November 19, 2025 • 26 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 (00:02):
And now stay tuned for the mystery program that is
unique among all mystery programs, because even when you know
who's guilty, you always receive a startling surprise at the
final curtain.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
In The Whistler, I am the Whistler, and I know
(00:35):
many things.
Speaker 3 (00:36):
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.
Speaker 1 (00:56):
Yes, friends, it's time for The Whistler, rated by independent
research the most popular West Coast program in radio history,
(01:20):
and now The Whistler's Strange Story triple play.
Speaker 3 (01:32):
On the morning, the cool, distinguished looking gentleman stepped from
his limousine and made his way to the Mayor's.
Speaker 4 (01:37):
Office at City Hall.
Speaker 3 (01:39):
Casual onlookers would scarcely have suspected that an era in
city government was drawing to a close. The gentleman was
Daniel Cobbs, known to insiders as the city's political boss
to the average person as owner and publisher of the
city's largest newspaper, The Star. And the Future looks unusually
bright to you, doesn't it, Damn? As you stop at
(02:01):
the desk of the Mayor's attractive and gracious secretary, Patricia Wilcott.
Speaker 5 (02:05):
Well, Patricia is the mayor in Yes.
Speaker 6 (02:08):
Dan, shall I tell him you're here?
Speaker 5 (02:10):
I can wait a few minutes. You know I shouldn't
come up here at all? Oh?
Speaker 6 (02:14):
Why not?
Speaker 5 (02:15):
Your beauty is simply overwhelming. I won't get a stitch
of work done all day. Stupid of me. I know,
to fall in love with a woman half the city.
Speaker 6 (02:25):
Is pursuing, not if she is the right woman?
Speaker 5 (02:28):
Is she?
Speaker 6 (02:30):
She doesn't know yet for sure?
Speaker 5 (02:32):
When do you suppose she will know.
Speaker 6 (02:35):
In the fullness of time?
Speaker 7 (02:38):
Now?
Speaker 3 (02:38):
I have work to do it all.
Speaker 5 (02:39):
Right, But don't forget who you're having dinner with tonight.
Speaker 6 (02:43):
How could I shall.
Speaker 5 (02:44):
Be taking that new play at the globe after him?
Speaker 6 (02:46):
Wonderful? I'll expect you to stick.
Speaker 5 (02:48):
I better tell Leslie you're waiting.
Speaker 6 (02:50):
Mister Cobbs is here to see you.
Speaker 5 (02:52):
Send him in, Dan, tell him, yes, but don't worry
about Leslie. You'll take it all right, darling. Well, how's
our mayor? This fine morning?
Speaker 7 (03:06):
Ever?
Speaker 5 (03:06):
Felt better? What can I do for you? Dan? I'll
get right to the point. Don't have much time. I'm
meeting my editors this morning at eleven. Shoot, it's this way.
I'm announcing your retirement from public office this evening in
the last edition of The Star. You can't be serious,
I am. You are not running in the next election
(03:27):
because you're tired of public life, Leslie, and I reager
to get back to some real living. On your phone.
Speaker 7 (03:33):
Oh but I don't understand. I've played ball with you,
haven't I that's not the point.
Speaker 5 (03:39):
No complaints. But frankly, there is a man I'd preferred
to see a mayor. Who's that myself? Oh?
Speaker 7 (03:48):
I see, well, I'll step aside. Naturally, I wouldn't be
here if it weren't for you. But oh, you thought
this over carefully, Dan. Of course I have asked Stump
Brynde is going to be running against you. I don't
like to say this. You won't have much of a
chance against Stump.
Speaker 5 (04:06):
I'll take care of Stump Reynolds, Leslie. All you have
to do is get out there and give me your
support without any hedging. I welcome the opportunity.
Speaker 7 (04:14):
I'll do everything I can for you, Daniel.
Speaker 5 (04:16):
I trust you. Oh, by the way, I wish you'd
see to that reception room before election it's as cheerval
as a tomb. I'd like to have it redecorated before
I move in. Good cover those atrocious wire glass windows
with some deep red drapes and a soft gray would
do nicely for the walls. Anything else, Yes, I'd like
(04:40):
to have the floor done in aquamarine.
Speaker 7 (04:42):
Aquamarine, that's a right, aquamarine. A little unusual, but I
like it. Okay, I'll place the contract. I admire your
self confidence, Daniel.
Speaker 5 (04:51):
I'll let you. But whether you like it or not,
I go after what I want and I get it.
Speaker 3 (05:08):
The moment of decision is passed, isn't it, Dan, You're
moving into the limelight on your own. Yes, the puppet
master is stepping out on the stage. But as you
break the news that you're running from mayor to your
editorial board later that evening, you're seized with fear and
wondering what would happen if you lost? That's the one
(05:28):
thing you could never face, isn't it?
Speaker 5 (05:29):
Damn defeat?
Speaker 3 (05:32):
But you managed to thrust aside your fears and bark
out instructions to your staff.
Speaker 5 (05:37):
Quincy, you're in charge of publicity. I want stories in
every edition, park Man. You will handle the business end
of this campaign, and by heaven's sake, don't count pennies.
Harrison marked as carefully. Yes, sir, I have to beat
Stump Reynolds. No one else matters. I want you to
take three of your best reporters and go out and
get me the dirt on Reynolds. No scandal is too
(05:59):
big or too small. Understand perfectly, mister Cobbs. Well that's
all for today, gentlemen. Let's get started. The campaign is underway.
Speaker 3 (06:13):
There's no turning back now, is there.
Speaker 8 (06:15):
Dan?
Speaker 3 (06:16):
The headlines, stories and pictures announcing your candidacy are all
over the evening edition of the Star. And you're a
little jittery when you first pick up Patricia, take her
to dinner at your club. Gradually her beauty and warmth
reassure you, and as the evening wears on you become
more confident. After the theater you stop by her apartment
(06:38):
for a drink.
