December 6, 2023 • 29 mins
"The Shadow" is a classic radio drama series that originally aired from 1930 to 1954. It was created by Walter B. Gibson and followed the adventures of a mysterious vigilante known as "The Shadow." The show's protagonist, Lamont Cranston, is a wealthy man who has the ability to cloud the minds of criminals and become invisible, effectively becoming a crime-fighting vigilante. The Shadow works in the shadows to combat various forms of crime and corruption in the city, often accompanied by his loyal companion and love interest, Margo Lane. The series was known for its suspenseful and mysterious storytelling, featuring thrilling crime-solving and action-packed adventures, making it a beloved and enduring part of the golden age of radio drama. "Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows!" was a famous catchphrase associated with the show.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:09):
Who knows what he lurks in thehearts of men. The Shadow knows ladies
(00:59):
and gentlemen. This Shadow's latest adventure, which starts in just a moment,
isn't a bit more exciting than thebig news I have for you right now.
It's all about a new kind oftire that making motoring history. Yes,
you've guessed it. It's the newGudrich Safety Silver Town with the life
Saver tread. Believe me, motorists, you've never seen or ridden on any
tire like it. As the LifeSaver Tread, spiral bars whirl over wet,
(01:23):
slippery pavements. They sweep the waterright left, right left forst it
out through deep drainage grooves. Thismeans that there's a dry track under your
car for the rubber to grip.Means that you'll stop quicker, safer than
ever before. Treat your family toreal protection against dangerous skins. Make your
(01:44):
next tires Goodrich spelled g O OD R I C H Gudrich Safety,
Silver Town. The Shadow Lamont Cranston, a man of wealth, a student
of science, and a master ofother people's minds, devotes his life to
(02:06):
righting wrongs, protecting the innocent andpunishing the guilty using advanced methods that may
ultimately become available to all law enforcementagencies. Cranston is known to the underworld
as the Shadow never seen, onlyheard as haunting, to superstitious minds,
as a ghost as inevitable as aguilty conscience. The Shadow's true identity is
(02:30):
known only to his constant friend andaid, Margot Lane. Today's story murders
in Wax. Ladies and gentlemen,we invite you to step inside and view
(02:50):
the illuminating and educational exhibits that arethe features of our wax facts. See
blue Beard actually slaying his eight wives, see cust to the Last Stand,
see the Capture of George Keegan,Public Enemy, and many other threading life
leg tableau. The price of admissionis only one time ten cents. Our
(03:14):
lecture is just starting, and ifyou hurry, hurry, hurry, you'll
be just in time to witness thecomplete show on the inside. Step right
up now, how many for thetoo? Please ask all ladies and gentlemen,
if you'll just step over here onthe next platform, I shall describe
to you the tales of the featuretableau of our exhibits, say They look
(03:36):
like real people, don't they?Yeah, how did they make them with
work? This tableau is a dramaticreenactment of the capture of George Keegan,
a notorious gang chief of Prohibition day. He was arrested in the manner shown
right here. No doubt you allrecognize the figures of the brave men who
personally led the police squad who madethe capture. On the left, the
(03:58):
wax figure of our own Mayor LewisCenter, our district Attorney Armstrong, and
right police Commissioner Western When you eatinghere when Keighan was George Keegan's arrest put
an end to the wave of crimeand lawlessness that gripped our city for a
decade. He is now imprisoned inthe state penitentiary for the rest of his
natural life. Gee, the girlon the table sure looks lifelike. Ask
(04:20):
them who she is? Okay,Hey, cap who's that girl? Just
coming to that brother? A littlelady seated in the chair was Keegan's gun
male Atna Kelly. She was within the hideout at the time on the
raid. Hey, the wax figurefell off the chair. They don't get
excited, folks, It's only awax figure. I set it up again,
(04:41):
and holy cat, it's it's real. It's a body, a dead
body, a dead body of Ethna. Kelly, Kelly, how she gets
he come through the spiritually murder?We're all against the bounce wan are read
(05:13):
all of us the west worst funerathe mind. You do roll beautifully,
but if you don't pull a trifleharder on that right or we'll hit that
rock. Sorry, there we area little rusty on navigation, Margaret.
This is my first rowboat bench inthe park this spring. I'm really enjoying
(05:36):
it. I need a little freshair and sunshine. After that experience of
the Waxworks yesterday, that was prettyterrible. Din'd you ever happen to go
to that place, Margaret? Well, I was showing the town to my
cousin Jane from upstate. We passedthe Waxworks Museum and she insisted on going
in. She'd never seen a chamberof horror, and she saw more horror
than she bargained for him. Yes, and so did I. I'll never
(06:00):
get it. Just what was thatwax tableau? Like? It was set
in a replica of a finnished roomin the house ware Kegan was captured.
Yes, the figures of Mayor Lewis, District Attorney Armstrong, and Police Commissioner
Western were grouped about Keegan and EdnaKelly. Does anyone notice the figure of
the kellyger was actually she until itfell from the chair. No, the
wax figures were so lifelike it noone's suspected, I seem I over the
(06:21):
island. Well, that'd be nice, Lamart. Whom do you think killed
Edna Kelly? Well, she wasa gunman's girl, and always the obvious
suspects her lover's enemies or even membersof his gang who might be more comfortable
with her out of the way.But I don't think it was either of
these. Why Lamar, don't itstrike you that the substitution of the girl's
(06:42):
body the waxwork in such a spectacularfashion. May they have some deeper significance
than the mere bizarre effects? Whatdo you mean? Must have been the
girl's connection with the other people representedin that group. I've motivated the murder
in bringing her body there. Idon't quite understand my deductions are correct.
