October 2, 2025 • 29 mins
The Whistler was a suspenseful mystery anthology that ran from 1942-1955. A character known only as the Whistler was the host and narrator of the tales, which focused on crime and fate and had a suspenseful and eerie tone, always ending with a twist. The Whistler was later adapted to television.
Hope you enjoy this episode of The Whistler! Find all our OTR radio stations and podcasts at theaterofthemind-otr.com - All Podcasts @ Spreaker | Apple | YouTube | Spotify | iHeart | Amazon
Hope you enjoy this episode of The Whistler! Find all our OTR radio stations and podcasts at theaterofthemind-otr.com - All Podcasts @ Spreaker | Apple | YouTube | Spotify | iHeart | Amazon
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:02):
And now stay tuned for the mystery program that is
unique among all mystery programs, because even when you know
who is guilty, you always receive a startling surprise at
the final curtain. In the Signal Oil program, the Whistler Signal,
(00:28):
the famous go Father Gasoline invite you to sit back
and enjoy another strange story by the Whistler.
Speaker 2 (00:53):
I am the Whistler, and I know many things. For
I walk by night. I know many strange tales hidden
in the hearts of men and women who had stepped
into the shadows. Yes, I know the nameless terrors of
which they dare not speak.
Speaker 1 (01:11):
And now transcribe for the Signal Oil Company the Whistler
Strange Story, The Murder of Byron Blake.
Speaker 2 (01:33):
It was well past the lunch hour, and the little
restaurant on fifty sixth Street was almost deserted, except for
the corner table near the window where Julie Lang and
Gus Hackett sat talking over their coffee cups.
Speaker 3 (01:47):
Julie, yes, gotta eat something. You didn't touch your lunch.
Speaker 4 (01:52):
I I don't feel like eating.
Speaker 5 (01:55):
Oh, Jeff Beenley, the killer of Firon It's Byron Blake
killer faces maximum sentence Byron Blake Killer faces maximum sentence.
Speaker 4 (02:08):
Extra guest, I could use a cigarette.
Speaker 3 (02:11):
Oh sure, here you are? Thanks? Feel any better?
Speaker 2 (02:21):
I guess so.
Speaker 4 (02:22):
I you do understand, Gus.
Speaker 3 (02:25):
I'm sorry to of course I understand, Darling. I don't
feel much like talking yet.
Speaker 4 (02:31):
I just want to be quiet and think a little.
Speaker 2 (02:47):
And sitting in the little restaurant, Julie Lang had a
lot to think about. She was grateful for its choir,
a kind of sanctuary in the middle of a mass
of howling headlines and hammering police officials. For although the
current fueror concerned Leo Sanders, Julie had been in the
very center of the situation since that moment when Leo
(03:07):
Sanders unexpectedly ended her life two months ago.
Speaker 6 (03:12):
Had a party.
Speaker 2 (03:15):
The party was just beginning to warm up when you
got there.
Speaker 3 (03:18):
Wasn't it, Leo?
Speaker 2 (03:19):
A New York party, with all the trimming, the penthouse,
the theater crowd, the talented youngster from the New Review
doing impersonations near the piano. You carefully adjust your tie
in the ante room just before you go in, beside
once again that no one can look more prosperous than
an actor who's out of work. You opened the door
and run right into Julie Julie.
Speaker 7 (03:43):
Leo, holy long mile.
Speaker 6 (03:44):
Let me look at you.
Speaker 4 (03:45):
I'm a night cloth thinger now left the langmre back
in Saint Louis.
Speaker 6 (03:49):
Oh really, well, what is it, Flang, Julie Lang you
doing in New York? I'm beating the pavement looking for
a job.
Speaker 7 (03:56):
Hear it?
Speaker 6 (03:56):
What else? And he lack?
Speaker 8 (03:57):
Oh had to get me a secretary, keep a busy
day and night, just turning down off. You couldn't let
me have two bits for coffee and sinkers cause.
Speaker 4 (04:04):
You haven't changed a bit, not since.
Speaker 6 (04:10):
Not's in Saint Louis. Yeah, Saint Louis. Uh uh? Who
are you here with Gus Hacket? Oh gus Hacket, the agent?
You mean, the Gus Hacket?
Speaker 4 (04:24):
Why not?
Speaker 8 (04:25):
Oh, Julie darling, you've suddenly become the most glamorous woman
I ever met in my life.
Speaker 6 (04:29):
Shall we adjourn to the terrace, please, Leo?
Speaker 4 (04:32):
Not right now?
Speaker 6 (04:33):
Now, come on, come on, I just wanna talk over
old times.
Speaker 4 (04:35):
That's just it.
Speaker 6 (04:37):
That's all behind us now, Leo. I might right, I'll
have to carry you out there bodily.
Speaker 4 (04:42):
That no other answer, alright, Leo, But just for a minute.
H Really, Leo, I'd better go back to the party now.
(05:04):
Gus is probably wondering where I am.
Speaker 6 (05:06):
No reason at all. You know you're afraid of me, aren't.
Speaker 7 (05:11):
You, Julie, Yes, I suppose I am.
Speaker 6 (05:15):
Why is it important? Very important?
Speaker 4 (05:20):
I I don't want it to happen again, Leo.
Speaker 3 (05:24):
Saint Louis, Yes, Saint Dois.
Speaker 6 (05:28):
I found a new life for myself, new friends.
Speaker 8 (05:31):
Julie, you still love me. Why don't you admit it?
Speaker 6 (05:36):
I don't know, Leo, I so confusing.
Speaker 4 (05:40):
You're coming back this way.
Speaker 8 (05:41):
It can be just the way it was, Darling. I'm
different now, I've learned. I've learned a lot.
Speaker 6 (05:47):
You can help me.
Speaker 8 (05:48):
You know, Hacket's the biggest age in the business. If
you could get him behind me, I, well, there's no
end of what we could do together. We go right
to the top.
Speaker 6 (05:58):
It's not just that they something else.
Speaker 4 (06:00):
Lee, Oh I, I don't wanna talk about it now, Julie, Oh, oh,
guess I I want you to meet an old friend.
Speaker 6 (06:11):
This is Leo Sanders, LEI.
Speaker 4 (06:13):
This is Gus Hackett, my agent.
Speaker 2 (06:14):
Lloyd Lea and I knew each.
Speaker 6 (06:16):
Other in Saint Louis.
Speaker 3 (06:17):
Oh I see Julie. Pat Hoffman's arriving. But he told me, yeah, yeah,
you'd better run out and say the right things go
on now hurry excuse me, Leo. Oh, I'm sorry, mister Sanders.
Suppose she told you about Pat Hoffman. Now she started
to say something. Queer guy he runs the night club
(06:37):
where she works, decided he's going to marry her. I see, now,
I'm afraid you don't. You've uh known her for a
long time.
Speaker 8 (06:45):
Oh, I went to high school were they? We went
around together when I first started out as on the stage.
Speaker 3 (06:51):
Oh, oh, you're an actor.
Speaker 8 (06:53):
He as a matter of fact, I've been trying to
make an appointment with you for a month. Finished a
nice run with Fallen Star The ro sandays, do you
mind if.
