The Shadow - Murder in the Death House

0:00Meet the Red Bull Dragonberry Emergizer. It's one of the many new drinks out now. Who knew ice cold drinks could be so? Fire. Try them all only at my thumbs. Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow Knows you. The Shadow, mysterious character who aids the forces of law and order, is in reality Le Mans Cranston, wealthy young man about town.

1:03The Shadow uses his hypnotic power to cloud men's minds so that they cannot see him. Cranston's friend and companion, the lovely Margo Lane, is the only person who knows to whom the unseen voice of the Shadow belong. Today's story murder in the death house. It is seven o'clock in the evening. Margo is in the office of Wilson and Tuffold, head of a new reform party called the Citizens Committee. Miss Lane, I'm going to make you my aide in the woman's division of the Citizens Committee. You've shown such zeal in recruiting people to our court. Well, the cause of a cleaner state is one that isn't hard to work for, Mr. Tuffold. You're right, Miss Lane. As you probably know, I'm enamored to politics myself. But when I knew, when I understood what graft and corruption there was in our state, I decided it was time for me to take an act of interest. Well, if we get Warden Cooper in the Governor's chair, things in this state will change for the better.

2:05I hope so. But the machine that controls things in this state isn't going to give up without a fight, and I can promise you it won't be a fair one. You mean that they'll try to discredit Warden Cooper in the voters eyes? Certainly. There's a ring of racketeers and mobsters in this state headed by one man. The underworld refers to him as the brain. That's all anybody seems to know about it. Well, I know one person who'd like to meet him. And who is that, Miss Lane? My friend of mine. Oh, by the way, what time is it? Uh, 7.20. Second, 20. Good heavens, and I'm supposed to meet the monitor at 6.45. I've got to go, Mr. Tuffold. What I haven't told you what you do, D'Zah. Well, I'll come and see you tomorrow. Lamar will be furious. Ha, ha, ha, ha. All right, Miss Lane. I'll expect you at the People's Rally tonight, though. Margo, would you mind telling me where I'm going in such a hurry? To a meeting of the Citizens Committee, Lamar, and we're late now. Oh. Uh, Margo, uh, just what is this Citizens Committee?

3:08What is it? Why is the most potent organization in this town? We're fighting crime and corruption, crooked politics and grab. And great. Or easy, Margo, eat me. I have to get you a derby in a soapbox. But, Lamar, with Warden Cooper as our candidate for governor and Wilson Tuttle behind us, we ought to sweep the state. Who? You take another corner like that and the state will be sweeping us out of a ditch. Say, um, who is this fellow Tuttle? A retired lawyer. He has scads of money. And with his support behind us... Here we go, sweeping the state again. Too bad you won't be alive to enjoy it. Oh. Say, Margo, uh, what is this Citizens Committee stand for? Law and order. And we're going... Law and order, eh? Now listen, Margo. I know Warden Cooper, and if he's elected, the first thing I'm going to have him clean up is reckless driving. And I do mean you. But Lamar, I've simply got to hear the speeches. Has it ever occurred to you that you have a radio in this car of yours?

4:08A radio. Oh, please, Lamar. Oh, yes, of course I have. And the speeches are being broadcast. Oh, dear, so they are. Why did I think of that? That Margo might come under the heading of womanly intuition. It takes a second to warm up. The cause that every citizen of our great country should be proud to fight for. The cause of law and order. That would be wonderful. Departful speaker, but I don't... I want to hear this speech. We have the governorship of our state. A man who was elected would make this state the clearest in the country. Warden Richard Cooper. Unfortunately, Warden Cooper cannot be with us tonight in person. He has his duties to perform at the state penitentiary, but he will speak to us from there by special wire. Ladies and gentlemen of the Citizens Committee and of our state, I give you Warden Richard Cooper, our next governor.

