September 28, 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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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
A whistler.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
I am the whistler, and I know many things. For
I walk by night. I know many strange tales hidden
in the hearts of men and women who have stepped
into the shadows. Yes, I know the nameless terrors of
which they dare not speak. And now for the whistler's
(00:39):
strange story. So Soon, Ted Gray had music in his heart.
He heard a melody in the rustle of every leaf,
(01:00):
saw a song in the bend of every river. A
few years ago, Ted teamed up with lyric writer Al Wilson,
and now Ted Gray and Al Wilson formed one of
the most successful songwriting combinations in the profession. As Ted
(01:21):
played for the hundredth time his latest composition, titled So Soon,
his mood was one of major harmony, except for one
thing his partner. For months, his dislike for Al Wilson
had been growing. And now you almost hate him, don't.
Speaker 3 (01:36):
You, Ted.
Speaker 2 (01:37):
You hate him because of his slow, methodical, painstaking rhyming,
his even disposition, but most of all, because you're almost
certain he's captured the love of the only girl you
ever truly cared for. Corinn Mitchell, once your copyist and
part time secretarial helper, now the head of her own
publicity bureau.
Speaker 4 (02:04):
All right, Ted, time late.
Speaker 3 (02:06):
You're always late. Did you finish the lyrics?
Speaker 4 (02:08):
Yeah?
Speaker 5 (02:09):
All over a couple of lines.
Speaker 2 (02:10):
Have you've been playing around with them for three weeks?
Speaker 4 (02:12):
Ti?
Speaker 6 (02:12):
No, but you knocked out a great tune this time, kid,
and I wanted to be sure the lyrics are just as.
Speaker 4 (02:16):
Good as the tune.
Speaker 2 (02:17):
Eh, that would be a novelty.
Speaker 4 (02:19):
I don't know. You've done all right with me.
Speaker 2 (02:21):
I know a couple of composers who've done just as
well and paid a lot less. You're getting fifty percent
of the royalties. Why Reagan only gets twenty percent of
the lyrics? He writes, But Joe Winslow's tunes.
Speaker 4 (02:31):
Why don't you get Eddie Reagan to write your lyrics?
Speaker 3 (02:33):
He's under contract to Winslow.
Speaker 6 (02:35):
Oh, we got a contract too, fifty percent, remember, and
it's that or nothing.
Speaker 4 (02:40):
Ain't time?
Speaker 6 (02:40):
You want to call off the whole thing? Well, all
you have to do is say so. Incidentally, mentioning our
contract reminds me of a change.
Speaker 3 (02:47):
I want what kind of a change?
Speaker 2 (02:50):
Well?
Speaker 6 (02:50):
That clause that if one of us dies, the other
gets complete ownership of all of our numbers.
Speaker 2 (02:54):
How come you want that change all of a sudden.
Neither of us has any near relatives, nobody close enough
to leave them anything too.
Speaker 6 (03:00):
Well, I expect to have a near relative soon, a
very near relative.
Speaker 4 (03:05):
A wife. Who's the lucky girl, Karen Corin.
Speaker 3 (03:10):
Yeah, Karen, you're engaged?
Speaker 6 (03:12):
Well, not yet, but I'm gonna ask as soon as
I say it, And you think she'll say yes, I
think so.
Speaker 2 (03:18):
Oh you slay me al but so funny. Well, I
got news for you. Karen's gonna marry me.
Speaker 4 (03:25):
Funny. She didn't say anything to me about that last night.
Speaker 3 (03:29):
Oh not so funny.
Speaker 2 (03:30):
I asked her not to say anything until we got
so soon rolling.
Speaker 4 (03:33):
Well, I believe that when she tells.
Speaker 3 (03:35):
Me, she'll tell you.
Speaker 6 (03:36):
Al she'll have a chance when she gets back from
that publicity trip to Seattle.
Speaker 3 (03:40):
Well, that's all right with me.
Speaker 2 (03:42):
Meantime, how about finishing those lyrics with Corn out of town?
There's nothing to distract you, and Marsha Wallace promised she'd
sing it at a opening at the Club Rio a
week from Saturday night. If we finish it, all right, Ted,
I'll try to finish it. Hello, wish you would once
we get the song going, we can go into that contract.
Thing only be a week of ten days by that
time Karin ought to be back too.
Speaker 6 (04:04):
That I'm not forgetting Okay, it's a dale good.
Speaker 2 (04:08):
I'll drop by your place in a couple of days.
Why then, you ought to have the lyrics finished?
Speaker 4 (04:12):
Okay?
Speaker 2 (04:13):
Right as the door closes behind your partner, you realize
for the first time how much you really hate him,
how easy things would be for you if something happened
to Al. You would be sole owner of all the
songs you now own jointly, wouldn't you tip and with
(04:36):
Al out of the way, Your certain Karin would marry you.
In a moment, then it hits you something must happen
to Al before Korn returns and before your royalty contract
is changed.
Speaker 4 (04:49):
You're startled as you realize.
Speaker 2 (04:50):
Your thinking of murder. You've never even imagined yourself as
a killer. Neither is anyone else.
Speaker 4 (04:56):
Have they tip?
Speaker 2 (04:57):
No, and you are certain they never will. That's why
you feel sure you can remove Al and.
Speaker 3 (05:03):
Get away with it.
Speaker 2 (05:05):
You think about it for a couple of days, and
then the phone out, Hello, Hello al Ted, Oh well,
how are you coming on the lyrics so soon? Oh?
Speaker 4 (05:18):
I think i'll finish your tomorrow. I only need one line.
I'm gonna stick you all day if I have to,
I won't even answer the phone.
Speaker 3 (05:25):
Good idea. I'll let's see tomorrow's Friday.
Speaker 2 (05:28):
I'll take it out to Lou late in the afternoon.
You'll get the lee sheet out Saturday morning. I'll give
Marsha time to learn it before roping at the club.
Speaker 3 (05:35):
Rio.
Speaker 4 (05:35):
Plenty of time.
