NIGHTFALL

Written, Produced, Hosted by

John F. Barber

Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States License.
©2024 Re-Imagined Radio. All rights reserved (except those granted by the Creative Commons license)

Re-Imagined Radio
Season 12, Episode 07, July 15, 2024

Final draft

NIGHTFALL

Two stories of psychological terror and darkness

Re-Imagined Radio
Season 12, Episode 7
Final Draft

Premier broadcast: July 15, 2024

Written, produced, hosted by John F. Barber

Sound design, Music composition, Post-Production by Marc Rose

Graphics by Holly Slocum

Synopsis
Re-Imagined Radio presents two stories connected by the same name. "Nightfall" is the last episode of Dimension X, the precursor of X Minus One, the famous science fiction series. "The Porch Light" is an episode of Nightfall, a radio anthology series produced and broadcast in Canada. Episodes were primarily supernatural and/or horror. With "Nightfall" and "The Porch Light" Re-Imagined Radio presents two stories of psychological terror and darkness.

Credits
Samples from "Nightfall," the final episode of Dimension X (1950-1951), broadcast September 29, 1951.

Samples from "The Porch Light," broadcast February 26, 1982, as part of the Nightfall radio series, produced and broadcast by Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, 1980-1983).

Color Code
Yellow highlighted text = sound effect(s), either pre-recorded or created for episode. Pre-recorded audio is used as content in this episode.