Speaker 6 (06:41):
I've heard about Stump Reynolds, Dan, what about this other
man that's running what's his name?
Speaker 4 (06:46):
Coleman?
Speaker 5 (06:46):
John Coleman. Yes, don't worry about what John. He's always running.
Speaker 6 (06:52):
I gather he's not much competition.
Speaker 5 (06:54):
Very poor, simple, honors John they call him. I believe
he teaches political science at the college. Patricia, not to
change the subject. I'd like to ask you something.
Speaker 6 (07:10):
You're being very serious suddenly. I mean to be No, Dan, Please, Dan,
you shouldn't have done it.
Speaker 5 (07:18):
Why not?
Speaker 6 (07:19):
I said, in the fullness of time.
Speaker 5 (07:22):
Remember, I'm in love with you.
Speaker 6 (07:23):
You know that, Yes, But I want you to wait.
Speaker 5 (07:26):
I'm not sure that I can. Patricia.
Speaker 6 (07:29):
Then we'd better not see each other for a while.
Speaker 5 (07:32):
When will you know?
Speaker 6 (07:34):
Can I take a rain check until after the elections.
You're going to be busy campaigning.
Speaker 5 (07:38):
So that's what you're waiting for, to see if I'm
the next mayor.
Speaker 6 (07:43):
I think you ought to know.
Speaker 7 (07:44):
Dan.
Speaker 6 (07:45):
I don't like myself for it, but I'm a very
ambitious woman.
Speaker 5 (07:48):
Don't worry I'll win.
Speaker 7 (07:51):
Are you very angry with you?
Speaker 5 (07:52):
Yes? I am, But I can't blame you more. I
played a win. Why shouldn't you.
Speaker 6 (07:59):
I'm glad you see it that way, Dan, because that's
what I'm doing, playing to win.
Speaker 3 (08:15):
Now. You're more anxious than ever to be elected mayor,
aren't you, Dan? Because you're certain that your election will
also mean your marriage to Patricia Wilkin and Patricia means
more than anything in the world.
Speaker 5 (08:26):
To you, doesn't she?
Speaker 9 (08:27):
Dan.
Speaker 3 (08:28):
The more you think about Reynolds, the more worried you become.
You must head him off, and a few days later
you arranged to meet him at a small cafe close
to the City Hall.
Speaker 5 (08:40):
Anything more, sir, No, that's fine, thank you, Stump. I'm satisfied.
Now what do you want? Dan? I'm a blunt man myself,
and I like a blunt man, bign dispense with the posy?
All right, Stump? Why do you take the pull out
of the race from mayor?
Speaker 10 (08:57):
Oh? I have never been mayor. I wouldn't know what
it's worth. Suppose you tell me?
Speaker 5 (09:04):
Shall we say? An appointment as political editor of the
Star fifteen thousand dollars a year, a ten year contract.
Speaker 10 (09:13):
Four years ago, Dan, you double crossed me and switched
to Leslie Bryan.
Speaker 5 (09:16):
You remember that nothing personal, Stump. Politics is a rough gear.
Speaker 10 (09:21):
It cuts two ways, and this time I'm going to
get the personal satisfaction of beating the headman myself.
Speaker 5 (09:27):
You're making a mistake.
Speaker 4 (09:28):
Let's see what happens to the finish line.
Speaker 5 (09:30):
You're going to have a fight on your hands. Stump
and I don't play Marcus at Queensberry rules. It'll be
a dirty campaign and before I'm through, you'll be smeared
right out of the state.
Speaker 4 (09:41):
Okay, man, but don't forget to pick up the tab.
This lunch is on here.
Speaker 9 (09:46):
Who back to the whistler.
Speaker 3 (10:22):
The campaign is in full swing now, isn't it, Dan.
But beneath all your claims of a landslide victory at
the polls, the coal fear of defeat is gnawing at you.
Stump Reynold's refusal to be bought off as the big worry,
and you're increasingly aware of his threat to your success.
Then the all important speech before the North Side Community
(10:43):
Club occurs. John Coleman makes the opening speech, You get
some scattered polite applause, and stump Reynolds steps to the
speaker's rostrum. You scarcely listen to Reynolds as you watch
the audience see their reactions as he sums up his
stand in a daring, shocking statement.
Speaker 11 (11:00):
Let me promise you that if I am elected mayor,
the first thing I'll do is run Boss Cobbs and
his crooked organization right out of the city Hall and
into the city jail, and then then I'm going to
sweep this town clean of the gangsters and the grafters
and the gamblers. A vote for me is a vote
(11:20):
for honest government.
Speaker 3 (11:35):
Following your introduction, which is received with a mere ripple
of applause, you step to the speaker's rostrum with fist Clenchdan,
ready to fight back.
Speaker 5 (11:44):
Ladies and gentlemen, Honored guests, It is a pleasure to
be here this evening among my many friends and readers.
Most of you have known me for many years and
know how I have always fought for good government and
the best interests of our city.
Speaker 3 (12:07):
You do your best, but the rest of your speech
doesn't go well, does it, Dan? And as you leave,
your sure defeat is staring you in the face. The
next morning, you know it's even worse as you face
the leaders of your own organization at an emergency meeting.
Speaker 7 (12:23):
Do you still figure on beating Reynolds?
Speaker 5 (12:25):
Dan, I'll beat him at Charlie, I know I will.
Speaker 7 (12:28):
You can make yourself a chunk of money. Dan. The
bookies are given five to one, you lose.
Speaker 5 (12:33):
I know, I know, bookies and Poles have been wrong before.
Speaker 7 (12:36):
Eh, you're the bus Dan, What you say goes. We
all think you are to pull out and run Leslie
Bryant for reelecture.
Speaker 5 (12:44):
I want a little more time, boys, I'll get something
on Reynolds, some dirt. I promise you, I'll find a
way to beat him. You don't sleep at all well
that night, do you, Dan?
