February 1, 2024 • 29 mins
"The Shadow" is a classic radio drama series that originally aired in the United States from 1930 to 1954. Created by Walter B. Gibson, the show features the mysterious and crime-fighting character known as "The Shadow."The Shadow is actually the alter ego of Lamont Cranston, a wealthy man about town. Using his supernatural abilities to cloud men's minds and become invisible, The Shadow operates as a vigilante and detective, taking on various criminals and solving crimes that baffle the police. He is often accompanied by his loyal companion and confidante, Margo Lane.The show is known for its suspenseful and dramatic storytelling, with each episode featuring The Shadow's deep, mysterious voice, ominous laughter, and his signature catchphrase, "The Shadow knows." The series was hugely popular during its time and has since become a classic in the world of old-time radio. It has also inspired comic books, novels, and other adaptations over the years.
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Episode Transcript
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(00:09):
Who knows what evil lurks in thehearts of men. The Shadow knows ladies
(00:58):
and gentlemen. Today a Showadow programhas the honor to present a distinguished guest
whom all of you will want tohear, Commissioner John H. Morris,
in charge of the Juvenilid Bureau ofthe New York City Police Department. Commissioner
Morris will be interviewed at the closeof to day's adventure with the Shadow.
First, a few cold hard factsabout your every day driving safety. Every
(01:19):
year, thousands of motorists are killedor injured through skid and blow out accidents,
and right now, unless your tiresare safe, you too may be
headed for a dangerous skid, acostly blowout before it's too late, before
you're caught, and a car spinningskid before you hear the dreaded bang of
a high speed blowout. Equip yourcar with a new good wretch safety Silver
(01:42):
Towns. They're the only tires inthe world that have the life saver tread
to give you the quickest non skidstops you've ever had, and the golden
ply to protect you against high speedblowouts. And think of it when you
invest in this sensational new kind oftire safety. You get both of these
great life saving features at no extracost. The Shadow of mont Cranston,
(02:12):
a man of wealth, a studentof science, and a master of other
people's minds, devotes his life towriting wrongs, protecting the innocent, and
punishing the guilty. Cranston is knownto the underworld as the Shadow, never
seen, only heard. His trueidentity is known only to his constant friend
and aid Margoline. Today's story thereincarnation of Michael Well. Our experiment coming
(02:45):
Professor Charles of very Well. Michael, almost all our flying messengers of death
already see these cages filled with mosquitoes. Good. I've taken pains that my
guests won't disturb you. Yeah,well they do. Can't open the window
for a breath of air. Buttoday they are chattering like monkeys. I
wish you'd stay away from that window. I might see you go let them.
(03:05):
You'll never have a chance to tellanyone what they've seen. These friends
of your friends, I have nofriends. I hate my guests. I
will make them suffer. Michael sufferas I have suffered. Parasites hang around
me because I'm Michael Welsh the millionaire. Every one of them is an enemy.
One sold me for his stock,his bell borrows money and fails to
pay it back. The third agirl might have been my wife, but
(03:30):
she wouldn't listen to me. Neverput faith in human nature. That was
my mistake. I don't. Everyone of those people has done me wrong.
They will pay for it. Fine. I will enjoy that. I
was a great scientist once working tosave humanity. When the fever struck me
(03:51):
down, humanity shrugged its shoulders.Now I work for revenge Charles. In
another age, they wouldn't have daredtreat me with such insult. Another age.
Yes, the twelfth century knew howto deal with those who are insulting.
In those days, I had muchless trouble. You had much less
(04:11):
trouble. That is, men inmy position had much less trouble repaying a
false friend. There want no policethen, and there are none here on
your estate. In this house,you are the law, Yes, I'm
aware of that. Don't let anyonein here. Don't worry Missus Bell,
whoever she is, keep her outof here, all right, Professor,
(04:33):
coming, missus Bell, there youare, Michael, Yes, missus Bell,
I've never been in this room.Is anyone in there? No?
No one go in. There's nothingfor you to see. You wanted me?
Yes, yes, I really forgot. I guess you just arrived.
(04:54):
Why I don't know. All myguests are here already. But these two
are friends of mine. They heardI was here and dropped over for a
chat. Oh, I knew you'denjoy meeting them. Margot Lane's such a
lovely girl, and young mister Cranstonknows all about art and old things,
just like you, Michael. Whata learned man and a young girl the
(05:14):
same toolho came before. The patternnever changes. I beg your pardon or
nothing. They are out on theterrace. What what did you say?
Their names were Margot Lane and misterCranston, Lamar Cranston. Let us go
and meet them. I think I'mgoing to enjoy entertaining these two friends of
yours. Beautiful spot, isn't it, Lamar? Lovely Margot. Michael Wilch
(05:43):
has taste building his home round inthe crest of this hill. You can
see the whole valley from here.But the house is so big, more
like a castle than a home.Yes, al, mister, medieval castle,
Lamont Look, there's an old manpeering out of the window up there.
He's staring at it so strangely,eye wouldn't be I'll probably find out,
(06:04):
Margot because missus Bell now, Oh, yes, I suppose that Michael
Welsh Weather Hello, Maa, MargotDarling, and mister Cranston. I've been
wanting you two to meet Michael forages. He knows all about you till
you might introduce me, Missus Bell. Oh god, I'm silly of me.
This is Michael welch our charming host, miss Lane and mister Cranston.
Can you do so? I'm gladyou stopped the call. Thank you.
