November 8, 2025 • 24 mins
The Whistler was a suspenseful mystery anthology that ran from 1942-1955. A character known only as the Whistler was the host and narrator of the tales, which focused on crime and fate and had a suspenseful and eerie tone, always ending with a twist. The Whistler was later adapted to television.
Hope you enjoy this episode of The Whistler! Find all our OTR radio stations and podcasts at theaterofthemind-otr.com - All Podcasts @ Spreaker | Apple | YouTube | Spotify | iHeart | Amazon
Hope you enjoy this episode of The Whistler! Find all our OTR radio stations and podcasts at theaterofthemind-otr.com - All Podcasts @ Spreaker | Apple | YouTube | Spotify | iHeart | Amazon
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:17):
I am the Whistler, and I know many things.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
For I walk by night.
Speaker 1 (00:22):
I know many strange tales hidden in the hearts of
men and women who.
Speaker 2 (00:27):
Have stepped into the shadows.
Speaker 1 (00:29):
Yes, I know the nameless terrors of which they dare
not speak, And all for.
Speaker 3 (00:38):
The Whistler's strange story.
Speaker 2 (00:41):
Final Papers.
Speaker 1 (00:56):
On a clear morning, you could see Catalina Island from
the Craig's Hilt home.
Speaker 2 (01:01):
But Honor Craig was not interested in the view.
Speaker 1 (01:04):
No, as she paced up and down the terrace, her
eye was on the long winding road leading to the house.
Speaker 2 (01:11):
She was waiting for the mailman. Waiting.
Speaker 1 (01:15):
That's all you've been doing lately, isn't it, Anna, But
you're certain that it can't be much longer. Then you
see Missus Owens, your housekeeper, coming towards you and smiling.
Speaker 4 (01:26):
Missus Craig, here's a letter for you. I think perhaps
it's the one you've been waiting for.
Speaker 5 (01:31):
Missus Owens. Well, is it? Yes, my notice to come
to the Hall of Justice in two weeks I'm to
be sworn in as an American citizen.
Speaker 4 (01:43):
Oh your final Papers, Oh my, it seems like yesterday
that mister Craig came back from his business trip to
Europe and brought.
Speaker 6 (01:52):
You with him.
Speaker 5 (01:53):
It's been three years, missus Owens, three long years.
Speaker 4 (01:56):
Oh, mister Craig, I'll be excited. Are you going to
own him and tell him?
Speaker 5 (02:01):
No, it's Wednesday. I always go down to the office
on Wednesday to have lunch with him. I'll tell him.
Speaker 4 (02:05):
Then, you be careful in the traffic. So excited I mean,
and going down the mountain to the highway.
Speaker 6 (02:12):
It's dangerous, Missus Owenes.
Speaker 5 (02:14):
You're so sweet, But don't worry about me. I've learned
to handle a car very well now.
Speaker 4 (02:18):
Yes, but you've so much on your mind today, and
I don't blame you.
Speaker 6 (02:23):
I know what this means to you.
Speaker 2 (02:36):
But missus Owens doesn't know what it means to you, does.
Speaker 1 (02:39):
Sheiana, No, she hasn't the faintest suspicion, and neither has
your husband, Stanley Craig, who divides his time between his
legal business and his hobby of raising rare plans. No,
he doesn't know that your marriage to him was all
part of a plan, a plan to enter the country
as the wife of an American to help you in
(03:00):
getting your citizenship sooner, only to divorce him and bring
in your sweetheart court lesson. Now it's all so close.
You feel a thrill of excitement, which only increases on
your trip down town. Then, entering your husband's office, you
collide with a woman who was just coming out.
Speaker 5 (03:17):
I'm terribly sorry.
Speaker 6 (03:18):
It's quite all right.
Speaker 5 (03:20):
I was thinking about something. It was stupid of me.
Speaker 7 (03:22):
Don't mention it.
Speaker 6 (03:24):
Oh, hello, missus Gray.
Speaker 5 (03:26):
Hello, missus Brown. Is my husband busy as usual?
Speaker 6 (03:29):
He had a very full morning, but he'll see you
all right in.
Speaker 3 (03:35):
Oh. Oh Anna, my dear.
Speaker 1 (03:38):
Oh what a morning.
Speaker 5 (03:40):
More immigration cases?
Speaker 8 (03:41):
Oh?
Speaker 3 (03:41):
Yes, woman just left here gave me a very bad time.
She was absolutely insistent that I take her case, and
you refused. I was forced to do so. I don't
like a background. By the way, you may have heard
of her. She's from your own country, come to think
of it.
Speaker 5 (03:56):
Oh, and her name Lisa Felder. Lisa Felder. No. I.
Speaker 3 (04:02):
In spite of everything that can be done, undesirable people
do get into this country, but they're usually detected and
sent back.
Speaker 5 (04:09):
And that is the case of this Lisa Felder.
Speaker 3 (04:12):
Yes, her past has come to light. She was mixed
up in some pretty bad political business abroad.
Speaker 1 (04:25):
The name Lisa Felder gives you quite a start, doesn't it.
Speaker 3 (04:28):
Anna.
Speaker 1 (04:29):
You know now that Lisa is the woman you bumped
into as you entered the office. If that chance meeting
had taken place under different circumstances in front of Stanley,
for instance, it would have been.
Speaker 2 (04:41):
Very awkward, wouldn't it.
Speaker 1 (04:42):
It might have thrown suspicion on your own European political connections.
You become increasingly nervous as you think about Lisa. Wonder
if she recognized you. Later in the afternoon, you have
the answer a phone call and it's Lisa.
Speaker 9 (04:59):
I wasn't able to place you at first, Missus Craig,
but the consul helped me. It's been a long.
Speaker 5 (05:05):
Time, yes, yes it has.
Speaker 7 (05:09):
I hate presuming on our former acquaintanceship in Europe, but
I must see you, talk to you. I should like
to come out to your house tonight.
Speaker 5 (05:19):
We live in a very remote spot. It's not easily reached.