Speaker 2 (05:37):
I think i'll have it tomorrow, Ted, I'll hop to it, kid,
call me when it's finished. When you hang up the phone,
you realize the time has arrived, don't you.
Speaker 4 (05:51):
Ted.
Speaker 2 (05:52):
You pace the floor of your apartment most of the night,
and by morning you're satisfied your plan will succeed. At
ten o'clock, you pick up the phone again.
Speaker 4 (06:12):
Central Publishing.
Speaker 2 (06:13):
Hi, Gracie, Ted Gray, Hello, Ted? Is the boss end yet?
Speaker 3 (06:18):
How about Frankie?
Speaker 4 (06:19):
Nobody here but me. They're both tied up until after.
Speaker 3 (06:21):
Lunch, about three three it is.
Speaker 2 (06:24):
I'll run by Al's place, have lunch with them, pick
up the lyrics of so.
Speaker 3 (06:28):
Soon if he's finished them.
Speaker 4 (06:29):
That'll make Lou real happy.
Speaker 3 (06:31):
Me too, Honey, y'all see you around three.
Speaker 2 (06:41):
Because everyone believes you're the closest of friends. You're certain
you can kill Al Wilson and get away with it,
aren't you, Ted, You won't make the mistake most criminals make.
Prepare a perfect alibi, make elaborate plans, and then trip yourself. No,
your alibi will actually be imperfect. But you'll plan your
day hour by Your routine will be the average routine
(07:02):
of a normal day. Yes, your every action will be
the very opposite of anyone planning a crime. The simple
audacity of your act will be your insurance of success.
You'll simply kill your partner as close to three o'clock
as you can, go straight from his apartment to Central Publishing,
where you'll wait your usual twenty minutes or more for lou.
(07:25):
When news of Al's death breaks, you will be as
surprised and shocked as anyone. You finish dressing, eat a
leisurely breakfast, read the paper, and then take step one
in your plan. Three hours before you plan to kill him,
you drive over to the drug store next door to
Al's apartment building around lunch time. Hi, Miss Adams, Oh, Hello,
(07:48):
Ted tells mister partner Al ooh, I was on my waiter, Al,
he said he had to work all afternoon the lyrics
to your new number. Well, then I guess I'll take
him to lunch. Eh, give him strength for the job.
You better let me have a carton of cigarettes too,
Miss Adams.
Speaker 3 (08:02):
Check well tied.
Speaker 2 (08:13):
You now have at least one reputable witness who, if needed,
will testify you are on the way to Al's place
to take him to lunch. You'll leave the drug store and,
just in case the druggist is watching, you, enter OL's
apartment building. Then walk straight through the downstairs hallway to
the rear entrance. You hurry down the alleyway to the
boulevard where you've parked your car, drive aimlessly for an
(08:34):
hour or so, then return to your own apartment building,
where you make certain another reputable witness will be able
to testify that you were at home after your midday
visit to Al.
Speaker 7 (08:47):
So mere, Oh, good afternoon.
Speaker 2 (08:50):
Mister, Oh missus catt it I I was just wondering
if you might have a larger apartment, Bacon one with
an extra bedroom.
Speaker 8 (08:59):
We'll have on thet the month you have some friends.
Speaker 2 (09:01):
No no, Al and I thought we might get more
work done. And we lived in the same place I
just had lunch with them.
Speaker 7 (09:08):
Oh, this will be perfect for you two bachelors. I
can't show it to you right now.
Speaker 2 (09:12):
Oh that's all right, it's all right. I want out
to see it anyway. Besides, I've got a little copying
to do. Then, I've got to get out the Central publishing.
I just wanted to make sure you had one. We'll
take a look at it, Sundy. Well, Ted, your plans
are now complete. You have witnesses as to your whereabouts.
(09:35):
At two highly important times, you pace the floor of
your apartment, watch the clock. Finally the minute arrives, and
at ten minutes before three, you walk down the alleyway
in the rear of Al's apartment building. Hurry upstairs to
the second floor.
Speaker 4 (09:57):
Hellout, ed, come on.
Speaker 3 (09:58):
It, we coming on that line.
Speaker 6 (10:01):
I got it.
Speaker 3 (10:01):
Well, let's hear it.
Speaker 4 (10:03):
Why must I end my dream so soon?
Speaker 2 (10:07):
Like it? Why must I end my dream so soon?
It's okay, Just can't figure out how it took you
so long.
Speaker 4 (10:17):
Right you see, Corinna.
Speaker 2 (10:18):
No, I don't want to talk about Corina now.
Speaker 3 (10:19):
Well, Corina, forget Karin for now.
Speaker 2 (10:22):
Oh look, I'll take this lead sheet out to lou
North right away. He'll get it to Marshall Wallace. Okay, Ted,
look out, I had to skip lunch today. Have you
got anything to eat in the kitchen?
Speaker 3 (10:31):
Oh?
Speaker 6 (10:31):
Yeah, yeah, there's some cheese and Breadbacker.
Speaker 3 (10:33):
That's enough for me.
Speaker 2 (10:40):
But it isn't food.
Speaker 3 (10:41):
You're after the dead.
Speaker 2 (10:42):
No, you know exactly what you're looking for, and you
find it in the drawer of Al's kitchen cabin, the
bread knife. Then you return to the living room find anything.
Speaker 3 (10:55):
I found what I was looking for?
Speaker 2 (10:57):
Al?
Speaker 4 (10:58):
What you made it? Well, what's the matter with you?
Quite a minute? Listen to me, Ted.
Speaker 2 (11:12):
It's done, isn't it.
Speaker 3 (11:13):
Ted?
Speaker 2 (11:14):
Now you must be careful to establish the one important
time factor of your day's activity.
Speaker 4 (11:19):
You drive quickly to.
Speaker 2 (11:20):
An outside phone booth half a block from Central Publishing.
Speaker 3 (11:23):
Operator. Hello, Police headquarters.
Speaker 4 (11:26):
Just a moment, Police head quota.