5:14Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Tuttle spoke of the duties that keep me here at the penitentiary tonight. I believe you all know what those duties are. Tonight, killer Goren is to pay his debt to society and a large debt that is. At this very moment, Goren sits in a death house of this prison. He posted that he couldn't be captured and convicted. When he was captured and convicted, he posted that we couldn't execute him. That the leader of his ring of racketeers and mobsters would rescue him. Well, ladies and gentlemen, tonight is the night when killer Goren will pay for his crimes against society. I stand on my record. Killer Goren will die in the chair tonight.

6:14The warden says I'm going to cook in the chair tonight, eh? That's a good laugh. You ain't got very long, Goren. I ain't got long. I got my whole life in front of me. And I'm going to fry me tonight. I got connections. I've gone, Goren. I don't have to fight down for you, Scroofer, anybody else. You can tell that to your warden. Goren, I've never seen a man as hard as you. Yes, for a radio to hear the warden speak. When you knew he was going to talk about you going to the chair. I'd just like to hear my name mentioned, coast to coast. Goren, if you weren't going to... Well, you get yours. Goren, you ought to act like that tonight. What about tonight? Well, look, we're all in this place together. If you're going tonight, smokey over there goes next week and then I'd follow. So what? Well, I try not to think about it. But you don't give me a chance to forget. I don't have to worry. I'm getting out.

7:15What if it'll make you feel any better? I'll quit talking. Hey, smokey. Give us a song. No, I don't get him to sing it again. It's too sad. You heard me, smokey. Give us a song. What y'all want me to sing, killer? Something good and unhappy. We've got to keep jumping it's here, love. Okay. No, but he knows the trouble I see. Cut up smokey, shut up. David, I smokey, you're dead. No, but he... I can't stop this song. It's right here on my head. I like it. Do it, I smokey. Oh, right. Hold up. David, I smokey. Stop this, right, kids. What's the meaning of all this? Speak up. It's not the thing in word. It's got me nuts. All right, all right, quiet, you man. Gone, I've come to tell you that the time has come. So what? A chap on the with me. Wouldn't he like to say something to him? No, please, my son. Let me speak with you for a few minutes.

8:16I'm sure you'll feel much better. You're all I think like I was really going to fry tonight. Well, I ain't, you understand, Morton? I ain't going to fry in the chair. And you ain't going to be governor. Like as you're going to look pretty silly when people find out you can't run this prison right? What are you talking about? A brain don't like you, Morton. And he'd like even less if you get to the governor. So he's going to stop you. A brain, my boss. Only one guy in this state knows who he really is. And that's me. And you're a boss, the brain, as you call him. He's out to get me, out to get you. He's got you now. We'll see about that. God, unlock going on sale. Yes, him. Garnes and Sue refuse the comfort that the chapin' has offered you. He's son for the last time. That chapin' save you a breath. Hang on a tie. All right, let's start. Garnes, on either side, chapin' you and I walk by. Come on, Garn. This is your last mile.

9:16That's what you think. I'll be father, who often heaven. How would be thy name? Yeah, this feels good. I need an exercise. Hello, Morton. My white boy. It won't hurt much, killer. They tell me it's over quick. How they back in a few minutes, fellas. Open the door, God. Uh, just a minute, Warden. Yes? Now that you got me where you want me. Can I have a last request? Anything within reason, Garn? Well, when they struck me in the chair, and they put the clamp on my head, that's what they do, innit? Yes, Garn. And then when they turn on the juice, would you hold my hand? Is the watten ready, Garn? Yeah. You said to wait for a signal to throw the switch. Good. I'm glad we're getting this over with in the heart tonight. I want to get home.

10:16My wife isn't feeling so well. Yeah? Is that so? Yeah, she's been healing now for... Say what's the matter with you? Hi. I don't know. Oh, I get it. You're new here that was near, aren't you? Yeah. Well, it's sort of tough to watch him get it the first couple of times. Yeah, I... I guess you're right. Are you better stay in here with me? The watten asked why you didn't come back into this chamber? I'll tell him that you were helping me. Thanks. And it won't be so bad in here. You don't have to watch anything when I get the signal. I just throw this big switch here, and it's all over in a few minutes. That's it, huh? Yep. That's it. My aunt has got legal, you be killed. Watten! Watten! The executioner is killed off the main switch. No, don't touch that, the main switch. All right. He's dead. The executioner is dead. I tell you, it can kill me. Ah!

