Captain Midnight - Episode 2 October 2, 1939

In the second episode of Captain Midnight, broadcast by WGN Chicago and sponsored by Skelly Oil, the adventure serial continues the story established in the premiere. Captain Midnight, the heroic aviator James "Red" Albright, likely pursues a lead from the first episode’s cliffhanger, possibly involving foreign spies, saboteurs, or a criminal scheme threatening national security. His young sidekick, Chuck Ramsey, and ally Joyce Edwards may assist as they navigate danger, using Midnight’s aviation skills and the Secret Squadron’s resources. The episode features high-stakes action, such as an aerial chase or decoding a secret message, with dramatic sound effects like roaring plane engines. It ends on a suspenseful note, urging young listeners to tune in next time. (No recording survives, so the summary is based on the series’ serialized format and typical early plots.)
Actors and Roles
Casting details for this specific episode are not well-documented, as was common for 1930s radio serials. Based on Captain Midnight’s early WGN production, likely performers include:
Ed Prentiss as Captain Midnight (James "Red" Albright). Prentiss was the main voice of the dashing aviator in 1939, delivering a bold and heroic performance.

Bill Bouchey or Boris Aplon as Chuck Ramsey (probable). One of these actors likely played Midnight’s teenage sidekick, though exact casting for this episode is uncertain.

Supporting Roles (e.g., Joyce Edwards, villains, or Secret Squadron members) were likely voiced by WGN stock actors, such as Angeline Orr (possibly Joyce) or uncredited performers. Early villains, like Ivan Shark (later a recurring foe), may not yet appear but were typically voiced by actors like Boris Aplon.

The production used a small ensemble, with actors often doubling up on minor roles.

National News in the USA: Week of October 2, 1939
World War II Developments: Europe was reeling from Germany’s conquest of Poland, completed by early October after Warsaw’s surrender (September 27, 1939). U.S. headlines focused on the war’s expansion, with the Soviet Union occupying eastern Poland under the Nazi-Soviet Pact. President Franklin D. Roosevelt pushed for amending the Neutrality Act to allow arms sales to Allies, sparking heated congressional debates.

U.S. Neutrality Debate: Roosevelt’s call for a special congressional session (late September) to revise neutrality laws dominated news. Many Americans favored isolationism, while others worried about Axis aggression, fueling public and political tension.

Economic Conditions: The Great Depression persisted, with unemployment around 17%. News covered New Deal efforts, industrial output, and labor strikes, particularly in the automotive and steel sectors.

Sports and Culture: The New York Yankees won the World Series, defeating the Cincinnati Reds (October 4–8, 1939), a bright spot in the news. Radio serials like Captain Midnight were popular, offering escapism for families.