Speaker 2 (11:33):
Sergeant Queen's Hello, there's a dead man an apartment two
O three in the Cheswell apartments on.
Speaker 3 (11:40):
Lost pomis who is talking?
Speaker 2 (11:44):
That's something you'll never know, Sergeant. Well, Ted, it's going beautifully,
(12:12):
isn't it. You've removed Al Wilson and you're certain you'll
never be suspected, aren't you. It's all been timed so smoothly.
Within a minute after your call to the police from
a public phone book, you're at the Central Publishing offices.
You plan things perfectly, didn't you. Your innocent actions throughout
the day, your purchase of cigarettes before noon, your inquiry
(12:34):
about the apartment after lunch.
Speaker 4 (12:37):
It's ted.
Speaker 2 (12:38):
All that's required now is a quick finding of the body, which,
of course your phone call is taken care of. You're
confident as you stroll into Central Publishing almost on time
for your three o'clock appointment.
Speaker 3 (12:50):
Hello, Angel, what's here? Always on time?
Speaker 4 (12:52):
Teddy?
Speaker 2 (12:53):
They call him?
Speaker 7 (12:54):
No, Lo's not here yet.
Speaker 2 (12:55):
Well that's all right. How about old Tennessee Pranky?
Speaker 3 (12:58):
He's here, Frank ted Grave here be right out, alright? Ted?
Speaker 4 (13:07):
Hi, you boy? What you got?
Speaker 2 (13:09):
Oh?
Speaker 3 (13:09):
Just another money maker for Central? So soon? Yep, so soon?
Did you tell LOUI about it?
Speaker 2 (13:15):
No?
Speaker 5 (13:15):
You did thirty or forty times. Come on back, let's
take a listen. Sounds like it might go.
Speaker 3 (13:45):
Well, is that the best you can say about it?
Speaker 5 (13:47):
That's the best I can say about any song? You
never know?
Speaker 3 (13:59):
Well, look, how about getting a lead sheet on it
right away? With your Frankie?
Speaker 4 (14:02):
Sure you know?
Speaker 2 (14:03):
I put on that line. Now, was having so much
trouble with myself. I saw him just before lunch.
Speaker 3 (14:08):
He was still having trouble.
Speaker 2 (14:09):
Oh, I knocked it out myself.
Speaker 3 (14:12):
Why must I end my dream so soon?
Speaker 1 (14:15):
You like it?
Speaker 5 (14:16):
Sounds all right?
Speaker 3 (14:16):
Well, I'm glad you like it. I'll pick up the
lead sheets tomorrow.
Speaker 5 (14:20):
H Okay, you want it on the phone? Ted?
Speaker 3 (14:23):
Okay, why all the excitement.
Speaker 8 (14:24):
It's the police department.
Speaker 2 (14:26):
Okay, take it easy. I haven't robbed any banks.
Speaker 3 (14:30):
Al, what's the matter with him? I don't know.
Speaker 8 (14:32):
The officer found out you were Al's partner.
Speaker 3 (14:34):
You want to know if you were here, baby, he's
had an accident.
Speaker 2 (14:37):
Accident, Oh no, not at he's too careful. Hello, yes, yes,
what couldn't be murdered? Oh no, uh no, no, I'll
be right down.
Speaker 3 (14:55):
Al's dead. Al, Yeah, but how.
Speaker 2 (15:00):
The cops say he was murdered?
Speaker 1 (15:14):
You say you saw your partner this morning.
Speaker 3 (15:16):
Mister Green, Yeah, that's right, Lieutenant.
Speaker 2 (15:18):
I got over there about about eleven forty five. He
was all right, Oh fine, fine. He was trying to
finish the lyric to our latest number. We needed only
one line, so we made a couple of sandwiches and
ate them in the apartment and worked on it.
Speaker 1 (15:31):
Uh, can you prove you were there at that thing?
Speaker 2 (15:34):
No? I can't prove it, but I think mister Adam
As the druggist, will tell you. I bought some cigarettes
just before I went to Well, so.
Speaker 1 (15:41):
I say, how long were you in El's apartment?
Speaker 4 (15:44):
Oh?
Speaker 3 (15:44):
Not very long.
Speaker 2 (15:45):
A few minutes after we finished eating, the line came
to me and I went home, typed out the complete
lyric and took it to Central Publishing Company. You can
prove this, well, no, Lieutenant, After all, I wasn't planning
on having to account.
Speaker 3 (15:58):
For my time.
Speaker 2 (16:00):
Well, wait a minute, I yeah, I can prove.
Speaker 3 (16:02):
I came back to my.
Speaker 2 (16:04):
Apartment after I had lunch with aal, I talked with
Missus Carr, the apartment manager, about a lodge youll apart.
Speaker 1 (16:10):
Well, we'll check in your statement. The important thing is
where were you at three o'clock?
Speaker 3 (16:16):
Three o'clock Central Publishing?
Speaker 2 (16:19):
Yeah. I guess there's no way I can prove it
unless the reception is she remember.
Speaker 1 (16:24):
I will question that. Oh you're not under suspicion, mister
Graham than anyone else. I realize that liteule time, but
we do have to investigate every angle. Well, thanks for
your cooperation. If we have any more questions, we'll phone.
Speaker 2 (16:37):
You, and if I think of anything important, I'll phone you.
Anything I can do to help catch OL's killer will
be a pleasure. You return to your apartment, certainly you're
beyond the slightest suspicion. Next day, you phone Central Publishing,
(16:58):
learn that the police have double check your statements, and
smile when you realize that Gracie, the receptionist, verified that
you were at Central Publishing at the time Al Wilson
was killed. Two days later, you receive a shock. You
phone Karn's office, learn she returned from Seattle the morning
Al was killed, that she tried to phone you and
(17:18):
then left for San Diego. The same evening. You get
her San Diego address, send her a telegram, tell her
to be sure and be back in time. From Marsha's
opening at the club Real the following Saturday night, finds
the two of you sharing a table there.
Speaker 8 (17:36):
You know, Ted, it seems well, I don't know. It
was only last week at Al could.