Speaker 3 (07:01):
We don't talk business tonight. I guess I've got the
judies or something.
Speaker 6 (07:05):
Oh I'm sorry, I didn't mean so.
Speaker 3 (07:06):
Oh sure, sure it's all right. I told her again
and again about that Hoffman character. I don't know where
it's going to end up.
Speaker 6 (07:13):
Oh is it that bad? No worse.
Speaker 3 (07:16):
Look, I'll talk to Julie about you. She says, you're okay,
it's great with me. Maybe we can work out something.
That's all I can say right now.
Speaker 2 (07:33):
But Gus Hackett said enough, didn't he leave a word
to hack it from Julie? And the door is open.
And in that brief moment on the terrace, you could
see that nothing had changed with him, that it was
still just as it was in Saint Louis. That's why
you drop into a florist's shop the next deep.
Speaker 8 (07:50):
Yes, sir, I'll take a dozen of those American beauty roses,
the ones in the window, and send them to Julie
Lang at the Parakeet Club on West fifty eighth Street. No, no,
I'll deliver the message myself. Hello, Julie, Leo, what do
(08:16):
you get?
Speaker 6 (08:17):
I didn't know they were yours?
Speaker 4 (08:20):
The lovely Leo?
Speaker 6 (08:21):
But you Sho doesn't matter? Daring something wrong?
Speaker 4 (08:23):
You shouldn't have come here, Leo?
Speaker 6 (08:25):
Well why not? The show's over.
Speaker 8 (08:26):
Can't a guy come backstage to see his girl in
her dressing room once in a while?
Speaker 4 (08:29):
I can't explain now, Please go, I can see you
after all.
Speaker 6 (08:33):
Wait, come on, that's no way to act.
Speaker 3 (08:34):
Commute commit Leo.
Speaker 8 (08:35):
Don't lie to me, Julie. It's still the same, isn't it?
Just like it used to be.
Speaker 6 (08:39):
I I don't know, Julie, Julie Darling, please go now.
I'll meet you somewhere after it.
Speaker 4 (08:50):
You got to understand, Dorothy.
Speaker 6 (08:53):
Who's this?
Speaker 4 (08:54):
I I'm not quite ready, Pat, Just a minute.
Speaker 3 (08:58):
That's green over there.
Speaker 6 (09:00):
What but this is stupid? You're of age?
Speaker 3 (09:02):
What do you do?
Speaker 5 (09:02):
As?
Speaker 4 (09:03):
I say?
Speaker 6 (09:04):
All right, Julie, Yes, sir, what is it? I just
want to tell you it's all set. What's all set?
Tomorrow night? Arrange for Lorraine to do.
Speaker 2 (09:18):
Your spotsor you and I can take the night off.
Speaker 6 (09:22):
You wait a minute? What's this? Oh?
Speaker 2 (09:25):
The flowers?
Speaker 6 (09:26):
I meant to tell you who's sending you flowers? He's
just a friend. You didn't answer my question, Julie, who
is he?
Speaker 4 (09:32):
I don't think it's any of your business.
Speaker 6 (09:35):
That I'm tired of it, Julie. I told you before
I wasn't gonna take anymore.
Speaker 4 (09:38):
All right, Pat, you don't have to take anymore.
Speaker 2 (09:40):
I don't need this job.
Speaker 6 (09:41):
I don't need you. I'm not a child. And get this, Julie.
You're staying here with me, whether you want it or not.
Speaker 2 (09:50):
And you can tell your friend if he makes another
pass at you, I'll kill.
Speaker 6 (09:54):
Him that's all. I'll get into your things. I'll have
a car ready for you in fifteen minutes.
Speaker 8 (10:07):
Oh, Leo, yay, I see what you mean that Huffan's
a nice guy, isn't he?
Speaker 6 (10:13):
Why don't you walk out?
Speaker 4 (10:15):
I'm afraid of him, Leo, he do anything?
Speaker 6 (10:17):
What about us?
Speaker 2 (10:18):
Oh?
Speaker 8 (10:19):
I don't know you love me, Julie. It's gonna mean
everything that both of us once I said.
Speaker 6 (10:23):
But Leo, you've got to fix me up with Gus Hacketts.
Speaker 4 (10:28):
All right, Leo, I'll call him.
Speaker 6 (10:31):
I'll make an appointment for you.
Speaker 2 (10:36):
When you leave, Julie, you walk rapidly towards your apartment.
After two blocks, you have a vague feeling someone is
following you. You look around quickly. About half a block
behind you gaining on you is Hoffman. You're not anxious
(10:56):
for him to know where you live or who you are,
are you, Leo? Quickly you enter the revolving doors of
a hotel. Hurry through the crowd in the lobby, exit
through the side door.
Speaker 6 (11:09):
Outside.
Speaker 2 (11:10):
Once more, you look both ways, make certain you've given
Hoffman the slip, then start walking rapidly you're apartment. Once
you reach your apartment, you dial Julie's private phone at
the club.
Speaker 6 (11:39):
Hello, Hello, Julie, Leo.
Speaker 2 (11:41):
I'm just leaving, Leo.
Speaker 8 (11:42):
I don't your tough boyfriend followed me after I left
the club, Leo.
Speaker 6 (11:46):
Yes, but he didn't catch up with me. I lost
him in a hotel lobby. Are you sure sure?
Speaker 4 (11:50):
I'm sure, Leo, if he thought there was anything between us,
not if.
Speaker 6 (11:57):
I saw him first. Don't worry. Take care of myself.
Speaker 1 (12:12):
Signal Oil Company has asked me to explain to you
why Tonight's Whistler and last Sundays Whistler were transcribed. This
was done, friends, in order to give all the members
of the Whistler's cast, orchestra and production staff a well
deserved two week vacation with pay. I'm sure you'll be
glad to know, however, that although this is the season
when so many popular shows go off the air for
(12:34):
the summer, there'll be no vacation for the Whistler program itself.
Thanks to your loyalty to the Whistler, which has made
this the most popular West Coast program in radio history,
plus your loyalty to Signal Dealers, you're in Signal history.
Signal Oil Company is keeping the Whistler on the air
all summer without interruption. So each Sunday evening throughout the summer,
(12:57):
when you turn to this spot on your radio, you
can depend on finding your favorite mystery, just as each
time you turn into a signal station you can depend
on finding a friendly independent dealer to serve you with
fine quality signal products, including the famous go Farther gasoline.
Speaker 2 (13:41):
You're surprised, aren't Julio. Pat Hoffman's threat that he'd kill
anyone he caught hanging around Julie Lang didn't mean much
to you until he started following you after you left
Julie's dressing room. Once you lost him in the crowd,
you made a note to watch out for him in
the future. Besides, finding Julie again has given when you
were an inside track with Gus Hackett, the actor's agent,
(14:03):
and you'll do anything to get a break in the theater,
won't Julio anything? A few days later, you enter Gus
Hackett's office to keep the appointments she arranged.
Speaker 6 (14:12):
Hell, it's suddenly nice of you to see me, mister Hackett.