The taking of that Nikelly's life isonly the first of a series of vengeful
murders. But the mode If that'strue, isn't there anything you can do
(07:06):
to for stalls? Perhaps I onlyknew a little more. I only knew
where the killer plans to strike next. Surely the shadow can find that out
your help, Margo. Perhaps hecan all find bunch of detectives I've got
(07:28):
in this department. You call yourselfa homicide squad, that's a laugh.
But Commissioner Western, we've calmed thiscity, logan. Have you checked on
the story of the museum proprietor,Commissioner, you talk to him yourself,
have you verified his statements? Yes, Chief the solid The murderer entered the
Waxworks Museum by a back door.It was found Jimmy happy to put that
mc kelly's body and a tableau.He took the wax image of her outside
(07:49):
and buried under some trash in thealley. Did you go over the image
for fingerprints put on her? Yeah, but we couldn't find anything about the
face. Oh yeah, Commissioner.A funny thing. The face of the
wax dummy had been flish with aknife across the left chek. Why didn't
you tell me that before? Youknow what that means? As well as
I do. That's right, that'sthe mark of a squealer, but it
couldn't put any mob stuff. Theprobation report shows that Edna Kelly has been
(08:09):
gone straight ever since Keegan was sentaway. He asked me, I think
it was a luna ticket done.No, same guy had set a dead
girl's body up for exhibition and thatwax works joint. No, it looks
to me like one of them lovethings, some guy caring a torch for
Kelly. If you're both wrong,it was no lunatic that committed that murder,
and Edna Kelly hasn't gone out withanyone since Keegan started his stretch.
(08:30):
Then, Edna Kelly was murdered forvengeance by someone who wanted to settle a
score with a lover, George Keegan. Heagan can't be reached in the big
house, so they take it outon the girl. And what about the
mark of the squealer on the faceof the wax figure? What ties right
in? That was the murderer's wayof telling Keegan what he thought of him.
Keegan has saved his neck by squealingon a dozen guys. That's right,
(08:52):
course is right for on first thing, in the morning. I want
you and Hogan to conduct a generalroundup of every known enemy of George Keegan.
Do any good, Commissioner's Shadow medon't find him. Why are you
here, Shadow, to wait youin capturing the murderer Vender Kelley. What
do you know about the case.I know that you shouldn't be wasting your
men's time rounding up possible suspects whilethe real assassin is left free to strike
(09:18):
his next blow. Now see here, Shadow, don't tell me how to
run my department. Hold on Western. I have every reason to suspect that
the placing of the Kelly Girld bodyin the wax tableau was intended as a
warning of other deaths to follow otherdeaths. You think there's going to be
more killing? He quiet, Hogan. Tell me what you mean, Shadow,
I mean that the other people representedin that wax tableau are in danger
(09:41):
of being killed too, And theyare the mayor, the district attorney,
and you yourself, Commissioner Western.That sounds preposterous, not at all.
My advice is that you act quickly. One of you may be at this
moment immin apperil come come s yougot know what possible motives for the murderer
(10:01):
of the girl half for wishing tokill us as well. I think that
you're excuse me, Hello, missusArmstrong, the district attorney's wife wants to
talk to and put her on Hello. Hello, Yes, missus Armstrong,
this is Commissioner Western. Commissioner.I'm dreadfully worried about John. What's wrong?
Well, shortly after dinner he wentout, said he might take a
walk. Several hours passed, hedidn't return. I must have fallen asleep,
(10:22):
and when I woke up a fewminutes ago, he still hadn't come
back. Oh, this isn't likeJohn, Commissioner. What time is it
now? It's after two am.Well, now don't be alarm, Missus
Armstrong. He's probably detained somewhere onbusiness. I'll try to locate him for
you and call you back. Oh, thank you. District attorneys disappear disappeared.
Shame well, Commissioner Western. Youthink shadow the Yes, Commissioner,
(10:46):
I fear that the killer has struckagain. Can't be. If I were
you, I would go to theWexworth Museum at once. You may arrive
in time to stop this murderer fromcompleting his monstrous work. Well, here's
(11:16):
the wax visium Commissioner. Western Sergeanttakes them in around to guard the back
door. Sir, don't know thereis anyone any keys in this place.
Now, I say, we'll haveto force a lock. All right,
go to it, ay, helpyou kick it? All right? Now?
Where's the lights? Wait? Nevermind that, here's your flash lights?
(11:37):
Okay? Hey, kind of scaryin here, ain't it. Yeah?
It gives you the creeps. Hewhat's that? Don't where that guy
over there got a knife? Don'tshoot you, fool. That's one of
the wax dummies. Where is thisKeegan tableau? It's right over here on
the lap. Oh, so that'sit. Well, I guess nothing's happened
yet, Cheap doesn't look like anything'sbeen disturbed. That's their wax dummy or
(12:01):
distric Attorney Armstrong sitting down on achair. Sitting down. Hey, it
seems to me his dummy was tanningup the last time he was here.
What give me a lift up onthe platform quick? Yeah you look it?
Maybe? I don't know. Nicethe light over here? Good?
Heavens it's Armstrong? Is it really? Disk? Attorney Armstrong's dead? Murder
(12:24):
and he was brought here just likethe shadow sitting. Yes, just as
I said, gentlemen, I'm sorrythat I couldn't have warned you earlier who
did this thing? Shadow? Youknow who did it? I'm not sure.
With your co operation, Commissioner Weston, together we may bring about his
downfall. Oh I am positive now, But either you or Mail lewis he's
(12:48):
the next victim. Mark to goGod yourselves. Well, I'll attend to
that, all right. You willhear for me soon, Commissioner. The
Shadow finds out who the killer is, you will be brought to justice.