Speaker 2 (17:42):
Worry about it, HANEI, Al and I both promised Marsha
she could sing.
Speaker 3 (17:46):
At the minute we finished it.
Speaker 2 (17:48):
He wouldn't have it any other way, believe me.
Speaker 4 (17:50):
No, I suppose not.
Speaker 8 (17:51):
Now.
Speaker 2 (17:52):
Look, form Al was the closest friend I ever had.
We both agree that, well, if anything ever happened, to
eat one of us while the other.
Speaker 4 (17:59):
Go right ahead.
Speaker 3 (18:00):
I know, sure you do.
Speaker 2 (18:02):
Naturally you feel low, honey, being in love with Alan No, Ted, I.
Speaker 8 (18:08):
Was fond of Albert.
Speaker 3 (18:10):
I'm surprised you thought that.
Speaker 8 (18:13):
I thought you knew how I felt cold.
Speaker 3 (18:18):
You mean me current, Let's.
Speaker 8 (18:20):
Talk about it some other time, hope Ted.
Speaker 2 (18:23):
I Well, of course, honey, of course only I. I
hope you've made me happier than I've ever been.
Speaker 3 (18:31):
Ted.
Speaker 8 (18:32):
Yeah, when did you tell me you finished that lyric?
Speaker 4 (18:35):
Why?
Speaker 2 (18:36):
Just after lunch the day I was killed. The line
just came to me. Why must I end my dreams
so soon? Look here's the original type pricking copy I
got up back from the published a couple of days ago.
Speaker 3 (18:47):
He sent Marshall lead.
Speaker 8 (18:48):
She ted, uh huh, listen to me a minute.
Speaker 3 (18:51):
Now, Look, honey, we'll talk.
Speaker 4 (18:53):
Lady.
Speaker 2 (18:53):
You're all excited now, I saw my Look you stay
here catch things from our fun I'm going backstage to
see Marshall for a minute. Well you mind no, Ted,
I don't know. Good good, I'll be right back after
Marsha finishes.
Speaker 7 (19:05):
Okay, okay, Oh what's amusing, Ted.
Speaker 2 (19:09):
Nothing's amusing, honey. Only it's just like you said, Okay,
after what you told me a few minutes ago, I'm
sure everything's gonna be okay from now on out. Well, Ted,
(19:35):
you're certain you won, aren't you. You have complete ownership
of so Soon and all the other songs fashioned by
you and your late partner. And you learned just a
few moments ago that lovely Corinn Mitchell, the one woman
you've ever really loved, feels the same way about you.
Standing in the wings of the semi dark stage, your
pulse quickens as the spotlight reaches Marsha Wallace, and the
(19:58):
orchestra goes into the intra three bars of so Soon, Oh.
Speaker 9 (20:11):
So soon, to tell me that we are all blue?
Speaker 3 (20:21):
So soon to say.
Speaker 9 (20:25):
That you found someone new, so.
Speaker 3 (20:31):
Soon, to leave me.
Speaker 5 (20:35):
So lonely and blue?
Speaker 4 (20:40):
Wa Must I end my dream?
Speaker 9 (20:45):
So soon? It was yours? Yes today in your arm,
the heard you say you do of me forever, You're
forever never day.
Speaker 5 (21:08):
A waiting.
Speaker 3 (21:13):
Seeing me loves you, But.
Speaker 9 (21:18):
I can't forget.
Speaker 3 (21:22):
Love so soon.
Speaker 9 (21:31):
Can't forget on?
Speaker 3 (21:57):
Extra?
Speaker 2 (21:58):
I beg it, pon, Honey, it went great? Didn't say,
did you? Oh, I'm sorry, Crimin. I was so excited
I didn't notice.
Speaker 8 (22:04):
That's all right, Ted, this is Lieutenant Roberts homicideh we
met before.
Speaker 3 (22:09):
Well.
Speaker 2 (22:09):
I knew Marsha was going to slay him tonight, but
I didn't think she'd be arrested for it.
Speaker 8 (22:13):
Here, won't be I called the police, Ted, just after
you went backstage. You what because you killed al Wilson?
Speaker 2 (22:21):
Me?
Speaker 3 (22:21):
Are you crazy? Karna? Was? It had to be you?
Speaker 2 (22:25):
Now?
Speaker 8 (22:25):
Look that new line you said? You wrote, why must
I am in my dream? So soon? That was the
tip off, Ted, you said a little while ago. You
wrote that line right after lunch the day I was killed.
Speaker 3 (22:34):
That's right, I did your.
Speaker 7 (22:35):
Line, Ted.
Speaker 8 (22:36):
When you handed me this typewritten copy a few minutes ago,
you told me the whole story. That line wasn't even
our's line, it was mine. It came to me about
two o'clock the day Al Wilson was killed, two hours
after you say you saw it all for the last time.
I typed it on my portable and I took.
Speaker 4 (22:52):
It over to l you.
Speaker 3 (22:54):
You went to our's apartment.
Speaker 8 (22:55):
Yes, I called you earlier, couldn't get you, so i'd.
Speaker 3 (22:58):
Roll over Al.
Speaker 2 (22:59):
Well, maybe I did lie about the song, but that
doesn't prove it.
Speaker 1 (23:01):
It proves enough that I'm arresting you for the murder
of L.
Speaker 3 (23:04):
Wilson.
Speaker 1 (23:04):
Mister Grave.
Speaker 8 (23:05):
You see, Ted, I reached Al's apartment about two point
thirty and left about a quarter of three. The coroner
says Al was killed around three.
Speaker 3 (23:13):
Well maybe it wasn't at three.
Speaker 2 (23:14):
O'clock allows apartment.
Speaker 7 (23:17):
You have to be only two people besides me could
have possibly known that line. Ted Al Wilson and the
man who killed him.
Speaker 3 (23:57):
The whistler whose strange story you have just heard. We'll
be back next week with another tale from his never
ending file.
Speaker 2 (24:04):
This is the United States Armed Forces Radio Service.
