Oracle of Death | The Shadow (10-20-40)

Original Air Date: October 20, 1940
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Show: The Shadow

Stars:
• Bill Johnstone (Lamont Cranston)
• Marjorie Anderson (Margot Lane)

Intro and Exit music from: Resurgence by Ghostrifter https://bit.ly/ghostrifter-sc

Episode Transcript

(00:15):
Welcome to the Old Time Radio NetCastNetwork. I'm your host, a Gerryans,
and let's get into this episode.This episode is going to be The
Shadow originally dates October twentieth, nineteenforty, and the title is Oracle of
Death, who Knows what evil inthe heart of Man? The Shadow Note

(01:00):
The Shadow is on the air anda new series of drilling advents brought you
each week by the Blue Coal Dealersof America. These dramatizations are designed to
demonstrate forcibly, through old and youngalike, that crime does not take In
just a moment, we listen tothe Oracle of Death. But first,

(01:22):
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(01:44):
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the silliest character who made the Forcesof law and Order is in reality the

(02:04):
month Clampson Welcome young man about self. As the Shadow, Cramson is gifted
with his protect power through cloud men'sminds so that they cannot see Clanson's friend
and companions, The lovely Margot Lane, is the only person who knows to
whom the voice of the invisible Shadowbelongs. Today's story the Oracle of Death.

(02:35):
Hey, with that, ty WiSMIs really you should know better than
the speed around corners in this tabAnd we have the police commissioner with us,
but with the and that is justwhy I'm saying that. Why is
there? And I say, commissionwork. We really had you with us,
Yeah, yes, And if Ididn't feel so darn good natured after
that, Tim, excuse me,after that dinner you folks fed me.

(02:58):
I resented very much. Ms lambshave been done here mentioned it, cann
We persuade you to change your mindand come alone to the theater with it.
No, No, I'm sorry,Cranston. I've got to get back
to headquarters. Oh no, Commissioner, please pretty please, not even the
sugar on it. I have tobe hondguard. I've been taken quite a
feeding lately. In a series ofsteady crimes all over the city. When
our percentage of arrest is too smallto please the Mayor's Committee, I'm always

(03:20):
the first target hard on you.Yes, like some of the so called
first citizens of our city. Theywant to clean everybody's house, but they're
on you know you fall into thatcategory too, Cranston, I do wow,
Well that new servants you hired Rodneynext con just got a prison.
You know nothing about him. Ifyou'd dig back a steer, if you
came home some night found the placecleaned out. Oh, Commissioner, Rodney

(03:42):
would never do that, are youknow well? Because London perfectly home.
Besides, I know for a factthat he was false listen picked to the
crime that he went to chail for. Oh you do, do you?
Yes? Who told you? Why? Rod Well? Now that's what he
told you. I've all and hetold her, Hey, stopping cab your
patting head water, that's what heis making noisy me. He's a real

(04:06):
fine, that hack driver. Heis. He is a real fine.
Well, thanks for the dinner,and look, Franson, get rid of
that servant, will you, Commissioner. I have to report you to the
Mayor's Committee. You good night.Okay, let's go see this. Well,
if we're going to squinkle of aneye and a twinkled, he said,
commiss supply way down the muggle heloves to be. So did you

(04:32):
see that fool step right in frontof my hacks? We hit himm we
hit that. He walked right infront of the cab. Come on,
I couldn't help him. You sawwhat happened. I know, I know,
I saw. Well. He didn'trun away. That's one good thing.
Couldn't help I know you couldn't.Wait a minute, he's nothing hunted.
Come on, give me your hands. We're getting medical attention at once.

