The Shadow: Cold Death 12/19/1937

Summary

Podcast Summary: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | The Shadow – "Cold Death" (Original Air Date: 12/19/1937)

Episode Overview

In this classic episode of The Shadow, titled "Cold Death," listeners are transported to the harsh winter landscape of Carverville, a mill town suffering under the oppressive control of owner Daniel Carver. As deaths mount from neglect and cold, Lamont Cranston (The Shadow) orchestrates a nighttime confrontation to force Carver to face the consequences of his greed. The story, inspired by Dickens's A Christmas Carol, blends heart-wrenching social commentary with supernatural justice, all wrapped in the tension and drama characteristic of golden-age radio detectives.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

Introduction to Carverville’s Plight (01:42–03:41)

• Setting the Scene: The mill town of Carverville is in desperate straits. Workers and their families live in squalor, battling cold and poverty while recent deaths raise alarm in the city.
• Daniel Carver’s Denial: Mill owner Daniel Carver adamantly denies accusations of neglect, insisting “the people in Carverville are perfectly satisfied.” (03:06)
• Club Outrage: City leaders, including Commissioner Weston and Lamont Cranston, debate action but feel powerless given Carver’s unfettered control.

Lamont Cranston Investigates (04:04–07:45)

• Journey to Carverville: Lamont and Margot drive to Carverville, noting the drab, dilapidated homes. Margot remarks, “There’s something terrifying about this village.” (05:21)
• Meeting the Victims: They visit Mrs. Tucker, who has recently lost her husband and son to the cold. Community fear is palpable: “You better get out of here, mister. You don’t want to get me in more trouble…” says Mrs. Tucker (06:16).
• Sam Tucker Speaks Out: Sam, Mrs. Tucker’s remaining son, expresses the pent-up frustration of the villagers: “We slave in the mill… live in these pig styes… when we’re old and sick, he lets us die off like a lot of mangy dogs.” (06:47)

Carver Plots Violence as The Shadow Plans (10:53–12:16)

• Dawson's Methods: Foreman Bill Dawson reveals his willingness to use violence to protect Carverville’s secrecy: “There ain’t no law against a fella being shot accidental while he’s snooping.” (11:27)
• The Shadow Prepares: Lamont Cranston, as The Shadow, prepares to confront Carver, declaring his intent to force a moral reckoning.

The Shadow’s Ghostly Intervention (12:17–17:27)

• Haunted by Conscience: The Shadow appears, invisible, to Carver: “I’ve been called fear, conscience, remorse. But I am best known… as The Shadow.” (12:17)
• Forceful Remorse: The Shadow refuses to let Carver dress warmly, insisting he “learn what it feels like to be cold.” (13:35)
• A Christmas Carol Parallel: The Shadow guides Carver in a grim tour, referencing the Dickens tale: “You are Scrooge, Daniel Carver. A 20th-century Scrooge.” (16:38)

Bearing Witness to Suffering (15:01–20:50)

• Visiting the Tuckers: Carver witnesses Mrs. Tucker and Sam’s grief: “My husband dying of pneumonia only last month. Now Judy going the same way.” (18:23)
• Hopelessness and Resignation: The Tuckers consider death preferable to enduring Carver’s neglect.
• The Dying Child: The Shadow forces Carver to see Judy, a child succumbing to the cold. “If that child dies… it will be the monument to your life of selfish greed… unless you make amends.” (19:53–20:13)

Carver’s Redemption and Showdown (20:14–25:00)

• Carver Pleads for a Chance: “I’ll do anything to make amends. I didn’t know. I’ve been blind.” (20:17)
• The Shadow’s Terms: “No baskets of fruit or pennies in the snow will wipe out your sins… What of all the others? What of these death traps you call home?” (22:22)
• Public Declaration: Faced with his own complicity and Dawson’s violence, Carver fires his foreman and promises the entire village: “I’m going to make this village all over. Build new homes. Make up for all the misery I’ve caused.” (22:46)
• Supernatural Justice: Dawson attempts a shooting, but The Shadow intervenes miraculously: “You are quite right, Bill Dawson. I saved you from committing a cold blooded murder.” (23:26)