Magenta highlighted text with strike through = text deleted for episode timing

MUSIC = pre-recorded

MUSIC = bespoke, created for this episode

COLD OPEN
SFX: DRUM ROLL, CONTINUES UNDER
ANNOUNCER
Adventures in time and space . . . transcribed in future tense.
SFX: PLATE ECHO AS ANNOUNCER SAYS, "DIMENSION X-X-X-X-X"
SFX: DRUM BEAT
SFX: OPENING FROM NIGHTFALL, THE RADIO SERIES
ANNOUNCER
In the dream, you are falling . . . lost in the listening distance as dark . . . locks in . . .
SFX: A LONG SCREAM OF MAN FALLING FAR BELOW.
ANNOUNCER
Nightfall!
SFX: DISCORDANT PIANO CHORDS
THEME AND ANNOUNCER
MUSIC: RIR THEME
ANNOUNCER
Welcome to Re-Imagined Radio, a program about radio storytelling. With each episode we explore how dialogue, sound effects, and music can combine to promote storytelling and engage your listening imagination. We also like to  include the stories behind the story. The history. The connections. Trivia. And we always strive to answer the questions "So what?" and "Why is this important?" This episode is no different, and here to tell you about it is John Barber, producer and host.
HOST OPEN
HOST
Hello everyone. With this episode we highlight two radio stories connected by the same name. NIGHTFALL.
"Nightfall," is the title of the final episode of Dimension X, the precursor of X Minus One, the famous science fiction series.
Nightfall is also the name of a radio anthology series produced and broadcast in Canada. Episodes were primarily supernatural and/or horror. We feature an episode called "The Porch Light."
So, two stories this episode. Two stories connected by the same name. Nightfall. Two stories of psychological terror and darkness.
Visit the episode page at our website for more information, and to follow along with the episode script. reimaginedradio dot FM.
Thanks for joining us as Re-Imagined Radio presents "Nightfall."
SFX: SAMPLE, MUSIC FROM "NIGHTFALL"
HOST INTRODUCTION ("NIGHTFALL")
HOST
Let's listen first to the final episode of Dimension X, "Nightfall," broadcast September 29, 1951.
Adapted by Ernest Kinoy from a short story by science fiction writer Isaac Asimov, "Nightfall" takes place on Lagash, a world with six suns that provide perpetual daylight. Every 2,049 years a total lunar eclipse of the suns brings extended darkness to Lagash, and the opportunity to see stars.
Evidence from previous civilizations suggests each was destroyed during a lunar eclipse. Now, the eclipse is approaching and scientists are worried what might happen . . . let's listen to  . . . "Nightfall."
SFX: SAMPLES FROM "NIGHTFALL"
SFX: DIMENSION X (ECHOES OUT), THEREMIN UP, THEN UNDER THE FOLLOWING
MUSIC: DRUM BEATS
NARRATOR
The National Broadcasting Corporation, in cooperation with Street and Smith, publishers of Astounding Science Fiction bring you Dimension X.
MUSIC: THEREMIN FOR AN INTRODUCTION ... THEN UNDER
NARRATOR
Ralph Waldo Emerson speculated, "If the stars should appear one night in a thousand years, how would man believe and adore and perceive for many generations the remembrance of the city of God?" This was philosophically interesting. But on the edge of the galaxy, there is a planet which swings on its orbit, in a cluster of six suns. These suns hang in the sky above. Never less than two shine down through the entire twenty-three-point-eight hours of the planet's day. The yellow light has burned down on the planet continuously, into the past, till the mind of man runneth not to the contrary.
MUSIC: WISTFUL...THEN BEHIND NARRATOR
NARRATOR
Theremon was a reporter for the Saro City Chronicle. He'd covered them all, from the night police beat to politics to the sports pages -- and the City Editor wanted him to cover the biggest story of the year -- perhaps of all time. It was an interview -- a particularly difficult interview. But then, since his first days as a cub, Theremon had specialized in difficult interviews. He didn't expect violence, though, from an astronomer.
ATON
You're from THAT newspaper? Well, you've got a lot of gall coming here!
THEREMON
Now wait a minute, Dr. Aton, it's only a job--
ATON
I've read your paper. You've been riding this observatory for two months now. You've attacked me personally. I have nothing to say to you.
THEREMON
All right, look, this is your chance to get your side in the paper. I'll give it to you straight. Two months ago, the observatory issued a press statement that the world was coming to an end. Now, that's the same story that the Cult of Revelations has been preaching. Now, when a scientist backs that up, it's news.
ATON
Our conclusions have nothing to do with the cult. The Cult of Revelations is full of superstition and mysticism. We are scientists.
THEREMON
Yeah, and you've got the people pretty angry.
ATON
That does not matter.
THEREMON
If I can't get the story from you, I'll have to go somewhere else.
ATON
Go ahead!
THEREMON
All right. You know, Dr. Aton, the paper can be pretty rough on someone who doesn't cooperate, Dr. Aton--
ATON
Young man, if you're not out of the observatory within five minutes, I shall call the police! Now get out!
MUSIC: ACCENT ... THEN BEHIND NARRATOR--
NARRATOR
The reporter walks down the long hall from the observatory. The light filters through the high  windows -- the yellow light of Gamma, the brightest of the six suns in the planet's sky. Beta is almost at zenith; its red light floods the landscape to an unusual orange. The planet's sun, Alpha, is at the antipodes, and now as Gamma sinks below the horizon, the red dwarf sun, Beta, is alone . . . grimly alone. It's a short drive from the observatory to Saro City, and the red light glares from the highway. The temple of the Cult stands hewn from the solid rock of the Dormite mountains outside the city, and, in the inner courtyards, stands Sor, the priest of the Cult.