A whistler.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
I am the whistler, and I know many things. For
I walk by night. I know many strange tales hidden
in the hearts of men and women who have stepped
into the shadows. Yes, I know the nameless terrors of
which they dare not speak. And now for the whistler's
(00:39):
strange story. So Soon, Ted Gray had music in his heart.
He heard a melody in the rustle of every leaf,
(01:00):
saw a song in the bend of every river. A
few years ago, Ted teamed up with lyric writer Al Wilson,
and now Ted Gray and Al Wilson formed one of
the most successful songwriting combinations in the profession. As Ted
(01:21):
played for the hundredth time his latest composition, titled So Soon,
his mood was one of major harmony, except for one
thing his partner. For months, his dislike for Al Wilson
had been growing. And now you almost hate him, don't.
Speaker 3 (01:36):
You, Ted.
Speaker 2 (01:37):
You hate him because of his slow, methodical, painstaking rhyming,
his even disposition, but most of all, because you're almost
certain he's captured the love of the only girl you
ever truly cared for. Corinn Mitchell, once your copyist and
part time secretarial helper, now the head of her own
publicity bureau.
Speaker 4 (02:04):
All right, Ted, time late.
Speaker 3 (02:06):
You're always late. Did you finish the lyrics?
Speaker 4 (02:08):
Yeah?
Speaker 5 (02:09):
All over a couple of lines.
Speaker 2 (02:10):
Have you've been playing around with them for three weeks?
Speaker 4 (02:12):
Ti?
Speaker 6 (02:12):
No, but you knocked out a great tune this time, kid,
and I wanted to be sure the lyrics are just as.
Speaker 4 (02:16):
Good as the tune.
Speaker 2 (02:17):
Eh, that would be a novelty.
Speaker 4 (02:19):
I don't know. You've done all right with me.
Speaker 2 (02:21):
I know a couple of composers who've done just as
well and paid a lot less. You're getting fifty percent
of the royalties. Why Reagan only gets twenty percent of
the lyrics? He writes, But Joe Winslow's tunes.
Speaker 4 (02:31):
Why don't you get Eddie Reagan to write your lyrics?
Speaker 3 (02:33):
He's under contract to Winslow.
Speaker 6 (02:35):
Oh, we got a contract too, fifty percent, remember, and
it's that or nothing.
Speaker 4 (02:40):
Ain't time?
Speaker 6 (02:40):
You want to call off the whole thing? Well, all
you have to do is say so. Incidentally, mentioning our
contract reminds me of a change.
Speaker 3 (02:47):
I want what kind of a change?
Speaker 2 (02:50):
Well?
Speaker 6 (02:50):
That clause that if one of us dies, the other
gets complete ownership of all of our numbers.
Speaker 2 (02:54):
How come you want that change all of a sudden.
Neither of us has any near relatives, nobody close enough
to leave them anything too.
Speaker 6 (03:00):
Well, I expect to have a near relative soon, a
very near relative.
Speaker 4 (03:05):
A wife. Who's the lucky girl, Karen Corin.
Speaker 3 (03:10):
Yeah, Karen, you're engaged?
Speaker 6 (03:12):
Well, not yet, but I'm gonna ask as soon as
I say it, And you think she'll say yes, I
think so.
Speaker 2 (03:18):
Oh you slay me al but so funny. Well, I
got news for you. Karen's gonna marry me.
Speaker 4 (03:25):
Funny. She didn't say anything to me about that last night.
Speaker 3 (03:29):
Oh not so funny.
Speaker 2 (03:30):
I asked her not to say anything until we got
so soon rolling.
Speaker 4 (03:33):
Well, I believe that when she tells.
Speaker 3 (03:35):
Me, she'll tell you.
Speaker 6 (03:36):
Al she'll have a chance when she gets back from
that publicity trip to Seattle.
Speaker 3 (03:40):
Well, that's all right with me.
Speaker 2 (03:42):
Meantime, how about finishing those lyrics with Corn out of town?
There's nothing to distract you, and Marsha Wallace promised she'd
sing it at a opening at the Club Rio a
week from Saturday night. If we finish it, all right, Ted,
I'll try to finish it. Hello, wish you would once
we get the song going, we can go into that contract.
Thing only be a week of ten days by that
time Karin ought to be back too.
Speaker 6 (04:04):
That I'm not forgetting Okay, it's a dale good.
Speaker 2 (04:08):
I'll drop by your place in a couple of days.
Why then, you ought to have the lyrics finished?
Speaker 4 (04:12):
Okay?
Speaker 2 (04:13):
Right as the door closes behind your partner, you realize
for the first time how much you really hate him,
how easy things would be for you if something happened
to Al. You would be sole owner of all the
songs you now own jointly, wouldn't you tip and with
(04:36):
Al out of the way, Your certain Karin would marry you.
In a moment, then it hits you something must happen
to Al before Korn returns and before your royalty contract
is changed.
Speaker 4 (04:49):
You're startled as you realize.
Speaker 2 (04:50):
Your thinking of murder. You've never even imagined yourself as
a killer. Neither is anyone else.
Speaker 4 (04:56):
Have they tip?
Speaker 2 (04:57):
No, and you are certain they never will. That's why
you feel sure you can remove Al and.
Speaker 3 (05:03):
Get away with it.
Speaker 2 (05:05):
You think about it for a couple of days, and
then the phone out, Hello, Hello al Ted, Oh well,
how are you coming on the lyrics so soon? Oh?
Speaker 4 (05:18):
I think i'll finish your tomorrow. I only need one line.
I'm gonna stick you all day if I have to,
I won't even answer the phone.
Speaker 3 (05:25):
Good idea. I'll let's see tomorrow's Friday.
Speaker 2 (05:28):
I'll take it out to Lou late in the afternoon.
You'll get the lee sheet out Saturday morning. I'll give
Marsha time to learn it before roping at the club.
Speaker 3 (05:35):
Rio.
Speaker 4 (05:35):
Plenty of time.