Memorial Message and Epilogue (25:00–26:01)

• Carver’s Pledge: Now fully contrite, Carver promises reform: “I have called them all together. Right now, I’ll tell them what I’m going to do. I’ll make this the happiest Christmas season they’ve ever had.” (25:00)
• The Shadow’s Final Words: “Just bring happiness to the people of this village, Daniel Carver. That will be your repayment in full to The Shadow.” (24:43)

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• The Shadow, on Conscience: "I’ve been called fear, conscience, remorse. But I am best known to your kind as The Shadow." – The Shadow (12:17)
• On Poverty and Fear: "We live in these pig styes that Carver calls houses. And when we’re old and sick, he lets us die off like a lot of mangy dogs." – Sam Tucker (06:47)
• Carver’s Awakening: "I didn’t know. I’ve been blind… I’ll make everything right. That little girl, she needs medicine, a warm house. Let me go in and get the doctor to move her to my house on the hill." – Daniel Carver (20:17, 20:31)
• The Shadow’s Judgment: "No baskets of fruit or pennies in the snow will wipe out your sins against these long suffering people, Carver." – The Shadow (22:22)
• The Christmas Message: "The weed of crime bears bitter fruit. Crime does not pay." – The Shadow (28:45)

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Important Segment Timestamps

• 01:42 – 03:41: Daniel Carver confronted by city leaders over Carverville’s squalor
• 04:04 – 07:45: Lamont and Margot investigate Carverville, meeting Mrs. Tucker and Sam
• 10:53 – 12:16: Carver and Dawson plot violence; Shadow closes in
• 12:17 – 14:49: The Shadow appears to Carver, forcing him on a tour of suffering
• 16:38 – 20:56: The Shadow draws overt parallels to A Christmas Carol, sharing villagers’ stories of loss and neglect
• 22:16 – 23:26: Climax: Dawson attempts violence, The Shadow intervenes
• 25:00 – 25:49: Carver rallies the village and promises reform before The Shadow’s final guidance

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Tone and Style

The storytelling is atmospheric, somber, and morally driven, echoing both hard-boiled detective drama and a classic redemption tale. The Shadow’s supernatural presence is at once chilling and righteous, while the supporting cast—Margot, Mrs. Tucker, Sam, and Carver—lend humanity to the grim tableau of suffering and hope.

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Conclusion

"Cold Death" delivers not only a mystery solved by The Shadow’s powers but a dramatic social parable. The episode’s power lies in its ability to use suspense and supernatural elements to spotlight real-world issues of poverty, exploitation, and redemption, just as relevant now as in the 1930s. The episode closes with the signature line: "The weed of crime bears bitter fruit. Crime does not pay… The Shadow knows."

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[End of Summary]

Transcript

[Daniel Carver]

Welcome to Choice Classic Radio where we bring to you the greatest old time radio shows like us on Facebook, subscribe to us on YouTube and thank you for [e-mail].

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

The Shadow knows.

[Narrator]

Blue Cole presents the Shadow. The mystery man who strikes terror in the very hearts of shopsters, lawbreakers and criminals. Today, Cold Death.

Ladies and gentlemen, an event of unusual interest will be broadcast from this studio at the end of the program. Be sure to listen. And before today's exciting adventure with the Shadow begins, I'd like to offer a suggestion for home heating comfort. The next time you need fuel, order Blue Coal, America's finest anthracite. You don't have to get a full supply. The Blue Coal dealer will be glad to send you a trial tonight. Use it. Compare it with your regular fuel in Every way. It's 10 to 1. You will find Blue Coal gives you better heat at less cost. So order Blue Coal by name. Phone your order to your nearest Blue Coal dealer tomorrow.

[Bill Dawson]

Hello, Mr. Carver.

[Daniel Carver]

Er, when he want, Osin?

[Bill Dawson]

Why?

