Libel: Lux Radio Theatre (January 13, 1941)

“Libel” is an episode of Lux Radio Theatre, the old-time radio show, first broadcast January 13, 1941. Listen free on Stupid Potato.

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What happens

Sir Mark Lodden, a member of Parliament in 1934 England, is confronted by Pat Buckingham, a former fellow prisoner from a German camp in the First World War, who claims Lodden is really Frank Wellney. A newspaper repeats the accusation, and Lodden sues for libel. In the courtroom, Sir Wilfred questions Lodden about his wartime escape, his memory and his scarred hand, while counsel for the defence, Foxley, presses him on the physical details that match Wellney. Lodden's wife Enid stands by him as doubts gather. This summary covers only the first part of the story.

England, 1934, Lodden's country house in Norfolk and a London courtroom

Characters: Sir Mark Lodden, Pat Buckingham, Enid Lodden, Foxley, Sir Wilfred

Listen for: Foxley's cross-examination of Lodden about the lost finger, the tattooed initials and the handwriting

Written from the episode itself; it never gives away the ending. Every recording is remastered for the stream: cleaned of rumble, hiss and mains hum (and the old TV whine where we found it), then levelled in two passes to steady broadcast loudness, so one show is never quieter than the next.