Speaker 3 (13:03):
And as much as you bully your reporters during the
next few days, they can pin nothing of consequence on
Stump Reynolds. Then one evening, as you're nervously pacing back
and forth in your downtown apartment, the doorbell rings.
Speaker 6 (13:19):
Patricia, Hello, Dan, i'd noticed day.
Speaker 5 (13:21):
A minute ring.
Speaker 6 (13:24):
Yes, thanks, Scotch and water.
Speaker 5 (13:26):
I'll picture it right out. You know I've missed you.
Speaker 6 (13:30):
I've missed you too.
Speaker 5 (13:32):
I suppose you're up today down the campaign.
Speaker 6 (13:35):
Yes, that's why I'm here.
Speaker 5 (13:39):
And Scotch. Did Leslie Brian send you with a gentle
hint that I quit?
Speaker 7 (13:46):
No good news.
Speaker 5 (13:48):
I'd like to hear them.
Speaker 6 (13:50):
Leslie's got a tip on Stump Reynolds. What he's found
his weak spot. It seems Reynolds can't keep away from
the poker and ice tables. Once or twice a week,
he sneaks away to a small spot on the outskirts
of town called the six eleven Club.
Speaker 5 (14:04):
Are you sure, quite sure?
Speaker 6 (14:06):
Thank you, Patricia, don't thank me, thank Leslie Bryan.
Speaker 5 (14:10):
Do that for me, will you? He's been our real friend.
Let me get to the phone. I'll talk to you later, darling.
Speaker 3 (14:24):
It's only a week later that the six to eleven
club is rated with Stump Reynolds trapped inside, and you
wait outside with a full compliment of reporters and photographers.
Speaker 5 (14:36):
Police. All entrances are colored.
Speaker 7 (14:40):
Everybody inside, remain where you are.
Speaker 5 (14:44):
Works. The police are bringing him out. Doesn't Stump look
dapper in an Harrison? Get to work?
Speaker 7 (15:01):
Yes, sir, y'all get some shots of him and the cops.
Pete trange your lens on the patrol wagon. Get some
pictures of the cops shoving them in, then follow them
down to the city jail. Be sure to get a
big one of Reynolds behind Bob.
Speaker 5 (15:14):
Very good, Harrison, very good. Well, the police are bringing
him this way. Hello Reynolds, good to see. I'll get
you for this, tops. I swear all's fair in love,
war and politics, mister Reynolds.
Speaker 3 (15:41):
And the next afternoon you receive the best news of all.
Don't you, Dan. It happens while you're celebrating Stump Reynolds's
arrest with a few political cronies around the radio at
a bar and the lobby of the Star Building waiting
for the announcement you know is coming.
Speaker 12 (16:00):
Ladies and gentlemen, a late bulletin from our newsroom. Mister
Stump Reynolds announced just a few moments ago from his
campaign headquarters that he is retiring from the race for mayor.
Mister Reynolds, who was released from jail this morning following
his arrest during a gambling raid, was running on a
clean government platform.
Speaker 5 (16:21):
Back to amusing gentleman.
Speaker 1 (16:24):
That does.
Speaker 5 (16:25):
Gentlemen, to Stump Reynolds and clean dog.
Speaker 3 (16:38):
For the first time in months, you begin to breathe easy,
don't you, damn, Because everything is coming along fine, and
you can daydream of being introduced to cheering crowds as
Mayor Daniel Cobbs with Patricia to your side, the beautiful,
charming first lady of the city. Then on Monday afternoon,
Harrison burst into your office.
Speaker 7 (16:58):
Look at these headlines telegram on the ledge.
Speaker 5 (17:01):
But Daniel Cobbs exposed as wife and child desert it.
Speaker 7 (17:06):
But listen to this A suit was filed against Daniel
Cobbs today in Superior Court by Dan sa Thelma Evans
for one hundred thousand dollars. Miss Evans charges at the
leading candidate in the race for mayor married her under
the name of Paul Evans ten years ago in Mexico
City and deserted her in three months. She demands support
of their child.
Speaker 5 (17:26):
It's an outrageous, lifeless lie, your plat Damn Reynolds. How
did you get in here? I walked in.
Speaker 4 (17:38):
I wanted to see your face.
Speaker 5 (17:40):
You know it's not true.
Speaker 4 (17:41):
I know it's not true, But do the vote.
Speaker 5 (17:43):
I'll have this cheap little Telma Heavens in jail for blackmail.
Speaker 4 (17:48):
You can't stop anyone from suing.
Speaker 5 (17:52):
I'm beginning to see whose fineands behind all of this.
Speaker 10 (17:55):
Well, I'm willing to take part of the credit. I'm
warning you don't like it when the shoe was on
the other foot, do you.
Speaker 4 (18:02):
So long?
Speaker 5 (18:03):
No? No, no, no, no, wait wait, I'll admit it.
You've got me. You remember that offer I made you,
political editor. I'll make it twenty thousand a year.
Speaker 10 (18:17):
I wouldn't take it if you made it a hundred.
You remember what you said mister Coms. All's fair in love,
war and politics.
Speaker 3 (18:38):
The opposition newspapers won't let go of film evans charge,
as will they damn, And in spite of all your denials,
the scandal takes hold and grows. Even some of your
own supporters begin to think that where there's smoke, there's fire. Finally,
at another emergency meeting.
Speaker 7 (18:54):
Well, we've gone along with you as far as we're
going to, Dan.
Speaker 5 (18:58):
Oh bosh, the phony charges of a stupid little dancer
send you all running for cover. I'll see this thing
through alone. But you wouldn't dare dump me?
Speaker 7 (19:08):
Now, Yes we would. We're drafting Leslie Bryan to run
for re election as the people's choice. We expect you
to jump on the bandwagon.
Speaker 5 (19:19):
So I have no choice. All right, all right, I'll
go along.