Speaker 9 (05:23):
Then perhaps you should like to meet me in Beverly
Hills for lunch tomorrow.
Speaker 5 (05:27):
I have an engagement.
Speaker 7 (05:29):
I know a small restaurant Northcliffs. We could talk quietly.
No talk about court Larsson. You used to know him
rather well.
Speaker 5 (05:39):
I believe, yes, long ago.
Speaker 9 (05:43):
But I'll be waiting for you at Northcliffs at one,
Missus Craig. I'm sure you'll be there.
Speaker 7 (06:01):
I might as well lay my cards on the table,
Missus Craig. I'm in trouble and I need a good lawyer.
Speaker 5 (06:07):
But there are many good lawyers in town.
Speaker 7 (06:10):
Not like your husband. Stanley Craig is considered tops where
emigration is concerned.
Speaker 5 (06:15):
But you say you have asked him and he has
refused your case.
Speaker 7 (06:18):
He refused me, but he will not refuse you.
Speaker 5 (06:21):
I never interfere in his business.
Speaker 9 (06:24):
This time.
Speaker 7 (06:24):
You must simply tell him you have a friend who
is in a little difficulty. She had to make some
false statements in order to get into the country, the
same false statements that you made, or you wouldn't be
here either. I can't do that, Oh, yes you can.
Speaker 5 (06:40):
You'll have to.
Speaker 7 (06:41):
I'll tell him myself you wouldn't. I'm desperate, Missus Craig,
so I'm determined. I'm sorry that if I am deported,
the wife of Stanley Craig will be deported too. Her
own papers will be reviewed.
Speaker 5 (06:56):
But that won't help youle.
Speaker 7 (06:58):
Sa No, but you won't let it happen.
Speaker 5 (07:02):
Now.
Speaker 7 (07:04):
You'll talk to him tonight.
Speaker 5 (07:06):
Yes, yes, But Stanley must not know that I was
forced into doing this.
Speaker 7 (07:12):
Not unless it is necessary.
Speaker 5 (07:13):
I will merely tell him that I know of a
fellow country woman who needs a little help.
Speaker 7 (07:18):
That's right, a fellow country woman who needs a little help,
and she had better get that help.
Speaker 1 (07:25):
Missus Craig, Well, Anna, you're in a panic when you
(08:07):
leave Lisa Felder, aren't you. But then you realize that
if your husband Stanley can be persuaded to take Lisa
Felder's case, it will be weeks before he gets all
the facts. By that time, you will have your own
citizenship papers and will have gone to Reno for a divorce.
But you have to settle a matter tonight, don't you.
(08:27):
And it's very disconcerting with Stanley bringing home a guest
for dinner, a professor of pharmaceutical botany at the university.
And after dinner, the two men spend a long time
discussing Stanley's unique hobby of rare plants. Finally you join
them in the garden.
Speaker 10 (08:46):
Ah, this has been a rare treat, Missus Craig, your
husband has some very exciting plants.
Speaker 5 (08:51):
I'm sure he has, Professor Lennox.
Speaker 10 (08:53):
These new ones. He's important. We'll need a lot of care,
Missus Craig. I have some suggestions I might give Your gardener.
Speaker 5 (09:00):
Stanley would take care of these plants himself, Professor, he's
very devoted to his hobby.
Speaker 3 (09:05):
As a matter of fact, we don't have a professional gardener.
We manage with a couple. Missus Owens. It's pretty difficult
to get help up here so far from the bus line,
you know.
Speaker 10 (09:13):
So that reminds me I mustn't miss the eleven o'clock bus.
Speaker 3 (09:16):
Oh oh, and let's walk over to the car. I
think Owens is waiting to drive you down the hill.
Speaker 5 (09:21):
We usually allow about twenty minutes for the trip. It's
such a steep, dangerous road.
Speaker 10 (09:25):
Yes, I know this when we came up. Well, it's
certainly been a very pleasant evening.
Speaker 5 (09:31):
We were glad to have you, Professor Leonard.
Speaker 10 (09:34):
I'll get in touch with you, mister Craig. Right here
we are. Thank you again, mister Craig, not at all.
Speaker 8 (09:40):
Good bye, Missus Craig.
Speaker 3 (09:41):
Good bye, an exceptional man. There's quite an authority on
plants from all over the world. I'm afraid the evening
was a bit dull for you.
Speaker 5 (09:57):
Why not at all? I know, I'm not sure plans
mean to you.
Speaker 3 (10:01):
I wish you could share my interests. Onna, there's some
very unusual plants in this new shipment. Why don't you
come and have a look at them?
Speaker 5 (10:08):
Yes, i'd like to.
Speaker 3 (10:09):
Oh good, good, Now these are African plants over here,
not much known about them in this country.
Speaker 5 (10:19):
That's a odd looking one over there by itself.
Speaker 3 (10:23):
Oh that's a hybrid plant, very poisonous, incidentally, particularly the route.
I don't know how it'll do here. You know, Anna,
plants are like people in what way? Some plants and
some people too, move from one part of the world
to another with ease. You're like that, my dear.
Speaker 5 (10:44):
I thank you, Stanley.
Speaker 3 (10:46):
You've transplanted well. Others don't. For instance, that woman who
came to my office yesterday. You know I told you
about her, Lisa Felder.
Speaker 5 (10:55):
Oh, yes, Lisa Felder.
Speaker 3 (10:57):
She's exactly like a poisoned plant with poisoned roots, which
is and suited to the soil.
Speaker 5 (11:03):
But Stanley, are you sure about this woman, this Lisa Felder?
Speaker 3 (11:09):
Oh, yes, yes, I'm very.
Speaker 5 (11:11):
Sure that I thought perhaps you might help her, help her? Yes,
look into her case, investigate sorrely.
Speaker 3 (11:20):
I'll like you, Adam, my dear, always sweet and sympathetic.
Speaker 5 (11:23):
Well, I just feel that she should have every chance
to prove her innocence.
