The Wreck of the Old 97

Originally Aired: March 17, 1952 Suspense #465, "The Wreck of the Old 97," recreates the fateful journey of the legendary Southern Railway fast mail train. Engineer Joe Brody takes control of the Old 97 at Monroe, Virginia, with orders to make up forty minutes and arrive at Danville on time. Brody has personal motivation beyond professional pride - his wife is expecting a baby in Danville. Fireman Tom Jeter needs to reach Danville for his parents' golden anniversary, while mail clerk Mr. Clovis faces his final run after thirty years of service, with a retirement ceremony awaiting him. The crew is determined to overcome the delay and maintain the Old 97's spotless record. Unknown to the crew, two dangerous killers have just escaped from the Monroe jailhouse after murdering a bank teller and splitting open a guard's skull. Hiding in a tool shack near the water tower, Clint and his partner plan to avoid bloodhounds by hopping the Old 97 to Danville, where accomplices wait with guns. As the historic train prepares to depart, destiny assembles all the elements for disaster on the rails ahead.