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