Speaker 3 (19:34):
You withdraw from the race the following day, don't you, Dan,
Giving ill health is the reason urging your supporters to
reelect Leslie Bryan. And almost immediately Patricia turns her attention
toward him, doesn't she She's seen everywhere with him. One night,
you're having a drink at the bar of the Precinct
Political Club, when.
Speaker 4 (19:55):
Don't you recognize old friends anymore.
Speaker 5 (19:57):
Dan Reynolds, keep away from me.
Speaker 4 (20:00):
Oh, we both clovered each other.
Speaker 5 (20:02):
The score is tied one to one. I don't think so.
Speaker 4 (20:05):
Okay, okay, nurse your grudge.
Speaker 10 (20:08):
But you know, there's something I'd like to know. Who
tipped you off about the six eleven club.
Speaker 5 (20:14):
Why don't you tell me you engineered that cheap lawsuit
and dug up that fella Evans? I don't trust you.
Speaker 4 (20:22):
Well, what difference does it make now we're both dead?
Speaker 5 (20:26):
That's so well if you want to know, Leslie Brian
told me Leslie. Oh, what's so funny, Leslie Brian.
Speaker 4 (20:40):
Leslie Brian cooked up the film.
Speaker 5 (20:41):
Evans charges I shelled out the.
Speaker 4 (20:43):
Money, but he hired her and had her flowing in.
Speaker 5 (20:45):
From the ees.
Speaker 10 (20:47):
Leslie Brian didn't think he had hit.
Speaker 5 (20:50):
Him, Brian, Leslie Brian, he got us both.
Speaker 3 (21:03):
The more you think about it, the angrier you get,
and the more you hate Leslie Brian, the way he
made a fool of both you and Stump Reynolds, and
making almost certain his own re election, an event which
would greatly weaken, if not destroy, your chances of marrying
Patricia Wilkin. And now you want Patricia more than ever.
(21:23):
Suddenly it hits you. If something happened to Leslie Brian,
the main obstacle to your marriage to Patricia would be removed,
and you love her enough to make certain something does
happen the Leslie Brian, don't you dare? As the days pass,
(21:44):
you wonder more and more just how to bring this about,
and finally a plan begins to take form. You know
Leslie Bryan's habits, know that he completes the routine business
of his office in the evening hours, when the city
Hall is deserted and he can work without disturbance. The
following Monday evening, you leave your downtown apartment and take
(22:04):
a cab to within a few blocks of the city Hall,
and you pay off the driver and walk the rest
of the way. Let yourself in through a rear door
left open for janitors and charwomen, find your way to
the Mayor's office on the fourth floor without being seen,
and then you grope your way through the dark reception
(22:26):
room until you find the door to Leslie's private office.
Speaker 9 (22:33):
There.
Speaker 5 (22:35):
Okay, there are you, idiot? What are you doing? What'll
awagh that gun? Sorry, Leslie, but your political career is over.
Speaker 1 (22:44):
A Whistler will return in just a moment, with the
strain ending to tonight's story, I'll back to the whistler.
Speaker 3 (23:15):
Now that Leslie Bryan is dead. You feel better, don't you, Dan,
And you're sure you'll get away with it, aren't you.
Mayors of large cities have been assassinated before, and that's
what you're counting on. That the police will consider it
the work of some fanatic. You're at least certain that
they will be slow in suspecting a man of your eminence,
and so Dan. When a detective from headquarters comes to
(23:37):
your apartment an hour later, you're in an easy chair,
a drink in hand, your feet resting comfortably on the hassock.
You're a little surprised to see Patricia Walcott with the detective,
but you don't let it disturb You answer all his
questions frankly and openly.
Speaker 8 (23:54):
And you're sure Brian had no enemies. Mister Cobbs, you didn't. Politics.
Everybody is your and your enemy. You were an enemy
of Leslie Bryan's.
Speaker 5 (24:04):
Politically, yes, but not personally no. I wouldn't say.
Speaker 7 (24:09):
So.
Speaker 8 (24:10):
What were you doing in his office this evening about
the time he was killed?
Speaker 5 (24:13):
I feel mistaken opposite. Oh no, I'm not.
Speaker 8 (24:17):
I've been looking at the soles of your shoes for
the last five minutes. There's a lot of pain on him.
I don't know a lot about colors, but I'd say
it was aquamarine.
Speaker 5 (24:30):
So what that doesn't mean I killed Leslie Bryan.
Speaker 8 (24:35):
It does unless you can explain that paint. The painters
were there this evening after the city Hall closed at five,
and they left around eight. You must have gotten there
about nine.
Speaker 5 (24:47):
I'm afraid you.
Speaker 8 (24:48):
Let's come down to headquarters.
Speaker 5 (24:49):
Submit to a paraffin ten.
Speaker 4 (24:51):
Now, just a minute to stop it.
Speaker 6 (24:53):
Dan, You killed Leslie Bryan, and you know it funny
you should be caught by the aquamarine paint on the floor.
It was you who gave the orders to.
Speaker 3 (25:01):
Have it done.
Speaker 7 (25:03):
Too bad you killed Leslie.
Speaker 6 (25:05):
You see, I would have stopped his reelection anyway.
Speaker 5 (25:07):
You yes, me.
Speaker 6 (25:09):
He was a crook like the rest of you. I
had the goods on him on at least a half
a dozen crooked paving and building contracts. I was going
to give the start of the newspapers a week before
the election. What's this, Oh, Dan, you don't really believe
that Leslie thought of Thelma Evans or knew about Stump
Reynolds's gambling habits.
Speaker 5 (25:28):
It was you.
Speaker 6 (25:30):
You're catching on, sorry Dan, that you won't be able
to attend my wedding.
Speaker 5 (25:35):
Your wedding.
Speaker 6 (25:36):
Yes, I'm going to marry the man I've been engaged
to these past two years, simple, honest John Coleman. I
believe you called him the political science professor. Remember our
next mayor.