Er A. Ladies and gentlemen,let's leave the shadows exciting adventure for a
(13:15):
moment. As you know, thismysterious figure time and again tempts fate.
But do you realize that unless thetires on your car give you real skid
protection, you are tempting fate everytime you drive on wet roads. Will
you win or losese? Nobody knows. The Shadow knows. Thousands are killed
(13:37):
or injured every year when car's slightswerve spin across wet, glistening roads.
But why gamble with fate? Motorists? When the new Gudrich Silvertown with its
life saber tread offers you such marvelousskid protection. This new kind of tire
takes care of the skid problem asit's never been taken care of before.
(13:58):
Here's the evidence from the largest independenttesting laboratory in America, the famous Pittsburgh
Testing Laboratory. Their impartial engineers testedthe regular and premium price tires of the
nation's sixth largest tire manufacturers, anddid good Rich Silvertowns come through with flying
color motorists. Those impartial tests provedthat no other tire tested, regardless of
(14:22):
price, came up to the SilverTown in resistance to skid. And what's
more, the New Silver Town gavemore non skid mileage than any tire tested
in its price class. It averagednineteen point one percent more miles before the
tire's wore smooth. And that's thesame as saying you'll get every sixth mile
(14:43):
free. So when you think ofgreater safety for yourself and family, remember
this impartial record of the Silver Town'samazing performance. Have your car equipped with
the safest thing on wheels, thenew good Rich Safety Silver Town. Remember
you pay no price premium for thisfife saving Silver town. I think it's
(15:11):
quite evident now, Margot, eventhe commissioner western that the killers aim to
do away with everyone concerned in thattableau. Then, Lamont, you you
mean the mayor, the commissioner,and Keegan if they're the only ones left
exactly let me see I should takea right turn here, Laman, do
you believe these murders are the workof a mad I think that whoever is
behind all this is quite sane,Margot, quite insane. What makes you
(15:33):
say that there's some important civic figuresin that group? Their removal would be
highly advantageous to a political rival.But surely political rivalry wouldn't be sufficient motive.
But he's horrible crimes, I wonder. And besides the girl Edna Kelly,
how would she fit into that picture? I've thought we're driving up here
to find out uh as a prisonnow, cheerful the king spot. I'll
(15:56):
drive you up to the gate,met you out. I shan't go in
with why not? The warden,Mister Driscoll has never been a particular admirer
of mine, feeling which I reciprocate. While lamin Well, I had occasion
to expose the graft ridden conditions inthis prison a few years ago. Naturally,
that didn't make me too popular withmister driscoll. Here we are now,
(16:19):
Remember when I told you I thinkso. I'm a reporter from the
Daily Globe. I'm to ask foran interview with Edna Kelly's sweetheart, Kegan,
and when I see him, I'lltry to find out from him.
Please tell me something, mister Keegan. The readers of the Daily Globe of
send us thousands of letters expressing theirinterest in your reaction to the tragic death
(16:42):
of miss Kelly. I ain't gotnothing, let's say about it. Do
you believe that the killing was executedby one of your enemies? I wouldn't
know you. You loved Edney Kelly, didn't you. Hey, what are
you giving out with the Lonely Heartscolumn? No? No, you see
pay off that love stuff. Butmister Keighan, I I was sent up
(17:02):
here by my paper to get ahuman interest story from you. And after
all, well you you were fondof miss Kelly. She was your girl,
my girl. Oh no, I'lltell you what the Kelly was.
She was the same as any otherdame. See, she was a double
crosser. I thought, Wait,a minute. When wait a minute,
I I didn't mean that. Don'twrite nothing like I just said, there
(17:26):
are you get a little screwy sometimeswhen they think about what happened here.
Of course I understand. So justdon't write nothing, will you? What?
No? No? But but whatabout this theory that she was slaying
by one of your enemies? MisterKeeghan? I wouldn't I tell you?
(17:51):
Lamni fled up so suddenly when Iasked him if he really loved her,
I was scared of dead. Hecalled a double crosser. Eh yeah,
but he he regretted it. Thenext asked me to be sure and not
write anything about it. It's themost interesting Margon. Thank you for your
excellent work. But what I toldyou helped you unravel any great then,
Well what happened now? I thinkthat there are many more interesting facts to
(18:15):
be learned there at prison. Yes, this evening the shadows shall pare call
on his old friend Warden Frisco,come in. Can I see you for
(18:37):
a minute? Warden? What's thebubble carry? Well, it's about Keegan?
Well what about him? Well Iput him in solitary like you told
me. Yes, yes, thatwas this morning. I'd done that.
Hey, carry what are you tryingto tell me? Well, you ain't
had no food for the last threemeals, so I was wondering if something
should be done to make a eat. He just lays quiet on his bunk.
I thought, I told you thatno one was to go near.
(19:00):
He can sell without my orders.I thought, if he wasn't, Erry,
if you just perform your duties asguard around here and let the warden
do the thinking, everything will besatisfacby. Yeah, sure, Warden,
Sure and leave Keegan alone. Yeah, yes, sir, I'm sorry.
Good night, Warden. Close thatdoor after you, yes, sir?
Oh hello, yes? Oh yes, mag Or did he get away?
(19:26):
All right? Good? Yeah?Uh well get him back here before daylight,
no matter what happens. Yeah,okay, tell him I hope he
does a good job, all right, Yeah, yeah, goodbye. You
(19:48):
seem to be quite amused, Warden, driss school. Huh who's that?
Won't you share your little joke withme? Harry? Are you outside that
door? Is that you're talking?If this is your idea something funny?
This is not Carrie? Well?Who are you? I am? The
shadow? The shadow? Yes,Warden? Well, why are you here?
(20:08):
What do you want with me.I came in when carry left.