MUSIC: TRIBAL DRUMMING UP AND UNDER
SFX: CULTISTS CHANT EERILY IN BACKGROUND
SOR
Woe to the unbelievers! Their souls will rot with the absence of light!
THEREMON
Sor! Sor. Wait, your reverence, please. Please. Tell me, your reverence, what will happen? What are you waiting for here?
SOR
The day! The day of the coming. It is written in our Doctrine of Revelations, "It came to pass that the sun Beta was alone in the sky . . . the world was shrunken and cold. Men did assemble in the public squares and highways. Their minds were troubled, and their speech confused, for the souls of men awaited the coming of the Stars. The lip of the Cave of Darkness passed the edge of Beta. And loud were the cries of men. There was no light on the surface of the world. In this blackness, there appeared the Stars in countless numbers. In that moment, the souls of men departed from them, and abandoned bodies became even as beasts. And the Stars then reached down the heavens' flame, and where it touched, the cities of the world flamed to destruction, so that of man, and all the works of man, nought remained." So it is written!
MUSIC: ACCENT ... THEN OUT
THEREMON
Dr. Sheerin, you're the only scientist I could find in the city. Where is everybody?
SHEERIN
In the Hideout.
THEREMON
In the Hideout?
SHEERIN
The place bored me. I wanted to be out here where things are getting hot. I want to see the "Stars" the Cultists are talking about. Besides, they don't want me at the Hideout . . . I'm too scrawny to survive.
THEREMON
Now wait a minute. What is the Hideout?
SHEERIN
Well, we professors have managed to convince a few people that our prophesy of doom is valid. We've got about three thousand people. They're supposed to hide where the darkness and the "Stars" can't get at them. We hope they'll survive and leave records.
THEREMON
Survive? Survive what?
SHEERIN
Oh, there are lots of names for it; the Cultists have their myths. . .
THEREMON
Oh yes, yes. What about that? What is there to these myths? As a matter of fact what is there to this, this Doctrine of Revelations?
SHEERIN
I'm a psychologist, not an archeologist. How true it is I don't know, but the Cultists say that every two thousand and fifty years, all the suns disappear and there is a total darkness, and then they say things appear called "Stars." Of course, men go mad. They mix all this up with a lot religio-mystic notions, but that is the central idea.
THEREMON
Yeah. Well that's impossible, isn't it? I mean, there there there are always at least two suns in the sky; most of the time four or five.
SHEERIN
There aren't now. Only Beta.
THEREMON
Dr. Sheerin you mean that there is going to be worldwide darkness tomorrow, that all mankind will go violently insane? What . . . what's behind that?
SHEERIN
Well, for one thing, the history of civilization of the world. We have located a series of cycles of civilizations comparable to our own, all of which, without exception, were destroyed by fire at the very height of their culture.
THEREMON
Alright. Alright. But is there any scientific theory behind this that would explain it?
SHEERIN
The university observatory finished their calculations two months ago. Tomorrow there will be an eclipse of Beta so that the planet will become dark. darkness comes. That eclipse comes every two thousand and forty-nine years. Darkness comes, maybe those mysterious "Stars" that no man has ever seen, and then madness . . . and the end of civilization.
THEREMON
I see. And the scientists expect to live through this at the Hideout?
SHEERIN
They plan to photograph the eclipse and leave the records. And then the rest of mankind will know what to expect.
THEREMON
Uh huh. Dr. Sheerin, what is there in darkness to drive men mad?
SHEERIN
Have you ever experienced darkness, young man?
THEREMON
No, no, but I know what it is. It's just, well, no light.
SHEERIN
Draw the curtain.
THEREMON
Well what for? If we had four or five suns out there, we might want to cut the light down for comfort. But with only Beta . . .
SHEERIN
That is the point. Just draw the curtain and then come here and sit down.
THEREMON
All right.
SFX: FOOTSTEPS ... CURTAIN DRAWN ... A STEP OR TWO BACK
THEREMON
Dr. Sheerin, I can't see you.
SHEERIN
Feel your way.
THEREMON
But I can't see you . . . I can't see anything.
SHEERIN
(BEAT) Do you like it?
THEREMON
Well . . . No, it's awful. The walls . . . They seem to be closing in on me. (STAMMERS) I keep wanting to push them away . . .
SHEERIN
All right. Draw the curtain back again.
SFX: FOOTSTEPS TO CURTAIN WHICH IS DRAWN
THEREMON
(RELIEVED, SHAKEN) The light, the light. Dr. Sheerin . . . (BEAT, SIGHS) have you got a drink?
SHEERIN
Right here.
SFX: CLINK OF BOTTLE ON GLASS ... LIQUID POURS
SHEERIN
That was just a dark room.
THEREMON
Yeah, yeah, it wasn't really so bad.
SHEERIN
You're afraid.
THEREMON
Yes I am. Just darkness can do that?
SHEERIN
This isn't just a metaphysical theory, young man; it's promulgated from observed data. Come with me.
THEREMON
Where?
SHEERIN
The locked ward, down the corridor.
THEREMON
All right.
SFX: THEIR FOOTSTEPS TO DOOR WHICH OPENS ... FOOTSTEPS IN BG
SHEERIN
Were you at the Saro City Centennial Exposition two years ago?
THEREMON
No, I was overseas on assignment.
SHEERIN