[Daniel Carver]

Job at Copperville. Tend to business. Fine mess you've made of things.

[Bill Dawson]

Oh, so you've seen the story in the paper about conditions up in the village?

[Mr. Roberts / Announcer]

Yes.

[Daniel Carver]

You brainless fool. Don't you know you can't keep things quiet by manhandling a reporter?

[Bill Dawson]

Now wait a minute, boss. I can explain that. We had to rough that reporter up. He was taking pictures.

[Daniel Carver]

I don't want any excuses. I pay you to manage my mill. If there's any more publicity about living conditions up there, you'll find yourself out of a job. Now get out. Don't bother me with details. Get out.

[Bill Dawson]

Okay, Mr. Carver, I won't bother you with details. But if anybody else comes up to Carverville snooping around and asking questions, we'll make them wish they never heard of the place.

[Commissioner Weston]

Commissioner Weston, I tell you, it's an outrage. Don't you agree, Cranston?

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

It's a pretty sorry state of affairs, Commissioner.

[Narrator]

Granted the conditions existing in this little mill village Daniel Carver owns are an outrage.

[Commissioner Weston]

Why, he ought to be kicked out of this club.

[Narrator]

What do you think, Cranston?

[Daniel Carver]

I agree.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

If the newspaper accounts are true, sickness, half a dozen deaths recently.

[Commissioner Weston]

The authorities ought to be able to do something about a man like Carver.

[Narrator]

Apparently not. He owns Carverville Luck, Stock and Barrel. Hmm. Speak of the devil.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

Here's Carver now.

[Daniel Carver]

Good evening, gentlemen. I gather you're discussing me and the maliciously distorted story about Carverville that appeared in the papers.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

As a matter of fact, we were, Mr. Carver. Won't you sit down and give us your side of the story?

[Daniel Carver]

There's nothing to discuss. There isn't one word of truth in that reporter's story. The people in Carverville are perfectly satisfied. They don't complain.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

Perhaps they don't dare.

[Daniel Carver]

They have no reason to complain, Cranston. I give them work of my mill, provide them with homes.

[Mr. Smith (Blue Coal representative)]

Homes?

[Commissioner Weston]

Why, they make the worst city slums look like Park Avenue.

[Daniel Carver]

Carlavel is my affair.

[Commissioner Weston]

Well, maybe so. But this club may have something to.

[Mr. Smith (Blue Coal representative)]

Say about your membership.

[Commissioner Weston]

Daniel Carver.

[Daniel Carver]

This club, a bunch of mawkish busybodies. What do I care? Hold me out. One of us speaks to me here anyway.

[Narrator]

Go ahead.

[Daniel Carver]

Hold me out. Hold me out.

[The Shadow (voice)]

Go ahead.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

Must be some justice, some law.

[Narrator]

Oh, he's within the law. But now, here's a case for an amateur criminologist like yourself, Cranston.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

Yes, There must be some way of helping those poor devils up in Carverville. Some way of dealing with a man like Carver.

[Margot]

Lamont Cranston, would you mind telling me the reason for this long drive in zero weather?

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

You'll soon see the reason. Margot, you're now entering Carverville. Take a good look at it.

[Margot]

Oh, how drab.

[Mrs. Tucker]

How awful.

[Margot]

Look, Lamont, broken windows, stuff with paper. I'm beginning to understand why you're here. But how did you hear about it?

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

Daniel Carver, the man who owns this charming little mill village, is a fellow club member of mine.

[Margot]

What are you going to do, Lamont?

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

I don't know exactly until I've talked to somebody of these people as Lamont Cranston or the Shadow as a nameless social worker. For the present, Margot. But I have a strong hunch the Shadow will have to play a big part if anything is to be done to help these people. Here we are.

[Commissioner Weston]

You want some gas, mister?

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

No, thanks. But could you tell me how to get to Mrs. Tucker's house?

[Commissioner Weston]

What do you want?

[Narrator]

Ma?

[Commissioner Weston]

Tucker's got enough trouble already, what with her old man and kid dying since the cold set in.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

I read about it in the papers. We've come.

[Commissioner Weston]

Listen, mister, Carverville folks ain't got much, but we ain't asking or welcoming no nosing around from strangers.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

If you'll just point out Mrs. Tucker's house, I'll see what she has to say.

[Commissioner Weston]

Well, right over there by the creek. But don't say I didn't warn you, mister.

[Narrator]

Thanks.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

Come along, Margot. I may need your help to get Mrs. Tucker's confidence.

[Margot]

Well, I'll do anything I can. You know, Lamont there's something terrifying about this village.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

How so?

[Margot]

Oh, that man. And the way people are watching us from behind curtains in the windows of every house along street.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

You're afraid of something, Margot. Of what? That's just what I hope to discover in this house.

[Margot]

There's something sinister about this place.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

Wait, Margo. Someone's coming to the door.

[Mrs. Tucker]

What do you want, mister?

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

Are you Mrs. Tucker?

[Mrs. Tucker]

I'm Mark Tucker. What do you want?

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

May we come in?

[Mrs. Tucker]

You say what you got to say.

[Margot]

Please, Mrs. Tucker, we've come to help you.

[Mrs. Tucker]

No, you. Oh, all right, Come in. It don't matter. Nothing matters now.

[Bill Dawson]

Thank you.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

Mrs. Tucker, we realize you've been through a terrible ordeal. Losing your husband and son within a week.

[Mrs. Tucker]

Well, I ain't no worse off than anybody else in Carverville.

[Margot]

What are you going to do?

[Mrs. Tucker]

I got one boy left, Sam. He works in the mill.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

Mrs. Tucker. How much rent do you people have to pay for these houses?

[Mrs. Tucker]

Hey, you better get out of here, mister. You don't want to get me in more trouble for talking to you at all. You better get out.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

Who would make trouble for you because you talk to us?

[Mrs. Tucker]

Never you mind that, mister. And if you know what's good for you, you'll get out of Carverville before Dawson and the others from Carver Mill get here.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

Hey, Ma.

[Narrator]

Who are these folks?

[Mrs. Tucker]

This is my son, Sam.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

Hello, Sam.

[Narrator]

Well, howdy. You welfare workers from the city?

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

You might call us that. They've come here to investigate conditions.

[Mrs. Tucker]

They've been asking questions about the houses. Sam, I didn't tell them nothing.

[Narrator]

Well, why didn't you? Ma, I'm sick of all this fear. Old man Carver and his spies. We kept quiet for years, and what's it got us? What did it get Pa and Young Jim? We slave in the mill and they rob us at Carver's store. And we live in these pig styes that Carver calls houses. And when we're old and sick, he lets us die off like a lot of mangy dogs.

[Mrs. Tucker]

Shut up, Sam. Don't talk like that. Somebody will hear.

[Narrator]

Well, let him hear. It's time somebody heard the truth.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

Can't you do something, mister?

[Narrator]

Can't you help us? Somebody don't help us. God only knows where this will end.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

Thanks for speaking out, Sam. You'll have to help the monster.

[Margot]

There's a crowd gathering outside.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

What?

[Mrs. Tucker]

I knew it. I knew there'd be trouble.

[Narrator]

Quiet, Ma.

[Bill Dawson]

Listen, mister.

[Narrator]

I got a notion you're all right. Ma.

[Daniel Carver]

Tucker.

[Commissioner Weston]

Sam, open up. We're gonna chase them.

[Daniel Carver]

Smart outdoor Strangers out of town like we did that reporter.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

Listen, Sam, we'll have to leave or there'll be trouble. But will you meet me in the next town in a couple of hours? I've got to know everything that's been going on here if I'm to help you.

[Narrator]

Yeah. Yeah, I'll meet you.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

Look for my car on Main Street. Come on, Margot. Keep close to me.

[Margot]

Lamont. I hope no one saw Sam Tucker meet us down this road as you asked him to.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

I hope not.