11:25I don't know what to make of it, Commissioner Western. Here, I thought we had the strongest man in the state as our candidate for governor, and to have this happen. It wasn't the warden's fault, Mr. Tuttle. The electric chair was rewired to kill a man who touched the switch. But Warren is going to be executed tonight, for sure. The warden has found a new executioner, and there'll be no slip off this time. I hope not. I hope that Warren Cooper's reputation for efficiency hasn't suffered too much over time. Hi, Commissioner, remember me? How did you get past the man at the desk? Well, let's define where to greet all the time. I'll have that man McGuire plant. Hello, Mr. Tuttle. I did know you were here. Here, Mr. Lane, I came to speak with Commissioner Western about the happenings of the prison. You two know each other? Yes, Mr. Lane is one of my assistants on the committee. Oh, Mr. Tuttle, listen, Mr. Cranes. How did you do, Mr. Tuttle? Cranes, and you're an awful loosened. Why do you bother me all the time, coming in here like you're like... Commissioner, I'm writing a book. What have I tell you, Mr. Tuttle? This man haunts me. Never leaves me alone. What kind of a book, Mr. Cranes? Well, it's not much of a book.

12:25It's present, it's mostly notes. But I'm going to call it crime and it's causes. Oh, sir, I'm very interested. Interesting. What can an amateur assure like Holmes know about crime and it's causes? You're right, Commissioner. Absolutely right. I'm just an amateur, no experience. That's why you're going to get me into the death house of the state prison tonight as a guard. Why, so I can get some local color for my book, some authentic realism? You think I'm crazy? No, but you better watch your blood pressure, Commissioner. I'll go to the prison tonight. I'll go to the prison tonight. Tonight, Gordon is going to the chair. Don't you see what drama there is there? There may be drama there, but you're not going to be there as a guard or anything else. What's my literary future depends on it? No. Please. No. If I promised not to bother you for a month. Absolutely no. I wouldn't... What? One whole month, just for one night as a prison guard. Now you're talking. If I get you into the prison tonight, you stay away from me for a month. Word of honor, Cranston, you've made a bargain. But to ensure me from you for at least a week, you're going to stay in the death house not just one night.

13:28You're going to stay there for seven whole days. I'll show you. Are you candy? Yeah. You're the new guard, ain't you? Gordon said you'd be on tonight with me. Yeah. Well, things are pretty quiet right now. But you never knew. You can't see. Who's the new screw? Shut up, Gordon. Hey, just a minute, Kenzie. I... I'd like to talk to Mr. Gordon. Oh, that doesn't speak on the Kenzie. So... You're the notorious killer, Gordon, huh? Well, I need to warden. What's your monitor? I, uh... My name's Jones. John Jones. I'm pretty familiar with you. I look screw. Just to get things straight around here. I run this place. But I say, go. Get it? I understand what you said, just... That's what you mean. Ooh, a smart guy, huh?

14:29You know, they, everyone they can talk back to me and get away with it. So, everyone's a fighter, you know? Sure. I'm the guy that can't kill. Oh, say, how did you work that guard? I got connections. And they got to know the right people, screw. You said me was an amazing escape from the chair, all right? Yeah, sure was. Um, did you, uh, see the spread I got in all the papers? Yeah. Listen, you're pardon me for saying it, but... I don't think the pictures did you justice. You know that's just what I think. I'm a better-looking mug than those newspaper pictures you showed me up to be. Why sure? You oughta have your own photographer take him. Then you could be sure. Say, that's a swole idea, Jones. I'll do that. You know, I like you. Maybe I can help you. Yeah? How? I haven't even met up with the real bunch that's running this state. You're a smart guy, Garne. Yeah? There's only one guy in the state who's smarter. Yeah?

15:29Yeah, the brain. He's the one who had the cherry-wired and bumped off the executioner last night. Oh, I wondered how that was done. He runs everything in the state. Every racket, every mob. You, uh, you think the warden runs this prison? Oh, who does? Brain. We've got men planted all over this place. God. How would a guy get in with him? You, uh, you mean you'd like to get in? Yes. Maybe you are in. You're right, face-though. I'm smelly-sum. Tonight, when the break comes, the break. You don't think I'm going to stick around and give him another chance to put me in the chair, do you? I did last night because the brain ordered it. It was to make the warden look bad, so he wouldn't have a chance of being governor. Say, that's pretty smart. Yeah. Yeah, we thought so. But you ain't very smart, Clansdon. What did you call me? Clansdon. I know what you're here to do. I see. How did you know my name?

16:29I got ways of finding out. Then you knew all the time. Then all that talk about the jailbreak was just going to be a break, all right? But I ain't going to do you any good or no about it. I'm going to bump you off myself just before. Well, maybe you are and maybe you're not I. Nice work, Kenzie. Gosh, Gordon. Suppose you seem to be coming up behind him. Suppose you've been able to get to the warden. Well, he didn't so don't worry, Kenzie. Now go on, drive the guy to the corner. They're out of sight. And the break comes out and fix him, so he'll never talk again. Come in, Mr. Hartman. Sit down. I think, Gordon. I'm Mr. Hartman. As our new executioner, you realize what your job is, don't you? Yes, Gordon. I realize. It's not a pleasant task, but it's one that must be done. You must realize it when you throw the switch that you're not the one who is executing the man. It's the state and the people of the state.

17:31I'm not the one who's not the one who's executing the man. The people of the state. And the man is merely paying for his crimes. Please, Gordon. I'd rather not talk about that part of it. All right. Well, I've had electrical experts in from town. They've been going over everything all day, but just to make sure you'd better go over the equipment again. Yes, sir. And that's all for now. Can you be writing about 45 minutes for the execution? Yes, sir. And thank you, Gordon. That's all. For far, scared still. I can't say I blame him. No, sir. Who just came in? I must be my imagination. This business has got me pretty juffy. No, Gordon Cooper. It's not your imagination. Who's there? I can hear your voice, but I can't see you. Men call me the shadow. Shadow?

18:31You've heard of me? Yes, I've heard of you, Shadow. You fight crime and injustice. You're the fellow nobody can see. Yes. And that's why I'm here. What do you want of me? What do you know of the murder of the executioner? Nothing, Shadow. Strange it should happen after Gordon had posted that he couldn't be killed in the chair. Shadow, I'm fighting for what? I'm fighting for law and order. Killer gone will definitely die tonight. At this very moment, the new executioner was testing the equipment. What? There'll be no slip-ups this time. When did he go to test the equipment? Just a few minutes ago, why? Gordon, I've just examined the wiring. Those men you hired to go over it have fixed it so that the whole west wall of the prison will be blown off at the first touch. It was planned for a prison break. Quick, we must stop him before he touches any... Hold on. It's too late, Gordon. Stop it! Then we are off air! Then we have a way, crew! Go back to your cells or off air! I only want to guide in 20 advice.

19:32The rest of the guys on this side must have been knocked off in the explosion. Get out of my way, Cotto. Let's have a shoot. Let's go, come on! I should have a shot! I'll put you on! I'm going to kill you! I'm going to kill you! I'm going to kill you! I'm going to kill you! I should have a shot! Where you are? All of you, stop! Hey, look! That gun's hanging in here by itself! Yeah, it was... The shadow is holding that gun. Get on it, man. Go back to your cells. Go back, I say. It's right there, half of it is up here. Come on, I'll get you! There's that gun. Does that convince you? I fired up of your head that time. But the next time I'll be more... I can see it. Shit, let's go back. All right, one. Just a minute. Just a minute, stop for a minute. All right, lock him in. Go back. Shadow, are you still here? Yes, Gordon. I want to thank you for what you've done. I don't know how I could have stopped that prison break without you. I've failed. It's all of you.