Speaker 3 (14:14):
I had all Sanders sit down, all right, tell me
about yourself.
Speaker 8 (14:20):
Oh well, I started in stock in Saint Louis went
on the road with the uh second company of Pretty Boy.
Speaker 6 (14:26):
I had sixteen weeks of that.
Speaker 2 (14:27):
Mmm.
Speaker 8 (14:28):
Yeah, well, and of course there was the usual summer
theater work and uh I brought along some clipping now
how good? Yeah, but really there's one review. I'm I'm
pretty proud of a guy in Seattle thought I did
alright with the lead in Primrose.
Speaker 3 (14:41):
Mm. A stand out performance by a bright, young newcomer
Leo Sanders was well received by an otherwise wrestlers audience.
Sanders showed strong presence and the genuine understanding of mister
Carter's principal character.
Speaker 8 (14:56):
Hmm okay, yeah, well, of course that's all bush league
stuff to you.
Speaker 6 (15:02):
Mister.
Speaker 3 (15:02):
Everybody asked to start some play centers.
Speaker 6 (15:04):
Yeah, don't let it wor you.
Speaker 3 (15:06):
As a matter of fact, the thing I have in
mind calls for an unknown Oh yes, it's Mel Franklin's
new play. You'll be casting in about a week.
Speaker 6 (15:15):
Mel Franklin.
Speaker 8 (15:17):
Oh, that'd be quite a braking from what he told
me about it, there's a good chance you might be
what he's looking for. Well, of course, mister Hackett, you
know I've I've only done leads.
Speaker 3 (15:25):
I'm talking about the lead.
Speaker 8 (15:28):
Now, it's a little hard to believe that Franklin would
take a chance on an unknown.
Speaker 3 (15:32):
Well, Mel has quite a few ideas about the part.
Above all, he wants someone who isn't identified with any
other characterization. I see it's that kind of a part. Uh,
the play might suffer if the audience associated the actor
with the wrong kind of things. Whicher brings up something else, Sanders,
what do you mean your background? There were a few
(15:54):
clippings you didn't save.
Speaker 8 (15:56):
Right now, Wait a minute, I, mister Hackett, has Julie
been telling No, he hasn't been telling me anything.
Speaker 3 (16:02):
Except how competent you are. Uhh, no, Sanders, I found
these things out of my own hook. It's a practice
of mine and taking on a new client.
Speaker 6 (16:11):
And uh, just what have you found out?
Speaker 3 (16:15):
Well, let's say it wasn't entirely breaks that have held
you back. I understand you've got out of hand of
you times. Oh it's never anything serious, mister Hackett. I
hit and run charge until loot was serious enough. You
served time for it. Well, yes, when there are at
least half a dozen times in the Midwest where you've
been in one kind of trouble or another. That temperament
(16:35):
routine doesn't go anymore, you know, alright, mister Hackett, I
don't see what that has to do with anything in
this case. Everything I just one is to understand one another,
and that's all now. In dealing with Franklin, I'll do.
Speaker 6 (16:52):
The talking, I understand, mister Hackett. Well, I appreciate this
even more.
Speaker 3 (16:57):
Don't thank me. Thank Julie lang I intensive he's a
one girl, Sanders. I I guess I do almost anything
for her. I understand stand. I hope you do. She's
very fond of you.
Speaker 6 (17:10):
You know.
Speaker 3 (17:12):
I wouldn't want to see her hurt, of course, not
all right, Sanders. I'll arrange that Triod be at the
fifty sixth Street Theater at ten tomorrow morning.
Speaker 6 (17:29):
That's all there is to it, Leo.
Speaker 2 (17:31):
It took Julie five minutes to do what you failed
to accomplish in three months. You know how important she
is now that as long as she believes you're in
love with her, anything is possible. You arrive at the
theater as instructed by Gus, sit by yourself in the wings,
studying the play script that Franklin placed in your hand.
Not long after Gus arrives and you see him join
(17:53):
Franklin in the empty seats beyond the footlights. Then at
last you're asked to read opposite the leading lady.
Speaker 6 (17:59):
Thanks for a minute, marry him. I don't wanna hurt you.
I don't wanna hurt your father, but please consenter my position.
Speaker 4 (18:06):
Oh, Donning, you're taking it too serious, too seriously, marry
and those people are counting on me.
Speaker 2 (18:13):
You don't quite lose yourself in the part do you leave? No,
you do your best. But all the while you're reading,
you can see the dim outlines of Gus and Mel
Franklin beyond the foot flights, and you wish you could
hear what they're saying.
Speaker 3 (18:26):
Well, now, what do you think of it? Now? The
guy's good? Gus? Is he in? I don't know.
Speaker 2 (18:32):
I had another actor in mine and I.
Speaker 3 (18:34):
Still like to listen to him, But it's between him
and Sanders. Yes, yes, I think I can promise you
that much. Good enough, except that I think Sanders is right. Sure,
I'm sure he's doing a good job. Only well, Gush,
I've heard things about him. I understand that's all in
the past. Mellow, Yes, but this party has to be
a clean cut guy, the thing will fall on his face.
I wouldn't worry. Listen to a mellow, he's really an actor. Listen.
Speaker 6 (18:59):
I'm sorry, but that's something I can't believe anymore. I'm
sorry too.
Speaker 4 (19:05):
I've done everything I can.
Speaker 3 (19:07):
You may have something, Gus, let me think it over, okay,
but you've got a chance that to hit on this
one mail. Don't let a few rumors spoil.
Speaker 6 (19:16):
It for you. Well, how to go, mister Hackett. Did
Mel Franklin say anything?
Speaker 8 (19:27):
It looks good? Leoh oh yeah, but what do you say?
By the way, I hope you told him I wasn't
my best, that's all.
Speaker 3 (19:32):
It was a first reading in Knox. Relax, huh. I
told him just enough. And I still want you to
stay away from him. Give him time to make up
his mind. Make up his mind? You mean he mentioned
having somebody else he wanted to hear. But just do
as I say, and it's going to work out. I'm
sure of it.
Speaker 6 (19:48):
I hope you're right, mister Hackett.
Speaker 3 (19:50):
Y I I I couldn't miss with a part like that. Yes, yes,
I know. But all we can do now is wait
and see. Look, I've got to make a quick trip
out of Hollywebber.
Speaker 6 (19:58):
What about the part?
Speaker 3 (19:59):
I sit right, I'll be in touch with Mel. And
if anything breaks, I've called Julie. Oh okay, And another thing, Leo,
be a good boy, will you?
Speaker 2 (20:16):
You never dreamed it could happen so fast, did Julia? Yes,
in a matter of days. Now you'll know one way
or the other. The waiting isn't easy, but Gus Hackett
seems so confident. So sure it's three nights later that
you pick up the kind of a rumor you've been
waiting for and hurry to Julie's apartment.
Speaker 6 (20:35):
Oh good, you got your radio on. What time is it, honey?
Just in time.
Speaker 8 (20:39):
Craig Wallace is due in the air now. I just
heard he might have a tip on the cast of
Franklin's play.
Speaker 2 (20:44):
Oh how would he know?
Speaker 8 (20:48):
Yeah, he's supposed to be an old palam Mel Franklins.
Speaker 6 (20:53):
I's see what he has to say.
Speaker 9 (20:54):
York reporter Craig Wallace bringing you bits of show news.
Picked up a long Broadway. First off, I can conform
those rumors that have been flying concerning a split up
between actress Sandra Laverne and producer Buzz Foster. Sandra starts
a new show to help her forget. And on the
subject of new shows, I promise to have something about
the stars of Mel Franklin's latest over.
Speaker 6 (21:14):
Here it is here, it is Listen.
Speaker 9 (21:15):
Mel has picked a newcomer, this time for the leading role,
opposite Broadway's own Vivian Marx. Needless to say, he'll probably
be around for a long time. When Mel Franklin picks him,
they're usually nothing short of sensational. And so, mister and
missus Manhattan, here it is. The man who will play
the lead in Mel Franklin's new play is Byron Blake.
Speaker 6 (21:35):
What oh wait, Leo, don't turn it all Why not
want to watch me squirm?
Speaker 2 (21:40):
Leo? Please them must be something, but.
Speaker 6 (21:41):
Tulie, I didn't get the part. It's all over.
Speaker 7 (21:45):
Wait Leo, yes, Leo, it's all over.
Speaker 2 (21:56):
You tell that to yourself again and again as you
leave Julie and aimlessly walked the streets. It's even worse
now than before you ran into her at that party,
coming so close, having a dream in the palm of
your hand, then watching it vanish. In a casual remark
from a radio commentator, yes there are only two of you, Leo,
and tomorrow they'll all tell you it was close, that
(22:18):
it was a hard choice between you and this Byron Blake,
and you'll smile politely and say thanks anyway, and step
back to where you were three months ago when you
first came to New York. An hour later, you find
yourself standing in front of a Flora's shop, looking at
(22:40):
a basket of American Beauty roses in the window. Vaguely
remember it's the place you stopped a week ago and
bought the roses for Julie the night Pat Hoffman said
he'd kill a man who sent them. Suddenly, you find
yourself tense, your mind going a mile a minute, er
just a minute, please, But I want to I want
(23:01):
to buy some flowers.
Speaker 9 (23:02):
So night, buddies, you'll have to wait till tomorrow.
Speaker 8 (23:04):
Look, I've got to have them, those roses. I want
two dozen, two dozen American beauties. They're very too late
to make us say like that. To come on inside.
Have you got two? What about delivery? There's ten bucks
in it if you deliver them tonight.
Speaker 9 (23:17):
I guess I could take care of it on my
way home.
Speaker 8 (23:19):
Oh fine, I want you to take them to the
Parakeet Club. I know the spot see that Pat Hoffman,
the manager gets them, he'll.
Speaker 6 (23:25):
Know who they're for. Okay, Now what about a card?
Speaker 8 (23:28):
Yes, yes, I want a card on them. Just put
to Julie with all my love and sign it Byron Blake.
Speaker 1 (23:47):
Where shall we eat? Where shall we spend the night?
Those are two questions you'll be asking again and again
if you do any traveling this summer.
Speaker 6 (23:58):
Well.
Speaker 1 (23:58):
To help you find happy answers to these questions, Signal
Dealers are offering free a guide book to selected eating
and lodging places called Lane's Guide. This handy booklet is
packed with useful information. It tells, for instance, whether the
lodging place is on a beach or has a swimming pool.
In the case of motels, it states whether kitchens are
(24:18):
available and so that you can keep within your budget.
It shows whether prices are low, medium, or high. Naturally,
no pocket sized publication could possibly contain every good eating
and lodging place, but Lane's Guide, which is prepared by
an independent travel organization, includes a representative selection in hundreds
of cities and towns. We sincerely hope you'll enjoy this
(24:41):
latest step in Signal Oil Company's continuing efforts to make
your motoring miles more pleasant. Remember a copy of Lane's
Guide to Eating and Lodging Places is yours free while
the supply lasts at any signal service station.
Speaker 2 (25:07):
Yes, it was well past the lunch hour, and Julie
Lying and Gus Hackett sat discussing the murder of Byron Blake,
scanning the headlines of the sensational story A Story of
the Theater, a murder story in which Julie had unwittingly
played a dramatic part. The first shock was over now,
as Julian Guss sat in that little restaurant on fifty
(25:27):
sixth Streets, while on the streets outside, the newsboys announced
the fact that the killer had pled guilty and had
thrown himself on the mercy of the court Penalty Jet.
Speaker 5 (25:39):
Penalty, The Killer of Byron Blake Extra Byron Blake Killer
Vace's Maximum.
Speaker 6 (25:45):
Sat and read all about you.
Speaker 4 (25:47):
You know something, Gus, somehow I knew all along that
we'd end up this way, just you and I.
Speaker 3 (25:55):
Yeah, I guess I don't have to tell you how
I feel.
Speaker 4 (26:01):
Mm.
Speaker 3 (26:01):
I've always known. It just makes me wonder. Sometimes you
were once in love with Leo Sanders, won't you?
Speaker 6 (26:10):
No?
Speaker 4 (26:12):
I thought it was love, Gus, I know now it
was something else.
Speaker 3 (26:17):
Why didn't you tell them everything?
Speaker 2 (26:19):
The police?
Speaker 3 (26:20):
Yeah? Hm, the papers are calling it a tragedy. But
Leo was a heel, Julie. Worse than that, he was
a murderer. When he signed the name Byron Blake to
those roses he sent you, he knew exactly what Huffman
would do. That's what's so wrong about it. Huffman wasn't
(26:40):
the real murderer. He was actually the weapon.
Speaker 6 (26:43):
Tlee.
Speaker 3 (26:44):
I gotta get it off my chest, Julie. I guess
I feel guilty in a way. It wasn't your fault,
I know, but it never would have happened if Mel
Franklin and I hadn't dreamed up that way of covering
Leo's past.
Speaker 4 (26:56):
You mustn't blame yourself, Gus.
Speaker 3 (26:58):
Maybe not, but it's too bad Leo didn't know that
the stage name we dreamed up for him was Byron Blake.
Speaker 1 (27:26):
Let that whistle be your signal for the Signal Oil program.
The whistler each Sunday night at this same time meantime
Signal Oil Company and the friendly independent dealers who help
you go farther with Signal gasoline, hope you'll remember. Regardless
of what gasoline you used, you'll enjoy more miles of
happy driving. If you drive at sensible speeds, obey traffic regulations,
(27:48):
and avoid taking chances, you may even save.
Speaker 6 (27:51):
A life, possibly your own.
Speaker 1 (28:00):
Featured in Tonight's story were Bill Foreman, Gerald Moore, Dorris Singleton,
Varney Phillips, John Stephenson, and Bob Bruce. The Whistler was
produced and directed by George w Allen, with story by
Gene from Hers, music by Wilbur Hatch, and was transcribed
and transmitted to our troops overseas by the Armed Forces
Radio Service. The Whistler is entirely fictional, and all characters
(28:22):
portrayed on the Whistler are also fictional. Any similarity of
names or resemblance to persons living or dead is purely coincidental.
Remember to tune at the same time next Sunday when
the Signal Oil Company will bring you another strange story
by the Whistler. This is Marvin Miller speaking for the
(28:42):
Signal Oil Company. Stay tuned now for our Miss Brooks
starring Eve Arden, which follows immediately over most of these stations.
This is b BS the Columbia Broadcasting System
And now stay tuned for the mystery program that is
unique among all mystery programs, because even when you know
who is guilty, you always receive a startling surprise at
the final curtain. In the Signal Oil program, the Whistler Signal,
(00:28):
the famous go Father Gasoline invite you to sit back
and enjoy another strange story by the Whistler.
Speaker 2 (00:53):
I am the Whistler, and I know many things. For
I walk by night. I know many strange tales hidden
in the hearts of men and women who had stepped
into the shadows. Yes, I know the nameless terrors of
which they dare not speak.
Speaker 1 (01:11):
And now transcribe for the Signal Oil Company the Whistler
Strange Story, The Murder of Byron Blake.
Speaker 2 (01:33):
It was well past the lunch hour, and the little
restaurant on fifty sixth Street was almost deserted, except for
the corner table near the window where Julie Lang and
Gus Hackett sat talking over their coffee cups.
Speaker 3 (01:47):
Julie, yes, gotta eat something. You didn't touch your lunch.
Speaker 4 (01:52):
I I don't feel like eating.
Speaker 5 (01:55):
Oh, Jeff Beenley, the killer of Firon It's Byron Blake
killer faces maximum sentence Byron Blake Killer faces maximum sentence.
Speaker 4 (02:08):
Extra guest, I could use a cigarette.
Speaker 3 (02:11):
Oh sure, here you are? Thanks? Feel any better?
Speaker 2 (02:21):
I guess so.
Speaker 4 (02:22):
I you do understand, Gus.
Speaker 3 (02:25):
I'm sorry to of course I understand, Darling. I don't
feel much like talking yet.
Speaker 4 (02:31):
I just want to be quiet and think a little.
Speaker 2 (02:47):
And sitting in the little restaurant, Julie Lang had a
lot to think about. She was grateful for its choir,
a kind of sanctuary in the middle of a mass
of howling headlines and hammering police officials. For although the
current fueror concerned Leo Sanders, Julie had been in the
very center of the situation since that moment when Leo
(03:07):
Sanders unexpectedly ended her life two months ago.
Speaker 6 (03:12):
Had a party.
Speaker 2 (03:15):
The party was just beginning to warm up when you
got there.
Speaker 3 (03:18):
Wasn't it, Leo?
Speaker 2 (03:19):
A New York party, with all the trimming, the penthouse,
the theater crowd, the talented youngster from the New Review
doing impersonations near the piano. You carefully adjust your tie
in the ante room just before you go in, beside
once again that no one can look more prosperous than
an actor who's out of work. You opened the door
and run right into Julie Julie.
Speaker 7 (03:43):
Leo, holy long mile.
Speaker 6 (03:44):
Let me look at you.
Speaker 4 (03:45):
I'm a night cloth thinger now left the langmre back
in Saint Louis.
Speaker 6 (03:49):
Oh really, well, what is it, Flang, Julie Lang you
doing in New York? I'm beating the pavement looking for
a job.
Speaker 7 (03:56):
Hear it?
Speaker 6 (03:56):
What else? And he lack?
Speaker 8 (03:57):
Oh had to get me a secretary, keep a busy
day and night, just turning down off. You couldn't let
me have two bits for coffee and sinkers cause.
Speaker 4 (04:04):
You haven't changed a bit, not since.
Speaker 6 (04:10):
Not's in Saint Louis. Yeah, Saint Louis. Uh uh? Who
are you here with Gus Hacket? Oh gus Hacket, the agent?
You mean, the Gus Hacket?
Speaker 4 (04:24):
Why not?
Speaker 8 (04:25):
Oh, Julie darling, you've suddenly become the most glamorous woman
I ever met in my life.
Speaker 6 (04:29):
Shall we adjourn to the terrace, please, Leo?
Speaker 4 (04:32):
Not right now?
Speaker 6 (04:33):
Now, come on, come on, I just wanna talk over
old times.
Speaker 4 (04:35):
That's just it.
Speaker 6 (04:37):
That's all behind us now, Leo. I might right, I'll
have to carry you out there bodily.
Speaker 4 (04:42):
That no other answer, alright, Leo, But just for a minute.
H Really, Leo, I'd better go back to the party now.
(05:04):
Gus is probably wondering where I am.
Speaker 6 (05:06):
No reason at all. You know you're afraid of me, aren't.
Speaker 7 (05:11):
You, Julie, Yes, I suppose I am.
Speaker 6 (05:15):
Why is it important? Very important?
Speaker 4 (05:20):
I I don't want it to happen again, Leo.
Speaker 3 (05:24):
Saint Louis, Yes, Saint Dois.
Speaker 6 (05:28):
I found a new life for myself, new friends.
Speaker 8 (05:31):
Julie, you still love me. Why don't you admit it?
Speaker 6 (05:36):
I don't know, Leo, I so confusing.
Speaker 4 (05:40):
You're coming back this way.
Speaker 8 (05:41):
It can be just the way it was, Darling. I'm
different now, I've learned. I've learned a lot.
Speaker 6 (05:47):
You can help me.
Speaker 8 (05:48):
You know, Hacket's the biggest age in the business. If
you could get him behind me, I, well, there's no
end of what we could do together. We go right
to the top.
Speaker 6 (05:58):
It's not just that they something else.
Speaker 4 (06:00):
Lee, Oh I, I don't wanna talk about it now, Julie, Oh, oh,
guess I I want you to meet an old friend.
Speaker 6 (06:11):
This is Leo Sanders, LEI.
Speaker 4 (06:13):
This is Gus Hackett, my agent.
Speaker 2 (06:14):
Lloyd Lea and I knew each.
Speaker 6 (06:16):
Other in Saint Louis.
Speaker 3 (06:17):
Oh I see Julie. Pat Hoffman's arriving. But he told me, yeah, yeah,
you'd better run out and say the right things go
on now hurry excuse me, Leo. Oh, I'm sorry, mister Sanders.
Suppose she told you about Pat Hoffman. Now she started
to say something. Queer guy he runs the night club
(06:37):
where she works, decided he's going to marry her. I see, now,
I'm afraid you don't. You've uh known her for a
long time.
Speaker 8 (06:45):
Oh, I went to high school were they? We went
around together when I first started out as on the stage.
Speaker 3 (06:51):
Oh, oh, you're an actor.
Speaker 8 (06:53):
He as a matter of fact, I've been trying to
make an appointment with you for a month. Finished a
nice run with Fallen Star The ro sandays, do you
mind if.
Speaker 3 (07:01):
We don't talk business tonight. I guess I've got the
judies or something.
Speaker 6 (07:05):
Oh I'm sorry, I didn't mean so.
Speaker 3 (07:06):
Oh sure, sure it's all right. I told her again
and again about that Hoffman character. I don't know where
it's going to end up.