Speaker 9 (26:20):
Why
And now stay tuned for the mystery program that is
unique among all mystery programs, because even when you know
who's guilty, you always receive a startling surprise at the
final curtain.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
In The Whistler, I am the Whistler, and I know
(00:35):
many things.
Speaker 3 (00:36):
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.
Speaker 1 (00:56):
Yes, friends, it's time for The Whistler, rated by independent
research the most popular West Coast program in radio history,
(01:20):
and now The Whistler's Strange Story triple play.
Speaker 3 (01:32):
On the morning, the cool, distinguished looking gentleman stepped from
his limousine and made his way to the Mayor's.
Speaker 4 (01:37):
Office at City Hall.
Speaker 3 (01:39):
Casual onlookers would scarcely have suspected that an era in
city government was drawing to a close. The gentleman was
Daniel Cobbs, known to insiders as the city's political boss
to the average person as owner and publisher of the
city's largest newspaper, The Star. And the Future looks unusually
bright to you, doesn't it, Damn? As you stop at
(02:01):
the desk of the Mayor's attractive and gracious secretary, Patricia Wilcott.
Speaker 5 (02:05):
Well, Patricia is the mayor in Yes.
Speaker 6 (02:08):
Dan, shall I tell him you're here?
Speaker 5 (02:10):
I can wait a few minutes. You know I shouldn't
come up here at all? Oh?
Speaker 6 (02:14):
Why not?
Speaker 5 (02:15):
Your beauty is simply overwhelming. I won't get a stitch
of work done all day. Stupid of me. I know,
to fall in love with a woman half the city.
Speaker 6 (02:25):
Is pursuing, not if she is the right woman?
Speaker 5 (02:28):
Is she?
Speaker 6 (02:30):
She doesn't know yet for sure?
Speaker 5 (02:32):
When do you suppose she will know.
Speaker 6 (02:35):
In the fullness of time?
Speaker 7 (02:38):
Now?
Speaker 3 (02:38):
I have work to do it all.
Speaker 5 (02:39):
Right, But don't forget who you're having dinner with tonight.
Speaker 6 (02:43):
How could I shall.
Speaker 5 (02:44):
Be taking that new play at the globe after him?
Speaker 6 (02:46):
Wonderful? I'll expect you to stick.
Speaker 5 (02:48):
I better tell Leslie you're waiting.
Speaker 6 (02:50):
Mister Cobbs is here to see you.
Speaker 5 (02:52):
Send him in, Dan, tell him, yes, but don't worry
about Leslie. You'll take it all right, darling. Well, how's
our mayor? This fine morning?
Speaker 7 (03:06):
Ever?
Speaker 5 (03:06):
Felt better? What can I do for you? Dan? I'll
get right to the point. Don't have much time. I'm
meeting my editors this morning at eleven. Shoot, it's this way.
I'm announcing your retirement from public office this evening in
the last edition of The Star. You can't be serious,
I am. You are not running in the next election
(03:27):
because you're tired of public life, Leslie, and I reager
to get back to some real living. On your phone.
Speaker 7 (03:33):
Oh but I don't understand. I've played ball with you,
haven't I that's not the point.
Speaker 5 (03:39):
No complaints. But frankly, there is a man I'd preferred
to see a mayor. Who's that myself? Oh?
Speaker 7 (03:48):
I see, well, I'll step aside. Naturally, I wouldn't be
here if it weren't for you. But oh, you thought
this over carefully, Dan. Of course I have asked Stump
Brynde is going to be running against you. I don't
like to say this. You won't have much of a
chance against Stump.
Speaker 5 (04:06):
I'll take care of Stump Reynolds, Leslie. All you have
to do is get out there and give me your
support without any hedging. I welcome the opportunity.
Speaker 7 (04:14):
I'll do everything I can for you, Daniel.
Speaker 5 (04:16):
I trust you. Oh, by the way, I wish you'd
see to that reception room before election it's as cheerval
as a tomb. I'd like to have it redecorated before
I move in. Good cover those atrocious wire glass windows
with some deep red drapes and a soft gray would
do nicely for the walls. Anything else, Yes, I'd like
(04:40):
to have the floor done in aquamarine.
Speaker 7 (04:42):
Aquamarine, that's a right, aquamarine. A little unusual, but I
like it. Okay, I'll place the contract. I admire your
self confidence, Daniel.
Speaker 5 (04:51):
I'll let you. But whether you like it or not,
I go after what I want and I get it.
Speaker 3 (05:08):
The moment of decision is passed, isn't it, Dan, You're
moving into the limelight on your own. Yes, the puppet
master is stepping out on the stage. But as you
break the news that you're running from mayor to your
editorial board later that evening, you're seized with fear and
wondering what would happen if you lost? That's the one
(05:28):
thing you could never face, isn't it?
Speaker 5 (05:29):
Damn defeat?
Speaker 3 (05:32):
But you managed to thrust aside your fears and bark
out instructions to your staff.
Speaker 5 (05:37):
Quincy, you're in charge of publicity. I want stories in
every edition, park Man. You will handle the business end
of this campaign, and by heaven's sake, don't count pennies.
Harrison marked as carefully. Yes, sir, I have to beat
Stump Reynolds. No one else matters. I want you to
take three of your best reporters and go out and
get me the dirt on Reynolds. No scandal is too
(05:59):
big or too small. Understand perfectly, mister Cobbs. Well that's
all for today, gentlemen. Let's get started. The campaign is underway.
Speaker 3 (06:13):
There's no turning back now, is there.
Speaker 8 (06:15):
Dan?
Speaker 3 (06:16):
The headlines, stories and pictures announcing your candidacy are all
over the evening edition of the Star. And you're a
little jittery when you first pick up Patricia, take her
to dinner at your club. Gradually her beauty and warmth
reassure you, and as the evening wears on you become
more confident. After the theater you stop by her apartment
(06:38):
for a drink.
