a thoroughly decent fellow. But he is a fellow, and fellows are human. They are all vulnerable to temptation. He isn’t a shallow character, who finds goodness only because that is all he can do. He turns out to be quite complex. He has made a choice to do so, I think, and it has been a burden. He can’t carry this forever, and he indeed, ultimately, needs his wife’s “ Understanding”. The goodness he has provided has no doubt taught him the value of this action. But being a human, and frustrated and wore down by his wife’s dissatisfaction, we see how even Harry can get ugly. The storm erupts in Harry...and the world. This, interesting enough, is needed before the wife realizes what a wonderful person she is married to. All of her wants turn out to not be worth changing Harry. She now understands the value of Harry, and really as a consequence learns what counts in life. It is a great moment, and Ross Martin at this time highlights a splendid performance. I THINK THE STORY OFFERS A VALUABLE LESSON, THROUGH EXAMPLE AND WITH LISTENING PLEASURE...All of this from a 48 min radio show demonstrates the “why” I love OTR.
......UNTIL NEXT TIME

[brian1984_2001]

This was an excellent episode. The content was deep and thoughtful.

It was well acted, well scripted, and well directed.

The good versus evil is the most recurring theme through the series, and this was one of the best representation of that theme. Sam Dann was probably the strongest of the writers that Himan Brown had on staff. His stuff could frighten and intrigue like no others.

An excellent first episode to review.

[UNTIL NEXT TIME]

Brian and Charlie- While many episodes are good, this one never has a dull moment. I burn some in audio format and keep in a binder for repeat listenings.......this one now too! Dave

[vgarci]

March 24, 2003 - 741114 - The 36th Man

Set in the early 1900’s, this tale is based on a Hebrew legend which states that the earth is protected by the lives of 36 human beings whose lives are virtuous. Harry Cohen appears to be a poor businessman and this wife, Ruth, is frustrated by his childlike kindness which prohibits them from getting ahead. When approached by an elderly man, during a torrential rainstorm, Harry accepts the burden of being one of the 36 unblemished souls. He is tempted several times by the Prince of Darkness, his mistress Lilly, and by his wife, but Harry accepts his burden and assumes the role of the 36th man.

This program was interesting in that I actually heard myself say, “Oh, wow” when I realized that the 36th man had the responsibility to find his replacement. The story was well written and coherent with just enough characters to make it interesting. The acting was excellent and E.G. Marshall is in rare form with interesting bridges between acts. For the history buffs, Sam Dan weaves the advent of the airplane, the onset of World War I and a silent cameo by Sigmund Freud into the story. Overall, this is a very good story which is firmly grounded in an interesting and thought provoking Hebrew legend.

[vgarci]

Gents,
Yes, the story was excellent but I must say reading your comments was equally entertaining. Two thumbs up to Charlie for suggesting the concept of "the show of week".

[Charlie]

[quote:19cfc7ce79="UNTIL NEXT TIME"]The storm erupts in Harry...and the world. This, interesting enough, is needed before the wife realizes what a wonderful person she is married to. All of her wants turn out to not be worth changing Harry. She now understands the value of Harry, and really as a consequence learns what counts in life. It is a great moment[/quote:19cfc7ce79]

Yes, I agree this was a good moment in the program. But, would she have come to that realization had he not wished for it?

[quote:19cfc7ce79="vgarci"]For the history buffs, Sam Dan weaves the advent of the airplane, the onset of World War I and a silent cameo by Sigmund Freud into the story.[/quote:19cfc7ce79]

As the story was set in the first part of the 20th century, this was interesting. Of course, we now know the historical significance of those things but that was an interesting spin to put on it with the devil seeing airplanes as instruments to be used to drop bombs.

Charlie

[UNTIL NEXT TIME]

Hmmm. I think "what" converted her was more important than the fact that her "understanding" was what he wished for. For the story to hold up, and for the meaning to be maintined, she would have to truly change because of the humanity with her. I think his "storm", his falling and uglyness, brought her to change. If supernatural influence is being exercised here, it is in creating the circumstance to bring out his storm, rather than waving a wand over her, to create the change. Her change came about because of the change in Harry......rather than because ( at least directly ) he wished it and it was done for him. Otherwise, his excellent humanity is cheapened and shown to be rather insignificant. Now, were forces woking to make Harry rage direct or indirect.......they seem indirect. We accept as a premise that they exist. But, they rely on Harry, and Harry has a choice. Remember the old man pleading with Harry not to change. He knows Harry is capable of change. This capacity to change is the crux...and fortunately when he does change he gets what he needs, his wife's understaning. With the understanding, the stregnth to go on. If this were to be artificialy created, then I think the story suffers. For it diminishes Harry, and all of us, as people with choices......................UNTIL NEXT TIME

[NYRob]