(06:27):
We can't stay very long, butmy dear you must be having such a
wonderful time you love it makes themstay. Michael, Well, you will
stay until after dinner anyway, won'tyou. Yes, And Michael must show
mister Cranston his remarkable collection. MisterCranston's always interested in that sort of thing,
are you collecting, mister Welsh Yes, medieval art, you know my
mind. We really haven't time comeat all. Thank you. I'd enjoy
seeing your collections. I knew youwould. Mister Cranston, Oh you must
(06:50):
meet everyone good, Michael, we'llgo and get the other matter. I
don't like this place. That oldman in the window, he had hated
his eyes. There's something evil aboutthis house. Do you really feel that,
Margaret? Oh, I know it'ssilly. Go ahead and laugh at
it. I'm not laughing, Margaret. I'm interested in you. See.
I feel there's something evil about thishouse too. The story you've ever heard,
(07:18):
mister amusing more whine anyone? No, no, thanks, Michael.
Nothing loves me. Oh well,mister Cranston, I want to ask you
something. Do you believe in thetransmigration of soul? What does that?
Oh? Missus Berroll just asked ifI believed in the theory of soul transmigration
in the world, is there reincarnation? Yes? I do think it's ever
(07:40):
so interesting, all about how thegreat minds of the past ages came back
and oh, well, great mindsin the present. I know that some
ancient people rarely were convinced that aman returned to Earth after death as another
person. You mean we all weresomeone else long ago, that's the general
idea. I hope I was queenin Babylon. Let's stop it. Why
(08:00):
Michael and missus valuation and disgustings.You don't understand I know all about reincarnation.
No, you don't. You havea new religion to you. The
theory of reincarnation is not an establishedfact. It's just a passing fancy.
Ah do you feel about it?Welsh? I never discussed religion, mister
Kenston. Shall we shall we haveour coffee in the living room? Oh
(08:26):
there you are, man? Haveyou seen our host? We really ought
to be going. I think MichaelWelsh went into the library. When,
by the way, have you been? Where have you been since we had
our coffee? Just wandering around lookingfor the old gentleman we saw peering out
the window. Did you find him? No, he's certainly not one of
the guests. Here's the library.Oh, mister Welsh, can't you wreck
(08:48):
the book slaming your hut like that? Oh it's you. I'm sorry we
disturbed you while you were reading.Well, it's nothing important. I'll just
put this back on its show.Oh we won't keep you a minute.
Please don't start. You seem asLena. I like to leave my books
in their proper places. He askedus if he was ashamed of what he
was reading. Yes, he saidme, tucking it out aside quickly.
(09:09):
That's better, nobly, room youhave him as Welsh. Glad you like
it. Well, I suppose youtoo will be leaving very shortly. Yes,
you see we As a matter offact, I think we'll accept your
invitation and stay the night. Whatoh, I see all right? If
you want to, well, I'llgo and tell them to get your rooms
ready. A mond, what onearth do you think you're doing? One
(09:31):
thing? I'm going to find outwhy friend well shied that book I watched
where it's ante the mod Come herea minute. I want you to see
this portrait. Will you mean thegentleman over the fireplace? It's that dark
man in medieval dress. Not apleasant face, but there's something very familiar
(09:54):
about seems to me. I've seenthat face before in a museum. There's
no pain. Oh wait, here'sa plage on the frame. I read
it. I'll look through this bookof Welsh's, Duke of ancona Italian noble
twelfth century. No, I don'trecall the name. Nobody ever remembers history
lessons. I'd swear i'd see thoseeyes on a living person. It's been
(10:15):
pretty old, about eight hundred years. No, it looks like someone I
know, but I just can't pastethe name. Speaking of age, it's
a rare old volume. The bookmister Welsh was ashamed of. What is
it? An old Italian history?Very interesting, I see it's about the
place where Welsh has the book openedright here. Yes, somebody's on this
page. Well, hmm, thisis strange. What's the story about your
(10:39):
boyfriend over the fireplace? The manin the port? Yes, Michael,
Duke of ancona bloodthirsty gentleman. Theduke even for the Middle Ages, those
medieval soldiers were butchers. Juke ofvanConA is more subtle than that, Margot.
This tells how he invited a partyof friends to his castle, locked
them in, and introduced the plagueamong them. But what writer says,
(11:00):
the Duke is avenging an insol.Did he get his revenge? Yes,
with two more deaths than he expected, two extra vigo, Yes, yes,
he he hadn't planned on those twohad nothing against them, a learned
man and a young girl. Fortunatelythey sought refuge in the Duke's castles and
a storm and ran into a murderexactly the Duke trying to get them to
leave, but when they wouldn't,their host went ahead with his plan.
(11:20):
Two hopeless victims perished with the others. I'm glad it was a long time
ago, the month twelfth century.What's this in another photo? The moon
look a photo of Michael Welsh inhis youth, exactly like the portrait of
the Duke of Ancona. I knewi'd seen that face. Michael Welsh looks
like the Duke. We have it. Yes, they're much like. Welsh
(11:43):
is older now and grayer. That'swhy I didn't see the likeness. Do
you see what this means? What? Why not my twist of feet?
Although they're not related. Michael Welshis a physical duplicate of Michael, Duke
of Ancona, who lived in thetwelfth century, and Welsh believes he is
the Duke himself reincarnated. He's madea study of it in the Duke's history
until he believes it. From hismanner when we're discussing reincarnation as the dinner
(12:07):
table, I'm I'm sure he reallybelieves it. You see, the present
circumstances here are parallel to those atthe time of the historic tragedy. This
is the party, the guests areof his friends except two you and me.
The same as the story similar,isn't amusing Margot with it? With
(12:28):
a two unexpected guests, man andwoman. Welsh tried to get us to
leave, yes, but we stayed. We followed the pattern of the Tale
of the Duke in the twelfth century, same situation eighth centuries later. Question
is how far does Michael Welsh meanto imitate the Duke of Ancona. Are
we all in danger? But I'vegot to find out, Margot. But
(12:50):
by watching Michael Welsh tonight, theShadow going to investigate this house and find
out exactly how Michael Welsh intends tore enact the old tragedy, his belief
that he is the reincantented so theDuke of Anconnor. Ladies and gentlemen,
(13:18):
we'll be back with the Shadow injust a moment, and later we'll meet
our guest Commissioner, John H.Morris. But first I want to say
something to every motorist listening in.Remember when you're driving in your car,
the road may be perfectly dry oneminute, and then down comes the rain.
The road that was safe a minuteago may become a dangerous skid track.
(13:41):
Yes, a shadow knows that askid strikes like lightning. Don't take
unnecessary chances on wet slippery roads.It pays to play safe before you experience
that pit of the stomach feeling whenthe car you're driving skids wildly over a
wet slippery road. Equip your carwith New good Rich Safety Silver Towns with
(14:01):
the life Saver tread. That's theway to get the quickest, safest stops
you've ever had in wet weather.And here's why. The Life Saver tread
of the New Silver Town has atruly amazing action on wet pavements. For
as the spiral bars of the treadroll over the pavement may act like a
battery of windshield wipers. Sweep thewater right and left from under the tire,
(14:26):
force it out through the deep grooves, make a dry track for the
rubber to grip. You will neverknow what the word stop really means until
you've felt the grip of the lifeSaver tread on wet pavements. Protect your
family against dangerous skids before it's toolate. Put Gudrich Safe to Silver Towns
on your car Tomorrow two o'clock,Mister Welch time for me to get going.
(15:13):
Good. Now you understand what you'reto do, Tony, Yes,
sir, the dynamite has already plannedand not to do the job easy.
Here's the money I promised you.Oh yeah, there'll be a bonus if
the explosion goes off exactly as weplan. Oh, don't worry, no,
mister Welsh. It well, allI got to do now is throw
the switch, all right, getin the calm down your way. Yeah.
Hey, there's a light in thehouse, sir, won't someone hear
me? Drive off? That's myprivate room. Don't worry about that.
Okay, luck, Tony, thankslisten for the plow off. I shall
(15:41):
listen all right. It's too badthat the noise will awaken my guess,
but soon soon nothing will disturb them. Now to get back to the laboratory.
So you were planning something, MikeWelsh, still following the pattern set
(16:03):
by the Duke of Ancona. TheShadow must visit that private room. But
first I must warn Margo on theshort wave radio. Margo Margo Shadow calling
Margot Lane in the garden. Fifteenminutes ago, Michael Welch sent a servant
(16:26):
to set off an explosion. Imust get into Welsh's private study. I
shall need your help. That's explosion. Welsh's man has carried out his orders.
I must wait and see why theexplosion was planned and what it blew
up. Look at all that waterand you hear that explosion? Do you
(16:56):
think it's any danger? And Ican't swim a stroke. I perish in
that rushing water on yourself. Ashamedof you? Well that's all right for
you, Margot. You can swimlike a face right out of the house
of be swept away? Missus Bell. Where's Michael? Yes? Has anyone
seen? Well? Here he comes? Now? Oh Michael, isn't this
the most terrible thing? He everybodyquiet? There's nothing to get excited about.
Nothing to get excited about. Whenwe may all be drownded. That's
(17:18):
no danger. How's it's safe onthe hill without of reach of the water.
So we can't get out of thehouse. No, no, We're
all stuck here for at least threedays, mister Criston until the water subsided.
Well, let's phone for help.The flood carried the poles away,
Margo. Welsh's man grew up thedam and flooded the whole countryside. The
old plot is still working out.Now we're all prisoners in the Duke's castle.
(17:44):
Next, next should come the plague. Oh well, that's just the
limit. Mosquito. What's the matterMyra, A mosquito bit Meey, that's
the last draw Margot. I think, well, she's going back to his
private room, stay with the guests. I must follow him, working hard,
(18:10):
Professor Charles, Yes, oh yes, Michael, I I'm feeding the
serum to the last Dutch of mosquitoes. What was that, Sir Dors stuck
for a second. There, itis the deadly mosquito. I let loose
in the hall. Just bit oneof my guests, a lady, and
(18:30):
the lady will be sick very shortly. Yes, and then when the time
is ripe, we'll let loose allthe mosquitoes and the laboratory and add a
new game to our weekend party.There are over ten screen boxes of mosquitoes,
all filled with germs, ready foryour guests. Good now that trapped
by the flood outside, they can'trun away. Now we'll have our revenge,
(18:52):
my dear Professor Charles. My revengeis written in history. No one
can change the course of events.It was all centuries ago. You can
let loose the other mosquitoes as soonas it's light. I want to see
them swarming through the house. Yes, yes, all will be ready.
Take good care of our wing pets. What are you feeding those mosquitoes,
(19:19):
Professor Charles, Hey, What whatis it that will be let loose on
the guests in this house? Whotalked? Where are you? I am
here, Professor Charles, I amthe shadow, but where just a voice?
I can't see him here even ifyou can't see me, And I
(19:41):
warn you, the mad plot ofMichael Welsh cannot succeed you, and he
will be punished for your crime.I don't know what you're talking about.
Don't lie. What germs you feedingall those mosquitoes? No way go away.
I'm an old man from moment youfrightened me with your strange voice.
But I'm too old for fear toover everything but revenge. No one shall
(20:03):
rob me of that, Yes,old man, someone will a shadow Margot,
Yes, la man Margot. TheDuke of Ancona's plotter is being followed
the very letter. Welsh's private roomis a chemical laboratory. He and the
old man we saw at the windowfigured out some modern form of plague.
(20:26):
Plague. I wonder if that's what'swrong with missus Beller. Yes, I
was hurrying to her with this medicine. I wish you'd take a look at
will the matter. I don't know. She's running a fearfully high fever and
she's such a strained color. Andquick I'm sere well. Her room's right
down here, horry Margo. Myguess is right. Welsh's form of plague
is as deadly as the Duke ofAncona's. Wait, I'll open the door.
(20:47):
Is that you, Margot? Oh, I'm so sick. All right,
missus bell shop the door. Enoughlamon? What is it? Yellow
fever? Margot? We must destroythose mosquitoes in the laboratory. Michael Welsh
thinks that he is the Duke ofman ConA reincarnated. He plans to repeat
the tragedy of centuries ago and infectevery guest in this house with a disease.
Come I go with a sorry,Yeah, Margo, Here the laboratory
(21:18):
doors locked. Wait still the key. What are you going to do when
we get inside? A row ofscreen boxes on the table. Get the
old man away from them, oldby the window. I'll be with you
as the shadow. All right,don't speak to me until I speak.
Here's the key, locked the doorbehind us. Quietly, Margo, quietly
step in? Yes, who isthat? Who's there? Well? Hello,
(21:42):
you must be Professor Charles. Ohyou can't come in here, young
lady. This room is private.Get out here. Where are you going?
I want to see how the floodlooks from this window. Come away
from there. You must leave thisroom at once. Look, you get
a wonderful view of the water fromhere. I have to put you out
there door by fosh. Please tryviolence. I'm strong, you're old and
(22:04):
weak. YEA, sure, you'reright. I can't fight you, young
woman. I am too weak.But Michael and I have a few tricks
left. What do you mean yousee in the morning, when I release
my mosquitoes from their boxes? Areyou sure you will release? Yes?
Yes, yes, these boxes here? Here come I'll show you who's been
(22:25):
at these boxes? Is something wrong? They're dead? They're deada our messengers
of death. He watched this acid'sbeen pulled over every box. You you
did this, You wrecked my life'swork. No, didn't do it.
I did a shadow acid over yourlittle pets. Professor saw again. It's
(22:48):
Michael, Michael, Michael had beendestroyed, breaking the law. It's Michael.
Will yes, Margaret, quickly,I jind that cabinet. Stay there,
Marga didn't Michael. Oh, Michael, Michael. Our plan has failed.
Life can't fail what it has lookall our mosquitos dead, the dead
(23:11):
dead, Michael dead. Oh,that's it on those boxes. It was
you, professor. No, no, no, no, Michael, no,
it was the shadow shadow. Whatyou're talking about with the shadow the
voice, Michael, the man youcan't see when he talks to you.
He discovered all about our planet,and he killed the mosquito. Your crazy
(23:33):
story of a shadow you did yourself. No, no, no, Michael,
no, you betrayed me. You'verobbed me, the reincarnated Duca and
Kona of his revenge. You've ruinedthe plot you trade. Michael, Michael,
put down that gun. You won'tlive to laugh at me, your
treacherous old devil. The pattern isbroken. Michael Welch, Who's where I
(23:57):
am? Here? Welch, Iam the shadow shadow and the story was
true. You are the one whoYes, Michael Welsh, the shadow does
exist. I have destroyed your plague. Give up your mad dream. You
are not the Duke of Ancona reincarnatedinto the body of Michael Welsh. I
am. The pattern of the oldtragedy you wanted to re enact is broken.
(24:17):
There will be no plague, Welsh. I must be the Duke come
back to life. Didn't I trapmy friends here just as I did centuries
ago? There is no plague toinflict upon them. Welsh. The story
is not the same. The Dukeof Ancona is long dead. No,
no, I I'm the Duke reincarnated. You cannot be. There is no
plague. The story will not endas the Duke's ended. If I'm not
(24:38):
the Duke, why I'm nothing.Forget this insane theory, Welsh. Drop
your gun. No, no,the pagonet it's not the same. I'm
not the Duke. You hear,I'm not the Duke. Welsh. Drop
that gun. No other than fail, I'll die. I'll die, yes,
(25:00):
don't look, but Professor Charles,he too is dead. How horrible?
No, Margot, this is afitting conclusion for the mad plot conceived
by a man who thought he wasthe reincarnated soul of someone who died centuries
before. Whether the criminal builds hiscrime on historic patterns or not, the
(25:21):
relentless hand of justice reaches out witha punishment. All crime deserves a punishment
of death. A er. Now, ladies and gentlemen, the Shadow Program
has the honor and privilege of presentingto you to day's distinguished guest, he
(25:42):
is Commissioner John H. Morris,in charge of the Juvenile Aid Bureau of
the New York City Police Department.Commissioner Morris, thank you. First,
mister Roberts, tell me how doesthe Shadow do it? I'm sorry,
Commissioner Mars, but that's the Shadow'ssecret, all right, mister Roberts.
But now, seriously, I'm gratefulfor this opportunity to congratulate the sponsors of
(26:04):
the Shadow for putting on such afine program. It's not only mighty entertaining,
but it's also doing an excellent jobof showing young Americans the folly and
futility of lawlessness. And that's whatyour job is too, isn't it.
That's right, Crime prevention is thebusiness of the Juvenile Aid Bureau of New
York City. That's a pretty bigorder. Tell us, Commissioner, how
(26:26):
do you do it? In briefby putting into operation measures for the rehabilitation
and adequate social treatment of juvenile delinquents, and instilling in boys and girls a
respect for law and appreciation of goodcitizenship. Well, tell us, Commissioner,
how do the children react to thisplant? They love it. Our
one hundred and twenty Police Athletic Leaguesupervise play streets and play centers boil with
(26:49):
activity from morning till night. Andthat's not all. In addition, the
League has made the police Department uniforma symbol of friendship between those men who
we and every member of the plThank you very much, Commissioner Marks.
I'm sure everyone listening enjoyed hearing youropinion on this topic of such vital interest
to us. All you have beenlistening to a dramatized version of one of
(27:18):
the many copyrighted stories which appear inThe Shadow magazine, now on sale at
your local news stand. The weedof Crime bears bitter food. Crime does
(27:38):
not pay. The Shadow knows allthe characters and all the places named are
fictitious, and a similarity to personsliving or dead is purely coincidental.
Who knows what evil lurks in thehearts of men. The Shadow knows ladies
(00:58):
and gentlemen. Today a Showadow programhas the honor to present a distinguished guest
whom all of you will want tohear, Commissioner John H. Morris,
in charge of the Juvenilid Bureau ofthe New York City Police Department. Commissioner
Morris will be interviewed at the closeof to day's adventure with the Shadow.
First, a few cold hard factsabout your every day driving safety. Every
(01:19):
year, thousands of motorists are killedor injured through skid and blow out accidents,
and right now, unless your tiresare safe, you too may be
headed for a dangerous skid, acostly blowout before it's too late, before
you're caught, and a car spinningskid before you hear the dreaded bang of
a high speed blowout. Equip yourcar with a new good wretch safety Silver
(01:42):
Towns. They're the only tires inthe world that have the life saver tread
to give you the quickest non skidstops you've ever had, and the golden
ply to protect you against high speedblowouts. And think of it when you
invest in this sensational new kind oftire safety. You get both of these
great life saving features at no extracost. The Shadow of mont Cranston,
(02:12):
a man of wealth, a studentof science, and a master of other
people's minds, devotes his life towriting wrongs, protecting the innocent, and
punishing the guilty. Cranston is knownto the underworld as the Shadow, never
seen, only heard. His trueidentity is known only to his constant friend
and aid Margoline. Today's story thereincarnation of Michael Well. Our experiment coming
(02:45):
Professor Charles of very Well. Michael, almost all our flying messengers of death
already see these cages filled with mosquitoes. Good. I've taken pains that my
guests won't disturb you. Yeah,well they do. Can't open the window
for a breath of air. Buttoday they are chattering like monkeys. I
wish you'd stay away from that window. I might see you go let them.
(03:05):
You'll never have a chance to tellanyone what they've seen. These friends
of your friends, I have nofriends. I hate my guests. I
will make them suffer. Michael sufferas I have suffered. Parasites hang around
me because I'm Michael Welsh the millionaire. Every one of them is an enemy.
One sold me for his stock,his bell borrows money and fails to
pay it back. The third agirl might have been my wife, but
(03:30):
she wouldn't listen to me. Neverput faith in human nature. That was
my mistake. I don't. Everyone of those people has done me wrong.
They will pay for it. Fine. I will enjoy that. I
was a great scientist once working tosave humanity. When the fever struck me
(03:51):
down, humanity shrugged its shoulders.Now I work for revenge Charles. In
another age, they wouldn't have daredtreat me with such insult. Another age.
Yes, the twelfth century knew howto deal with those who are insulting.
In those days, I had muchless trouble. You had much less
(04:11):
trouble. That is, men inmy position had much less trouble repaying a
false friend. There want no policethen, and there are none here on
your estate. In this house,you are the law, Yes, I'm
aware of that. Don't let anyonein here. Don't worry Missus Bell,
whoever she is, keep her outof here, all right, Professor,
(04:33):
coming, missus Bell, there youare, Michael, Yes, missus Bell,
I've never been in this room.Is anyone in there? No?
No one go in. There's nothingfor you to see. You wanted me?
Yes, yes, I really forgot. I guess you just arrived.
(04:54):
Why I don't know. All myguests are here already. But these two
are friends of mine. They heardI was here and dropped over for a
chat. Oh, I knew you'denjoy meeting them. Margot Lane's such a
lovely girl, and young mister Cranstonknows all about art and old things,
just like you, Michael. Whata learned man and a young girl the
(05:14):
same toolho came before. The patternnever changes. I beg your pardon or
nothing. They are out on theterrace. What what did you say?
Their names were Margot Lane and misterCranston, Lamar Cranston. Let us go
and meet them. I think I'mgoing to enjoy entertaining these two friends of
yours. Beautiful spot, isn't it, Lamar? Lovely Margot. Michael Wilch
(05:43):
has taste building his home round inthe crest of this hill. You can
see the whole valley from here.But the house is so big, more
like a castle than a home.Yes, al, mister, medieval castle,
Lamont Look, there's an old manpeering out of the window up there.
He's staring at it so strangely,eye wouldn't be I'll probably find out,
(06:04):
Margot because missus Bell now, Oh, yes, I suppose that Michael
Welsh Weather Hello, Maa, MargotDarling, and mister Cranston. I've been
wanting you two to meet Michael forages. He knows all about you till
you might introduce me, Missus Bell. Oh god, I'm silly of me.
This is Michael welch our charming host, miss Lane and mister Cranston.
Can you do so? I'm gladyou stopped the call. Thank you.
(06:27):
We can't stay very long, butmy dear you must be having such a
wonderful time you love it makes themstay. Michael, Well, you will
stay until after dinner anyway, won'tyou. Yes, And Michael must show
mister Cranston his remarkable collection. MisterCranston's always interested in that sort of thing,
are you collecting, mister Welsh Yes, medieval art, you know my
mind. We really haven't time comeat all. Thank you. I'd enjoy
seeing your collections. I knew youwould. Mister Cranston, Oh you must
(06:50):
meet everyone good, Michael, we'llgo and get the other matter. I
don't like this place. That oldman in the window, he had hated
his eyes. There's something evil aboutthis house. Do you really feel that,
Margaret? Oh, I know it'ssilly. Go ahead and laugh at
it. I'm not laughing, Margaret. I'm interested in you. See.
I feel there's something evil about thishouse too. The story you've ever heard,
(07:18):
mister amusing more whine anyone? No, no, thanks, Michael.
Nothing loves me. Oh well,mister Cranston, I want to ask you
something. Do you believe in thetransmigration of soul? What does that?
Oh? Missus Berroll just asked ifI believed in the theory of soul transmigration
in the world, is there reincarnation? Yes? I do think it's ever
(07:40):
so interesting, all about how thegreat minds of the past ages came back
and oh, well, great mindsin the present. I know that some
ancient people rarely were convinced that aman returned to Earth after death as another
person. You mean we all weresomeone else long ago, that's the general
idea. I hope I was queenin Babylon. Let's stop it. Why
(08:00):
Michael and missus valuation and disgustings.You don't understand I know all about reincarnation.
No, you don't. You havea new religion to you. The
theory of reincarnation is not an establishedfact. It's just a passing fancy.
Ah do you feel about it?Welsh? I never discussed religion, mister
Kenston. Shall we shall we haveour coffee in the living room? Oh
(08:26):
there you are, man? Haveyou seen our host? We really ought
to be going. I think MichaelWelsh went into the library. When,
by the way, have you been? Where have you been since we had
our coffee? Just wandering around lookingfor the old gentleman we saw peering out
the window. Did you find him? No, he's certainly not one of
the guests. Here's the library.Oh, mister Welsh, can't you wreck
(08:48):
the book slaming your hut like that? Oh it's you. I'm sorry we
disturbed you while you were reading.Well, it's nothing important. I'll just
put this back on its show.Oh we won't keep you a minute.
Please don't start. You seem asLena. I like to leave my books
in their proper places. He askedus if he was ashamed of what he
was reading. Yes, he saidme, tucking it out aside quickly.
(09:09):
That's better, nobly, room youhave him as Welsh. Glad you like
it. Well, I suppose youtoo will be leaving very shortly. Yes,
you see we As a matter offact, I think we'll accept your
invitation and stay the night. Whatoh, I see all right? If
you want to, well, I'llgo and tell them to get your rooms
ready. A mond, what onearth do you think you're doing? One
(09:31):
thing? I'm going to find outwhy friend well shied that book I watched
where it's ante the mod Come herea minute. I want you to see
this portrait. Will you mean thegentleman over the fireplace? It's that dark
man in medieval dress. Not apleasant face, but there's something very familiar
(09:54):
about seems to me. I've seenthat face before in a museum. There's
no pain. Oh wait, here'sa plage on the frame. I read
it. I'll look through this bookof Welsh's, Duke of ancona Italian noble
twelfth century. No, I don'trecall the name. Nobody ever remembers history
lessons. I'd swear i'd see thoseeyes on a living person. It's been
(10:15):
pretty old, about eight hundred years. No, it looks like someone I
know, but I just can't pastethe name. Speaking of age, it's
a rare old volume. The bookmister Welsh was ashamed of. What is
it? An old Italian history?Very interesting, I see it's about the
place where Welsh has the book openedright here. Yes, somebody's on this
page. Well, hmm, thisis strange. What's the story about your
(10:39):
boyfriend over the fireplace? The manin the port? Yes, Michael,
Duke of ancona bloodthirsty gentleman. Theduke even for the Middle Ages, those
medieval soldiers were butchers. Juke ofvanConA is more subtle than that, Margot.
This tells how he invited a partyof friends to his castle, locked
them in, and introduced the plagueamong them. But what writer says,
(11:00):
the Duke is avenging an insol.Did he get his revenge? Yes,
with two more deaths than he expected, two extra vigo, Yes, yes,
he he hadn't planned on those twohad nothing against them, a learned
man and a young girl. Fortunatelythey sought refuge in the Duke's castles and
a storm and ran into a murderexactly the Duke trying to get them to
leave, but when they wouldn't,their host went ahead with his plan.
(11:20):
Two hopeless victims perished with the others. I'm glad it was a long time
ago, the month twelfth century.What's this in another photo? The moon
look a photo of Michael Welsh inhis youth, exactly like the portrait of
the Duke of Ancona. I knewi'd seen that face. Michael Welsh looks
like the Duke. We have it. Yes, they're much like. Welsh
(11:43):
is older now and grayer. That'swhy I didn't see the likeness. Do
you see what this means? What? Why not my twist of feet?
Although they're not related. Michael Welshis a physical duplicate of Michael, Duke
of Ancona, who lived in thetwelfth century, and Welsh believes he is
the Duke himself reincarnated. He's madea study of it in the Duke's history
until he believes it. From hismanner when we're discussing reincarnation as the dinner
(12:07):
table, I'm I'm sure he reallybelieves it. You see, the present
circumstances here are parallel to those atthe time of the historic tragedy. This
is the party, the guests areof his friends except two you and me.
The same as the story similar,isn't amusing Margot with it? With
(12:28):
a two unexpected guests, man andwoman. Welsh tried to get us to
leave, yes, but we stayed. We followed the pattern of the Tale
of the Duke in the twelfth century, same situation eighth centuries later. Question
is how far does Michael Welsh meanto imitate the Duke of Ancona. Are
we all in danger? But I'vegot to find out, Margot. But
(12:50):
by watching Michael Welsh tonight, theShadow going to investigate this house and find
out exactly how Michael Welsh intends tore enact the old tragedy, his belief
that he is the reincantented so theDuke of Anconnor. Ladies and gentlemen,
(13:18):
we'll be back with the Shadow injust a moment, and later we'll meet
our guest Commissioner, John H.Morris. But first I want to say
something to every motorist listening in.Remember when you're driving in your car,
the road may be perfectly dry oneminute, and then down comes the rain.
The road that was safe a minuteago may become a dangerous skid track.
(13:41):
Yes, a shadow knows that askid strikes like lightning. Don't take
unnecessary chances on wet slippery roads.It pays to play safe before you experience
that pit of the stomach feeling whenthe car you're driving skids wildly over a
wet slippery road. Equip your carwith New good Rich Safety Silver Towns with
(14:01):
the life Saver tread. That's theway to get the quickest, safest stops
you've ever had in wet weather.And here's why. The Life Saver tread
of the New Silver Town has atruly amazing action on wet pavements. For
as the spiral bars of the treadroll over the pavement may act like a
battery of windshield wipers. Sweep thewater right and left from under the tire,
(14:26):
force it out through the deep grooves, make a dry track for the
rubber to grip. You will neverknow what the word stop really means until
you've felt the grip of the lifeSaver tread on wet pavements. Protect your
family against dangerous skids before it's toolate. Put Gudrich Safe to Silver Towns
on your car Tomorrow two o'clock,Mister Welch time for me to get going.
(15:13):
Good. Now you understand what you'reto do, Tony, Yes,
sir, the dynamite has already plannedand not to do the job easy.
Here's the money I promised you.Oh yeah, there'll be a bonus if
the explosion goes off exactly as weplan. Oh, don't worry, no,
mister Welsh. It well, allI got to do now is throw
the switch, all right, getin the calm down your way. Yeah.
Hey, there's a light in thehouse, sir, won't someone hear
me? Drive off? That's myprivate room. Don't worry about that.
Okay, luck, Tony, thankslisten for the plow off. I shall
(15:41):
listen all right. It's too badthat the noise will awaken my guess,
but soon soon nothing will disturb them. Now to get back to the laboratory.
So you were planning something, MikeWelsh, still following the pattern set
(16:03):
by the Duke of Ancona. TheShadow must visit that private room. But
first I must warn Margo on theshort wave radio. Margo Margo Shadow calling
Margot Lane in the garden. Fifteenminutes ago, Michael Welch sent a servant
(16:26):
to set off an explosion. Imust get into Welsh's private study. I
shall need your help. That's explosion. Welsh's man has carried out his orders.
I must wait and see why theexplosion was planned and what it blew
up. Look at all that waterand you hear that explosion? Do you
(16:56):
think it's any danger? And Ican't swim a stroke. I perish in
that rushing water on yourself. Ashamedof you? Well that's all right for
you, Margot. You can swimlike a face right out of the house
of be swept away? Missus Bell. Where's Michael? Yes? Has anyone
seen? Well? Here he comes? Now? Oh Michael, isn't this
the most terrible thing? He everybodyquiet? There's nothing to get excited about.
Nothing to get excited about. Whenwe may all be drownded. That's
(17:18):
no danger. How's it's safe onthe hill without of reach of the water.
So we can't get out of thehouse. No, no, We're
all stuck here for at least threedays, mister Criston until the water subsided.
Well, let's phone for help.The flood carried the poles away,
Margo. Welsh's man grew up thedam and flooded the whole countryside. The
old plot is still working out.Now we're all prisoners in the Duke's castle.
(17:44):
Next, next should come the plague. Oh well, that's just the
limit. Mosquito. What's the matterMyra, A mosquito bit Meey, that's
the last draw Margot. I think, well, she's going back to his
private room, stay with the guests. I must follow him, working hard,
(18:10):
Professor Charles, Yes, oh yes, Michael, I I'm feeding the
serum to the last Dutch of mosquitoes. What was that, Sir Dors stuck
for a second. There, itis the deadly mosquito. I let loose
in the hall. Just bit oneof my guests, a lady, and
(18:30):
the lady will be sick very shortly. Yes, and then when the time
is ripe, we'll let loose allthe mosquitoes and the laboratory and add a
new game to our weekend party.There are over ten screen boxes of mosquitoes,
all filled with germs, ready foryour guests. Good now that trapped
by the flood outside, they can'trun away. Now we'll have our revenge,
(18:52):
my dear Professor Charles. My revengeis written in history. No one
can change the course of events.It was all centuries ago. You can
let loose the other mosquitoes as soonas it's light. I want to see
them swarming through the house. Yes, yes, all will be ready.
Take good care of our wing pets. What are you feeding those mosquitoes,
(19:19):
Professor Charles, Hey, What whatis it that will be let loose on
the guests in this house? Whotalked? Where are you? I am
here, Professor Charles, I amthe shadow, but where just a voice?
I can't see him here even ifyou can't see me, And I
(19:41):
warn you, the mad plot ofMichael Welsh cannot succeed you, and he
will be punished for your crime.I don't know what you're talking about.
Don't lie. What germs you feedingall those mosquitoes? No way go away.
I'm an old man from moment youfrightened me with your strange voice.
But I'm too old for fear toover everything but revenge. No one shall
(20:03):
rob me of that, Yes,old man, someone will a shadow Margot,
Yes, la man Margot. TheDuke of Ancona's plotter is being followed
the very letter. Welsh's private roomis a chemical laboratory. He and the
old man we saw at the windowfigured out some modern form of plague.
(20:26):
Plague. I wonder if that's what'swrong with missus Beller. Yes, I
was hurrying to her with this medicine. I wish you'd take a look at
will the matter. I don't know. She's running a fearfully high fever and
she's such a strained color. Andquick I'm sere well. Her room's right
down here, horry Margo. Myguess is right. Welsh's form of plague
is as deadly as the Duke ofAncona's. Wait, I'll open the door.