[Margot]

Margot, what are you going to do now that he's told you the tragic story of Carboville?

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

Going back to Carboville right now, tonight. First to call an old man, Carver.

[Margot]

I thought he was in the city.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

He evidently heard that more strangers were in Carverville this afternoon asking questions.

[Margot]

Oh, what a beast Carver must be, Lamont. If he could only be made to see the misery and suffering he's caused.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

He's going to see it, Margot, tonight.

[Margot]

Lamont, there's Carverville.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

Oh, not that I'm afraid we're stopping. That's Carver's house right ahead there.

[Margot]

Yes, I see a light downstairs. Lamont, what are you going to do?

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

Margot, do you remember Scrooge in Dickens Christmas Carol?

[Mrs. Tucker]

Yes.

[Margot]

And Carver is worse than Scrooge ever thought of being.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

Tonight, Daniel Carver is going to feel more remorse than Ebenezer's Scrooge ever did.

[Mrs. Tucker]

He deserves it.

[Margot]

I'll wait in the car, Lamont.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

Bitter cold.

[Margot]

None of those poor people down there in those flimsy houses can stand it. I can. I'll wait here. But how are you going to make Carver visit those poor people?

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

Margo, Tonight, Daniel Carver is going on a sightseeing tour personally conducted by the Shadow.

[Narrator]

In just a moment, we will continue with the second part of the Shadow's thrilling adventure. While you are engaged in last minute preparations for Christmas, don't neglect the health and comfort of your family. Be sure of a cozy, warm home during the holidays by ordering a supply of blue coal. No matter how cold or how mild the weather, blue coal is the most economical fuel for heating or cooking purposes. Up in the Arctic regions, where the temperature today is at least 60 degrees below zero. Fur traders and trappers are keeping warm with blue coal. They have used other fuels only to find that blue coal will keep them warm more economically than any other fuel. Blue coal is a Pennsylvania anthracite, the fuel that burns long and steadily. It is the fuel that furnaces, parlor stoves and cooking ranges in New England were especially designed to burn. And the finest Pennsylvania anthracite is blue coal mined by the Glen Alden Coal Company, employing American labor and it is transported by American railroads. Every carload is laboratory tested for purity and uniform size before shipment. Blue coal comes in all domestic sizes, egg, stove, chestnut and pea size. For economy's sake and for greatest comfort in cold weather, insist on blue coal. Phone your nearest blue coal dealer. You'll find his name listed in the where to buy it section of your classified telephone directory under the name Blue Coal.

[Daniel Carver]

Nelson, I told you there any more trouble up here in Copperville, I'd fire you, didn't I?

[Bill Dawson]

Yeah, well, there ain't been no trouble, Mr. Carver. Not yet. If that guy that was here this afternoon comes back tonight, we'll make him wish he'd never heard a card of it.

[Daniel Carver]

Oh, what makes you think he will come back?

[Bill Dawson]

I know he's coming back tonight. You got Sam Tucker to meet him down in the next town.

[Daniel Carver]

How do you know that?

[Bill Dawson]

I took a rubber hose to the kid when he came back about an hour ago. He wouldn't talk. We got enough out of him to know that that social worker is up to something.

[Daniel Carver]

Well, I don't want any shooting and killing.

[Bill Dawson]

Now, you just leave that fella to me. Mr. Carver, you said you didn't want to be bothered with details.

[Daniel Carver]

What are you going to do, Dawson?

[Bill Dawson]

Nothing much. But don't you worry. There ain't no law against the fella being shot accidental while he's snooping around in the dark. You just leave the details to me. Come on, boss.

[Daniel Carver]

I was a fool to come up.

[Bill Dawson]

Here from the city tonight.

[Daniel Carver]

No cold country house, no electricity, nothing but candles.

When he even blows the door open.

What was that? Who blew out the candle?

[The Shadow (voice)]

The wind. The wind blew out the candle. Are you afraid of the dark? Daniel Carver?