(05:00):
Okay, the doctor must have broughthim wrong. Let's see what we
can murder. Who he is wearingmurk? Feeling better? Huh? What
happened? Am? I? I'lltake it easier, man, you're all
right? I'm all right? AmI are you well? I'm the most

(05:21):
patson. I just to here tomy apartment right after direct I can what
actund don't do it? Never beinghit for the cab. Mister Cranston and
I were riding there by cabs andI don't remember nothing like that. Looks
wait, a long white Bend isjoining you about twenty four hours. Twenty
four hours. I never like that. That makes today Mondays. I had

(05:44):
an important sake Sundays. Take iteasy, my event. This is not
Monday. It's Sunday. Sunday.That crazy, This is Monday, no
cool, Today is Sunday. Hiton the head. You. I know
that yesterday was Sunday, and Ican prove it by the newspaper actor they
were selling on the street before.I was what was the extras about that

(06:04):
young society? Then it got murdered? So what's young society day? A
right? All right? Play deadGuard I'm talking about and Play the one
was pushed off a pen out ofstop man, tell them what that must
have met them? Our friend hasquite imagination. Yes, I'm sorry,
oh man, But and Play isvery much a lion we saw at dinner
just about an hour ago. Let'slisten, light stop food and Clay was

(06:29):
killed last night. Thinking about themwas really amazing. Batman Atlee was told

(06:51):
a fut yeah, I said no, denying that I've never heard of anything
like this. Give me, ohyes to here from its Janus James having
some of my best men around me, Are you afraid? Of him.
Martin's like Jamis Layne and I am. That's people natural power. It seems
I have to leave to go toanything. I wouldn't. Never worry about

(07:15):
me. No, my mother.I want to go in and have another
thought with our site with wonder.He's still to have a round. I
know he is. Don't worry aboutme. Remind me not to worry too.
Hello, yeah you any better?Ye? Now? Looks by the
way, what is your name?Right? Just yes? But well looks

(07:36):
fun. Nothing quite extraordinary has happenedthat I feel you should know. First,
You've got to believe me when Itell you that we were telling the
truth, and we told you thatlast night was Sunday not Monday. What
about it? That's it. Youtold us about the death at Young Ann's
play before it actually happened. Well, well, how do you account for

(07:59):
it? But what do you thinkmade you do it? I don't know.
Well have you always done that?Have you always been able to foretell
a few to you? Think?Kind of looked like I did when you
found me? If I could,lady, then what's caused this thing?
I know you think I'm nuts,but that makes it even because I think
you are nuts. Tell me,why, man, what day do you

(08:20):
think? This is Monday? Ofthose? Yeah, well I say it's
Tuesday. Well look, can youprove it? Yesterday? That's Monday according
to me. At three minutes pastsix at night, it's that Metal bank
would not over. Do you thinkthat's another tradiction? No, let me

(08:41):
see it's five minutes six now.Well, just to be on the safe
side, I'll call to making aWestern and pass the word along. They'll
don't believe me. No, Ihaven't said I don't believe you, sir,
but you'll forgive us if we do. Hope you're wrong. You can
understand that I'll tell you this much. If you hello, commissioner, were

(09:07):
Hello commissioner, Yes, this isLamont Trenton on your mind. Look no,
I I don't want you to thinkI'm crazy, and please don't ask
me where I receieved my information.But I have reason to believe that the
Continental Bank will soon be roung.He'll get the men over that quickly.
You're a very smart guy. Continentalwould drop five minutes ago. All right,

(09:35):
come on in, come on.He needn't be short with me,
Lamar. He did your best topresent the Continental Bank robbing, and I
succeeded while you were gone. Thatman who he disappeared disappeared. What happened
well, just after you wos lame, when out he calls him clothes When
I wouldn't give them to him,he took one of your suits. Didn't

(09:56):
you try to stop him? Yes, yes I did, but he overpowered
me. And yes, where didit go? Well? I saw him
take his head in front of thedoor, and when the driver returned,
I learned the address to the tapingfoot, I sted a gun on the
step the papers good work right onesixty health free lower end of the town.
Oh I did my destin up himhere, sir? Yeah, I

(10:18):
can tell that by the condition ofyour left eye he landed a lucky right
hand. I wasn't looking for us, mother. We've got to locate this
man at once. I've done apregulous thinking about those types powers of this,
and I've come to the conclusion ofthis whole thing has been a gigantic
hook. What do you mean,I believe that our friend's but has been

(10:39):
tacking as a tool for a devilishlyclever crime ring. You mean his poditions
were all planned? Yes, Rodneyplanned in advanced. That's how he was
able to foretell the futures. Comealong, mother, We're going to the
South Street the dread later. Yes, but to be careful, sir,
I think you think you ought totell Commission West and all about fruit.
No, hm, my visit toour friends. But is a job for

(11:03):
the shadow. But but wake up? But oh, wake up my day.

(11:26):
I want to talk to you.Who's there's m Why don't you put
on a light? Yeah? Wellalight, then what is it? Nobody
there? Yes, there is someonehere. But yes, I can't see
you. Don't get it. I'mstanding right here behinde you, But I
like, can I see it?You can't see me because I've had your

(11:48):
brain and make myself invisible to youreyes? Who are you? Then?
Call me the shackle? Hear exact? What's happening? I ain't No,
Yah, I'm going crazy, giftlike I said I was? Who said
you were? Who were you talkingabout? But I'm a cranton, I'm
miss girl, miss stupid. Butlerwell said I was nuts. Maybe they're

(12:13):
right. Why did they think youwere crazy? Because my predicted things to
him things it hadn't even happened.He come out? Who how were you
able to predict the future? Butno, no, I insist that you
tell me. Why don't you tellme why? I can't say you and
maybe I'll set my hand too.I've already explained that, yeah, I

(12:35):
have reason to believe, but thatall your predictions of the future were carefully
plants that you knew they were goingto happen. I see, I'm going
to bed that my shadow. Idon't just tell me when I'm going to
predict me. I'd rather make youtell me. Okay, okay, I
will. You had me speak tothis guyl of Mirk Cranston. Yes,

(13:00):
six, yeah, askin got killedlast night at eight o'clock. More fudd
predictions in just a moment. Now, are you getting off of the right

(13:22):
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(13:48):
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(14:11):
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(14:33):
your classified Pelophone directorate under the wordsblue coal now actually article of death.
I'll make the question here we area curate bad won Here we are my

(14:56):
per Oh yes, yes, timetreat And I must say, jos who
will spot me for a man whowas on the gabby side, even very
young gabby all the way home?Trouble Its following? Is it? You
should couple it. No, no, no, no, seev I,
I was just thinking about the appointmentI have it. It'll to the question
you got something on your mind?You have? Look, can I help

(15:18):
you out you? No, truely, I don't take care of this myself.
But in case anything should go wrong, I want you to wait outside
the building and walk everyone who entersand leaves like a hawk, I like
a horse. What you an actme should be If I don't come downstairs
by by ten fifteen, you comeup and get me. Oh, I

(15:52):
didn't know you were in here,transon sitting in the dark. That's all
right, ordy, I'm waiting forsomeone. Oh but I see, well
it's some of that now, I'lltake it on it. You'll excuse me.
Then I have some more yes ofcourse, Hello, yes, commission
Oh yes, commission ook here man, I want to find out how you

(16:14):
know about that Continental Bank to takeup Why? Well, because of your
call telling us about it, importantnews brought on the feet. You're suspected
by the Mayor's committee of having putthe job yourself. Now, Commissioner,
you don't believe, then, doyou? I don't know what to believe
at this point. Look, Commissioner, all I can tell you is that
I received my information from a manthat I picked up who claim to have

(16:34):
pack it calls if altold, themurder of an quay, the looting of
the Continental Bank. And right nowI'm waiting for the third time that you
predicted to happen. What is itthis time? I'm sorry, I can't
tell you. Can you're absucting justicethe law Commissioner. Sorry, Weston,

(16:57):
I couldn't tell you anything, Ohlove may I the government still? Ye,
yes, I can't need any longerthan night. I'm expecting a call.
Really, but now I can waitand show your guest. I have
to do it, my cha.Good night, well, good night,
good night. I'll show you allright, you spend I hope you good

(17:19):
good night? Mm hmm it isfine. Well you know me our nage.

(17:47):
Well it is to be one timethat a young man's propherty didn't work
with this. Well I could usea good night? Yeah, what do
you think that's for? Luck?So you speak to miss west and I

(18:15):
was frankly worried about the whole situation. And when I heard mister Panston get
you on the phone tonight, Isaid, with my aduty to receive you
just who this man made the property? Yes, you did the right thing,
rob me. Thank you. Thisis his room right here. Incidentally,
it might be wise and not tomention from the police. Not from

(18:37):
the police. Oh, come on, open up. I only said that.
Oh ye love me, mister CranstonButler. Don't you remember me.
Yeah, he's a friend of minewho is interested in your case. He