What a wonderful episode! Although my 'repetoire' is very limited to under 20 shows, this easily jumps to the top of my list.
All of the elements were first rate - the writing and the acting is a real treat, beautifully directed and it easily sustained my interest from beginning to end.
Our hero is instantly likable, and not only because he is such a darn good guy and is full of noble deeds, but his manner and spirit are so upbeat and infectuous. As I was listening, a thought crossed my mind several times, why would someone like our hero be married to such a woman? Not that she was the most despicable person ever born, but definitely a bit of the nag and not always easy on our hero. Ah, but the pay-off when she "understands" during his outburst and his almost "fall from grace" -- she saves him and I realized like in many relationships, the two of them as a team are yin and yang, they are who they are by their union, counter balancing the other and in a way, keeping each other in tow. By the end of the show, their relationship is now redefined -- and although it will be very new for the both of them, I'd wager a much stronger relationship for both. (I'm sure their yin and yang will be fine)!
The act two section made me laugh a little (my musical roots are showing) --- it reminded me of "Damn Yankees". In that show, the devil brings to his aid the temptress Lola, who tries seducing our hero only to fail. What struck me funny as well was the prince of darnkess/devil in "The 36th Man" was also played a bit tongue in cheek ala "Damn Yankees" and the similarity of the names of the tempresses of both shows, Lilly and Lola ("Damn Yankees"). From this point on, I could imagine Ray Walston and Gwen Verdon in those two roles!!!
Wonderful show --- thanks for this forum - my first post!

[vgarci]

Rob,
....and an interesting first post it was. I didn't think of the Damn Yankees twist but I can certainly see the connection now that you've put it on the table.

[NYRob]

I just read all the posts here -- fun! I must admit all of the comments regarding the husband and wife are more on the money than my own! I guess we're all in agreement that this a terrific episode. I guess the only thing unanswered for me (small point) is why the author chose to set the story not in the present but early on in the century. I enjoy stories set in different time periods, past and future, but wasn't quite sure why the choice was made here. Was it anything more than the "Prince of Darkness"'s references to airplanes and bombs? I don't know why, but I was half-waiting for some sort of pay off during the show. Oh, I didn't mention before, I love the whole conceit of the Earth being protected and allowed to continue by 36 virtuous men. That got me hook, line and sinker.

[UNTIL NEXT TIME]

Why does the story take place in the past? It can provide a reference to us in the here and now of the "evil" forces at work. The Devil in the story relates to us how the future will have planes and bombs that will be beyond what has been seen. Bigger and better distruction. I also suspect that by creating a past-tense story we have a place of more believable innocence. Harry is more believable there. ..UNTIL NEXT TIME

[dave]

i was very happy to hear Ross Martin on cbsrmt. he is one of my favorite actors from the 60s. the idea of the last guy finding his own replacement before he died reminded me of an episode of the ty series the night stalker. i also liked the turn of the century setting. the actress who played Lola sounded familiar too. i was glued to this show. i enjoyed it.

[vgarci]

Dave,
I remember the Night Stalker very well and recently the BRAVO channel showed several episodes. Darren McGavin was great!

[dave]

darren mcgavin is another one of my favorites. i like the way played the unwilling hero. i also liked him in christmas story. a classic!

[scarlson33]

It is never to late to add my two cents, right? Ah, the power of the internet.

Great episode! I think this episode appeals to me now more than it would have as a child--the relationship aspect would have not interested me. I like the ying/yan interpretation of the importance of the wife. It did make me wonder that such a nice guy would have such a nag as a wife. Then, realize that is the way of life. Nothing is perfect!

Thanks for the suggestion and the chance to see others ideas about the show from a while back.

Sonya

[Kizer Sosay]

I'm enjoying going through recent SOTW nominees and relistening to these episodes. I like this one, I'd go 3.5 on it. I really enjoy these plots based on folklore, great literature and/or religious writings.

I loved the main character, Ross Martin is great and I wish he'd been in more CBSRMT episodes. Found much humor with the devil and his seductive sidekick, and, as urged, couldn't stand the wife. Reminded me of someone I once lived with. :evil:

I'm glad she came around, that was a fortuitous wish he made for her to understand him better.

[Kizer Sosay]

Reading other's comments I am seeing Darren McGavin's name. I don't have the episode here with me at work, but I'm pretty sure it was Ross Martin and that's who is listed on mousetrap.

But I do like McGavin's work and the Christmas Story.

You know, I could swear I've heard McGavin on CBSRMT but his name doesn't surface in the mousetrap database.... Why am I thinking I have so recently heard his voice, and on an RMT episode? ..... :?:

[brian1984_2001]

The mastermind behind the whole Nightstalker concept was Richard Matheson who wrote about a dozen Twilight Zones and some incredible books including What Dreams May Come, I Am Legend, Duel, and The Incredible Shrinking Man.

He is Stephen King's idol and that alone makes him impressive.

[Fizzlestix]

<sarcasm> I assumed Stephen King was Stephen King's idol. </sarcasm> :wink: