Episode Overview

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives
Episode: The Shadow: Circle of Death (originally aired 11/28/1937)
Release Date: November 13, 2025
Main Theme:
This episode follows the mysterious vigilante, The Shadow (Lamont Cranston), as he intervenes when an innocent man, Paul Gordon, is framed for murder by a criminal gang. As Gordon faces imminent execution, The Shadow leverages his cunning, deductive powers, and ability to cloud men's minds to uncover the truth and deliver justice before it’s too late.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Shadow’s Methods and Philosophy

• Opening Monologue: The Shadow’s iconic line reminds listeners of his mythic presence:

  “Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows.” (00:59, Lamont Cranston)

• Cranston’s Dual Life: Margot Lane pleas for Cranston to abandon his dangerous vigilante identity and join the police, but he asserts the necessity of remaining outside the law to be most effective:

  “My entire usefulness to the organized forces of law and police lies in my remaining outside those forces...” (03:20, Lamont Cranston) “No one must ever know. No one but you…” (03:38, Lamont Cranston)

2. Paul Gordon’s Plight – Desperation and Setup

• Gordon’s Struggles: The episode sympathetically depicts Paul Gordon’s fall from grace—unemployment, family illness, and hopelessness:

  “Darling, if I could only get a job. I’ve got my health and I’ve got brains. But no one seems to want them.” (05:29, Paul Gordon)

• Framed by Criminals: Lured by Red and Lefty under false pretenses, Gordon becomes the getaway driver in a bank robbery, setting up his wrongful conviction (06:21–09:12).
• Memorable Moment: The frame job is chilling as Gordon is left behind by the real criminals with the evidence planted on him.

3. Margot Lane’s Fears and Loyalty

• Margot voices the emotional toll and fear for Lamont’s safety, further humanizing the central cast:

  “It’s hard to tell whether I really know the man or only his shadow.” (12:09, Margot Lane)

4. The Shadow's Investigation and Unique Abilities

• Mentalism and Deduction: The Shadow uses his suggestive and psychic skills to extract crucial details from Gordon’s memories:

  “I see in my mind the pictures you create in yours. Like television... Or like mental telepathy or mind reading, hypnotism, whatever you choose.” (17:16, Lamont Cranston)

• Breakthrough: Through Gordon's recollections, The Shadow deduces a crucial mistake left by the real criminals—Lefty’s ungloved thumbprint on the rearview mirror (18:54–19:10, 21:54–22:21).

5. The Shadow’s Psychological Tactics

• Intimidating the Criminals: The Shadow’s unseen presence terrifies Lefty and Red, sowing paranoia about their “perfect crime”:

  “You have pinned your crime on an innocent man. He shall not suffer. But you will.” (12:49, Lamont Cranston) “Are you sure you didn’t reach up with your bare right hand and turn that rear view mirror?... If the police find that fingerprint, you’ll burn, Lefty.” (22:13–22:38, Lamont Cranston)

6. Race Against Time – The Last-Minute Rescue

• Tension Near the Chair: The episode builds suspense with Gordon minutes from execution; Margot and The Shadow rush to have the real evidence discovered (24:03–25:17).
• Dramatic Stay of Execution:

  “Warden, he says don’t electrocute this man. They’ve got the other two guys in Gordon’s garage trying to rub out some fingerprints... This fellow didn’t do it. It was a frame up.” (25:17, Prison Official relaying governor’s message)

7. The Shadow’s Parting Moral

• Classic Closing: The Shadow reminds listeners of the consequences of evil:

  “The weed of crime bears bitter fruit. Crime does not pay. The Shadow knows.” (28:13, Lamont Cranston)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments with Timestamps

• Lamont Cranston:

  “Perhaps. But until they do…Ah, darling, stop frowning.” (03:06)
  “No one must ever know. No one but you…” (03:38)
  “No crime is perfect. There's always somewhere, a loose end.” (16:36)

• Margot Lane:

  “It’s hard to tell whether I really know the man or only his shadow.” (12:09)
  “They can’t send an innocent man to the chair. They can’t do it.” (23:32)

• Dramatic Rescue:

  “Wait a minute, men…Warden, wait. The governor’s on the phone. He says stop, hold up everything.” (24:55–25:17)

• Final Moral:

  “The weed of crime bears bitter fruit. Crime does not pay. The Shadow knows.” (28:13)

Important Segments (Timestamps)

• Opening/The Shadow’s Introduction: (00:59–01:13)
• Paul & Margot – The Philosophy of the Shadow: (02:38–04:28)
• Gordon’s Downfall: (05:06–09:15)
• Courtroom & Conviction: (09:12–10:35)
• Margot Helps Mrs. Gordon: (11:06–12:20)
• Criminals’ Confession & Paranoia: (12:20–13:08, 20:29–22:38)
• The Shadow’s Telepathic Investigation: (16:36–18:53)
• Rush to Save Gordon: (24:03–25:33)
• The Shadow’s Closing Moral: (28:13)

Tone & Atmosphere

The episode maintains a suspenseful, melodramatic tone with fast-paced exchanges, trademark radio-era music stingers, and The Shadow’s unique combination of gravitas, theatrical narration, and philosophical musings on justice and anonymity.

Summary in Context

For listeners new to The Shadow, this episode is a classic example of pulp-era radio detective stories: a wrongly accused protagonist, a devious criminal plot, last-minute justice, and a morally unyielding, supernatural detective working from the shadows to defend the innocent. It encapsulates the show’s enduring appeal: the thrill of hidden knowledge, the fear of evil lurking within society, and the hope that unseen justice will prevail.