Do you remember hearing about the "Tunnel of Mystery" that broke all records in the amusement area?
THEREMON
Yeah. Wasn't there some fuss about that? The Anti-Vice Society had it shut down?
SHEERIN
It was shut down all right, but the bluenoses had nothing to do with it.
THEREMON
Oh?
SHEERIN
That tunnel was nothing but a mile-long passage through darkness. You rode in a little "car" and it took fifteen minutes to get through. (CHUCKLES) Very popular . . . while it lasted.
THEREMON
Popular?
SHEERIN
There's a fascination to being frightened when it's part of a game. Absence of light is one of the instinctive human fears. People came out of that fifteen minutes of darkness shaking and half-dead with fear.
THEREMON
Half-dead? I thought there were some deaths?
SHEERIN
Bad hearts, but that wasn't the big danger.
SFX: FOOTSTEPS STOP ... KEYS JINGLE ON RING
SHEERIN
(TO HIMSELF) Now, uh, which key is this? Ah!
SFX: KEY INSERTED IN LOCK ... DOOR UNLOCKS AND SQUEAKS OPEN ... FOOTSTEPS IN BG
THEREMON
Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Dr. Sheerin. Where are we going?
SHEERIN
You'll see. No, the heart attacks were actually good for business, but there was something else. Here. I'll show you.
SFX: FOOTSTEPS TO ANOTHER DOOR WHICH OPENS
SHEERIN
I want you to see somebody.
SFX: A DOOR CLOSES. A FEW MORE FOOTSTEPS ... THEN OUT
SHEERIN
(CALLS, GENTLY) Latimer? (NO ANSWER) Latimer?
LATIMER
Go away!
SHEERIN
Latimer . . . I want you to meet somebody. This is Mr. Theremon.
LATIMER
No! No, go away!
THEREMON
Hello.
LATIMER
He's pushing me! Make him stop pushing me! Go away!
THEREMON
(LOW, TO SHEERIN) I'm not touching him. What's wrong?
SHEERIN
Latimer is afraid.
LATIMER
The walls . . . they're falling in on me. The walls! I've got to get out. Let me out!
SHEERIN
(SOOTHING) You can't go out, Latimer. It's all right.
LATIMER
I've got to get out! Let me out! Let me out! (WEEPS)
SHEERIN
At sleeping period, we have to give him a shot of morphine. Otherwise, he'd bat his brains out against the wall.
THEREMON
What's wrong with him?
SHEERIN
Nothing. Nothing but fifteen minutes in the darkness of the Tunnel of Mystery.
THEREMON
Well Doctor, that's impossible!
SHEERIN
One person out of ten came out of the tunnel that way. That's why we had it shut down.
THEREMON
Why? Why should darkness do that?
SHEERIN
It's obvious man cannot exist without light. Longer periods of darkness would obviously be fatal. The scientific theory is that the consciousness of light is necessary for mental activity.
LATIMER
Please. Please, doctor, let me outside! Let me outside, please! I can't breathe! They're pushing me! They're always pushing me! I can't stand it! (WEEPS)
SFX: FOOTSTEPS AWAY ... DOOR OPEN AND CLOSE
SHEERIN
There you are, Theremon. That's what fifteen minutes of darkness will do. Man just wasn't built to operate without light. There are always at least two suns in the sky . . . most of the time more.
THEREMON
(SOBERLY) Yeah. Just fifteen minutes of darkness.
SHEERIN
Now then . . . look out of that window. Imagine darkness everywhere. No light as far as you can see. Black. Everything black. And, the "Stars" . . . whatever they are. Well, can you conceive it? Your mind wasn't built for that conception. When the real thing comes, you will go mad. Completely and permanently. There is no question of it. Tomorrow, there won't be a city left standing in the world.
THEREMON
Well, why? Why should the cities be destroyed?
SHEERIN
If you were in darkness, what would you want more than anything else? What would it be that every instinct would call for? Light. And how would you get light?
THEREMON
I don't know.
SHEERIN
You'd burn something! And every city in the world will go up in flames. (SARDONIC) Shall we go back to my office, Mr. Theremon, and have another drink?
MUSIC: MILD ACCENT ... THEN BEHIND NARRATOR
NARRATOR
Through the skies, the red sun Beta shines alone. The wind howls across the city. It's cold . . . colder than man can remember. As the hour approaches, the reporter goes out and speaks to the man in the street.
SFX: OTHERWORLDLY TRAFFIC BACKGROUND
THEREMON
Excuse me sir . . . Excuse me. I'm from the Chronicle. I'd like to talk to you.
PALLET
Oh, a reporter, huh? Well, my name is Pallet, with two Ls; remember the two Ls, huh?
THEREMON:
All right. Mr. Pallet, what's your occupation?
PALLET
Power technician at the north division plant.
THEREMON
Uh huh.
PALLET
You're making some kind of a survey, huh?
THEREMON
Yeah. Yeah, in a way. Where are you going now?
PALLET
Home for supper.
THEREMON
How about, uh . . .? Well, I mean, what are you going to do tonight?
PALLET
You mean about this "Star" stuff? Well, I'll tell ya, mister. It don't stand to reason that the end of the world is going to come -- boom! -- like that. It just don't stand to reason!
THEREMON
In other words, you don't believe it.
PALLET
I didn't say that, but it just don't stand to reason.
THEREMON
Uh huh. Have you read what the scientists say?
PALLET
Nah, I don't read stuff like that . . . only the headlines.
THEREMON
Yeah. How about the Cult?
PALLET
Well, now, like I say, I've got nothing against religion.
THEREMON
You don't believe them either.
PALLET
Well, they've always been shouting about doom and sin. Listen, bud, when you've been around as long as I have, you get to know the score. It's all right to preach that Judgment Day is coming and all, but just the same, I'm putting money in the bank.
THEREMON
Un huh. Well tell me . . . How about darkness?
PALLET
About what?
THEREMON
How would you feel if there were no light?
PALLET
You crazy? How could there be no light?
THEREMON
Well, suppose all the suns went down at once. Suppose everything was black.
PALLET
Well, that's crazy. What's the use of supposing something like that? It couldn't happen, it's crazy!
THEREMON
Yeah. (BEAT) Well, that's all. Thank you.
PALLET
Sure. Oh, look, mister . . . remember Pallet with two Ls!
MUSIC: ACCENT ... THEN OUT
THEREMON
Excuse me, sir, but--
CULTIST
Huh?
THEREMON
I represent the Chronicle and we're conducting a poll to determine public opinion with regard to the predicted end of the world. How do you feel about it?
CULTIST
All this talk of scientific explanation . . . it's sinful, that's what it is!
THEREMON
Oh, Oh, I see. Well then you're a member of the Cult, sir?
CULTIST
I sure I am! Been a member since I was a boy! My daddy was a member, too! I've seen the books. It's all writ down in the books.
THEREMON
Don't you believe the scientists' explanation?
CULTIST
Don't need it! Gonna save my immortal soul. Gonna stay on the mountaintop in a white robe, while the Stars carry me away to glory. Blessed be the Stars, amen!
THEREMON
Well tell me. What are the "Stars"?
CULTIST
The glory! The breath of the heaven! The spirit of the ultimate! That's what they are.
THEREMON
Uh huh. The observatory has announced that it intends to take pictures of the "Stars."
CULTIST
Blasphemy! I sold my house . . . gave all my money to the poor . . . won't need it any more! Goin' to heaven with Stars! Glory! Glory! Goin' with the Stars!
MUSIC: SOMBER TRANSITION ... THEN BEHIND NARRATOR
NARRATOR
The reporter checks the stock exchange, the stores . . . business at a standstill. Doesn't pay to buy anything today . . . not if the world is going to end tomorrow. There are predictions of economic collapse in the financial section, layoffs at the factories on the edge of the city. And through the streets, the people mill and turn, unsure, crying in fear or shouting with bravado. The story isn't here in the city, and so, as the hour approaches, the reporter goes again to the observatory, high in the hills.
THEREMON
Now, look, Dr. Aton, if you are right . . . if the world is going to be destroyed . . . what is the difference if I stay here and observe and take notes?
ATON
Nothing, I suppose. But, you'll be in the way; we have work to do.
THEREMON
All right, if I stay out of the way?
ANTOON
I can't be bothered with you. Now you'll have to leave Mr. Theremon.
SHEERIN
(APPROACHES, ALMOST MERRY) Hello! Hello!
THEREMON
Oh, hello Dr. Sheerin.
SHEERIN
Oooh, this place is like a morgue. It's freezing outside. The wind is enough to hang icicles on your nose. Beta doesn't seem to give any heat at all, it's so far away.
ATON
Why aren't you in the Hideout, Sheerin?
SHEERIN
Me? I'm part of the race that isn't worth perpetuating. Who's got a bottle?
ATON
There will be no alcohol today. It'd be too easy to get my men drunk; I can't afford to tempt them. Well, all right, Theremon, you can stay. But, keep out of the way.
THEREMON
Well, thank you, doctor.
ATON
(TO TECHNICIANS) Well, gentlemen, I think it's time we took our positions. The observatory dome is up these stairs.
THEREMON
Yes sir. After you, doctor . . .
SFX: FOOTSTEPS ON STAIRS, THEN CRASH! OF GLASS SHATTERING
SOR
(BLOODCURDLING SCREAM) Ahhhhhhhh!
THEREMON
What is that?!
ATON
Open the dome, quick!
SFX: CLANKING! OF DOME OPENED
THEREMON
What is it?
ATON
The photographic plates! They're all smashed!
SOR
(LAUGHS MANIACALLY)
SHEERIN
There he is! A Cultist!
ATON
He's going for the telescope! After him!
SFX: QUICK FOOTSTEPS ... BRIEF SCUFFLE DURING FOLLOWING
THEREMON
(WITH EFFORT) All right, I've got him!
SOR
Let go!
ATON
No!
SOR
(WILDLY) Let go! Must be destroyed! It must be! Destroyed.
SFX: SOR PUSHED TO FLOOR... SCUFFLE ENDS
ATON
It's all right. It's all right. He didn't harm anything. Let him up.
THEREMON
That's the high priest . . . Sor is his name. I was talking to him yesterday.
ATON
(TO SOR) What do you want, Sor?
SOR
Nothing that you would give me of your own free will.
ATON
I made a bargain with the Cult . . . to give me certain data you had. In return, I promised to prove the essential truth of the creed.
SOR
There was no need to prove that! It stands proved by the Book of Revelations!
ATON
I offered scientific backing for you believers.
SOR
You made of the darkness and the Stars a natural phenomenon . . . removed all its real significance. That was blasphemy!
ATON
The facts exist.
SOR
Your facts are a fraud and a delusion!
ATON
How do you know?
SOR
I know!
ATON
I suppose you think in trying to warn the world against the menace of madness, we are placing souls in jeopardy? Well, we have not succeeded, if that makes you feel better.
SOR
Your devilish instruments must be destroyed! We obey the will of the Stars!
ATON
Someone call the police in Saro City.
SHEERIN
There's no time for that . . . let me handle this. The eclipse is only a few minutes away. (TO SOR) Look, Sor! Will you give your word of honor to cause no trouble?
SOR
I will not!
SHEERIN
Listen! Just as soon as the eclipse starts, we're going to take you and put you in a closet with the door closed and you will stay there! Then you won't see the darkness . . . and you won't see the Stars! And that means the loss of your immortal soul, according to the Cult. All right, now. Will you give your word of honor?
SOR
(RELUCTANTLY) You have it. You will all be damned for your deeds of today!
THEREMON
Look!
ATON
Cameras.
TECHNICIAN
Yes sir!
ATON
Check the exposures carefully.
TECHNICIAN