I overheard your phone conversation, driscol. It's very interesting, really, Yes,
I'm more than curious to know whoyou were talking about, Allison Shadow.
What business have you wouldn't have beenGeorge Keegan? On? Now see
here? I have had enough,await Warden. I wouldn't advise you to
(20:32):
leave until we've finished our conversation.Oh what are you after, Shadow?
I am seeking the murderer of EdnaKelly and District Attorney Armstrong. Oh why
look here, because this is wherehe is to be found. Who do
you mean, George Keegan? Keegan? All let's be posterous. How could
a man in prison for the restof his life suddenly commit to Murdersiness city
(20:52):
fifty miles away? Very simple,Warden? He just go there? Are
you inferrying that Keegan has escaped?Oh no, nothing as crude as that.
But if he were allowed to,shall we say, take a leave
of absence for a night? Keeganhas never left these buildings. Where is
he now in his cell? Ohno, he isn't. I investigated before
(21:17):
I came here and his cell isempty. Oh yes, yes, that's
right. I I forgot he's insolitary confinement. You mean his cot is
stuffed with pillows to make it appearas if he were in solitary confinement.
Now that's not true. I'll tellyou where George Keaghan is. He's on
his way to the city right now, to add another link to his chain
(21:40):
of gold blooded murders. He's gonethere with your full knowledge and concern.
No, it would be a greatpolitical advantage for you to have the District
Attorney Armstrong, the Mayor Lewis,and Commissioner Western out of the way,
wouldn't it. Warden or you don'tknow what you're talking about. An easy
thing to prey upon the susceptible jealousiesof a man like Hegan until you go
(22:00):
toed him into carrying out your evilwishes, you can never approve what you're
saying. I haven't time to rightnow, Wharton. The lives of the
Mayor and the Commissioner at stake unlessI'm able to stop Keegan. I shall
present more than enough proof necessary toimplicate you to the District Attorney's office in
the morning. So you'd better thinkhard and fast, Wharton. Frisco Margo
(22:34):
Lane calling Margo lane telephone Police CommissionerWestern immediately. There's no time to lose.
Tell him tonight, book, heand the mayor in great danger.
Even now it may be too late, they do have time to follow up
my instructions. Tell them if theyfollow my instructions. Alright, ter Mayor,
(23:04):
stay sitting at that desk and keepyou back to me. I got
a gun here. Don't turn around. Just listen. I'm George Keegan.
Remember me. You was one ofthe heroes that made the pinch when I
was picked up. You must remember, boy, They even got a little
(23:25):
statue were you and me down atthe wax Museum. Now do you know
you'd better know, Miter Mayor,cause I'm sending you down personally to take
that statue's place. Well, whydon't you just say something? Are you
scared that sort? Where's all thatfancy gabb that your hand out at bank?
(23:51):
What's a meeting? Come on?Speak up? Come on, no
matter what, you speak up,will you h right? Then you get
yours just the same, looks likeI just brought about a special election.
No, mister Mayor, I'll justtake this corpse of yours down at the
(24:15):
museum and then hey, what's justit is? Ain't nobody the dummy your
plant? But you've gotten your targetsmixed, haven't you keeking? Who's that?
Aren't you surprised to find yourself shootinginto whack? Dummy? Come on
(24:37):
out in the open. Who areyou? I'm right here with you.
I am your shadow man. Cannotphony talk? What are your copper?
No? Just your personal nemesis Keegan? Now, i'd advise you to drop
that gun. Better chance on him. Commision Western, over your hands,
call me away from him? Isyour waxworks murderer? Commissioner? Thank you
(25:02):
shadow? You guys say you gotnothing on me? How did you get
out of jail? I flow outof wind with the help of Wharton Driscoll.
True? Did Driscoll aid you inthese crimes? Drescal? Wasn't it?
Who's that? Ah? I seeyou've caught him. Good work,
Commissioner, Oh Warden, Driscol,what brings you here? This man Keegan
escaped from my prison tonight, andI learned that his purpose in leaving was
(25:23):
to make good a threat he'd madeon the life of our mayor. Hey,
when is this Boloni you're throwing out? Warden? Ye're quiet you.
I've just learned that this isn't thefirst time he's got out either a very
good story Wharton. Only I thinkthat George Keegan could tell us a different
one. Shadow you here, yes, and I sort of expected you'd come
(25:45):
to Wharton. What's this all about? Shadow hats? Keegan can explain that
to you, Commissioner. How aboutthat pless and I know squill see,
but that warden ain't telling the truthand that one better. That's all I
gotta say, Hey, Commissioner,what is this all am? I being
placed under suspicion here in the testimonyof a shadows done minute Warden? What
are you holding back? Hegan?I can answer that for you, Commissioner,
(26:07):
Western Keegan is shielding the warden asthe real instigator of the WAXWORX murders.
That's a lie. He wanted youall of the way, Commissioner,
so he employed Keegan as his instrumentof murders. Don't listen to him Shadow.
At first, he had to giveKeegan sufficient incentive to perform these crimes,
so he went to work on hisemotions, his jealousy. He told
Kegan that his girl, Edna Kelly, had been double crossing him right along,
(26:32):
hegan, This was a lie.What do you mean? She was
on a loveone, absolutely white.Go on, go and roll in pain,
just like Gedner done before she died. That's right, Try to talk.
(26:55):
That's what she done too. ThenI left that, I left left
that. That's what I take himaway. Driscoll is dead. Commissioner,
Well, perhaps that's for the best, Oh Shadow, are you still there?
Yes, Commissioner. I want tothank you heartily for this night's work.