Speaker 3 (11:28):
She will have that, my dear, Our immigration laws are
very just.
Speaker 5 (11:32):
But you, Stanley, isn't there something you can do?
Speaker 3 (11:36):
No? I know nothing except follow the dictates of my
own conscience.
Speaker 1 (11:50):
It's infuriating, isn't it, Anna, Stanley's stubbornness.
Speaker 2 (11:54):
He's even more righteous than you realize, isn't he?
Speaker 1 (11:57):
And you know what to expect in your own case
if you should learn that there was something the matter
with your own papers and background, he wouldn't hesitate to
turn his own wife over to the authorities.
Speaker 2 (12:08):
What Eanna?
Speaker 1 (12:09):
No, By morning, you've decided on the course of action.
As soon as Stanley leaves for the office, you telephone Lisa.
Speaker 5 (12:18):
Lisa, this is Anna Craig. You have talked to your husband, Yes, Lisa,
last night?
Speaker 9 (12:25):
What did he say?
Speaker 5 (12:26):
He'll be glad to help you, Lisa?
Speaker 9 (12:29):
Good?
Speaker 5 (12:29):
But shall I go to his office tomorrow?
Speaker 9 (12:31):
Why not today?
Speaker 5 (12:33):
I want to see you first. I've thought of a
few things that will help you.
Speaker 9 (12:37):
I need all the help I can get Shall I
meet you?
Speaker 5 (12:41):
Stanley thinks it isn't wise that we should be seen together.
He doesn't want anyone to suspect that he's taking your
case because you're a friend of mine.
Speaker 9 (12:49):
I can understand that.
Speaker 5 (12:51):
By the way, you haven't mentioned to any one that
you know me, have you.
Speaker 9 (12:56):
Of course not. Do you think I'm a fool?
Speaker 5 (12:58):
No? No, oh, Lisa, I think you've handled everything exactly right.
Speaker 2 (13:11):
It's all you need to know, isn't it.
Speaker 1 (13:13):
Anna, calmly, coldly, you decide on a plan, a desperate plan,
but if you carry it through successfully, you're sure your
worries over Lisa Felder will be over. You're arranged to
pick up Lisa in front of a drug store in
Beverly Hills and then drive up a secluded canyon.
Speaker 2 (13:31):
Three hours later, you park your car in your garage.
Speaker 1 (13:35):
All next day things go as usual, but the.
Speaker 2 (13:38):
Following evening at dinner, Stanley seems strangely preoccupied.
Speaker 3 (13:44):
The government has asked me to go to Europe. While
i'm there, I can go to your old country, make
an investigation in my free time. Yes, you can come
with me, help me see your native land.
Speaker 5 (13:55):
Once more, But I don't want to ever see Europe again,
any part of it. I'd be an America can citizen
in a few days. I belong here. I never want
to leave here, even for a little while.
Speaker 3 (14:06):
Well, my dear, I didn't know you felt so strongly
about it.
Speaker 7 (14:11):
I do.
Speaker 5 (14:12):
Oh, Stanley, please give up this trip.
Speaker 3 (14:16):
I can't, my dear. I've already agreed to go, but
you needn't go if you don't want to. I'll go
alone and I'll be back soon. I'll fly both ways.
Speaker 1 (14:31):
Well, Anna, things have taken a strange turn, haven't they.
If Stanley goes to Europe to investigate Lisa Felder, he's
certain to find out about you at the same time,
isn't he your falsified papers, perhaps even your plans to
bring court Lassan into the country. Yes, if Stanley insists
on this trip, you'll have to stop him by more
(14:53):
forceful means, won't you. The next afternoon, you're out on
the terrace when an idea comes to you, the poison
plant in Stanley's garden. You enter the garden to look
about when Stanley surprises you were.
Speaker 3 (15:09):
Alanna, I didn't expect to find you here finally getting
interested in my plants.
Speaker 5 (15:15):
Yes, Stanley perhaps I am, but I didn't know you
were home.
Speaker 3 (15:20):
It's Saturday. Of course, before I forget it, Professor Lennon's
coming up again tomorrow afternoon. Oh, be arriving on the
three o'clock bus. Servants are off on Sunday. But I
can drive down the hill and pick him up myself.
Of course, you don't mind having a guess with the
servant's gone, do you anna?
Speaker 5 (15:36):
Not at all? Missus Owens can prepare everything before she leaves.
Speaker 3 (15:40):
Oh god, that's fine. Oh did you look at the
new African plants? Yes, they're doing quite well.
Speaker 5 (15:46):
Yes, what about that one over there, isn't it the
one you said had such a poisonous route.
Speaker 3 (15:54):
I'd rather you didn't go near the plant. Oh, it
contains enough poison to kill a hundred people.
Speaker 5 (16:00):
What sort of poison was treacherous?
Speaker 3 (16:03):
Kind? It's practically tasteless, has no immediate after effect. But
but an hour later all muscular control is suddenly lost.
Speaker 5 (16:11):
Really how awful.
Speaker 3 (16:14):
The brain remains perfectly alert, but it's impossible to control
the arms or legs. It's true, several plants of the
Secuta family.
Speaker 5 (16:22):
I know so little about such things.
Speaker 3 (16:24):
These Italian plans are doing nicely. They should be quite
large by the time I get back.
Speaker 5 (16:29):
Get back.
Speaker 3 (16:30):
Why, yes, dear, I forgot to tell you I have
my passport in order my plain reservation. I'm leaving for
Europe on Monday.
Speaker 1 (16:46):
Well, Anna, you'll have to act fast, won't you. But
one thing is settled. Stanley has unwittingly filled in the
details of a perfect plan for his own death. Yes,
the secutor plant from Africa, complete loss of muscular control.
What if Stanley should lose such control while driving down
the steep, winding grade to pick up Professor Leonard. All
(17:07):
you have to do is to serve him his lunch
at the proper time and.
Speaker 2 (17:10):
With the servants away. Yes, it all fits together, doesn't it.
But you're surprised the next morning when you went to.
