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← All Cavalcade of America episodes

The DuPont Company of Wilmington, Delaware, makers of better things for better living through chemistry, presents the cavalcade of America. Tonight's star, Ray Milan. That story, The Devil's Staircase. The Devil's Staircase, starring Ray Milan as Herman Fresh. Maybe this will surprise you. It's been said that the best way to measure an industrial civilization is by the amount of sulfuric acid it uses every year. And to get sulfuric acid, you need sulfur. We in America in 189…

Transcript

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Synopsis

In the episode The Devil's Staircase from Cavalcade of America, we meet Herman Fresh, a chemical engineer played by Ray Milan, who arrives in Lake Charles, Louisiana, in 1890. Fresh is on a quest to extract sulfur, a vital component for industrial progress, from the notorious Bayou Choupique. However, he quickly discovers that local guides are unwilling to accompany him to the bayou, driven by deep-rooted fears and superstitions surrounding the area. Their refusal only piques his curiosity and determination.

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Credits

  • Audio from Internet Archive (OTRR_Cavalcade_of_America_Singles). Curated by OTRR. Goldie does not claim ownership of this broadcast.

CALV_520401_738_The_Devils_Staircase.mp3

Cavalcade of America, Episode 738

The Devil's Staircase

Tuesday, April 1, 1952 · 28:03

Cavalcade of America, Episode 738

The Devil's Staircase

Tuesday, April 1, 1952 · 28:03

Summary

In The Devil's Staircase, Herman Fresh, a chemical engineer, seeks a guide to the ominous Bayou Choupique in Louisiana to mine sulfur, but local superstitions and fears hinder his quest. As he learns of the dangers and mysterious past associated with the area, he becomes determined to prove his innovative extraction method.

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