Speaker 2 (05:37):
I think i'll have it tomorrow, Ted, I'll hop to it, kid,
call me when it's finished. When you hang up the phone,
you realize the time has arrived, don't you.
Speaker 4 (05:51):
Ted.
Speaker 2 (05:52):
You pace the floor of your apartment most of the night,
and by morning you're satisfied your plan will succeed. At
ten o'clock, you pick up the phone again.
Speaker 4 (06:12):
Central Publishing.
Speaker 2 (06:13):
Hi, Gracie, Ted Gray, Hello, Ted? Is the boss end yet?
Speaker 3 (06:18):
How about Frankie?
Speaker 4 (06:19):
Nobody here but me. They're both tied up until after.
Speaker 3 (06:21):
Lunch, about three three it is.
Speaker 2 (06:24):
I'll run by Al's place, have lunch with them, pick
up the lyrics of so.
Speaker 3 (06:28):
Soon if he's finished them.
Speaker 4 (06:29):
That'll make Lou real happy.
Speaker 3 (06:31):
Me too, Honey, y'all see you around three.
Speaker 2 (06:41):
Because everyone believes you're the closest of friends. You're certain
you can kill Al Wilson and get away with it,
aren't you, Ted, You won't make the mistake most criminals make.
Prepare a perfect alibi, make elaborate plans, and then trip yourself. No,
your alibi will actually be imperfect. But you'll plan your
day hour by Your routine will be the average routine
(07:02):
of a normal day. Yes, your every action will be
the very opposite of anyone planning a crime. The simple
audacity of your act will be your insurance of success.
You'll simply kill your partner as close to three o'clock
as you can, go straight from his apartment to Central Publishing,
where you'll wait your usual twenty minutes or more for lou.
(07:25):
When news of Al's death breaks, you will be as
surprised and shocked as anyone. You finish dressing, eat a
leisurely breakfast, read the paper, and then take step one
in your plan. Three hours before you plan to kill him,
you drive over to the drug store next door to
Al's apartment building around lunch time. Hi, Miss Adams, Oh, Hello,
(07:48):
Ted tells mister partner Al ooh, I was on my waiter, Al,
he said he had to work all afternoon the lyrics
to your new number. Well, then I guess I'll take
him to lunch. Eh, give him strength for the job.
You better let me have a carton of cigarettes too,
Miss Adams.
Speaker 3 (08:02):
Check well tied.
Speaker 2 (08:13):
You now have at least one reputable witness who, if needed,
will testify you are on the way to Al's place
to take him to lunch. You'll leave the drug store and,
just in case the druggist is watching, you, enter OL's
apartment building. Then walk straight through the downstairs hallway to
the rear entrance. You hurry down the alleyway to the
boulevard where you've parked your car, drive aimlessly for an
(08:34):
hour or so, then return to your own apartment building,
where you make certain another reputable witness will be able
to testify that you were at home after your midday
visit to Al.
Speaker 7 (08:47):
So mere, Oh, good afternoon.
Speaker 2 (08:50):
Mister, Oh missus catt it I I was just wondering
if you might have a larger apartment, Bacon one with
an extra bedroom.
Speaker 8 (08:59):
We'll have on thet the month you have some friends.
Speaker 2 (09:01):
No no, Al and I thought we might get more
work done. And we lived in the same place I
just had lunch with them.
Speaker 7 (09:08):
Oh, this will be perfect for you two bachelors. I
can't show it to you right now.
Speaker 2 (09:12):
Oh that's all right, it's all right. I want out
to see it anyway. Besides, I've got a little copying
to do. Then, I've got to get out the Central publishing.
I just wanted to make sure you had one. We'll
take a look at it, Sundy. Well, Ted, your plans
are now complete. You have witnesses as to your whereabouts.
(09:35):
At two highly important times, you pace the floor of
your apartment, watch the clock. Finally the minute arrives, and
at ten minutes before three, you walk down the alleyway
in the rear of Al's apartment building. Hurry upstairs to
the second floor.
Speaker 4 (09:57):
Hellout, ed, come on.
Speaker 3 (09:58):
It, we coming on that line.
Speaker 6 (10:01):
I got it.
Speaker 3 (10:01):
Well, let's hear it.
Speaker 4 (10:03):
Why must I end my dream so soon?
Speaker 2 (10:07):
Like it? Why must I end my dream so soon?
It's okay, Just can't figure out how it took you
so long.
Speaker 4 (10:17):
Right you see, Corinna.
Speaker 2 (10:18):
No, I don't want to talk about Corina now.
Speaker 3 (10:19):
Well, Corina, forget Karin for now.
Speaker 2 (10:22):
Oh look, I'll take this lead sheet out to lou
North right away. He'll get it to Marshall Wallace. Okay, Ted,
look out, I had to skip lunch today. Have you
got anything to eat in the kitchen?
Speaker 3 (10:31):
Oh?
Speaker 6 (10:31):
Yeah, yeah, there's some cheese and Breadbacker.
Speaker 3 (10:33):
That's enough for me.
Speaker 2 (10:40):
But it isn't food.
Speaker 3 (10:41):
You're after the dead.
Speaker 2 (10:42):
No, you know exactly what you're looking for, and you
find it in the drawer of Al's kitchen cabin, the
bread knife. Then you return to the living room find anything.
Speaker 3 (10:55):
I found what I was looking for?
Speaker 2 (10:57):
Al?
Speaker 4 (10:58):
What you made it? Well, what's the matter with you?
Quite a minute? Listen to me, Ted.
Speaker 2 (11:12):
It's done, isn't it.
Speaker 3 (11:13):
Ted?
Speaker 2 (11:14):
Now you must be careful to establish the one important
time factor of your day's activity.
Speaker 4 (11:19):
You drive quickly to.
Speaker 2 (11:20):
An outside phone booth half a block from Central Publishing.
Speaker 3 (11:23):
Operator. Hello, Police headquarters.
Speaker 4 (11:26):
Just a moment, Police head quota.