(20:47):
Is that you, Margot? Oh, I'm so sick. All right,
missus bell shop the door. Enoughlamon? What is it? Yellow
fever? Margot? We must destroythose mosquitoes in the laboratory. Michael Welsh
thinks that he is the Duke ofman ConA reincarnated. He plans to repeat
the tragedy of centuries ago and infectevery guest in this house with a disease.
Come I go with a sorry,Yeah, Margo, Here the laboratory
(21:18):
doors locked. Wait still the key. What are you going to do when
we get inside? A row ofscreen boxes on the table. Get the
old man away from them, oldby the window. I'll be with you
as the shadow. All right,don't speak to me until I speak.
Here's the key, locked the doorbehind us. Quietly, Margo, quietly
step in? Yes, who isthat? Who's there? Well? Hello,
(21:42):
you must be Professor Charles. Ohyou can't come in here, young
lady. This room is private.Get out here. Where are you going?
I want to see how the floodlooks from this window. Come away
from there. You must leave thisroom at once. Look, you get
a wonderful view of the water fromhere. I have to put you out
there door by fosh. Please tryviolence. I'm strong, you're old and
(22:04):
weak. YEA, sure, you'reright. I can't fight you, young
woman. I am too weak.But Michael and I have a few tricks
left. What do you mean yousee in the morning, when I release
my mosquitoes from their boxes? Areyou sure you will release? Yes?
Yes, yes, these boxes here? Here come I'll show you who's been
(22:25):
at these boxes? Is something wrong? They're dead? They're deada our messengers
of death. He watched this acid'sbeen pulled over every box. You you
did this, You wrecked my life'swork. No, didn't do it.
I did a shadow acid over yourlittle pets. Professor saw again. It's
(22:48):
Michael, Michael, Michael had beendestroyed, breaking the law. It's Michael.
Will yes, Margaret, quickly,I jind that cabinet. Stay there,
Marga didn't Michael. Oh, Michael, Michael. Our plan has failed.
Life can't fail what it has lookall our mosquitos dead, the dead
(23:11):
dead, Michael dead. Oh,that's it on those boxes. It was
you, professor. No, no, no, no, Michael, no,
it was the shadow shadow. Whatyou're talking about with the shadow the
voice, Michael, the man youcan't see when he talks to you.
He discovered all about our planet,and he killed the mosquito. Your crazy
(23:33):
story of a shadow you did yourself. No, no, no, Michael,
no, you betrayed me. You'verobbed me, the reincarnated Duca and
Kona of his revenge. You've ruinedthe plot you trade. Michael, Michael,
put down that gun. You won'tlive to laugh at me, your
treacherous old devil. The pattern isbroken. Michael Welch, Who's where I
(23:57):
am? Here? Welch, Iam the shadow shadow and the story was
true. You are the one whoYes, Michael Welsh, the shadow does
exist. I have destroyed your plague. Give up your mad dream. You
are not the Duke of Ancona reincarnatedinto the body of Michael Welsh. I
am. The pattern of the oldtragedy you wanted to re enact is broken.
(24:17):
There will be no plague, Welsh. I must be the Duke come
back to life. Didn't I trapmy friends here just as I did centuries
ago? There is no plague toinflict upon them. Welsh. The story
is not the same. The Dukeof Ancona is long dead. No,
no, I I'm the Duke reincarnated. You cannot be. There is no
plague. The story will not endas the Duke's ended. If I'm not
(24:38):
the Duke, why I'm nothing.Forget this insane theory, Welsh. Drop
your gun. No, no,the pagonet it's not the same. I'm
not the Duke. You hear,I'm not the Duke. Welsh. Drop
that gun. No other than fail, I'll die. I'll die, yes,
(25:00):
don't look, but Professor Charles,he too is dead. How horrible?
No, Margot, this is afitting conclusion for the mad plot conceived
by a man who thought he wasthe reincarnated soul of someone who died centuries
before. Whether the criminal builds hiscrime on historic patterns or not, the
(25:21):
relentless hand of justice reaches out witha punishment. All crime deserves a punishment
of death. A er. Now, ladies and gentlemen, the Shadow Program
has the honor and privilege of presentingto you to day's distinguished guest, he
(25:42):
is Commissioner John H. Morris,in charge of the Juvenile Aid Bureau of
the New York City Police Department.Commissioner Morris, thank you. First,
mister Roberts, tell me how doesthe Shadow do it? I'm sorry,
Commissioner Mars, but that's the Shadow'ssecret, all right, mister Roberts.
But now, seriously, I'm gratefulfor this opportunity to congratulate the sponsors of
(26:04):
the Shadow for putting on such afine program. It's not only mighty entertaining,
but it's also doing an excellent jobof showing young Americans the folly and
futility of lawlessness. And that's whatyour job is too, isn't it.
That's right, Crime prevention is thebusiness of the Juvenile Aid Bureau of New
York City. That's a pretty bigorder. Tell us, Commissioner, how
(26:26):
do you do it? In briefby putting into operation measures for the rehabilitation
and adequate social treatment of juvenile delinquents, and instilling in boys and girls a
respect for law and appreciation of goodcitizenship. Well, tell us, Commissioner,
how do the children react to thisplant? They love it. Our
one hundred and twenty Police Athletic Leaguesupervise play streets and play centers boil with
(26:49):
activity from morning till night. Andthat's not all. In addition, the
League has made the police Department uniforma symbol of friendship between those men who
we and every member of the plThank you very much, Commissioner Marks.
I'm sure everyone listening enjoyed hearing youropinion on this topic of such vital interest
to us. All you have beenlistening to a dramatized version of one of
(27:18):
the many copyrighted stories which appear inThe Shadow magazine, now on sale at
your local news stand. The weedof Crime bears bitter food. Crime does
(27:38):
not pay. The Shadow knows allthe characters and all the places named are
fictitious, and a similarity to personsliving or dead is purely coincidental.
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