(27:15):
I seek no credit, Commissioner.However, I have a suggestion for
you. What's that If the WaxMuseum decides to create a new tableau depicting
this present event, might be wisefor you to arrange to be excluded from
it. It gives people ideas.You have been listening to a dramatized version
(27:44):
of one of the many copyrotted storieswhich appear in the Shadow magazine, The
Weed of Crime. There's bitter food. Crime does not Kay. Shadow knows
(28:11):
all the characters and all the placesnamed are fictitious. Any similarity to persons
living or dead is purely coincidentals
Who knows what he lurks in thehearts of men. The Shadow knows ladies
(00:59):
and gentlemen. This Shadow's latest adventure, which starts in just a moment,
isn't a bit more exciting than thebig news I have for you right now.
It's all about a new kind oftire that making motoring history. Yes,
you've guessed it. It's the newGudrich Safety Silver Town with the life
Saver tread. Believe me, motorists, you've never seen or ridden on any
tire like it. As the LifeSaver Tread, spiral bars whirl over wet,
(01:23):
slippery pavements. They sweep the waterright left, right left forst it
out through deep drainage grooves. Thismeans that there's a dry track under your
car for the rubber to grip.Means that you'll stop quicker, safer than
ever before. Treat your family toreal protection against dangerous skins. Make your
(01:44):
next tires Goodrich spelled g O OD R I C H Gudrich Safety,
Silver Town. The Shadow Lamont Cranston, a man of wealth, a student
of science, and a master ofother people's minds, devotes his life to
(02:06):
righting wrongs, protecting the innocent andpunishing the guilty using advanced methods that may
ultimately become available to all law enforcementagencies. Cranston is known to the underworld
as the Shadow never seen, onlyheard as haunting, to superstitious minds,
as a ghost as inevitable as aguilty conscience. The Shadow's true identity is
(02:30):
known only to his constant friend andaid, Margot Lane. Today's story murders
in Wax. Ladies and gentlemen,we invite you to step inside and view
(02:50):
the illuminating and educational exhibits that arethe features of our wax facts. See
blue Beard actually slaying his eight wives, see cust to the Last Stand,
see the Capture of George Keegan,Public Enemy, and many other threading life
leg tableau. The price of admissionis only one time ten cents. Our
(03:14):
lecture is just starting, and ifyou hurry, hurry, hurry, you'll
be just in time to witness thecomplete show on the inside. Step right
up now, how many for thetoo? Please ask all ladies and gentlemen,
if you'll just step over here onthe next platform, I shall describe
to you the tales of the featuretableau of our exhibits, say They look
(03:36):
like real people, don't they?Yeah, how did they make them with
work? This tableau is a dramaticreenactment of the capture of George Keegan,
a notorious gang chief of Prohibition day. He was arrested in the manner shown
right here. No doubt you allrecognize the figures of the brave men who
personally led the police squad who madethe capture. On the left, the
(03:58):
wax figure of our own Mayor LewisCenter, our district Attorney Armstrong, and
right police Commissioner Western When you eatinghere when Keighan was George Keegan's arrest put
an end to the wave of crimeand lawlessness that gripped our city for a
decade. He is now imprisoned inthe state penitentiary for the rest of his
natural life. Gee, the girlon the table sure looks lifelike. Ask
(04:20):
them who she is? Okay,Hey, cap who's that girl? Just
coming to that brother? A littlelady seated in the chair was Keegan's gun
male Atna Kelly. She was within the hideout at the time on the
raid. Hey, the wax figurefell off the chair. They don't get
excited, folks, It's only awax figure. I set it up again,
(04:41):
and holy cat, it's it's real. It's a body, a dead
body, a dead body of Ethna. Kelly, Kelly, how she gets
he come through the spiritually murder?We're all against the bounce wan are read
(05:13):
all of us the west worst funerathe mind. You do roll beautifully,
but if you don't pull a trifleharder on that right or we'll hit that
rock. Sorry, there we area little rusty on navigation, Margaret.
This is my first rowboat bench inthe park this spring. I'm really enjoying
(05:36):
it. I need a little freshair and sunshine. After that experience of
the Waxworks yesterday, that was prettyterrible. Din'd you ever happen to go
to that place, Margaret? Well, I was showing the town to my
cousin Jane from upstate. We passedthe Waxworks Museum and she insisted on going
in. She'd never seen a chamberof horror, and she saw more horror
than she bargained for him. Yes, and so did I. I'll never
(06:00):
get it. Just what was thatwax tableau? Like? It was set
in a replica of a finnished roomin the house ware Kegan was captured.
Yes, the figures of Mayor Lewis, District Attorney Armstrong, and Police Commissioner
Western were grouped about Keegan and EdnaKelly. Does anyone notice the figure of
the kellyger was actually she until itfell from the chair. No, the
wax figures were so lifelike it noone's suspected, I seem I over the
(06:21):
island. Well, that'd be nice, Lamart. Whom do you think killed
Edna Kelly? Well, she wasa gunman's girl, and always the obvious
suspects her lover's enemies or even membersof his gang who might be more comfortable
with her out of the way.But I don't think it was either of
these. Why Lamar, don't itstrike you that the substitution of the girl's
(06:42):
body the waxwork in such a spectacularfashion. May they have some deeper significance
than the mere bizarre effects? Whatdo you mean? Must have been the
girl's connection with the other people representedin that group. I've motivated the murder
in bringing her body there. Idon't quite understand my deductions are correct.
The taking of that Nikelly's life isonly the first of a series of vengeful
murders. But the mode If that'strue, isn't there anything you can do
(07:06):
to for stalls? Perhaps I onlyknew a little more. I only knew
where the killer plans to strike next. Surely the shadow can find that out
your help, Margo. Perhaps hecan all find bunch of detectives I've got
(07:28):
in this department. You call yourselfa homicide squad, that's a laugh.