We will sir.
SHEERIN
You're shaking, Mr. Theremon.
THEREMON
Well, I don't feel very well. That's all.
SHEERIN
You're not losing your nerve?
THEREMON
No, no . . . I'm just not used to this.
SHEERIN
You could probably make the Hideout.
THEREMON
Now look, I have been assigned to cover a story; I intend to cover it!
SHEERIN
Professional honor?
THEREMON
Yeah! And I'd give my right arm for a bottle right now. I need a drink
SOR
(CHANTS INCOMPREHENSIBLY, OMINOUSLY) A-LA SO-FAN-IT RAD-ROCK! A-LA SO-FAN-IT-- (CONTINUES BRIEFLY IN BG, FADES OUT under)
THEREMON
What's that?
SHEERIN
The Cultist. That's the Book of Revelations.
THEREMON
Well, I don't understand it.
SHEERIN
He is chanting some old-cycle language. The Doctrine of Revelations was originally written in it. There are probably two million people in Saro City who are trying to join the Cult. One gigantic revival!
THEREMON
Dr. Sheerin, HOW do the Cultists manage to keep the Doctrine of Revelations going from cycle to cycle if everyone goes mad? Who wrote this doctrine?
SHEERIN
There are some people who don't see the Stars . . . the blind. They would have memories . . . and that, combined with the confused, incoherent babbling of the mad, form the basis for the Doctrine of Revelations. The Cult will be riding high down there in the city! I hope they make the most of it.
ATON
(APPROACHES, SHAKEN) Dr. Sheerin, Dr. Sheerin. I've just heard from Hideout on the private line . . .
SHEERIN
Oh? They're in trouble?
ATON
They are safe, but the city is a shambles.
SHEERIN
What are you shaking about, Doctor? How do you feel?
ATON
I don't understand. The Cultists are rousing the people to storm the observatory . . . promising them salvation . . . promising them anything.
SHEERIN
How long till the total eclipse?
ATON
An hour. (MOVING OFF) I'm going to check those cameras.
SHEERIN
(MUSES) It's a gamble. It'll take time to get a mob out here. If the darkness comes first, we're all right. (LOW) Look at Beta.
THEREMON
Yeah . . . It's cut in half.
SHEERIN
Getting darker. An interesting phenomenon.
THEREMON
(UNCOMFORTABLE) My collar is suddenly tight.
SHEERIN
Are you having any difficulty in breathing?
THEREMON
No. No, why?
SHEERIN
Difficulty in breathing is one of the first symptoms. We have experimented.
THEREMON
(STAMMERS) I'm cold. It seems to be getting colder.
SHEERIN
We'd better keep our minds on something else.
THEREMON
Yeah . . .
SHEERIN
(CHANGES THE SUBJECT) One of the astronomers has a theory about the Stars. He thinks they may be suns that are too far away to see in the light. He developed a fantasy about a planet revolving around one sun. (CHUCKLES) It's a mathematical possibility. Of course, there couldn't be any life. Part of the planet would always be dark and without light. Well, it's obvious . . . without light, there can't be any life.
ATON
(APPROACHES) It's time for the artificial light. We can't read the instruments.
THEREMON
Artificial light?
SHEERIN
One of the researchers at the university worked it out. It's animal grease, packed around a wick. Here, I'll light it with this spark.
SFX: TORCH IS LIT
THEREMON
(BEAT) Why, it's beautiful! . . . Yellow light. . . . After four hours of red. . . . It's beautiful! . . . Light! . . . Light!
MUSIC: SHIMMERING ... THEN BEHIND NARRATOR
NARRATOR
The dome is quiet. The priest, in his yellow robe, sways slowly as his lips move in the ancient tongue. Over and over, he whispers the invocation to the Stars. The technicians hunch over the instruments, and the sky gradually turns a horrible deep-purple red, and the air grows denser. Dusk, like a palpable entity, enters the room, and the dancing circle of yellow light about the torches etches itself into ever-sharper distinction against the ever-gathering grayness beyond. Outside, Beta is a mere smoldering splendor, taking a last look at the world. The western horizon, in the direction of the city, is lost in darkness and, along the highway to the observatory, surges a menacing, shadowy mass.
SFX: BUZZ OF DISTANT CROWD GROWING CLOSER
ATON
The mob from the city . . . they're coming.
SHEERIN
How long till total eclipse?
ATON
Fifteen minutes. But that mob will be here in five.
SHEERIN
We'll hold them off. Come on, Theremon! Downstairs!
THEREMON
(STAMMERS) Now wait a minute, wait a minute, there's no light down there!
SHEERIN
We have to block the door! Come on!
THEREMON
I can't! I can't breathe! I can't go down there!
SHEERIN
Take a torch. We take light with us. Come on!
MUSIC: ACCENT, FOR A TRANSITION ... THEN OUT
SHEERIN
Aton?! Aton?!
ATON
I'm here. Did you bar the door?
SHEERIN
They won't get in.
ATON
(TO TECHNICIANS) All right now, everybody! One minute till totality! One minute! Just before totality, I'm changing the plate. That will leave one of you for each camera. Now, remember, if you feel yourself going, get away from the camera.
TECHNICIAN
(NERVOUS) It's dark. It's getting dark!
THEREMON
Sheerin? Sheerin, where are you? I can't see you, Sheerin.
SHEERIN
I'm right here.
ATON
Thirty seconds.
SOR
(A SAVAGE CRY) Aaaaah!
SHEERIN
Look out! The priest!
SFX: CRASH! AS GLASS SHATTERS
THEREMON
I can't see him!
SOR
And the wicked shall perish and the souls of the true believers shall be transported in glory to the Stars!
SHEERIN
You can see him against the torch.
ATON
Don't let him get to the telescope!
SOR
(LOUD) From the Stars there reached down a Heavenly Flame, and where it touched, the cities of the world flamed to utter destruction!
ATON
Grab him! Grab him!
SFX: SCUFFLE DURING FOLLOWING
SHEERIN
I'll take care of him!