Speaker 2 (11:33):
Sergeant Queen's Hello, there's a dead man an apartment two
O three in the Cheswell apartments on.
Speaker 3 (11:40):
Lost pomis who is talking?
Speaker 2 (11:44):
That's something you'll never know, Sergeant. Well, Ted, it's going beautifully,
(12:12):
isn't it. You've removed Al Wilson and you're certain you'll
never be suspected, aren't you. It's all been timed so smoothly.
Within a minute after your call to the police from
a public phone book, you're at the Central Publishing offices.
You plan things perfectly, didn't you. Your innocent actions throughout
the day, your purchase of cigarettes before noon, your inquiry
(12:34):
about the apartment after lunch.
Speaker 4 (12:37):
It's ted.
Speaker 2 (12:38):
All that's required now is a quick finding of the body, which,
of course your phone call is taken care of. You're
confident as you stroll into Central Publishing almost on time
for your three o'clock appointment.
Speaker 3 (12:50):
Hello, Angel, what's here? Always on time?
Speaker 4 (12:52):
Teddy?
Speaker 2 (12:53):
They call him?
Speaker 7 (12:54):
No, Lo's not here yet.
Speaker 2 (12:55):
Well that's all right. How about old Tennessee Pranky?
Speaker 3 (12:58):
He's here, Frank ted Grave here be right out, alright? Ted?
Speaker 4 (13:07):
Hi, you boy? What you got?
Speaker 2 (13:09):
Oh?
Speaker 3 (13:09):
Just another money maker for Central? So soon? Yep, so soon?
Did you tell LOUI about it?
Speaker 2 (13:15):
No?
Speaker 5 (13:15):
You did thirty or forty times. Come on back, let's
take a listen. Sounds like it might go.
Speaker 3 (13:45):
Well, is that the best you can say about it?
Speaker 5 (13:47):
That's the best I can say about any song? You
never know?
Speaker 3 (13:59):
Well, look, how about getting a lead sheet on it
right away? With your Frankie?
Speaker 4 (14:02):
Sure you know?
Speaker 2 (14:03):
I put on that line. Now, was having so much
trouble with myself. I saw him just before lunch.
Speaker 3 (14:08):
He was still having trouble.
Speaker 2 (14:09):
Oh, I knocked it out myself.
Speaker 3 (14:12):
Why must I end my dream so soon?
Speaker 1 (14:15):
You like it?
Speaker 5 (14:16):
Sounds all right?
Speaker 3 (14:16):
Well, I'm glad you like it. I'll pick up the
lead sheets tomorrow.
Speaker 5 (14:20):
H Okay, you want it on the phone? Ted?
Speaker 3 (14:23):
Okay, why all the excitement.
Speaker 8 (14:24):
It's the police department.
Speaker 2 (14:26):
Okay, take it easy. I haven't robbed any banks.
Speaker 3 (14:30):
Al, what's the matter with him? I don't know.
Speaker 8 (14:32):
The officer found out you were Al's partner.
Speaker 3 (14:34):
You want to know if you were here, baby, he's
had an accident.
Speaker 2 (14:37):
Accident, Oh no, not at he's too careful. Hello, yes, yes,
what couldn't be murdered? Oh no, uh no, no, I'll
be right down.
Speaker 3 (14:55):
Al's dead. Al, Yeah, but how.
Speaker 2 (15:00):
The cops say he was murdered?
Speaker 1 (15:14):
You say you saw your partner this morning.
Speaker 3 (15:16):
Mister Green, Yeah, that's right, Lieutenant.
Speaker 2 (15:18):
I got over there about about eleven forty five. He
was all right, Oh fine, fine. He was trying to
finish the lyric to our latest number. We needed only
one line, so we made a couple of sandwiches and
ate them in the apartment and worked on it.
Speaker 1 (15:31):
Uh, can you prove you were there at that thing?
Speaker 2 (15:34):
No? I can't prove it, but I think mister Adam
As the druggist, will tell you. I bought some cigarettes
just before I went to Well, so.
Speaker 1 (15:41):
I say, how long were you in El's apartment?
Speaker 4 (15:44):
Oh?
Speaker 3 (15:44):
Not very long.
Speaker 2 (15:45):
A few minutes after we finished eating, the line came
to me and I went home, typed out the complete
lyric and took it to Central Publishing Company. You can
prove this, well, no, Lieutenant, After all, I wasn't planning
on having to account.
Speaker 3 (15:58):
For my time.
Speaker 2 (16:00):
Well, wait a minute, I yeah, I can prove.
Speaker 3 (16:02):
I came back to my.
Speaker 2 (16:04):
Apartment after I had lunch with aal, I talked with
Missus Carr, the apartment manager, about a lodge youll apart.
Speaker 1 (16:10):
Well, we'll check in your statement. The important thing is
where were you at three o'clock?
Speaker 3 (16:16):
Three o'clock Central Publishing?
Speaker 2 (16:19):
Yeah. I guess there's no way I can prove it
unless the reception is she remember.
Speaker 1 (16:24):
I will question that. Oh you're not under suspicion, mister
Graham than anyone else. I realize that liteule time, but
we do have to investigate every angle. Well, thanks for
your cooperation. If we have any more questions, we'll phone.
Speaker 2 (16:37):
You, and if I think of anything important, I'll phone you.
Anything I can do to help catch OL's killer will
be a pleasure. You return to your apartment, certainly you're
beyond the slightest suspicion. Next day, you phone Central Publishing,
(16:58):
learn that the police have double check your statements, and
smile when you realize that Gracie, the receptionist, verified that
you were at Central Publishing at the time Al Wilson
was killed. Two days later, you receive a shock. You
phone Karn's office, learn she returned from Seattle the morning
Al was killed, that she tried to phone you and
(17:18):
then left for San Diego. The same evening. You get
her San Diego address, send her a telegram, tell her
to be sure and be back in time. From Marsha's
opening at the club Real the following Saturday night, finds
the two of you sharing a table there.
Speaker 8 (17:36):
You know, Ted, it seems well, I don't know. It
was only last week at Al could.
