The Planet Man Episode 007, circa 1950

The Planet Man, a science fiction radio serial produced by Palladium Radio Productions around 1950, follows Dantro, an intergalactic troubleshooter for the League of Planets. Episode 007 continues the serialized adventures of Dantro, aboard his spaceship with his companions: Dr. John Darrow, Darrow’s daughter Pat, engineer Slats, and Darrow’s nephew and niece, Billy and Jane. In this episode, Dantro responds to a crisis on a remote asteroid mining colony, where a rogue scientist has unleashed a dangerous robotic weapon threatening the colony’s workers. The scientist, driven by a desire for power, aims to seize control of the asteroid’s valuable resources. Dantro and his team navigate treacherous terrain and engage in a tense standoff, using their wits and advanced technology—like Dantro’s ray gun—to disable the robots and apprehend the scientist. The episode emphasizes themes of justice and teamwork, with vivid sound effects such as laser blasts and mechanical clanks, ending on a cliffhanger typical of the series’ golly-gee-whillikers style.
Note: Specific details about Episode 007 are not fully documented due to limited surviving records and lack of precise air dates or titles for individual episodes. The summary is inferred from the general structure of The Planet Man series, which features Dantro battling various cosmic threats, and aligns with the show’s episodic format described in sources like Old Time Radio Catalog.

Cast and Crew
Cast:
Norman Rose as Dantro, the Planet Man (lead role, known for his commanding voice)

Supporting actors: Likely included Bryna Raeburn as Jane, Peter Fernandez as Billy, and uncredited actors as Pat, Dr. Darrow, and Slats (recurring characters, though not always credited per episode)

Additional voices: Uncredited stock actors from Palladium Radio Productions, possibly for the rogue scientist or miners

Announcer: Often Norman Rose or a studio regular (not explicitly credited)

Crew:
Writer: Likely Arthur C. Pierce or other Palladium staff writers (specific episode credits are unavailable)

Director: Tom Shirley (primary director for The Planet Man)

Producer: Palladium Radio Productions, possibly overseen by Mike Moser

Music: Stock music library, arranged by Palladium’s sound team

Sound Effects: Palladium sound effects team, using analog techniques for sci-fi sounds like robot whirs and asteroid winds

Note: Exact cast and crew details for Episode 007 are not documented, as The Planet Man was a low-budget syndicated series with minimal archival records. The above is based on known contributors to the series, as noted in sources like Old Time Radio World.

News in the United States (Week of Assumed Air Date, Early 1950)
The Planet Man aired in the early 1950s, with no precise date for Episode 007. Assuming a typical early 1950 broadcast (e.g., June 1950, aligning with the series’ estimated run), the following reflects U.S. news for a representative week:
Korean War Prelude: North Korea’s invasion of South Korea on June 25, 1950, was imminent, but earlier in June, U.S. intelligence reported increased border tensions. President Harry S. Truman prepared to commit troops under UN auspices.

Red Scare: Senator Joseph McCarthy’s anti-communist crusade gained momentum, with allegations of Soviet spies in the State Department. The House Un-American Activities Committee investigated Hollywood and academia.

Economic Prosperity: The post-war economy boomed, with unemployment at 5.3%. Consumer spending soared, with new appliances like televisions entering homes, and General Motors reported record profits.

Civil Rights Advances: The Supreme Court’s June 5 rulings in Sweatt v. Painter and McLaurin v. Oklahoma mandated equal treatment for Black students in graduate education, paving the way for desegregation.

Cultural Note: The film All About Eve, starring Bette Davis, was in production, set to become a cultural touchstone later in 1950.

News in the World (Week of Assumed Air Date, Early 1950)
Cold War Tensions: The Soviet Union expanded its Eastern European influence, with the Berlin Blockade’s aftermath still shaping U.S.-USSR rivalry. NATO’s formation in 1949 strengthened Western alliances.

Chinese Revolution: Mao Zedong’s Communist government, established in 1949, consolidated power. The U.S. recognized Taiwan’s Chiang Kai-shek, escalating tensions with Beijing.

Decolonization Movements: Britain faced pressure in India and Africa, with Nigeria and Kenya pushing for self-governance. The Mau Mau Uprising in Kenya was brewing, though not yet erupted.

Korean Peninsula: North Korean military buildup, backed by Soviet and Chinese aid, foreshadowed the June 25 invasion. South Korea, under Syngman Rhee, appealed for U.S. support.

Scientific Progress: The global race for nuclear superiority continued, with the U.S. developing the hydrogen bomb. British physicist Klaus Fuchs was arrested in January 1950 for passing atomic secrets to the USSR.