Speaker 5 (17:17):
The kitchen, Missus Owens, you haven't left.
Speaker 6 (17:20):
No, and it looks like I'm not going.
Speaker 5 (17:23):
But what's the matter.
Speaker 6 (17:24):
Oh, Owens can't drive me into town.
Speaker 5 (17:26):
He went fishing. But that spoils the day for you.
Speaker 6 (17:30):
Oh, no matter, as long as I'm here, I'll serve lunch.
Speaker 5 (17:33):
Not on your day off, Missus Owens, I want allow it.
I'll tell you. Why don't you go to a movie?
A movie.
Speaker 6 (17:40):
I like that, But how would I get down the hill?
Speaker 5 (17:43):
Perhaps mister Craig will take you, I'll ask him.
Speaker 6 (17:45):
I never mind, Missus Craig, that'd be too much trouble.
Speaker 5 (17:48):
No, no, it wouldn't, Oh Stanley, Oh yes, my dear,
Missus Owens wants to go to a movie. You don't
mind driving her down the hill?
Speaker 3 (17:57):
Oh no, of course not. But I believe it's long
as i'm down there, I'll have lunch, blow and then
wait and bring Professor Lennard back up with me.
Speaker 5 (18:04):
Oh no, you'll be gone for two or three hours,
and you're leaving for Europe tomorrow. I want to have
lunch with.
Speaker 3 (18:10):
You here, of course, my dear, if you wish it.
Speaker 5 (18:13):
I do. This may be our last meal alone together,
that is, for a long long time.
Speaker 1 (18:26):
You'll breathe a sigh of relief when Stanley and Missus
Owens finally start off.
Speaker 2 (18:30):
Don't you anna? But you waste no time?
Speaker 1 (18:33):
You make a salad, go to the garden, get the
poison secutor plant, put a bit of the root in
Stanley's portion, and the rest of the plant down the
garbage disposal. Well the time Stanley returns, the lunch is ready.
The salad is the first course, and you serve it
at exactly one thirty. Then engage your husband in conversation.
Speaker 2 (18:52):
And make the meal proceed slowly. Suddenly you look at
the clock.
Speaker 5 (18:57):
Stanley is nearly two thirty, So it is honest, go
at once.
Speaker 3 (19:02):
I wouldn't want to keep Professor Leonard waiting, of course,
not walked to the car with me.
Speaker 5 (19:07):
Dear, certainly, Stanley, you.
Speaker 3 (19:11):
Know I hate to leave. It's been so nice being
here alone together. I almost wish Professor Leonard weren't coming.
Speaker 5 (19:21):
Goodbye, Stanley.
Speaker 8 (19:37):
Hello, Missus Craig, Missus Professor Leonard.
Speaker 5 (19:41):
Oh, yes, Professor, aren't you with Stanley. You went down
the hill to get you some time ago.
Speaker 8 (19:45):
Missus Craig. There's been an accident, A serious accident.
Speaker 5 (19:50):
An accident your husband.
Speaker 8 (19:52):
He must have lost control of the car. Perhaps the
steering gear broke.
Speaker 5 (19:55):
It's under tel Stanley.
Speaker 8 (20:00):
Sorry, Missus Craig. Car plunged over one hundred feet. Your
husband was dead when they reached him. Oh, Missus Craig.
If there's anything I can do, I'll come up at once.
Speaker 5 (20:12):
No, thank you, Professor, If you don't mind, I'd rather
be alone for the present. Entirely alone.
Speaker 1 (20:44):
Well, Anna, it's all over, isn't it. You've eliminated the
only two obstacles threatening your happiness and security, Lisa Felder
and your husband Stanley Craig. Now you're sure there's nothing
to stop your getting your final citizenship papers and bringing
your sweetheart. I'd caught Larson into the country, and you're
certain there won't be an autopsy. Not does the result
(21:05):
of an automobile accident. No, you feel very safe when
you go to bed.
Speaker 2 (21:11):
That night, don't you. And then early in the morning,
Missus Owens waits you to say that Professor Leonard must
see you at once in the living room.
Speaker 5 (21:21):
Good morning, Professor Leonard, Missus Craig.
Speaker 10 (21:24):
Now this is unpardonable, I know, but I'm terribly worried.
Speaker 5 (21:29):
What is it, Professor?
Speaker 10 (21:30):
One of mister Craig's plants is missing, a very valuable
and a very dangerous one. You know anything about it?
Speaker 5 (21:38):
No, I never touched Stanley's plants. Perhaps he destroyed the.
Speaker 10 (21:42):
Impossible He promised it at the University for pharmaceutical study.
I'd intended to get it yesterday afternoon. I'd better call
the police.
Speaker 5 (21:51):
Police. You mean you think there's something mysterious about Stanley's death.
Speaker 10 (21:56):
Oh no, but that African secutor plant is invaluable, the
only one in the country, Hugh. Of course, I know
it just flashed through your mind. Missus Gregg. The same
thing occurred to me. But when I discarded the idea immediately.
What do you mean if your husband had been poisoned
by that plant, it would explain his accident, complete loss
(22:17):
of muscular control. But that's too fantastic even to think about.
Speaker 5 (22:22):
Yes, no one would want to keep Stanley.
Speaker 10 (22:25):
Of course, not why the police would laugh at such
an idea unless unless what, professor, Unless you had some indication,
some tangible proof, that he met with foul play.
Speaker 5 (22:39):
What proof could there be that.
Speaker 10 (22:42):
Secutor plant was deadly taken internally and an autopsy and
your husband would show the poison the root was cut
and the juice of the root came in contact with
the skin well within twelve or fifteen hours the hands
have ever handled it become discolored and quite swollen. Unless
the cop took the foresight to wear gloves. I see
(23:04):
you didn't wear gloves, did you, Missus.
Speaker 3 (23:08):
Craig featured in Tonight's story where Bill Forman is the Whistler,
(23:38):
Gladys Holland, Joe Kerns, Janna DilOS, John Stephenson, and Gail Bonnie.
