Leader (Dramatic Reading)

“The trouble with being a Superman, with Super powers, and knowing it, is it's so easy to overlook the unpleasant possibility of a super-superman!”

First published in 1960, this epistolary short story was written by the prolific science fiction author, Murray Leinster (pen name for William F. Jenkins). The majority of the story consists of communications between two scientists. Professor Albrech Aigen is investigating the history of the former despotic ruler of the country, The Leader, while Dr. Karl Thurn is researching psionic abilities (mind control). The character, The Leader, bears a striking resemblance to Adolf Hitler. As a result, the story can be read as Leinster’s allegorical exploration of Hitler’s charisma and his role in causing the evils of Nazi Germany. - Summary by Elsie Selwyn



Narrator - silverquill

Professor Albrech Aigen - Boomcoach

Dr. Karl Thurn - quartertone

Fraulein Lise Grauer - pipes

Janitor - JHedrick

General Johann von Steppberg - philchenevert

Herr Former Police Inspector Grieg - redrun

Prime Minister Winston - alanmapstone

The Honorable Charles Wilberforce - ChuckW

The Leader - ej400

Herr Friedrich Holm - iBeScotty

General Breyer - VOWinch

Herr Theophrastus Paracelsus Bosche - GregGiordano

Dr. Messner - elsieselwyn

Dr. Kundmann - LCaulkins

Colonel Sigmund Knoeller - Inkell