Speaker 6 (07:13):
Oh is it that bad? No worse.
Speaker 3 (07:16):
Look, I'll talk to Julie about you. She says, you're okay,
it's great with me. Maybe we can work out something.
That's all I can say right now.
Speaker 2 (07:33):
But Gus Hackett said enough, didn't he leave a word
to hack it from Julie? And the door is open.
And in that brief moment on the terrace, you could
see that nothing had changed with him, that it was
still just as it was in Saint Louis. That's why
you drop into a florist's shop the next deep.
Speaker 8 (07:50):
Yes, sir, I'll take a dozen of those American beauty roses,
the ones in the window, and send them to Julie
Lang at the Parakeet Club on West fifty eighth Street. No, no,
I'll deliver the message myself. Hello, Julie, Leo, what do
(08:16):
you get?
Speaker 6 (08:17):
I didn't know they were yours?
Speaker 4 (08:20):
The lovely Leo?
Speaker 6 (08:21):
But you Sho doesn't matter? Daring something wrong?
Speaker 4 (08:23):
You shouldn't have come here, Leo?
Speaker 6 (08:25):
Well why not? The show's over.
Speaker 8 (08:26):
Can't a guy come backstage to see his girl in
her dressing room once in a while?
Speaker 4 (08:29):
I can't explain now, Please go, I can see you
after all.
Speaker 6 (08:33):
Wait, come on, that's no way to act.
Speaker 3 (08:34):
Commute commit Leo.
Speaker 8 (08:35):
Don't lie to me, Julie. It's still the same, isn't it?
Just like it used to be.
Speaker 6 (08:39):
I I don't know, Julie, Julie Darling, please go now.
I'll meet you somewhere after it.
Speaker 4 (08:50):
You got to understand, Dorothy.
Speaker 6 (08:53):
Who's this?
Speaker 4 (08:54):
I I'm not quite ready, Pat, Just a minute.
Speaker 3 (08:58):
That's green over there.
Speaker 6 (09:00):
What but this is stupid? You're of age?
Speaker 3 (09:02):
What do you do?
Speaker 5 (09:02):
As?
Speaker 4 (09:03):
I say?
Speaker 6 (09:04):
All right, Julie, Yes, sir, what is it? I just
want to tell you it's all set. What's all set?
Tomorrow night? Arrange for Lorraine to do.
Speaker 2 (09:18):
Your spotsor you and I can take the night off.
Speaker 6 (09:22):
You wait a minute? What's this? Oh?
Speaker 2 (09:25):
The flowers?
Speaker 6 (09:26):
I meant to tell you who's sending you flowers? He's
just a friend. You didn't answer my question, Julie, who
is he?
Speaker 4 (09:32):
I don't think it's any of your business.
Speaker 6 (09:35):
That I'm tired of it, Julie. I told you before
I wasn't gonna take anymore.
Speaker 4 (09:38):
All right, Pat, you don't have to take anymore.
Speaker 2 (09:40):
I don't need this job.
Speaker 6 (09:41):
I don't need you. I'm not a child. And get this, Julie.
You're staying here with me, whether you want it or not.
Speaker 2 (09:50):
And you can tell your friend if he makes another
pass at you, I'll kill.
Speaker 6 (09:54):
Him that's all. I'll get into your things. I'll have
a car ready for you in fifteen minutes.
Speaker 8 (10:07):
Oh, Leo, yay, I see what you mean that Huffan's
a nice guy, isn't he?
Speaker 6 (10:13):
Why don't you walk out?
Speaker 4 (10:15):
I'm afraid of him, Leo, he do anything?
Speaker 6 (10:17):
What about us?
Speaker 2 (10:18):
Oh?
Speaker 8 (10:19):
I don't know you love me, Julie. It's gonna mean
everything that both of us once I said.
Speaker 6 (10:23):
But Leo, you've got to fix me up with Gus Hacketts.
Speaker 4 (10:28):
All right, Leo, I'll call him.
Speaker 6 (10:31):
I'll make an appointment for you.
Speaker 2 (10:36):
When you leave, Julie, you walk rapidly towards your apartment.
After two blocks, you have a vague feeling someone is
following you. You look around quickly. About half a block
behind you gaining on you is Hoffman. You're not anxious
(10:56):
for him to know where you live or who you are,
are you, Leo? Quickly you enter the revolving doors of
a hotel. Hurry through the crowd in the lobby, exit
through the side door.
Speaker 6 (11:09):
Outside.
Speaker 2 (11:10):
Once more, you look both ways, make certain you've given
Hoffman the slip, then start walking rapidly you're apartment. Once
you reach your apartment, you dial Julie's private phone at
the club.
Speaker 6 (11:39):
Hello, Hello, Julie, Leo.
Speaker 2 (11:41):
I'm just leaving, Leo.
Speaker 8 (11:42):
I don't your tough boyfriend followed me after I left
the club, Leo.
Speaker 6 (11:46):
Yes, but he didn't catch up with me. I lost
him in a hotel lobby. Are you sure sure?
Speaker 4 (11:50):
I'm sure, Leo, if he thought there was anything between us,
not if.
Speaker 6 (11:57):
I saw him first. Don't worry. Take care of myself.
Speaker 1 (12:12):
Signal Oil Company has asked me to explain to you
why Tonight's Whistler and last Sundays Whistler were transcribed. This
was done, friends, in order to give all the members
of the Whistler's cast, orchestra and production staff a well
deserved two week vacation with pay. I'm sure you'll be
glad to know, however, that although this is the season
when so many popular shows go off the air for
(12:34):
the summer, there'll be no vacation for the Whistler program itself.
Thanks to your loyalty to the Whistler, which has made
this the most popular West Coast program in radio history,
plus your loyalty to Signal Dealers, you're in Signal history.
Signal Oil Company is keeping the Whistler on the air
all summer without interruption. So each Sunday evening throughout the summer,
(12:57):
when you turn to this spot on your radio, you
can depend on finding your favorite mystery, just as each
time you turn into a signal station you can depend
on finding a friendly independent dealer to serve you with
fine quality signal products, including the famous go Farther gasoline.
Speaker 2 (13:41):
You're surprised, aren't Julio. Pat Hoffman's threat that he'd kill
anyone he caught hanging around Julie Lang didn't mean much
to you until he started following you after you left
Julie's dressing room. Once you lost him in the crowd,
you made a note to watch out for him in
the future. Besides, finding Julie again has given when you
were an inside track with Gus Hackett, the actor's agent,
(14:03):
and you'll do anything to get a break in the theater,
won't Julio anything? A few days later, you enter Gus
Hackett's office to keep the appointments she arranged.
Speaker 6 (14:12):
Hell, it's suddenly nice of you to see me, mister Hackett.
Speaker 3 (14:14):
I had all Sanders sit down, all right, tell me
about yourself.
Speaker 8 (14:20):
Oh well, I started in stock in Saint Louis went
on the road with the uh second company of Pretty Boy.
Speaker 6 (14:26):
I had sixteen weeks of that.
Speaker 2 (14:27):
Mmm.