Speaker 2 (17:42):
Worry about it, HANEI, Al and I both promised Marsha
she could sing.
Speaker 3 (17:46):
At the minute we finished it.
Speaker 2 (17:48):
He wouldn't have it any other way, believe me.
Speaker 4 (17:50):
No, I suppose not.
Speaker 8 (17:51):
Now.
Speaker 2 (17:52):
Look, form Al was the closest friend I ever had.
We both agree that, well, if anything ever happened, to
eat one of us while the other.
Speaker 4 (17:59):
Go right ahead.
Speaker 3 (18:00):
I know, sure you do.
Speaker 2 (18:02):
Naturally you feel low, honey, being in love with Alan No, Ted, I.
Speaker 8 (18:08):
Was fond of Albert.
Speaker 3 (18:10):
I'm surprised you thought that.
Speaker 8 (18:13):
I thought you knew how I felt cold.
Speaker 3 (18:18):
You mean me current, Let's.
Speaker 8 (18:20):
Talk about it some other time, hope Ted.
Speaker 2 (18:23):
I Well, of course, honey, of course only I. I
hope you've made me happier than I've ever been.
Speaker 3 (18:31):
Ted.
Speaker 8 (18:32):
Yeah, when did you tell me you finished that lyric?
Speaker 4 (18:35):
Why?
Speaker 2 (18:36):
Just after lunch the day I was killed. The line
just came to me. Why must I end my dreams
so soon? Look here's the original type pricking copy I
got up back from the published a couple of days ago.
Speaker 3 (18:47):
He sent Marshall lead.
Speaker 8 (18:48):
She ted, uh huh, listen to me a minute.
Speaker 3 (18:51):
Now, Look, honey, we'll talk.
Speaker 4 (18:53):
Lady.
Speaker 2 (18:53):
You're all excited now, I saw my Look you stay
here catch things from our fun I'm going backstage to
see Marshall for a minute. Well you mind no, Ted,
I don't know. Good good, I'll be right back after
Marsha finishes.
Speaker 7 (19:05):
Okay, okay, Oh what's amusing, Ted.
Speaker 2 (19:09):
Nothing's amusing, honey. Only it's just like you said, Okay,
after what you told me a few minutes ago, I'm
sure everything's gonna be okay from now on out. Well, Ted,
(19:35):
you're certain you won, aren't you. You have complete ownership
of so Soon and all the other songs fashioned by
you and your late partner. And you learned just a
few moments ago that lovely Corinn Mitchell, the one woman
you've ever really loved, feels the same way about you.
Standing in the wings of the semi dark stage, your
pulse quickens as the spotlight reaches Marsha Wallace, and the
(19:58):
orchestra goes into the intra three bars of so Soon, Oh.
Speaker 9 (20:11):
So soon, to tell me that we are all blue?
Speaker 3 (20:21):
So soon to say.
Speaker 9 (20:25):
That you found someone new, so.
Speaker 3 (20:31):
Soon, to leave me.
Speaker 5 (20:35):
So lonely and blue?
Speaker 4 (20:40):
Wa Must I end my dream?
Speaker 9 (20:45):
So soon? It was yours? Yes today in your arm,
the heard you say you do of me forever, You're
forever never day.
Speaker 5 (21:08):
A waiting.
Speaker 3 (21:13):
Seeing me loves you, But.
Speaker 9 (21:18):
I can't forget.
Speaker 3 (21:22):
Love so soon.
Speaker 9 (21:31):
Can't forget on?
Speaker 3 (21:57):
Extra?
Speaker 2 (21:58):
I beg it, pon, Honey, it went great? Didn't say,
did you? Oh, I'm sorry, Crimin. I was so excited
I didn't notice.
Speaker 8 (22:04):
That's all right, Ted, this is Lieutenant Roberts homicideh we
met before.
Speaker 3 (22:09):
Well.
Speaker 2 (22:09):
I knew Marsha was going to slay him tonight, but
I didn't think she'd be arrested for it.
Speaker 8 (22:13):
Here, won't be I called the police, Ted, just after
you went backstage. You what because you killed al Wilson?
Speaker 2 (22:21):
Me?
Speaker 3 (22:21):
Are you crazy? Karna? Was? It had to be you?
Speaker 2 (22:25):
Now?
Speaker 8 (22:25):
Look that new line you said? You wrote, why must
I am in my dream? So soon? That was the
tip off, Ted, you said a little while ago. You
wrote that line right after lunch the day I was killed.
Speaker 3 (22:34):
That's right, I did your.
Speaker 7 (22:35):
Line, Ted.
Speaker 8 (22:36):
When you handed me this typewritten copy a few minutes ago,
you told me the whole story. That line wasn't even
our's line, it was mine. It came to me about
two o'clock the day Al Wilson was killed, two hours
after you say you saw it all for the last time.
I typed it on my portable and I took.
Speaker 4 (22:52):
It over to l you.
Speaker 3 (22:54):
You went to our's apartment.
Speaker 8 (22:55):
Yes, I called you earlier, couldn't get you, so i'd.
Speaker 3 (22:58):
Roll over Al.
Speaker 2 (22:59):
Well, maybe I did lie about the song, but that
doesn't prove it.
Speaker 1 (23:01):
It proves enough that I'm arresting you for the murder
of L.
Speaker 3 (23:04):
Wilson.
Speaker 1 (23:04):
Mister Grave.
Speaker 8 (23:05):
You see, Ted, I reached Al's apartment about two point
thirty and left about a quarter of three. The coroner
says Al was killed around three.
Speaker 3 (23:13):
Well maybe it wasn't at three.
Speaker 2 (23:14):
O'clock allows apartment.
Speaker 7 (23:17):
You have to be only two people besides me could
have possibly known that line. Ted Al Wilson and the
man who killed him.
Speaker 3 (23:57):
The whistler whose strange story you have just heard. We'll
be back next week with another tale from his never
ending file.
Speaker 2 (24:04):
This is the United States Armed Forces Radio Service.
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