But Commissioner Western, we've calmed thiscity, logan. Have you checked on
the story of the museum proprietor,Commissioner, you talk to him yourself,
have you verified his statements? Yes, Chief the solid The murderer entered the
Waxworks Museum by a back door.It was found Jimmy happy to put that
mc kelly's body and a tableau.He took the wax image of her outside
(07:49):
and buried under some trash in thealley. Did you go over the image
for fingerprints put on her? Yeah, but we couldn't find anything about the
face. Oh yeah, Commissioner.A funny thing. The face of the
wax dummy had been flish with aknife across the left chek. Why didn't
you tell me that before? Youknow what that means? As well as
I do. That's right, that'sthe mark of a squealer, but it
couldn't put any mob stuff. Theprobation report shows that Edna Kelly has been
(08:09):
gone straight ever since Keegan was sentaway. He asked me, I think
it was a luna ticket done.No, same guy had set a dead
girl's body up for exhibition and thatwax works joint. No, it looks
to me like one of them lovethings, some guy caring a torch for
Kelly. If you're both wrong,it was no lunatic that committed that murder,
and Edna Kelly hasn't gone out withanyone since Keegan started his stretch.
(08:30):
Then, Edna Kelly was murdered forvengeance by someone who wanted to settle a
score with a lover, George Keegan. Heagan can't be reached in the big
house, so they take it outon the girl. And what about the
mark of the squealer on the faceof the wax figure? What ties right
in? That was the murderer's wayof telling Keegan what he thought of him.
Keegan has saved his neck by squealingon a dozen guys. That's right,
(08:52):
course is right for on first thing, in the morning. I want
you and Hogan to conduct a generalroundup of every known enemy of George Keegan.
Do any good, Commissioner's Shadow medon't find him. Why are you
here, Shadow, to wait youin capturing the murderer Vender Kelley. What
do you know about the case.I know that you shouldn't be wasting your
men's time rounding up possible suspects whilethe real assassin is left free to strike
(09:18):
his next blow. Now see here, Shadow, don't tell me how to
run my department. Hold on Western. I have every reason to suspect that
the placing of the Kelly Girld bodyin the wax tableau was intended as a
warning of other deaths to follow otherdeaths. You think there's going to be
more killing? He quiet, Hogan. Tell me what you mean, Shadow,
I mean that the other people representedin that wax tableau are in danger
(09:41):
of being killed too, And theyare the mayor, the district attorney,
and you yourself, Commissioner Western.That sounds preposterous, not at all.
My advice is that you act quickly. One of you may be at this
moment immin apperil come come s yougot know what possible motives for the murderer
(10:01):
of the girl half for wishing tokill us as well. I think that
you're excuse me, Hello, missusArmstrong, the district attorney's wife wants to
talk to and put her on Hello. Hello, Yes, missus Armstrong,
this is Commissioner Western. Commissioner.I'm dreadfully worried about John. What's wrong?
Well, shortly after dinner he wentout, said he might take a
walk. Several hours passed, hedidn't return. I must have fallen asleep,
(10:22):
and when I woke up a fewminutes ago, he still hadn't come
back. Oh, this isn't likeJohn, Commissioner. What time is it
now? It's after two am.Well, now don't be alarm, Missus
Armstrong. He's probably detained somewhere onbusiness. I'll try to locate him for
you and call you back. Oh, thank you. District attorneys disappear disappeared.
Shame well, Commissioner Western. Youthink shadow the Yes, Commissioner,
(10:46):
I fear that the killer has struckagain. Can't be. If I were
you, I would go to theWexworth Museum at once. You may arrive
in time to stop this murderer fromcompleting his monstrous work. Well, here's
(11:16):
the wax visium Commissioner. Western Sergeanttakes them in around to guard the back
door. Sir, don't know thereis anyone any keys in this place.
Now, I say, we'll haveto force a lock. All right,
go to it, ay, helpyou kick it? All right? Now?
Where's the lights? Wait? Nevermind that, here's your flash lights?
(11:37):
Okay? Hey, kind of scaryin here, ain't it. Yeah?
It gives you the creeps. Hewhat's that? Don't where that guy
over there got a knife? Don'tshoot you, fool. That's one of
the wax dummies. Where is thisKeegan tableau? It's right over here on
the lap. Oh, so that'sit. Well, I guess nothing's happened
yet, Cheap doesn't look like anything'sbeen disturbed. That's their wax dummy or
(12:01):
distric Attorney Armstrong sitting down on achair. Sitting down. Hey, it
seems to me his dummy was tanningup the last time he was here.
What give me a lift up onthe platform quick? Yeah you look it?
Maybe? I don't know. Nicethe light over here? Good?
Heavens it's Armstrong? Is it really? Disk? Attorney Armstrong's dead? Murder
(12:24):
and he was brought here just likethe shadow sitting. Yes, just as
I said, gentlemen, I'm sorrythat I couldn't have warned you earlier who
did this thing? Shadow? Youknow who did it? I'm not sure.
With your co operation, Commissioner Weston, together we may bring about his
downfall. Oh I am positive now, But either you or Mail lewis he's
(12:48):
the next victim. Mark to goGod yourselves. Well, I'll attend to
that, all right. You willhear for me soon, Commissioner. The
Shadow finds out who the killer is, you will be brought to justice.
Er A. Ladies and gentlemen,let's leave the shadows exciting adventure for a
(13:15):
moment. As you know, thismysterious figure time and again tempts fate.
But do you realize that unless thetires on your car give you real skid
protection, you are tempting fate everytime you drive on wet roads. Will
you win or losese? Nobody knows. The Shadow knows. Thousands are killed
(13:37):
or injured every year when car's slightswerve spin across wet, glistening roads.