The Whistler was produced and directed by George w Allen,
with story by George Adrian and Carol Nicks, music by
Wilbur Hatch, and was transmitted overseas by the Armed Forces
Radio Service. The Whistler was entirely fictional, and all characters
portrayed on the Whistler are also fictional. Any similar body
(24:00):
of names or resemblance to persons living or dead is
purely coincidental.
I am the Whistler, and I know many things.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
For I walk by night.
Speaker 1 (00:22):
I know many strange tales hidden in the hearts of
men and women who.
Speaker 2 (00:27):
Have stepped into the shadows.
Speaker 1 (00:29):
Yes, I know the nameless terrors of which they dare
not speak, And all for.
Speaker 3 (00:38):
The Whistler's strange story.
Speaker 2 (00:41):
Final Papers.
Speaker 1 (00:56):
On a clear morning, you could see Catalina Island from
the Craig's Hilt home.
Speaker 2 (01:01):
But Honor Craig was not interested in the view.
Speaker 1 (01:04):
No, as she paced up and down the terrace, her
eye was on the long winding road leading to the house.
Speaker 2 (01:11):
She was waiting for the mailman. Waiting.
Speaker 1 (01:15):
That's all you've been doing lately, isn't it, Anna, But
you're certain that it can't be much longer. Then you
see Missus Owens, your housekeeper, coming towards you and smiling.
Speaker 4 (01:26):
Missus Craig, here's a letter for you. I think perhaps
it's the one you've been waiting for.
Speaker 5 (01:31):
Missus Owens. Well, is it? Yes, my notice to come
to the Hall of Justice in two weeks I'm to
be sworn in as an American citizen.
Speaker 4 (01:43):
Oh your final Papers, Oh my, it seems like yesterday
that mister Craig came back from his business trip to
Europe and brought.
Speaker 6 (01:52):
You with him.
Speaker 5 (01:53):
It's been three years, missus Owens, three long years.
Speaker 4 (01:56):
Oh, mister Craig, I'll be excited. Are you going to
own him and tell him?
Speaker 5 (02:01):
No, it's Wednesday. I always go down to the office
on Wednesday to have lunch with him. I'll tell him.
Speaker 4 (02:05):
Then, you be careful in the traffic. So excited I mean,
and going down the mountain to the highway.
Speaker 6 (02:12):
It's dangerous, Missus Owenes.
Speaker 5 (02:14):
You're so sweet, But don't worry about me. I've learned
to handle a car very well now.
Speaker 4 (02:18):
Yes, but you've so much on your mind today, and
I don't blame you.
Speaker 6 (02:23):
I know what this means to you.
Speaker 2 (02:36):
But missus Owens doesn't know what it means to you, does.
Speaker 1 (02:39):
Sheiana, No, she hasn't the faintest suspicion, and neither has
your husband, Stanley Craig, who divides his time between his
legal business and his hobby of raising rare plans. No,
he doesn't know that your marriage to him was all
part of a plan, a plan to enter the country
as the wife of an American to help you in
(03:00):
getting your citizenship sooner, only to divorce him and bring
in your sweetheart court lesson. Now it's all so close.
You feel a thrill of excitement, which only increases on
your trip down town. Then, entering your husband's office, you
collide with a woman who was just coming out.
Speaker 5 (03:17):
I'm terribly sorry.
Speaker 6 (03:18):
It's quite all right.
Speaker 5 (03:20):
I was thinking about something. It was stupid of me.
Speaker 7 (03:22):
Don't mention it.
Speaker 6 (03:24):
Oh, hello, missus Gray.
Speaker 5 (03:26):
Hello, missus Brown. Is my husband busy as usual?
Speaker 6 (03:29):
He had a very full morning, but he'll see you
all right in.
Speaker 3 (03:35):
Oh. Oh Anna, my dear.
Speaker 1 (03:38):
Oh what a morning.
Speaker 5 (03:40):
More immigration cases?
Speaker 8 (03:41):
Oh?
Speaker 3 (03:41):
Yes, woman just left here gave me a very bad time.
She was absolutely insistent that I take her case, and
you refused. I was forced to do so. I don't
like a background. By the way, you may have heard
of her. She's from your own country, come to think
of it.
Speaker 5 (03:56):
Oh, and her name Lisa Felder. Lisa Felder. No. I.
Speaker 3 (04:02):
In spite of everything that can be done, undesirable people
do get into this country, but they're usually detected and
sent back.
Speaker 5 (04:09):
And that is the case of this Lisa Felder.
Speaker 3 (04:12):
Yes, her past has come to light. She was mixed
up in some pretty bad political business abroad.
Speaker 1 (04:25):
The name Lisa Felder gives you quite a start, doesn't it.
Speaker 3 (04:28):
Anna.
Speaker 1 (04:29):
You know now that Lisa is the woman you bumped
into as you entered the office. If that chance meeting
had taken place under different circumstances in front of Stanley,
for instance, it would have been.
Speaker 2 (04:41):
Very awkward, wouldn't it.
Speaker 1 (04:42):
It might have thrown suspicion on your own European political connections.
You become increasingly nervous as you think about Lisa. Wonder
if she recognized you. Later in the afternoon, you have
the answer a phone call and it's Lisa.
Speaker 9 (04:59):
I wasn't able to place you at first, Missus Craig,
but the consul helped me. It's been a long.
Speaker 5 (05:05):
Time, yes, yes it has.
Speaker 7 (05:09):
I hate presuming on our former acquaintanceship in Europe, but
I must see you, talk to you. I should like
to come out to your house tonight.
Speaker 5 (05:19):
We live in a very remote spot. It's not easily reached.
Speaker 9 (05:23):
Then perhaps you should like to meet me in Beverly
Hills for lunch tomorrow.
Speaker 5 (05:27):
I have an engagement.
Speaker 7 (05:29):
I know a small restaurant Northcliffs. We could talk quietly.
No talk about court Larsson. You used to know him
rather well.
Speaker 5 (05:39):
I believe, yes, long ago.