Speaker 8 (14:28):
Yeah, well, and of course there was the usual summer
theater work and uh I brought along some clipping now
how good? Yeah, but really there's one review. I'm I'm
pretty proud of a guy in Seattle thought I did
alright with the lead in Primrose.
Speaker 3 (14:41):
Mm. A stand out performance by a bright, young newcomer
Leo Sanders was well received by an otherwise wrestlers audience.
Sanders showed strong presence and the genuine understanding of mister
Carter's principal character.
Speaker 8 (14:56):
Hmm okay, yeah, well, of course that's all bush league
stuff to you.
Speaker 6 (15:02):
Mister.
Speaker 3 (15:02):
Everybody asked to start some play centers.
Speaker 6 (15:04):
Yeah, don't let it wor you.
Speaker 3 (15:06):
As a matter of fact, the thing I have in
mind calls for an unknown Oh yes, it's Mel Franklin's
new play. You'll be casting in about a week.
Speaker 6 (15:15):
Mel Franklin.
Speaker 8 (15:17):
Oh, that'd be quite a braking from what he told
me about it, there's a good chance you might be
what he's looking for. Well, of course, mister Hackett, you
know I've I've only done leads.
Speaker 3 (15:25):
I'm talking about the lead.
Speaker 8 (15:28):
Now, it's a little hard to believe that Franklin would
take a chance on an unknown.
Speaker 3 (15:32):
Well, Mel has quite a few ideas about the part.
Above all, he wants someone who isn't identified with any
other characterization. I see it's that kind of a part. Uh,
the play might suffer if the audience associated the actor
with the wrong kind of things. Whicher brings up something else, Sanders,
what do you mean your background? There were a few
(15:54):
clippings you didn't save.
Speaker 8 (15:56):
Right now, Wait a minute, I, mister Hackett, has Julie
been telling No, he hasn't been telling me anything.
Speaker 3 (16:02):
Except how competent you are. Uhh, no, Sanders, I found
these things out of my own hook. It's a practice
of mine and taking on a new client.
Speaker 6 (16:11):
And uh, just what have you found out?
Speaker 3 (16:15):
Well, let's say it wasn't entirely breaks that have held
you back. I understand you've got out of hand of
you times. Oh it's never anything serious, mister Hackett. I
hit and run charge until loot was serious enough. You
served time for it. Well, yes, when there are at
least half a dozen times in the Midwest where you've
been in one kind of trouble or another. That temperament
(16:35):
routine doesn't go anymore, you know, alright, mister Hackett, I
don't see what that has to do with anything in
this case. Everything I just one is to understand one another,
and that's all now. In dealing with Franklin, I'll do.
Speaker 6 (16:52):
The talking, I understand, mister Hackett. Well, I appreciate this
even more.
Speaker 3 (16:57):
Don't thank me. Thank Julie lang I intensive he's a
one girl, Sanders. I I guess I do almost anything
for her. I understand stand. I hope you do. She's
very fond of you.
Speaker 6 (17:10):
You know.
Speaker 3 (17:12):
I wouldn't want to see her hurt, of course, not
all right, Sanders. I'll arrange that Triod be at the
fifty sixth Street Theater at ten tomorrow morning.
Speaker 6 (17:29):
That's all there is to it, Leo.
Speaker 2 (17:31):
It took Julie five minutes to do what you failed
to accomplish in three months. You know how important she
is now that as long as she believes you're in
love with her, anything is possible. You arrive at the
theater as instructed by Gus, sit by yourself in the wings,
studying the play script that Franklin placed in your hand.
Not long after Gus arrives and you see him join
(17:53):
Franklin in the empty seats beyond the footlights. Then at
last you're asked to read opposite the leading lady.
Speaker 6 (17:59):
Thanks for a minute, marry him. I don't wanna hurt you.
I don't wanna hurt your father, but please consenter my position.
Speaker 4 (18:06):
Oh, Donning, you're taking it too serious, too seriously, marry
and those people are counting on me.
Speaker 2 (18:13):
You don't quite lose yourself in the part do you leave? No,
you do your best. But all the while you're reading,
you can see the dim outlines of Gus and Mel
Franklin beyond the foot flights, and you wish you could
hear what they're saying.
Speaker 3 (18:26):
Well, now, what do you think of it? Now? The
guy's good? Gus? Is he in? I don't know.
Speaker 2 (18:32):
I had another actor in mine and I.
Speaker 3 (18:34):
Still like to listen to him, But it's between him
and Sanders. Yes, yes, I think I can promise you
that much. Good enough, except that I think Sanders is right. Sure,
I'm sure he's doing a good job. Only well, Gush,
I've heard things about him. I understand that's all in
the past. Mellow, Yes, but this party has to be
a clean cut guy, the thing will fall on his face.
I wouldn't worry. Listen to a mellow, he's really an actor. Listen.
Speaker 6 (18:59):
I'm sorry, but that's something I can't believe anymore. I'm
sorry too.
Speaker 4 (19:05):
I've done everything I can.
Speaker 3 (19:07):
You may have something, Gus, let me think it over, okay,
but you've got a chance that to hit on this
one mail. Don't let a few rumors spoil.
Speaker 6 (19:16):
It for you. Well, how to go, mister Hackett. Did
Mel Franklin say anything?
Speaker 8 (19:27):
It looks good? Leoh oh yeah, but what do you say?
By the way, I hope you told him I wasn't
my best, that's all.
Speaker 3 (19:32):
It was a first reading in Knox. Relax, huh. I
told him just enough. And I still want you to
stay away from him. Give him time to make up
his mind. Make up his mind? You mean he mentioned
having somebody else he wanted to hear. But just do
as I say, and it's going to work out. I'm
sure of it.
Speaker 6 (19:48):
I hope you're right, mister Hackett.
Speaker 3 (19:50):
Y I I I couldn't miss with a part like that. Yes, yes,
I know. But all we can do now is wait
and see. Look, I've got to make a quick trip
out of Hollywebber.
Speaker 6 (19:58):
What about the part?
Speaker 3 (19:59):
I sit right, I'll be in touch with Mel. And
if anything breaks, I've called Julie. Oh okay, And another thing, Leo,
be a good boy, will you?
Speaker 2 (20:16):
You never dreamed it could happen so fast, did Julia? Yes,
in a matter of days. Now you'll know one way
or the other. The waiting isn't easy, but Gus Hackett
seems so confident. So sure it's three nights later that
you pick up the kind of a rumor you've been
waiting for and hurry to Julie's apartment.
Speaker 6 (20:35):
Oh good, you got your radio on. What time is it, honey?
Just in time.
Speaker 8 (20:39):
Craig Wallace is due in the air now. I just
heard he might have a tip on the cast of
Franklin's play.
Speaker 2 (20:44):
Oh how would he know?
Speaker 8 (20:48):
Yeah, he's supposed to be an old palam Mel Franklins.
Speaker 6 (20:53):
I's see what he has to say.
Speaker 9 (20:54):
York reporter Craig Wallace bringing you bits of show news.
Picked up a long Broadway. First off, I can conform
those rumors that have been flying concerning a split up
between actress Sandra Laverne and producer Buzz Foster. Sandra starts
a new show to help her forget. And on the
subject of new shows, I promise to have something about
the stars of Mel Franklin's latest over.
