Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 51:12 — 23.4MB)
In this replay of a Retro Vault episode, Keith and the Retrobots present this suspense, sci-fi, comedy blend.
Word comes that a rocket from earth is to land on Mars. Calling on lowly escalator factory worker, Zeno,who works in the tread department, he is selected to carry out Plan X. What is plan X? As important as the mission, clearly even a lowly factory worker can handle it against the likes of the incoming earthlings.
Zeno, Jack Benny, greets the astronaut crew, who are stereotypically full of bravado, and just paranoid enough to think there could be a trap. Will they warm up to the mild mannered Zeno? Is he being softened up by the aliens from earth, and not inclined to carry out Plan X?
The supervisors are assured that Zeno has it under control. Nearing the end of the mission, the astronauts think Zeno will be a push over to take back to earth for what? To study… to hold as leverage in case the Martians aren’t so nice next time? And what about Plan X? How harmful can it be if little Martian kids are invoved?
Bonus Track:
Keith shares a little about the episode, comparing it to Jack’s infamous film, the Horn Blows at Midnight. Also he reads an article found at tralfaz.blogspot.com that deals with some of Jack Benny’s biggest frauds and myths about himself. How similar is the on air Jack Benny to the real Jack Benny?
There probably isn’t time, but the old fashioned Retrobot, who has been missing from the show for a long time, takes time to present a few moments with Abbott and Costello, with their guest Frank Sinatra, and cast member, Connie Haines.