Speaker 9 (05:43):
But I'll be waiting for you at Northcliffs at one,
Missus Craig. I'm sure you'll be there.
Speaker 7 (06:01):
I might as well lay my cards on the table,
Missus Craig. I'm in trouble and I need a good lawyer.
Speaker 5 (06:07):
But there are many good lawyers in town.
Speaker 7 (06:10):
Not like your husband. Stanley Craig is considered tops where
emigration is concerned.
Speaker 5 (06:15):
But you say you have asked him and he has
refused your case.
Speaker 7 (06:18):
He refused me, but he will not refuse you.
Speaker 5 (06:21):
I never interfere in his business.
Speaker 9 (06:24):
This time.
Speaker 7 (06:24):
You must simply tell him you have a friend who
is in a little difficulty. She had to make some
false statements in order to get into the country, the
same false statements that you made, or you wouldn't be
here either. I can't do that, Oh, yes you can.
Speaker 5 (06:40):
You'll have to.
Speaker 7 (06:41):
I'll tell him myself you wouldn't. I'm desperate, Missus Craig,
so I'm determined. I'm sorry that if I am deported,
the wife of Stanley Craig will be deported too. Her
own papers will be reviewed.
Speaker 5 (06:56):
But that won't help youle.
Speaker 7 (06:58):
Sa No, but you won't let it happen.
Speaker 5 (07:02):
Now.
Speaker 7 (07:04):
You'll talk to him tonight.
Speaker 5 (07:06):
Yes, yes, But Stanley must not know that I was
forced into doing this.
Speaker 7 (07:12):
Not unless it is necessary.
Speaker 5 (07:13):
I will merely tell him that I know of a
fellow country woman who needs a little help.
Speaker 7 (07:18):
That's right, a fellow country woman who needs a little help,
and she had better get that help.
Speaker 1 (07:25):
Missus Craig, Well, Anna, you're in a panic when you
(08:07):
leave Lisa Felder, aren't you. But then you realize that
if your husband Stanley can be persuaded to take Lisa
Felder's case, it will be weeks before he gets all
the facts. By that time, you will have your own
citizenship papers and will have gone to Reno for a divorce.
But you have to settle a matter tonight, don't you.
(08:27):
And it's very disconcerting with Stanley bringing home a guest
for dinner, a professor of pharmaceutical botany at the university.
And after dinner, the two men spend a long time
discussing Stanley's unique hobby of rare plants. Finally you join
them in the garden.
Speaker 10 (08:46):
Ah, this has been a rare treat, Missus Craig, your
husband has some very exciting plants.
Speaker 5 (08:51):
I'm sure he has, Professor Lennox.
Speaker 10 (08:53):
These new ones. He's important. We'll need a lot of care,
Missus Craig. I have some suggestions I might give Your gardener.
Speaker 5 (09:00):
Stanley would take care of these plants himself, Professor, he's
very devoted to his hobby.
Speaker 3 (09:05):
As a matter of fact, we don't have a professional gardener.
We manage with a couple. Missus Owens. It's pretty difficult
to get help up here so far from the bus line,
you know.
Speaker 10 (09:13):
So that reminds me I mustn't miss the eleven o'clock bus.
Speaker 3 (09:16):
Oh oh, and let's walk over to the car. I
think Owens is waiting to drive you down the hill.
Speaker 5 (09:21):
We usually allow about twenty minutes for the trip. It's
such a steep, dangerous road.
Speaker 10 (09:25):
Yes, I know this when we came up. Well, it's
certainly been a very pleasant evening.
Speaker 5 (09:31):
We were glad to have you, Professor Leonard.
Speaker 10 (09:34):
I'll get in touch with you, mister Craig. Right here
we are. Thank you again, mister Craig, not at all.
Speaker 8 (09:40):
Good bye, Missus Craig.
Speaker 3 (09:41):
Good bye, an exceptional man. There's quite an authority on
plants from all over the world. I'm afraid the evening
was a bit dull for you.
Speaker 5 (09:57):
Why not at all? I know, I'm not sure plans
mean to you.
Speaker 3 (10:01):
I wish you could share my interests. Onna, there's some
very unusual plants in this new shipment. Why don't you
come and have a look at them?
Speaker 5 (10:08):
Yes, i'd like to.
Speaker 3 (10:09):
Oh good, good, Now these are African plants over here,
not much known about them in this country.
Speaker 5 (10:19):
That's a odd looking one over there by itself.
Speaker 3 (10:23):
Oh that's a hybrid plant, very poisonous, incidentally, particularly the route.
I don't know how it'll do here. You know, Anna,
plants are like people in what way? Some plants and
some people too, move from one part of the world
to another with ease. You're like that, my dear.
Speaker 5 (10:44):
I thank you, Stanley.
Speaker 3 (10:46):
You've transplanted well. Others don't. For instance, that woman who
came to my office yesterday. You know I told you
about her, Lisa Felder.
Speaker 5 (10:55):
Oh, yes, Lisa Felder.
Speaker 3 (10:57):
She's exactly like a poisoned plant with poisoned roots, which
is and suited to the soil.
Speaker 5 (11:03):
But Stanley, are you sure about this woman, this Lisa Felder?
Speaker 3 (11:09):
Oh, yes, yes, I'm very.
Speaker 5 (11:11):
Sure that I thought perhaps you might help her, help her? Yes,
look into her case, investigate sorrely.
Speaker 3 (11:20):
I'll like you, Adam, my dear, always sweet and sympathetic.
Speaker 5 (11:23):
Well, I just feel that she should have every chance
to prove her innocence.
Speaker 3 (11:28):
She will have that, my dear, Our immigration laws are
very just.
Speaker 5 (11:32):
But you, Stanley, isn't there something you can do?
Speaker 3 (11:36):
No? I know nothing except follow the dictates of my
own conscience.
Speaker 1 (11:50):
It's infuriating, isn't it, Anna, Stanley's stubbornness.
Speaker 2 (11:54):
He's even more righteous than you realize, isn't he?