Speaker 6 (21:14):
Here it is here, it is Listen.
Speaker 9 (21:15):
Mel has picked a newcomer, this time for the leading role,
opposite Broadway's own Vivian Marx. Needless to say, he'll probably
be around for a long time. When Mel Franklin picks him,
they're usually nothing short of sensational. And so, mister and
missus Manhattan, here it is. The man who will play
the lead in Mel Franklin's new play is Byron Blake.
Speaker 6 (21:35):
What oh wait, Leo, don't turn it all Why not
want to watch me squirm?
Speaker 2 (21:40):
Leo? Please them must be something, but.
Speaker 6 (21:41):
Tulie, I didn't get the part. It's all over.
Speaker 7 (21:45):
Wait Leo, yes, Leo, it's all over.
Speaker 2 (21:56):
You tell that to yourself again and again as you
leave Julie and aimlessly walked the streets. It's even worse
now than before you ran into her at that party,
coming so close, having a dream in the palm of
your hand, then watching it vanish. In a casual remark
from a radio commentator, yes there are only two of you, Leo,
and tomorrow they'll all tell you it was close, that
(22:18):
it was a hard choice between you and this Byron Blake,
and you'll smile politely and say thanks anyway, and step
back to where you were three months ago when you
first came to New York. An hour later, you find
yourself standing in front of a Flora's shop, looking at
(22:40):
a basket of American Beauty roses in the window. Vaguely
remember it's the place you stopped a week ago and
bought the roses for Julie the night Pat Hoffman said
he'd kill a man who sent them. Suddenly, you find
yourself tense, your mind going a mile a minute, er
just a minute, please, But I want to I want
(23:01):
to buy some flowers.
Speaker 9 (23:02):
So night, buddies, you'll have to wait till tomorrow.
Speaker 8 (23:04):
Look, I've got to have them, those roses. I want
two dozen, two dozen American beauties. They're very too late
to make us say like that. To come on inside.
Have you got two? What about delivery? There's ten bucks
in it if you deliver them tonight.
Speaker 9 (23:17):
I guess I could take care of it on my
way home.
Speaker 8 (23:19):
Oh fine, I want you to take them to the
Parakeet Club. I know the spot see that Pat Hoffman,
the manager gets them, he'll.
Speaker 6 (23:25):
Know who they're for. Okay, Now what about a card?
Speaker 8 (23:28):
Yes, yes, I want a card on them. Just put
to Julie with all my love and sign it Byron Blake.
Speaker 1 (23:47):
Where shall we eat? Where shall we spend the night?
Those are two questions you'll be asking again and again
if you do any traveling this summer.
Speaker 6 (23:58):
Well.
Speaker 1 (23:58):
To help you find happy answers to these questions, Signal
Dealers are offering free a guide book to selected eating
and lodging places called Lane's Guide. This handy booklet is
packed with useful information. It tells, for instance, whether the
lodging place is on a beach or has a swimming pool.
In the case of motels, it states whether kitchens are
(24:18):
available and so that you can keep within your budget.
It shows whether prices are low, medium, or high. Naturally,
no pocket sized publication could possibly contain every good eating
and lodging place, but Lane's Guide, which is prepared by
an independent travel organization, includes a representative selection in hundreds
of cities and towns. We sincerely hope you'll enjoy this
(24:41):
latest step in Signal Oil Company's continuing efforts to make
your motoring miles more pleasant. Remember a copy of Lane's
Guide to Eating and Lodging Places is yours free while
the supply lasts at any signal service station.
Speaker 2 (25:07):
Yes, it was well past the lunch hour, and Julie
Lying and Gus Hackett sat discussing the murder of Byron Blake,
scanning the headlines of the sensational story A Story of
the Theater, a murder story in which Julie had unwittingly
played a dramatic part. The first shock was over now,
as Julian Guss sat in that little restaurant on fifty
(25:27):
sixth Streets, while on the streets outside, the newsboys announced
the fact that the killer had pled guilty and had
thrown himself on the mercy of the court Penalty Jet.
Speaker 5 (25:39):
Penalty, The Killer of Byron Blake Extra Byron Blake Killer
Vace's Maximum.
Speaker 6 (25:45):
Sat and read all about you.
Speaker 4 (25:47):
You know something, Gus, somehow I knew all along that
we'd end up this way, just you and I.
Speaker 3 (25:55):
Yeah, I guess I don't have to tell you how
I feel.
Speaker 4 (26:01):
Mm.
Speaker 3 (26:01):
I've always known. It just makes me wonder. Sometimes you
were once in love with Leo Sanders, won't you?
Speaker 6 (26:10):
No?
Speaker 4 (26:12):
I thought it was love, Gus, I know now it
was something else.
Speaker 3 (26:17):
Why didn't you tell them everything?
Speaker 2 (26:19):
The police?
Speaker 3 (26:20):
Yeah? Hm, the papers are calling it a tragedy. But
Leo was a heel, Julie. Worse than that, he was
a murderer. When he signed the name Byron Blake to
those roses he sent you, he knew exactly what Huffman
would do. That's what's so wrong about it. Huffman wasn't
(26:40):
the real murderer. He was actually the weapon.
Speaker 6 (26:43):
Tlee.
Speaker 3 (26:44):
I gotta get it off my chest, Julie. I guess
I feel guilty in a way. It wasn't your fault,
I know, but it never would have happened if Mel
Franklin and I hadn't dreamed up that way of covering
Leo's past.
Speaker 4 (26:56):
You mustn't blame yourself, Gus.
Speaker 3 (26:58):
Maybe not, but it's too bad Leo didn't know that
the stage name we dreamed up for him was Byron Blake.
Speaker 1 (27:26):
Let that whistle be your signal for the Signal Oil program.
The whistler each Sunday night at this same time meantime
Signal Oil Company and the friendly independent dealers who help
you go farther with Signal gasoline, hope you'll remember. Regardless
of what gasoline you used, you'll enjoy more miles of
happy driving. If you drive at sensible speeds, obey traffic regulations,
(27:48):
and avoid taking chances, you may even save.
Speaker 6 (27:51):
A life, possibly your own.
Speaker 1 (28:00):
Featured in Tonight's story were Bill Foreman, Gerald Moore, Dorris Singleton,
Varney Phillips, John Stephenson, and Bob Bruce. The Whistler was
produced and directed by George w Allen, with story by
Gene from Hers, music by Wilbur Hatch, and was transcribed
and transmitted to our troops overseas by the Armed Forces
Radio Service. The Whistler is entirely fictional, and all characters
(28:22):
portrayed on the Whistler are also fictional. Any similarity of
names or resemblance to persons living or dead is purely coincidental.
Remember to tune at the same time next Sunday when
the Signal Oil Company will bring you another strange story
by the Whistler. This is Marvin Miller speaking for the
(28:42):
Signal Oil Company. Stay tuned now for our Miss Brooks
starring Eve Arden, which follows immediately over most of these stations.
This is b BS the Columbia Broadcasting System
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