[Daniel Carver]

Warrior. What do you want? I have no money here.

[The Shadow (voice)]

I don't want your money. I have come for you.

[Daniel Carver]

Who are you?

[The Shadow (voice)]

I've been called fear, conscience, remorse. But I am best known to your kind as the Shadow.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

The Shadow?

[Daniel Carver]

I don't believe in things like that. You're a man. I hear your voice. If you're one of those stupid fools from the village, you've got any idea of killing me, you'd better think first you will hang for it.

[The Shadow (voice)]

Since you will not believe that I am the Shadow, let us pretend I am one of those unfortunates from your village. Let us pretend that here in the darkness, I am standing with a gun pointed at your heart.

[Daniel Carver]

What do you want of me?

[The Shadow (voice)]

I want you to come with me.

Come with me.

[Narrator]

No. No.

[Daniel Carver]

No. You're going to murder me. I won't leave this house. I won't go with you.

[The Shadow (voice)]

Come, or I'll use the gun you are so sure I have in my hand, even though you can't see the gun or my hand or me.

[Daniel Carver]

All right. All right, I'll come. I'll do anything. Only don't shoot. If it's money you want, I'll get it for you.

[The Shadow (voice)]

Get in your car.

[Daniel Carver]

First let me get an overcoat. It's bitter cold.

[Narrator]

No.

[The Shadow (voice)]

It's time you learned what it feels like to be cold.

[Daniel Carver]

Where are we going?

[The Shadow (voice)]

Drive down to that squalid sink of misery that bears your name to Carverville. Don't cry out. Don't try to escape me. I'm right behind you in the backseat of the car.

[Daniel Carver]

What do you want me to do?

[The Shadow (voice)]

In the village, Stop at that little bridge? Be careful, Carver. I can read your thoughts, your thinking. You'll cry out, attract attention and get away from me. But you'll never get away unless you do exactly as I tell you for the next few minutes.

[Daniel Carver]

What are you going to make me do?

[The Shadow (voice)]

You will go where I tell you and listen and watch.

[Daniel Carver]

And what if I meet someone?

[The Shadow (voice)]

If you should. Don't speak.

[Daniel Carver]

There's a little ridge.

[The Shadow (voice)]

Stop the car.

Now get out of the car. Daniel Carver.

This is the Tucker house. Walk to that lighted window over there.

Stand there by that broken tail stuffed with paper.

[Daniel Carver]

Why have you brought me here? You better look out. Bill Dawson, my foreman, and some men are out looking for some stranger that's been snooping around here. We might be shocked by mistake.

[The Shadow (voice)]

That is a chance we must take. Carver. Look into that room and listen.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

All right, Ma. All right, Ma. Listen, Ma. Everything's gonna turn out all right.

[Narrator]

Those folks who were here today, they're gonna do something.

[Mrs. Tucker]

Oh, I'm trying to hope so, Sam. But hoping comes mighty hard when hope's been killed so often. Pa's dead, your brother's dead.

[The Shadow (voice)]

Listen to that.

[Mrs. Tucker]

Oh, Sam, you gotta go away. You gotta go fur away after what's happened? Dawson will fix you good. It won't be just a beatin'. He'll fix it till something'll happen to you at the mill. You gotta go away, son.

[Narrator]

Yeah, but I can't leave you, Ma. Not even long enough to hunt another job.

[Mrs. Tucker]

Don't you fret about me, Sam. I ain't got much longer on this earth anyhow. Son, you get away. You get away from here while you've got A chance.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

Oh, Ma. Ma, you're crying.

[Narrator]

You didn't even cry when Pa died.

[Mrs. Tucker]

Seemed like I couldn't. Seemed like he was better off dead. Cause he was free of old man Carver at last. At last.

[Bill Dawson]

Oh, my.

[The Shadow (voice)]

Come, Carver. I have something else to show you.

[Daniel Carver]

What are you trying to do? Where are you taking me?

[The Shadow (voice)]

Now you will see.

Tell me, Carver, have you ever heard the story of Scrooge?