But why gamble with fate? Motorists? When the new Gudrich Silvertown with its
life saber tread offers you such marvelousskid protection. This new kind of tire
takes care of the skid problem asit's never been taken care of before.
(13:58):
Here's the evidence from the largest independenttesting laboratory in America, the famous Pittsburgh
Testing Laboratory. Their impartial engineers testedthe regular and premium price tires of the
nation's sixth largest tire manufacturers, anddid good Rich Silvertowns come through with flying
color motorists. Those impartial tests provedthat no other tire tested, regardless of
(14:22):
price, came up to the SilverTown in resistance to skid. And what's
more, the New Silver Town gavemore non skid mileage than any tire tested
in its price class. It averagednineteen point one percent more miles before the
tire's wore smooth. And that's thesame as saying you'll get every sixth mile
(14:43):
free. So when you think ofgreater safety for yourself and family, remember
this impartial record of the Silver Town'samazing performance. Have your car equipped with
the safest thing on wheels, thenew good Rich Safety Silver Town. Remember
you pay no price premium for thisfife saving Silver town. I think it's
(15:11):
quite evident now, Margot, eventhe commissioner western that the killers aim to
do away with everyone concerned in thattableau. Then, Lamont, you you
mean the mayor, the commissioner,and Keegan if they're the only ones left
exactly let me see I should takea right turn here, Laman, do
you believe these murders are the workof a mad I think that whoever is
behind all this is quite sane,Margot, quite insane. What makes you
(15:33):
say that there's some important civic figuresin that group? Their removal would be
highly advantageous to a political rival.But surely political rivalry wouldn't be sufficient motive.
But he's horrible crimes, I wonder. And besides the girl Edna Kelly,
how would she fit into that picture? I've thought we're driving up here
to find out uh as a prisonnow, cheerful the king spot. I'll
(15:56):
drive you up to the gate,met you out. I shan't go in
with why not? The warden,Mister Driscoll has never been a particular admirer
of mine, feeling which I reciprocate. While lamin Well, I had occasion
to expose the graft ridden conditions inthis prison a few years ago. Naturally,
that didn't make me too popular withmister driscoll. Here we are now,
(16:19):
Remember when I told you I thinkso. I'm a reporter from the
Daily Globe. I'm to ask foran interview with Edna Kelly's sweetheart, Kegan,
and when I see him, I'lltry to find out from him.
Please tell me something, mister Keegan. The readers of the Daily Globe of
send us thousands of letters expressing theirinterest in your reaction to the tragic death
(16:42):
of miss Kelly. I ain't gotnothing, let's say about it. Do
you believe that the killing was executedby one of your enemies? I wouldn't
know you. You loved Edney Kelly, didn't you. Hey, what are
you giving out with the Lonely Heartscolumn? No? No, you see
pay off that love stuff. Butmister Keighan, I I was sent up
(17:02):
here by my paper to get ahuman interest story from you. And after
all, well you you were fondof miss Kelly. She was your girl,
my girl. Oh no, I'lltell you what the Kelly was.
She was the same as any otherdame. See, she was a double
crosser. I thought, Wait,a minute. When wait a minute,
I I didn't mean that. Don'twrite nothing like I just said, there
(17:26):
are you get a little screwy sometimeswhen they think about what happened here.
Of course I understand. So justdon't write nothing, will you? What?
No? No? But but whatabout this theory that she was slaying
by one of your enemies? MisterKeeghan? I wouldn't I tell you?
(17:51):
Lamni fled up so suddenly when Iasked him if he really loved her,
I was scared of dead. Hecalled a double crosser. Eh yeah,
but he he regretted it. Thenext asked me to be sure and not
write anything about it. It's themost interesting Margon. Thank you for your
excellent work. But what I toldyou helped you unravel any great then,
Well what happened now? I thinkthat there are many more interesting facts to
(18:15):
be learned there at prison. Yes, this evening the shadows shall pare call
on his old friend Warden Frisco,come in. Can I see you for
(18:37):
a minute? Warden? What's thebubble carry? Well, it's about Keegan?
Well what about him? Well Iput him in solitary like you told
me. Yes, yes, thatwas this morning. I'd done that.
Hey, carry what are you tryingto tell me? Well, you ain't
had no food for the last threemeals, so I was wondering if something
should be done to make a eat. He just lays quiet on his bunk.
I thought, I told you thatno one was to go near.
(19:00):
He can sell without my orders.I thought, if he wasn't, Erry,
if you just perform your duties asguard around here and let the warden
do the thinking, everything will besatisfacby. Yeah, sure, Warden,
Sure and leave Keegan alone. Yeah, yes, sir, I'm sorry.
Good night, Warden. Close thatdoor after you, yes, sir?
Oh hello, yes? Oh yes, mag Or did he get away?
(19:26):
All right? Good? Yeah?Uh well get him back here before daylight,
no matter what happens. Yeah,okay, tell him I hope he
does a good job, all right, Yeah, yeah, goodbye. You
(19:48):
seem to be quite amused, Warden, driss school. Huh who's that?
Won't you share your little joke withme? Harry? Are you outside that
door? Is that you're talking?If this is your idea something funny?
This is not Carrie? Well?Who are you? I am? The
shadow? The shadow? Yes,Warden? Well, why are you here?
(20:08):
What do you want with me.I came in when carry left.
I overheard your phone conversation, driscol. It's very interesting, really, Yes,
I'm more than curious to know whoyou were talking about, Allison Shadow.
What business have you wouldn't have beenGeorge Keegan? On? Now see
here? I have had enough,await Warden. I wouldn't advise you to
(20:32):
leave until we've finished our conversation.Oh what are you after, Shadow?