Speaker 1 (11:57):
And you know what to expect in your own case
if you should learn that there was something the matter
with your own papers and background, he wouldn't hesitate to
turn his own wife over to the authorities.
Speaker 2 (12:08):
What Eanna?
Speaker 1 (12:09):
No, By morning, you've decided on the course of action.
As soon as Stanley leaves for the office, you telephone Lisa.
Speaker 5 (12:18):
Lisa, this is Anna Craig. You have talked to your husband, Yes, Lisa,
last night?
Speaker 9 (12:25):
What did he say?
Speaker 5 (12:26):
He'll be glad to help you, Lisa?
Speaker 9 (12:29):
Good?
Speaker 5 (12:29):
But shall I go to his office tomorrow?
Speaker 9 (12:31):
Why not today?
Speaker 5 (12:33):
I want to see you first. I've thought of a
few things that will help you.
Speaker 9 (12:37):
I need all the help I can get Shall I
meet you?
Speaker 5 (12:41):
Stanley thinks it isn't wise that we should be seen together.
He doesn't want anyone to suspect that he's taking your
case because you're a friend of mine.
Speaker 9 (12:49):
I can understand that.
Speaker 5 (12:51):
By the way, you haven't mentioned to any one that
you know me, have you.
Speaker 9 (12:56):
Of course not. Do you think I'm a fool?
Speaker 5 (12:58):
No? No, oh, Lisa, I think you've handled everything exactly right.
Speaker 2 (13:11):
It's all you need to know, isn't it.
Speaker 1 (13:13):
Anna, calmly, coldly, you decide on a plan, a desperate plan,
but if you carry it through successfully, you're sure your
worries over Lisa Felder will be over. You're arranged to
pick up Lisa in front of a drug store in
Beverly Hills and then drive up a secluded canyon.
Speaker 2 (13:31):
Three hours later, you park your car in your garage.
Speaker 1 (13:35):
All next day things go as usual, but the.
Speaker 2 (13:38):
Following evening at dinner, Stanley seems strangely preoccupied.
Speaker 3 (13:44):
The government has asked me to go to Europe. While
i'm there, I can go to your old country, make
an investigation in my free time. Yes, you can come
with me, help me see your native land.
Speaker 5 (13:55):
Once more, But I don't want to ever see Europe again,
any part of it. I'd be an America can citizen
in a few days. I belong here. I never want
to leave here, even for a little while.
Speaker 3 (14:06):
Well, my dear, I didn't know you felt so strongly
about it.
Speaker 7 (14:11):
I do.
Speaker 5 (14:12):
Oh, Stanley, please give up this trip.
Speaker 3 (14:16):
I can't, my dear. I've already agreed to go, but
you needn't go if you don't want to. I'll go
alone and I'll be back soon. I'll fly both ways.
Speaker 1 (14:31):
Well, Anna, things have taken a strange turn, haven't they.
If Stanley goes to Europe to investigate Lisa Felder, he's
certain to find out about you at the same time,
isn't he your falsified papers, perhaps even your plans to
bring court Lassan into the country. Yes, if Stanley insists
on this trip, you'll have to stop him by more
(14:53):
forceful means, won't you. The next afternoon, you're out on
the terrace when an idea comes to you, the poison
plant in Stanley's garden. You enter the garden to look
about when Stanley surprises you were.
Speaker 3 (15:09):
Alanna, I didn't expect to find you here finally getting
interested in my plants.
Speaker 5 (15:15):
Yes, Stanley perhaps I am, but I didn't know you
were home.
Speaker 3 (15:20):
It's Saturday. Of course, before I forget it, Professor Lennon's
coming up again tomorrow afternoon. Oh, be arriving on the
three o'clock bus. Servants are off on Sunday. But I
can drive down the hill and pick him up myself.
Of course, you don't mind having a guess with the
servant's gone, do you anna?
Speaker 5 (15:36):
Not at all? Missus Owens can prepare everything before she leaves.
Speaker 3 (15:40):
Oh god, that's fine. Oh did you look at the
new African plants? Yes, they're doing quite well.
Speaker 5 (15:46):
Yes, what about that one over there, isn't it the
one you said had such a poisonous route.
Speaker 3 (15:54):
I'd rather you didn't go near the plant. Oh, it
contains enough poison to kill a hundred people.
Speaker 5 (16:00):
What sort of poison was treacherous?
Speaker 3 (16:03):
Kind? It's practically tasteless, has no immediate after effect. But
but an hour later all muscular control is suddenly lost.
Speaker 5 (16:11):
Really how awful.
Speaker 3 (16:14):
The brain remains perfectly alert, but it's impossible to control
the arms or legs. It's true, several plants of the
Secuta family.
Speaker 5 (16:22):
I know so little about such things.
Speaker 3 (16:24):
These Italian plans are doing nicely. They should be quite
large by the time I get back.
Speaker 5 (16:29):
Get back.
Speaker 3 (16:30):
Why, yes, dear, I forgot to tell you I have
my passport in order my plain reservation. I'm leaving for
Europe on Monday.
Speaker 1 (16:46):
Well, Anna, you'll have to act fast, won't you. But
one thing is settled. Stanley has unwittingly filled in the
details of a perfect plan for his own death. Yes,
the secutor plant from Africa, complete loss of muscular control.
What if Stanley should lose such control while driving down
the steep, winding grade to pick up Professor Leonard. All
(17:07):
you have to do is to serve him his lunch
at the proper time and.
Speaker 2 (17:10):
With the servants away. Yes, it all fits together, doesn't it.
But you're surprised the next morning when you went to.
Speaker 5 (17:17):
The kitchen, Missus Owens, you haven't left.
Speaker 6 (17:20):
No, and it looks like I'm not going.
Speaker 5 (17:23):
But what's the matter.
Speaker 6 (17:24):
Oh, Owens can't drive me into town.
Speaker 5 (17:26):
He went fishing. But that spoils the day for you.