Speaker 6 (06:41):
I've heard about Stump Reynolds, Dan, what about this other
man that's running what's his name?
Speaker 4 (06:46):
Coleman?
Speaker 5 (06:46):
John Coleman. Yes, don't worry about what John. He's always running.
Speaker 6 (06:52):
I gather he's not much competition.
Speaker 5 (06:54):
Very poor, simple, honors John they call him. I believe
he teaches political science at the college. Patricia, not to
change the subject. I'd like to ask you something.
Speaker 6 (07:10):
You're being very serious suddenly. I mean to be No, Dan, Please, Dan,
you shouldn't have done it.
Speaker 5 (07:18):
Why not?
Speaker 6 (07:19):
I said, in the fullness of time.
Speaker 5 (07:22):
Remember, I'm in love with you.
Speaker 6 (07:23):
You know that, Yes, But I want you to wait.
Speaker 5 (07:26):
I'm not sure that I can. Patricia.
Speaker 6 (07:29):
Then we'd better not see each other for a while.
Speaker 5 (07:32):
When will you know?
Speaker 6 (07:34):
Can I take a rain check until after the elections.
You're going to be busy campaigning.
Speaker 5 (07:38):
So that's what you're waiting for, to see if I'm
the next mayor.
Speaker 6 (07:43):
I think you ought to know.
Speaker 7 (07:44):
Dan.
Speaker 6 (07:45):
I don't like myself for it, but I'm a very
ambitious woman.
Speaker 5 (07:48):
Don't worry I'll win.
Speaker 7 (07:51):
Are you very angry with you?
Speaker 5 (07:52):
Yes? I am, But I can't blame you more. I
played a win. Why shouldn't you.
Speaker 6 (07:59):
I'm glad you see it that way, Dan, because that's
what I'm doing, playing to win.
Speaker 3 (08:15):
Now. You're more anxious than ever to be elected mayor,
aren't you, Dan? Because you're certain that your election will
also mean your marriage to Patricia Wilkin and Patricia means
more than anything in the world.
Speaker 5 (08:26):
To you, doesn't she?
Speaker 9 (08:27):
Dan.
Speaker 3 (08:28):
The more you think about Reynolds, the more worried you become.
You must head him off, and a few days later
you arranged to meet him at a small cafe close
to the City Hall.
Speaker 5 (08:40):
Anything more, sir, No, that's fine, thank you, Stump. I'm satisfied.
Now what do you want? Dan? I'm a blunt man myself,
and I like a blunt man, bign dispense with the posy?
All right, Stump? Why do you take the pull out
of the race from mayor?
Speaker 10 (08:57):
Oh? I have never been mayor. I wouldn't know what
it's worth. Suppose you tell me?
Speaker 5 (09:04):
Shall we say? An appointment as political editor of the
Star fifteen thousand dollars a year, a ten year contract.
Speaker 10 (09:13):
Four years ago, Dan, you double crossed me and switched
to Leslie Bryan.
Speaker 5 (09:16):
You remember that nothing personal, Stump. Politics is a rough gear.
Speaker 10 (09:21):
It cuts two ways, and this time I'm going to
get the personal satisfaction of beating the headman myself.
Speaker 5 (09:27):
You're making a mistake.
Speaker 4 (09:28):
Let's see what happens to the finish line.
Speaker 5 (09:30):
You're going to have a fight on your hands. Stump
and I don't play Marcus at Queensberry rules. It'll be
a dirty campaign and before I'm through, you'll be smeared
right out of the state.
Speaker 4 (09:41):
Okay, man, but don't forget to pick up the tab.
This lunch is on here.
Speaker 9 (09:46):
Who back to the whistler.
Speaker 3 (10:22):
The campaign is in full swing now, isn't it, Dan.
But beneath all your claims of a landslide victory at
the polls, the coal fear of defeat is gnawing at you.
Stump Reynold's refusal to be bought off as the big worry,
and you're increasingly aware of his threat to your success.
Then the all important speech before the North Side Community
(10:43):
Club occurs. John Coleman makes the opening speech, You get
some scattered polite applause, and stump Reynolds steps to the
speaker's rostrum. You scarcely listen to Reynolds as you watch
the audience see their reactions as he sums up his
stand in a daring, shocking statement.
Speaker 11 (11:00):
Let me promise you that if I am elected mayor,
the first thing I'll do is run Boss Cobbs and
his crooked organization right out of the city Hall and
into the city jail, and then then I'm going to
sweep this town clean of the gangsters and the grafters
and the gamblers. A vote for me is a vote
(11:20):
for honest government.
Speaker 3 (11:35):
Following your introduction, which is received with a mere ripple
of applause, you step to the speaker's rostrum with fist Clenchdan,
ready to fight back.
Speaker 5 (11:44):
Ladies and gentlemen, Honored guests, It is a pleasure to
be here this evening among my many friends and readers.
Most of you have known me for many years and
know how I have always fought for good government and
the best interests of our city.
Speaker 3 (12:07):
You do your best, but the rest of your speech
doesn't go well, does it, Dan? And as you leave,
your sure defeat is staring you in the face. The
next morning, you know it's even worse as you face
the leaders of your own organization at an emergency meeting.
Speaker 7 (12:23):
Do you still figure on beating Reynolds?
Speaker 5 (12:25):
Dan, I'll beat him at Charlie, I know I will.
Speaker 7 (12:28):
You can make yourself a chunk of money. Dan. The
bookies are given five to one, you lose.
Speaker 5 (12:33):
I know, I know, bookies and Poles have been wrong before.
Speaker 7 (12:36):
Eh, you're the bus Dan, What you say goes. We
all think you are to pull out and run Leslie
Bryant for reelecture.
Speaker 5 (12:44):
I want a little more time, boys, I'll get something
on Reynolds, some dirt. I promise you, I'll find a
way to beat him. You don't sleep at all well
that night, do you, Dan?