SOR
The world must be destroyed by the Stars!
SHEERIN
I got him . . . I got him.
SFX: DULL THUMPS! AS SOR IS HIT ON THE HEAD ... HIS BODY FALLS TO THE FLOOR ... BUZZ OF CROWD OUTSIDE FILLS A PAUSE
ATON
(QUIETLY) Five seconds till totality. Four . . . three  . . . two . . . one.
MUSIC: BIG ACCENT ... THEN BEHIND NARRATOR
NARRATOR
The sky is black, and through it shine the stars. Thirty thousand minute suns shine down in a soul-searing splendor. It is more frightening in its awful indifference than the bitter wind that shivers across the horrible, cold, bleak world.
SFX: QUIET MURMUR OF MOB GROWING LOUDER AND MORE CHAOTIC DURING FOLLOWING DIALOGUE WHICH STARTS SLOW AND GROWS FASTER
THEREMON
(IN AWE) The stars. The stars. The stars.
SOR
(INSANE SCREAM) Aaaaahh!
SHEERIN
It's dark . . . dark . . . dark.
THEREMON
The walls . . . the walls are coming in on me. They're coming in. Light. Light. Light!
ATON
Darkness . . . forever . . . and ever.
THEREMON
Light!
ATON
And ever.
THEREMON
Light!
ATON
And the walls . . .
THEREMON
Light!
ATON
They're breaking in. We did not know.
THEREMON
Light!
ATON
We did not know!
THEREMON
Light!
ATON
We did not know!
THEREMON
Light!
SFX: FRENZIED CROWD HITS A PEAK
MUSIC: TOPS THE CROWD...THEN BEHIND NARRATOR
NARRATOR
On the horizon in the direction of the city, a crimson glow begins growing. A thousand fires strengthen in brightness that is not the glow of the sun. A million fires, as a world, mad in the darkness, screams in terror for the light.
MUSIC: UP, THEN UNDER
NARRATOR
The night has come again.
MUSIC: UP...FOR A FINISH
HOST CONCLUSION ("NIGHTFALL")
HOST
We just listened to "Nightfall," the final episode of Dimension X, a weekly science fiction series heard on NBC radio 1950 to 1951. "Nightfall" closed the short-lived Dimension X series when it was broadcast September 29, 1951.
Visit the episode page and learn more at our website, reimaginedradio dot FM.
MUSIC: RIR THEME FOR BREAK
THE FUSEBOX BREAK
HOST
You're listening to Re-Imagined Radio. I'm John Barber, producer and host. We'll return to our episode in just a moment. But first, I'd like to tell you about The Fusebox Show. Produced by Marc Rose, each episode is a carnival of quick witted and quirky conversation and commentary about current day events and news. Here's a sample.
SFX: THE FUSEBOX SHOW TEASER 
HOST 
The Fusebox Show bills itself as quote, "a show for everyone, but not everyone will like it" unquote. I encourage you to listen, and decide for yourself. Learn more, and subscribe to The Fusebox Show podcast at their website, thefuseboxshow dot com.
MUSIC: RIR THEME, FADE UNDER AND OUT FOR THE FOLLOWING
HOST INTRODUCTION (NIGHTFALL)
HOST
This is Re-Imagined Radio. Our episode is called "Nightfall" and presents two stories connected by the same name. We just listened to "Nightfall" from the radio series Dimension X.
Let's listen now to an episode from Nightfall, a radio anthology series produced and broadcast in Canada, 1980 to 1983. Episodes were primarily supernatural and/or horror.
SFX: MUSIC, BEGIN FADING IN SAMPLE FROM "PORCH LIGHT"
HOST
We sample "The Porch Light," broadcast February 26, 1982.
Written by Randy Brown, this is an excellent, tense, and scary radio story. Let's listen now to "The Porch Light," an episode from Nightfall, the Canadian radio series.
SFX: MUSIC, FINISH FADING UP TO FULL, SAMPLE FROM "PORCH LIGHT" BEGUN EARLIER
SFX: SAMPLES FROM NIGHTFALL
HOST CONCLUSION (NIGHTFALL)
HOST
We just listened to "The Porch Light," an episode from Nightfall, the Canadian radio series, 1980 to 1983, and an excellent example of the ghost story genre. 
More information at the episode page of our website, reimaginedradio dot FM.
MUSIC: RIR THEME FOR BREAK
THE RIR BREAK
MUSIC: RIR THEME. ESTABLISH, THEN FADE OUT UNDER THE FOLLOWING.
HOST
You're listening to Re-Imagined Radio. I'm John Barber, producer and host. Thanks for joining us. With each episode we explore radio storytelling using voice, sound effects, and music. I hope you'll consider listening to other episodes. Here are some examples . . . 
SFX: RE-IMAGINED RADIO AUDIO TRAILER
HOST
More information and listening opportunities are available at our website -- reimaginedradio dot FM.
Re-Imagined Radio is also available as podcasts. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, or, our website, reimaginedradio dot FM.
MUSIC: RIR THEME, ESTABLISH, THEN DUCK UNDER THE FOLLOWING
HOST CREDITS/CLOSE
HOST
Our episode is called "Nightfall" and presents two stories connected by the same name. One is an episode called "Nightfall" from the radio series Dimension X. The other is an episode called "The Porch Light" from the Canadian radio series Nightfall.
This combination features two very interesting radio stories. Two stories of psychological terror and darkness. Thank you for listening.
This episode was written by John Barber.
Sound Design, music composition, and post-production by Marc Rose.
Graphics by Holly Slocum Design with Sydney Nguyen.
We produce Re-Imagined Radio with   support from KXRW-FM (Vancouver, Washington) and KXRY-FM (Portland, Oregon).
This is John Barber, producer and host. Thank you for listening.
MUSIC: RIR THEME UP, THEN DUCK UNDER THE FOLLOWING
ANNOUNCER CLOSE
ANNOUNCER
This is a production of Re-Imagined Radio. To learn more, visit our website, reimaginedradio (all one word, no punctuation) dot FM. 
Please join us again for another episode of Re-Imagined Radio where we will continue our exploration of radio storytelling.
MUSIC: RIR THEME UP, AND TO END.