Speaker 6 (17:30):
Oh, no matter, as long as I'm here, I'll serve lunch.
Speaker 5 (17:33):
Not on your day off, Missus Owens, I want allow it.
I'll tell you. Why don't you go to a movie?
A movie.
Speaker 6 (17:40):
I like that, But how would I get down the hill?
Speaker 5 (17:43):
Perhaps mister Craig will take you, I'll ask him.
Speaker 6 (17:45):
I never mind, Missus Craig, that'd be too much trouble.
Speaker 5 (17:48):
No, no, it wouldn't, Oh Stanley, Oh yes, my dear,
Missus Owens wants to go to a movie. You don't
mind driving her down the hill?
Speaker 3 (17:57):
Oh no, of course not. But I believe it's long
as i'm down there, I'll have lunch, blow and then
wait and bring Professor Lennard back up with me.
Speaker 5 (18:04):
Oh no, you'll be gone for two or three hours,
and you're leaving for Europe tomorrow. I want to have
lunch with.
Speaker 3 (18:10):
You here, of course, my dear, if you wish it.
Speaker 5 (18:13):
I do. This may be our last meal alone together,
that is, for a long long time.
Speaker 1 (18:26):
You'll breathe a sigh of relief when Stanley and Missus
Owens finally start off.
Speaker 2 (18:30):
Don't you anna? But you waste no time?
Speaker 1 (18:33):
You make a salad, go to the garden, get the
poison secutor plant, put a bit of the root in
Stanley's portion, and the rest of the plant down the
garbage disposal. Well the time Stanley returns, the lunch is ready.
The salad is the first course, and you serve it
at exactly one thirty. Then engage your husband in conversation.
Speaker 2 (18:52):
And make the meal proceed slowly. Suddenly you look at
the clock.
Speaker 5 (18:57):
Stanley is nearly two thirty, So it is honest, go
at once.
Speaker 3 (19:02):
I wouldn't want to keep Professor Leonard waiting, of course,
not walked to the car with me.
Speaker 5 (19:07):
Dear, certainly, Stanley, you.
Speaker 3 (19:11):
Know I hate to leave. It's been so nice being
here alone together. I almost wish Professor Leonard weren't coming.
Speaker 5 (19:21):
Goodbye, Stanley.
Speaker 8 (19:37):
Hello, Missus Craig, Missus Professor Leonard.
Speaker 5 (19:41):
Oh, yes, Professor, aren't you with Stanley. You went down
the hill to get you some time ago.
Speaker 8 (19:45):
Missus Craig. There's been an accident, A serious accident.
Speaker 5 (19:50):
An accident your husband.
Speaker 8 (19:52):
He must have lost control of the car. Perhaps the
steering gear broke.
Speaker 5 (19:55):
It's under tel Stanley.
Speaker 8 (20:00):
Sorry, Missus Craig. Car plunged over one hundred feet. Your
husband was dead when they reached him. Oh, Missus Craig.
If there's anything I can do, I'll come up at once.
Speaker 5 (20:12):
No, thank you, Professor, If you don't mind, I'd rather
be alone for the present. Entirely alone.
Speaker 1 (20:44):
Well, Anna, it's all over, isn't it. You've eliminated the
only two obstacles threatening your happiness and security, Lisa Felder
and your husband Stanley Craig. Now you're sure there's nothing
to stop your getting your final citizenship papers and bringing
your sweetheart. I'd caught Larson into the country, and you're
certain there won't be an autopsy. Not does the result
(21:05):
of an automobile accident. No, you feel very safe when
you go to bed.
Speaker 2 (21:11):
That night, don't you. And then early in the morning,
Missus Owens waits you to say that Professor Leonard must
see you at once in the living room.
Speaker 5 (21:21):
Good morning, Professor Leonard, Missus Craig.
Speaker 10 (21:24):
Now this is unpardonable, I know, but I'm terribly worried.
Speaker 5 (21:29):
What is it, Professor?
Speaker 10 (21:30):
One of mister Craig's plants is missing, a very valuable
and a very dangerous one. You know anything about it?
Speaker 5 (21:38):
No, I never touched Stanley's plants. Perhaps he destroyed the.
Speaker 10 (21:42):
Impossible He promised it at the University for pharmaceutical study.
I'd intended to get it yesterday afternoon. I'd better call
the police.
Speaker 5 (21:51):
Police. You mean you think there's something mysterious about Stanley's death.
Speaker 10 (21:56):
Oh no, but that African secutor plant is invaluable, the
only one in the country, Hugh. Of course, I know
it just flashed through your mind. Missus Gregg. The same
thing occurred to me. But when I discarded the idea immediately.
What do you mean if your husband had been poisoned
by that plant, it would explain his accident, complete loss
(22:17):
of muscular control. But that's too fantastic even to think about.
Speaker 5 (22:22):
Yes, no one would want to keep Stanley.
Speaker 10 (22:25):
Of course, not why the police would laugh at such
an idea unless unless what, professor, Unless you had some indication,
some tangible proof, that he met with foul play.
Speaker 5 (22:39):
What proof could there be that.
Speaker 10 (22:42):
Secutor plant was deadly taken internally and an autopsy and
your husband would show the poison the root was cut
and the juice of the root came in contact with
the skin well within twelve or fifteen hours the hands
have ever handled it become discolored and quite swollen. Unless
the cop took the foresight to wear gloves. I see
(23:04):
you didn't wear gloves, did you, Missus.
Speaker 3 (23:08):
Craig featured in Tonight's story where Bill Forman is the Whistler,
(23:38):
Gladys Holland, Joe Kerns, Janna DilOS, John Stephenson, and Gail Bonnie.
The Whistler was produced and directed by George w Allen,
with story by George Adrian and Carol Nicks, music by
Wilbur Hatch, and was transmitted overseas by the Armed Forces
Radio Service. The Whistler was entirely fictional, and all characters
portrayed on the Whistler are also fictional. Any similar body
(24:00):
of names or resemblance to persons living or dead is
purely coincidental.
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