CBSRMT Episode Information Next Episode

Title

The Black Whale

Plot

After learning how to read, a bondsman in Antebellum Texas dreams of being free. However, death is the fate of anyone who attempts to liberate him.

Episode

0351

Air Dates

  • First Run - September 25, 1975
  • Repeat - July 7, 1976

Actors

Writer

Listen

Rating

96
85     11


15 Responses to Episode 0351

I love this story

Udie2

This is a particularly good show and despite the title, has nothing to do with whales or the sea. In 1820, a slave (a black man of course) educates himself and learns to read. His master refuses to believe that a slave could learn to read in spite of a Northern friend of his who is visiting and is greatly impressed by the man. A series of unpredictable events occur as a result of the slave\'s desire to be free and better himself.

Jerry Alpo

A slave in antebellum Texas learns to read and longs for freedom. But those who would free him end up dying.

B. Valen

Story of a slave in the old south who is more than he seems... He's a person. This drama takes the brave stance of opposing slavery. It's better than it might have been but still merely adequate.

Chas Jonas

The description makes it sound like there is some sort of supernatural curse on anyone who helps him- which is not true- not sure if they actually listened to it. It is a great story about the reality of freedom compared to the fantasy of freedom- and reality offers hard choices.

Paul

Fabulous episode! Set in Texas of the early 1800\'s. Explorers the notion of freedom and slavery from the eyes of a self-educated slave who, when his master discovers he can read and write, has him look after his business affairs until he dies and the slave is put back on the market.

Marconi Jr.

A good story. I like Paul's description about the reality vs. fantasy of freedom.

Ron

Superb...

Wildcard

It's one of my favorite 'non-spooky' stories.

Megan

A good story to listen to. Paul aptly describes it about the reality of freedom vs. the fantasy of freedom.

Alec

Just chilling on a rainy day in Texas listening to this hidden gem. Injustice still exists here today in Tejas!

Scooter D and Greens

It was, and the only appearance on CBSRMT by Brock Peters.

Revthomas

Bob D’Arcy is a Northern abolitionist who convinces old friend Ben Borders, a Texas plantation owner, that his slave Jim, who has taught himself to read and write by looking at words under pictures of objects in books in Borders’ library, should be set free. While en route to a Texas seaport and a ship to Boston, D’Arcy is killed by Mexican bandits. Thus begins a tortuous flight to freedom for Jim, which he knows can succeed only if he can get his hands on a gun.

Jack

Who are those who we cannot be all they are able to be? Who are bound to to their circumstances like the whale to the ocean? Good program. Good questions.

Kathy D

Always loved Brock's performances audible and visual. I didn't particularly enjoy this episode. A bit too close to reality of the inhumane slave trade on earth. However, I did enjoy Peter's hopeful theatrics in this journey in this bleak episode. Please share any other radio theater shows Brock was in by replying to me ?

Don Wilkey


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