(18:59):
wants to talk oazy the boys.You're gonna ask me a lot of crazy
questions too. Oh. I'm justvery curious to learn more about this psychic
power you're supposed to have, yourcaptain, I said, I was here
to ask about your psychic power,and I don't see nothing wonderful about it.
I just don't agree with the restof you people. So what day

(19:22):
it is? That's all? Everyoneelse is a day behind me? That's
really Oh not if you're telling thefood. Oh, I'm telling the truth.
I'll prove it to you. Whatday do you say this is?
Who's there? Of course? Seeand I know this one's power. Said
last night Tuesday, half of thistown was blown up by bomb. What
God, the railroad station, hotelshere at every place on the east side

(19:45):
of town. You are crazy.You can night that later. I ain't
sinned. They got the power planover on the west side too. Go
at the faces, kill everyone inthe joint. What time did all this
happen? About ten thirty last night? That's the matterest thing I've ever heard.
Okay, okay, he asked meto believe it. Look, mister,
whatever your personal reaction may be,I must beg you to leave you.
Everything else that he's told has happenedright to the minute. This is

(20:08):
too fantastic. But you can't loseanything by taking forcaut Suppose the power plant
should blow up. Would you wantto be a fun to blow all those
deaths? No? No, ofcourse not. And he's always been right
before. You know that in thecall you made, mister Cranston. Yeah,
that's true. Well, I guessI'll have to take the gamble.
If this prediction doesn't come off,I'll be laughed off the pause. But

(20:30):
if it sposed to be right,it's worth a try. What time is
it now? Five? And Ihave exactly twenty five minutes to evacuate that
powerhouse and send every armed man inhis apartment to the east side to protect
his most bombing Duffy call the powerplant not at all workers to leave the

(20:52):
building until further notice. Yes,Sir Edward, I want off the post.
It at every day the hotel andpuppet building on the east side,
like the court and the men aroundthe railroad station. Have them pick up
any and all to pick his cargains. They mine and hurry, man,
hurry, mister class what's happened,mister Classon? What's the matter with you?

(21:18):
H up? What's the thorn shot? Oh? My gosh, are
you all right? I guy?I'm who got it? Where is it?
I'm not sure who did it?They gotta come. Did you see
any stringers come out of the building. Oh? I was watching too,
I was, and did you hardlypaying no attention? All on police Allanto
was coming over the radio. Whatwere they? They send a bunch of

(21:42):
riots squads over the east side oftown. Tell me cop over there.
Something was expecting to happen. Theymoved everybody out of the West side powerhouse.
Why did Weston do that? Thefool Treevy. You've got to get
word to the commissioner at once.Something wrong? Is it? Plenty?
Find Western and tell him to orderhis police back to the west side,
and he must send the squad tothe power plant too. Right way,
okay, okay, what about youto care of my go ahead, no

(22:03):
hurry, I'm gone, what sight, I'm gone. I can say my
people are gonna shutle will play apart in the sea too. The things
looks good. Well, I've beenall through the power to the store around.

(22:25):
It's done a good job of scaringhim. But why don't take no
credit. The chief was the onegoing up the whole scheme, and that's
wake wakenst piping. What we haveto do is cut the main switch here
in the power planet and the soundswell, yeah, I love the thing
you pull out that prediculous which hewas a regular wizard. But yeah,
they ske was good. Nobody withthat soap my mouth clients and stumbled.

(22:48):
It was played like clockwork. He'sbeen taking care of you, can't.
You have to see that white guypolice commission that weston he went, but
figuring any of the others like anythingelse that they cut off the power set
up, Yeah tight, it didn'teven eve out watching good. I got

(23:08):
the rest of the men posted adoubly worthwhile stare and money center on the
west side when we pulled the switchand the lights go off. They begin
working and about it. No,no, they're all over the east side
waiting for the bombs that will neverexplode. Well, we might as well
get things started. Where's that maintwih see? I like the annals pulling

(23:30):
it myself? Okay, this ishi that he goes up? Who knocked
my hand off? That twick?Yes? All right, just for your
plant he's got. I don't seenobody. He's right here, but I
am right here, gentleman, anddon't hit it. Look for me.