20:32But the prison break is stopped. The prison break is stopped. But Killard Goren has escaped. What's it necessary for you to bring these reports over to meet tonight, Miss Lane? Well, I suppose they could have waited until tomorrow for your signature, Mr. Talbot. Well, I had nothing to do, so I thought I'd bring them over tonight. Now you can have more time to look them over. Well, thank you very much, I'll do that. Why, you have a lovely home here, Mr. Talbot? Yes, sir. Well, Miss Lane, it won't be necessary for you to remain. I can go over these reports from the Citizens Committee myself. Why don't I wait? I've got nothing else to do since Lamont got locked up in prison as a guard. Yes, yes. Well, I'll just sign these papers there and you can take me back to Talbot. What without reading them first? Oh, no, that's very bad business, Mr. Talbot. Well, my eyes are bad. I think it would be better for... Oh, I'll be glad to read them to you. Please, Miss Lane, I think you'd better go now. But I have no place to go and I'd love to read law. I think you'd better go, Miss Lane. Oh, there's your doorbell, Mr. Talbot. Do you want me to answer for you? No, I'll get it.

21:34Why, it's Killard Goren. Yes, my little busybody, Killard Goren. That's the damn doing here, Barth. He came to see me about the Citizens Committee report. You wouldn't go. Oh, I'll go now, Mr. Talbot. Oh, no, my dear Miss Lane. Now you're going to stay here permanently. What? Mr. Talbot, you want me? Yes, Miss Lane. Wilson Tuttle, known to the world as a prominent citizen. I'm a side of law and order. But my associates know me as the brain. Then you're the one who's been trying to ruin Warden Cooper. Or the chances of being govern. Yes, my dear Miss Lane. Now you know, but your knowledge will do neither you nor the police any good. Because you see, you're going to die here. Oh, no. No, you couldn't. I won't say any more. You're late, Miss Lane. You wouldn't insist on staying. Goren, give me the gun. Sure. Have a turn. Turn your head, Miss Lane. I should like very much to get a nice clean profile shot.

22:34Oh, no, you can't do this thing. You can't. Goodbye, Miss Lane. It was so nice. No. Hey, what is it? What's happened to your boss? The same thing that's going to happen to you, Goren. Oh, all the monsters here. It's not going just in time, too. Are they unconscious? About five minutes, I should say. Oh, you know, Shadow, if I could see you. I'd say I was very happy to see you. Stick around, will you? I'll stay until the police come to put these men away. But I've got to get back to the prison. But your work is done there. The Shadow's work is done, Marco. But Lamont Cranston promised Commissioner Weston that he would stay in prison for a week. I've got to help him keep that promise. Well, Miss Lane, I just sent from Mr. Cranston. He ought to be here in my office any minute. Do you think prison has changed in much order? I bet it's knocked some of the crazy notions out of his head. Oh, Lamont's darling. It's so nice to see him. Oh, Lamont, and Commissioner.

23:35Hello, Cranston. We're here to let you know that you're being a potten for good behavior. Thank you. How about the crime book, Lamont? Did you get any work while material? Oh, it must have. Yes. What were the prison break and the scapes? I bet you got some exciting data, Cranston. Well, I did write one chapter when I was here. How about the perils of a guard in the death house? Worst than that, Commissioner. The perils of riding with a woman driver. Oh, Lamont! Today's program is based on a story copyrighted by the Shadow magazine. The characters, names, places, and plot are fictitious. And a similarity to person's living or dead is purely coincidental. The Shadow magazine is on sale at your local newsstand.

24:38The weed of crime bears bitter fruit. Crime does not pay. The shadow knows.