Speaker 3 (13:03):
And as much as you bully your reporters during the
next few days, they can pin nothing of consequence on
Stump Reynolds. Then one evening, as you're nervously pacing back
and forth in your downtown apartment, the doorbell rings.
Speaker 6 (13:19):
Patricia, Hello, Dan, i'd noticed day.
Speaker 5 (13:21):
A minute ring.
Speaker 6 (13:24):
Yes, thanks, Scotch and water.
Speaker 5 (13:26):
I'll picture it right out. You know I've missed you.
Speaker 6 (13:30):
I've missed you too.
Speaker 5 (13:32):
I suppose you're up today down the campaign.
Speaker 6 (13:35):
Yes, that's why I'm here.
Speaker 5 (13:39):
And Scotch. Did Leslie Brian send you with a gentle
hint that I quit?
Speaker 7 (13:46):
No good news.
Speaker 5 (13:48):
I'd like to hear them.
Speaker 6 (13:50):
Leslie's got a tip on Stump Reynolds. What he's found
his weak spot. It seems Reynolds can't keep away from
the poker and ice tables. Once or twice a week,
he sneaks away to a small spot on the outskirts
of town called the six eleven Club.
Speaker 5 (14:04):
Are you sure, quite sure?
Speaker 6 (14:06):
Thank you, Patricia, don't thank me, thank Leslie Bryan.
Speaker 5 (14:10):
Do that for me, will you? He's been our real friend.
Let me get to the phone. I'll talk to you later, darling.
Speaker 3 (14:24):
It's only a week later that the six to eleven
club is rated with Stump Reynolds trapped inside, and you
wait outside with a full compliment of reporters and photographers.
Speaker 5 (14:36):
Police. All entrances are colored.
Speaker 7 (14:40):
Everybody inside, remain where you are.
Speaker 5 (14:44):
Works. The police are bringing him out. Doesn't Stump look
dapper in an Harrison? Get to work?
Speaker 7 (15:01):
Yes, sir, y'all get some shots of him and the cops.
Pete trange your lens on the patrol wagon. Get some
pictures of the cops shoving them in, then follow them
down to the city jail. Be sure to get a
big one of Reynolds behind Bob.
Speaker 5 (15:14):
Very good, Harrison, very good. Well, the police are bringing
him this way. Hello Reynolds, good to see. I'll get
you for this, tops. I swear all's fair in love,
war and politics, mister Reynolds.
Speaker 3 (15:41):
And the next afternoon you receive the best news of all.
Don't you, Dan. It happens while you're celebrating Stump Reynolds's
arrest with a few political cronies around the radio at
a bar and the lobby of the Star Building waiting
for the announcement you know is coming.
Speaker 12 (16:00):
Ladies and gentlemen, a late bulletin from our newsroom. Mister
Stump Reynolds announced just a few moments ago from his
campaign headquarters that he is retiring from the race for mayor.
Mister Reynolds, who was released from jail this morning following
his arrest during a gambling raid, was running on a
clean government platform.
Speaker 5 (16:21):
Back to amusing gentleman.
Speaker 1 (16:24):
That does.
Speaker 5 (16:25):
Gentlemen, to Stump Reynolds and clean dog.
Speaker 3 (16:38):
For the first time in months, you begin to breathe easy,
don't you, damn, Because everything is coming along fine, and
you can daydream of being introduced to cheering crowds as
Mayor Daniel Cobbs with Patricia to your side, the beautiful,
charming first lady of the city. Then on Monday afternoon,
Harrison burst into your office.
Speaker 7 (16:58):
Look at these headlines telegram on the ledge.
Speaker 5 (17:01):
But Daniel Cobbs exposed as wife and child desert it.
Speaker 7 (17:06):
But listen to this A suit was filed against Daniel
Cobbs today in Superior Court by Dan sa Thelma Evans
for one hundred thousand dollars. Miss Evans charges at the
leading candidate in the race for mayor married her under
the name of Paul Evans ten years ago in Mexico
City and deserted her in three months. She demands support
of their child.
Speaker 5 (17:26):
It's an outrageous, lifeless lie, your plat Damn Reynolds. How
did you get in here? I walked in.
Speaker 4 (17:38):
I wanted to see your face.
Speaker 5 (17:40):
You know it's not true.
Speaker 4 (17:41):
I know it's not true, But do the vote.
Speaker 5 (17:43):
I'll have this cheap little Telma Heavens in jail for blackmail.
Speaker 4 (17:48):
You can't stop anyone from suing.
Speaker 5 (17:52):
I'm beginning to see whose fineands behind all of this.
Speaker 10 (17:55):
Well, I'm willing to take part of the credit. I'm
warning you don't like it when the shoe was on
the other foot, do you.
Speaker 4 (18:02):
So long?
Speaker 5 (18:03):
No? No, no, no, no, wait wait, I'll admit it.
You've got me. You remember that offer I made you,
political editor. I'll make it twenty thousand a year.
Speaker 10 (18:17):
I wouldn't take it if you made it a hundred.
You remember what you said mister Coms. All's fair in love,
war and politics.
Speaker 3 (18:38):
The opposition newspapers won't let go of film evans charge,
as will they damn, And in spite of all your denials,
the scandal takes hold and grows. Even some of your
own supporters begin to think that where there's smoke, there's fire. Finally,
at another emergency meeting.
Speaker 7 (18:54):
Well, we've gone along with you as far as we're
going to, Dan.
Speaker 5 (18:58):
Oh bosh, the phony charges of a stupid little dancer
send you all running for cover. I'll see this thing
through alone. But you wouldn't dare dump me?
Speaker 7 (19:08):
Now, Yes we would. We're drafting Leslie Bryan to run
for re election as the people's choice. We expect you
to jump on the bandwagon.
Speaker 5 (19:19):
So I have no choice. All right, all right, I'll
go along.