 

NIGHTFALL EXTRA
MUSIC: RIR THEME. UP FOR INTRODUCTION.
HOST
This is Re-Imagined Radio Extra. I'm John Barber, producer and host.
We offer here information that we didn't, or couldn't, include in our July 2024 "Nightfall" episode, which focused on two radio stories connected by the same name. NIGHTFALL.
"Nightfall," is the title of the final episode of Dimension X. The precursor of X Minus One. The famous science fiction series.
From April 1950 to September 1951, Dimension X pioneered radio science fiction storytelling. 50 episodes were broadcast on NBC Radio.
According to James Widner and Meade Frierson, authors of Science Fiction on Radio, the stories of Dimension X were presented quote "using imagination to experience whatever is being talked about, read or acted out" end quote (8).
The story in our episode, "Nightfall," was adapted by series writer Ernest Kinoy from an original story by Isaac Asimov, first published in Astounding Science Fiction, September 1941.
John Campbell, editor of Astounding Science Fiction, asked Asimov to write a story for publication after discussing with him this quote from the opening paragraph of Chapter 1 of Nature, a book-length essay by Ralph Waldo Emerson, published in 1836 . . .
SFX: A READING OF THIS QUOTE
"IF THE STARS SHOULD APPEAR ONE NIGHT IN A THOUSAND YEARS, HOW WOULD MEN BELIEVE AND ADORE, AND PRESERVE FOR MANY GENERATIONS THE REMEMBRANCE OF THE CITY OF GOD!"
HOST
Asimov imagined a world bathed by almost perpetual sunlight from six suns. I say "almost" because every 2,049 years a rare astronomical event brought darkness. The six suns appeared to line up one behind the other, and a moon, never seen because of the constant daylight, eclipsed them all. The ensuing darkness allowed inhabitants of this world to see, for the first time, what John McGovern as Dr. Sheerin, the psychologist, described as "things called stars."
In Asimov's story, an eclipse is approaching. and scientists are worried what might happen during "nightfall."
"Nightfall" was the last episode of Dimension X. Only 50 episodes were heard on NBC radio, but several of those episodes were rebroadcast as the early episodes of X Minus One, perhaps the most acclaimed science fiction anthology radio series ever broadcast.
Re-Imagined Radio offered tributes to both Dimension X and X Minus One. Our tribute to Dimension X was broadcast in November 2023. Our tribute to X Minus One was broadcast in June 2021. You can listen to both these episodes and learn more at our website, reimagined radio dot FM.
MUSIC: FOR TRANSITION
HOST
Nightfall is also the name of a radio anthology series produced and broadcast in Canada, from July 1980 to June 1983.
Episodes offered a mix of both classic and obscure short stories, original and adaptations. Episodes were primarily supernatural and/or horror, but some featured stories in the science fiction, mystery, fantasy, and human drama genres. The Nightfall series was heard across the country on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, and was very popular.
Our featured episode was "The Porch Light" (broadcast February 26, 1982, second season). Written by Randy Brown, it's a solid example of the ghost story genre. A couple rent a remote country house not knowing its history. One night, during a snow storm, a stranger arrives. Then weird events begin. While the poltergeist conceit is not new, the writing, acting, and production make "The Porch Light" an excellent, tense, and scary radio story.
Well, "So what? Why is this important?" Both Nightfall and Dimension X demonstrate that high-quality radio storytelling can be produced and enjoyed even after the so-called Golden Age of Radio has passed.
I hope you enjoyed listening to our Re-Imagined Radio episode, "Nightfall" and this Re-Imagined Radio Extra.