(23:53):
You won't see me before? Whyyou? I am known? Meant the
shadow? Oh so you've heard ofme? Yeah, that's came to call
on me before. That's right.But I called on you to learn more
about your power of hot tell thefuture. And I learned enough from you
to know that you were planning justsuch your horrors. What are you going

(24:14):
to do? And I like it? Boy? Shut up, you're older.
Let him like you. That's whathe's trying to do here. But
I can't see him. I ain'tscared of somebody I can see, but
so I have no fear of anyone. I can't see you. Hear that
shadow? Yes, a very bravestatement, especially from your meek men at
yourself brought me? Do you knowme? I know that you're a valid

(24:36):
of Lamont Crent, a man whomyou tried to murder just two hours ago.
Oh I see, you're pretty smart. Answer. I'm smart enough to
know that you and your gang ofcut thos murdered hand play and rob the
Continental Bank, and that now youare planning to loot and terrorize the entire
city. All right, what areyou going to do about it? Don't
worry, I've already taken care ofthings. You hear that, gentleman,

(25:00):
We're gonna get it. You didn'tfrighten them away after all. Don't you
forget that? I take your handaway from that which drug me? Or
can I shoot it away? You'renot gearing me get out here? Yeah?
Before afraid it's too late. Wecan't get out now. The offices
of the law going to have justa tough of time getting in. I'm

(25:22):
making a break. The first manthat makes a break will get it from
me. You're three against one,gentleman. Are you going to let him
tell you what to do? Shutup? Well, you're being treated a
peer again, gentle kick that thingout of here. I think that will

(25:47):
make you all change your mind.There's a second ball until I get you
first. I've fd a very easyand try again. You get you yet?
All right? You okay, okay, come and get up an healing

(26:22):
nicely. You'll be happy to learnLamont, your man Rob me and his
entire gang has been rounded up andput behind bar. Good work. Mission
Aunt was nothing. Really, Iwas wise for those birds right along that
played with them like a cat atthe mouth. And when I was ready,
I set my cap for them byperfectly pretending to put all of my
officers on the other side of town. Yes, routine, free strategy.

(26:48):
Why commission West And you know that, Mama, yes, mongo, he
knows that. I'm very proud ofit. Besides, we mustn't forget that
election A commission, Oh the election. And now it's our privilege to bring

(27:11):
you John Buckler, America's home heatingexpert, mister Butler, Thank you,
Ken Roberts and good eating friends.Last week I attended the golden wedding anniversary
of two of my best friends.Well, just the years is a long
time. Him and Amy aren't asurprised they used to be there was an

(27:33):
anniversary gift. I gave him ablue coal automatic regulator. Now I know
they'll be more comfortable and a lothappier this winter because they won't have to
keep going up and downstairs to regulatedamper. You know, folks, more
and more people every day are learningabout the time and money they saved is

(27:56):
blue coal and a blue coal heatregulator. And remember when you order blue
coal, you get extra home heating. Search the people. You get the
free heating advice of a John Bartleytrained service man. He'll show you how
to get more heat for every dollaryou spend. And his the advice is

(28:19):
only a part of this everyday servicegives you by your friendly blue cold healer
the phone, your neighborhood brew colddealer, first thing in the morning.
Thank you they've program is based ona story copyrighted by The Shadow magazine.

(28:48):
The characters names places and plots orthe kids, and it's similarity to the
person's living more dead. It's yourgouling today, the weed of crime.

(29:10):
There's bitter spruit. Crime does notpay the Shadow. Next week, same
time, same stations. The BlueCoal dealers in America bring you one of
the most thrilling adventures the Shadow hasever experienced, So be sure to listen

(29:33):
and be sure to phone your friendlyblue coal dealer or greater he can comforts.
At least top list is Ken Robertssaying keep the home fires burning with
blue col Welcome back. I hopeyou enjoyed this presentation from the old time

(30:15):
NetCast Network. For more great shows, go to otnetcast dot com. Don't
forget to like and rate this episodein your favorite podcasting client. Follow this
show on Facebook by going to otnetcastdot com forward slash Facebook. This episode
is covered under the attribution non commercialshow like copyright. For more information,
go to otnetcast dot com forward slashcopyright. Thanks again for listening, and

(30:37):
I hope you have a great day.