Speaker 3 (19:34):
You withdraw from the race the following day, don't you, Dan,
Giving ill health is the reason urging your supporters to
reelect Leslie Bryan. And almost immediately Patricia turns her attention
toward him, doesn't she She's seen everywhere with him. One night,
you're having a drink at the bar of the Precinct
Political Club, when.
Speaker 4 (19:55):
Don't you recognize old friends anymore.
Speaker 5 (19:57):
Dan Reynolds, keep away from me.
Speaker 4 (20:00):
Oh, we both clovered each other.
Speaker 5 (20:02):
The score is tied one to one. I don't think so.
Speaker 4 (20:05):
Okay, okay, nurse your grudge.
Speaker 10 (20:08):
But you know, there's something I'd like to know. Who
tipped you off about the six eleven club.
Speaker 5 (20:14):
Why don't you tell me you engineered that cheap lawsuit
and dug up that fella Evans? I don't trust you.
Speaker 4 (20:22):
Well, what difference does it make now we're both dead?
Speaker 5 (20:26):
That's so well if you want to know, Leslie Brian
told me Leslie. Oh, what's so funny, Leslie Brian.
Speaker 4 (20:40):
Leslie Brian cooked up the film.
Speaker 5 (20:41):
Evans charges I shelled out the.
Speaker 4 (20:43):
Money, but he hired her and had her flowing in.
Speaker 5 (20:45):
From the ees.
Speaker 10 (20:47):
Leslie Brian didn't think he had hit.
Speaker 5 (20:50):
Him, Brian, Leslie Brian, he got us both.
Speaker 3 (21:03):
The more you think about it, the angrier you get,
and the more you hate Leslie Brian, the way he
made a fool of both you and Stump Reynolds, and
making almost certain his own re election, an event which
would greatly weaken, if not destroy, your chances of marrying
Patricia Wilkin. And now you want Patricia more than ever.
(21:23):
Suddenly it hits you. If something happened to Leslie Brian,
the main obstacle to your marriage to Patricia would be removed,
and you love her enough to make certain something does
happen the Leslie Brian, don't you dare? As the days pass,
(21:44):
you wonder more and more just how to bring this about,
and finally a plan begins to take form. You know
Leslie Bryan's habits, know that he completes the routine business
of his office in the evening hours, when the city
Hall is deserted and he can work without disturbance. The
following Monday evening, you leave your downtown apartment and take
(22:04):
a cab to within a few blocks of the city Hall,
and you pay off the driver and walk the rest
of the way. Let yourself in through a rear door
left open for janitors and charwomen, find your way to
the Mayor's office on the fourth floor without being seen,
and then you grope your way through the dark reception
(22:26):
room until you find the door to Leslie's private office.
Speaker 9 (22:33):
There.
Speaker 5 (22:35):
Okay, there are you, idiot? What are you doing? What'll
awagh that gun? Sorry, Leslie, but your political career is over.
Speaker 1 (22:44):
A Whistler will return in just a moment, with the
strain ending to tonight's story, I'll back to the whistler.
Speaker 3 (23:15):
Now that Leslie Bryan is dead. You feel better, don't you, Dan,
And you're sure you'll get away with it, aren't you.
Mayors of large cities have been assassinated before, and that's
what you're counting on. That the police will consider it
the work of some fanatic. You're at least certain that
they will be slow in suspecting a man of your eminence,
and so Dan. When a detective from headquarters comes to
(23:37):
your apartment an hour later, you're in an easy chair,
a drink in hand, your feet resting comfortably on the hassock.
You're a little surprised to see Patricia Walcott with the detective,
but you don't let it disturb You answer all his
questions frankly and openly.
Speaker 8 (23:54):
And you're sure Brian had no enemies. Mister Cobbs, you didn't. Politics.
Everybody is your and your enemy. You were an enemy
of Leslie Bryan's.
Speaker 5 (24:04):
Politically, yes, but not personally no. I wouldn't say.
Speaker 7 (24:09):
So.
Speaker 8 (24:10):
What were you doing in his office this evening about
the time he was killed?
Speaker 5 (24:13):
I feel mistaken opposite. Oh no, I'm not.
Speaker 8 (24:17):
I've been looking at the soles of your shoes for
the last five minutes. There's a lot of pain on him.
I don't know a lot about colors, but I'd say
it was aquamarine.
Speaker 5 (24:30):
So what that doesn't mean I killed Leslie Bryan.
Speaker 8 (24:35):
It does unless you can explain that paint. The painters
were there this evening after the city Hall closed at five,
and they left around eight. You must have gotten there
about nine.
Speaker 5 (24:47):
I'm afraid you.
Speaker 8 (24:48):
Let's come down to headquarters.
Speaker 5 (24:49):
Submit to a paraffin ten.
Speaker 4 (24:51):
Now, just a minute to stop it.
Speaker 6 (24:53):
Dan, You killed Leslie Bryan, and you know it funny
you should be caught by the aquamarine paint on the floor.
It was you who gave the orders to.
Speaker 3 (25:01):
Have it done.
Speaker 7 (25:03):
Too bad you killed Leslie.
Speaker 6 (25:05):
You see, I would have stopped his reelection anyway.
Speaker 5 (25:07):
You yes, me.
Speaker 6 (25:09):
He was a crook like the rest of you. I
had the goods on him on at least a half
a dozen crooked paving and building contracts. I was going
to give the start of the newspapers a week before
the election. What's this, Oh, Dan, you don't really believe
that Leslie thought of Thelma Evans or knew about Stump
Reynolds's gambling habits.
Speaker 5 (25:28):
It was you.
Speaker 6 (25:30):
You're catching on, sorry Dan, that you won't be able
to attend my wedding.
Speaker 5 (25:35):
Your wedding.
Speaker 6 (25:36):
Yes, I'm going to marry the man I've been engaged
to these past two years, simple, honest John Coleman. I
believe you called him the political science professor. Remember our
next mayor.
Speaker 9 (26:20):
Why
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