I am seeking the murderer of EdnaKelly and District Attorney Armstrong. Oh why
look here, because this is wherehe is to be found. Who do
you mean, George Keegan? Keegan? All let's be posterous. How could
a man in prison for the restof his life suddenly commit to Murdersiness city
(20:52):
fifty miles away? Very simple,Warden? He just go there? Are
you inferrying that Keegan has escaped?Oh no, nothing as crude as that.
But if he were allowed to,shall we say, take a leave
of absence for a night? Keeganhas never left these buildings. Where is
he now in his cell? Ohno, he isn't. I investigated before
(21:17):
I came here and his cell isempty. Oh yes, yes, that's
right. I I forgot he's insolitary confinement. You mean his cot is
stuffed with pillows to make it appearas if he were in solitary confinement.
Now that's not true. I'll tellyou where George Keaghan is. He's on
his way to the city right now, to add another link to his chain
(21:40):
of gold blooded murders. He's gonethere with your full knowledge and concern.
No, it would be a greatpolitical advantage for you to have the District
Attorney Armstrong, the Mayor Lewis,and Commissioner Western out of the way,
wouldn't it. Warden or you don'tknow what you're talking about. An easy
thing to prey upon the susceptible jealousiesof a man like Hegan until you go
(22:00):
toed him into carrying out your evilwishes, you can never approve what you're
saying. I haven't time to rightnow, Wharton. The lives of the
Mayor and the Commissioner at stake unlessI'm able to stop Keegan. I shall
present more than enough proof necessary toimplicate you to the District Attorney's office in
the morning. So you'd better thinkhard and fast, Wharton. Frisco Margo
(22:34):
Lane calling Margo lane telephone Police CommissionerWestern immediately. There's no time to lose.
Tell him tonight, book, heand the mayor in great danger.
Even now it may be too late, they do have time to follow up
my instructions. Tell them if theyfollow my instructions. Alright, ter Mayor,
(23:04):
stay sitting at that desk and keepyou back to me. I got
a gun here. Don't turn around. Just listen. I'm George Keegan.
Remember me. You was one ofthe heroes that made the pinch when I
was picked up. You must remember, boy, They even got a little
(23:25):
statue were you and me down atthe wax Museum. Now do you know
you'd better know, Miter Mayor,cause I'm sending you down personally to take
that statue's place. Well, whydon't you just say something? Are you
scared that sort? Where's all thatfancy gabb that your hand out at bank?
(23:51):
What's a meeting? Come on?Speak up? Come on, no
matter what, you speak up,will you h right? Then you get
yours just the same, looks likeI just brought about a special election.
No, mister Mayor, I'll justtake this corpse of yours down at the
(24:15):
museum and then hey, what's justit is? Ain't nobody the dummy your
plant? But you've gotten your targetsmixed, haven't you keeking? Who's that?
Aren't you surprised to find yourself shootinginto whack? Dummy? Come on
(24:37):
out in the open. Who areyou? I'm right here with you.
I am your shadow man. Cannotphony talk? What are your copper?
No? Just your personal nemesis Keegan? Now, i'd advise you to drop
that gun. Better chance on him. Commision Western, over your hands,
call me away from him? Isyour waxworks murderer? Commissioner? Thank you
(25:02):
shadow? You guys say you gotnothing on me? How did you get
out of jail? I flow outof wind with the help of Wharton Driscoll.
True? Did Driscoll aid you inthese crimes? Drescal? Wasn't it?
Who's that? Ah? I seeyou've caught him. Good work,
Commissioner, Oh Warden, Driscol,what brings you here? This man Keegan
escaped from my prison tonight, andI learned that his purpose in leaving was
(25:23):
to make good a threat he'd madeon the life of our mayor. Hey,
when is this Boloni you're throwing out? Warden? Ye're quiet you.
I've just learned that this isn't thefirst time he's got out either a very
good story Wharton. Only I thinkthat George Keegan could tell us a different
one. Shadow you here, yes, and I sort of expected you'd come
(25:45):
to Wharton. What's this all about? Shadow hats? Keegan can explain that
to you, Commissioner. How aboutthat pless and I know squill see,
but that warden ain't telling the truthand that one better. That's all I
gotta say, Hey, Commissioner,what is this all am? I being
placed under suspicion here in the testimonyof a shadows done minute Warden? What
are you holding back? Hegan?I can answer that for you, Commissioner,
(26:07):
Western Keegan is shielding the warden asthe real instigator of the WAXWORX murders.
That's a lie. He wanted youall of the way, Commissioner,
so he employed Keegan as his instrumentof murders. Don't listen to him Shadow.
At first, he had to giveKeegan sufficient incentive to perform these crimes,
so he went to work on hisemotions, his jealousy. He told
Kegan that his girl, Edna Kelly, had been double crossing him right along,
(26:32):
hegan, This was a lie.What do you mean? She was
on a loveone, absolutely white.Go on, go and roll in pain,
just like Gedner done before she died. That's right, Try to talk.
(26:55):
That's what she done too. ThenI left that, I left left
that. That's what I take himaway. Driscoll is dead. Commissioner,
Well, perhaps that's for the best, Oh Shadow, are you still there?
Yes, Commissioner. I want tothank you heartily for this night's work.
(27:15):
I seek no credit, Commissioner.However, I have a suggestion for
you. What's that If the WaxMuseum decides to create a new tableau depicting
this present event, might be wisefor you to arrange to be excluded from
it. It gives people ideas.You have been listening to a dramatized version
(27:44):
of one of the many copyrotted storieswhich appear in the Shadow magazine, The
Weed of Crime. There's bitter food. Crime does not Kay. Shadow knows
(28:11):
all the characters and all the placesnamed are fictitious. Any similarity to persons
living or dead is purely coincidentals
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