[Daniel Carver]

What has the story of Scrooge got to do with me?

[The Shadow (voice)]

You are Scrooge, Daniel Carver. A 20th century century Scrooge. And this is Christmas. You'd never believe it to look down the streets of this mill town of yours, would you, Carver?

[Daniel Carver]

What do you expect me to do about it?

[The Shadow (voice)]

You are not your brother's keeper, are you, Carver?

[Daniel Carver]

Let me go. My hands are freezing.

[The Shadow (voice)]

Still thinking of yourself? Is that the Christmas Christmas spirit, Carver?

[Daniel Carver]

Let me go and I'll do something. Send some Christmas baskets.

[The Shadow (voice)]

That would ease your conscience, wouldn't it? No, Carver. You're not going to get off so easy.

[Daniel Carver]

I've seen enough. Where are you taking me now?

[The Shadow (voice)]

Just a little way. A few steps to that lighted window over there. To that house with a car standing in front of it.

[Daniel Carver]

They can afford a car.

[The Shadow (voice)]

That is a doctor's car.

Your villagers don't own cars.

They don't own anything. Go to that lighted window there.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

Look in.

[The Shadow (voice)]

See what is happening. Listen.

[Daniel Carver]

There's frost on the glass. I can't see.

[The Shadow (voice)]

There's another broken pane. The hole is filled with paper to keep out the cold. Like the tucker's window. Push the paper aside.

[Daniel Carver]

All right.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

I will try and be calm, Mrs. Anderson. I know it's hard, but you must, for the child's sake.

[Mrs. Tucker]

I'll try, Doctor. I will try. I can't help feeling the way I do. My husband dying of pneumonia only last month. Now Judy going the same way.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

Oh, there's still hope. I'd move her to a hospital if there were one near enough.

[Daniel Carver]

I wish there were only some way of keeping these rotten Carver houses warm.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

But you might as well try to heat a barn.

[Mrs. Tucker]

Mommy.

[The Shadow (voice)]

Listen. Carver.

[Margot]

Mommy?

[Mrs. Tucker]

Yes, darling. I'm right here, Judy, dear.

[Margot]

Mommy's here.

[Mrs. Tucker]

Mommy, could I have Cecil? Of course you can, honey. Here's your doll, Judy.

[Margot]

Mommy, do you think Santa Claus will.

[Mrs. Tucker]

Bring me a real doll? I hope so, Judy.

[Margot]

I'll ask him.

[Bill Dawson]

Come, come, Mrs. Anderson.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

She may sleep now. We'll try to keep the room warm. That's all we can do now. That and hope. Hope for the best.

[The Shadow (voice)]

Look at that child. Daniel. Carver, she's dying. And you and you alone are to blame.

[Daniel Carver]

No.

[Bill Dawson]

Stop. Don't.

[Daniel Carver]

Don't torture me anymore.

[The Shadow (voice)]

If that child dies, Carver, there will be no candles.

No gay candles on a gift laden Christmas tree. But white candles shedding a ghostly light around a packing box coffin.

[Mr. Roberts / Announcer]

No.

[Daniel Carver]

No.

[Mrs. Tucker]

Stop.

[The Shadow (voice)]

It will be the monument to your life of selfish greed. And a cross you will bear through all eternity. Unless.

[Bill Dawson]

Unless.

[Daniel Carver]

Unless what?

[The Shadow (voice)]

Unless you make amends.

[Daniel Carver]

I'll do anything. I'll do anything to make amends. I didn't know. I've been blind.

[Mr. Roberts / Announcer]

Selfish.

[The Shadow (voice)]

No baskets of fruit or pennies in the snow will wipe out your sins against these long suffering people, Carver.

[Daniel Carver]

I know. I'll make everything right. That little girl, she needs medicine, a warm house. Let me go in and get the doctor to move her to my house on the hill.

[Mr. Roberts / Announcer]

I'll get specialists.

[Daniel Carver]

I'll do anything to save her life.

[The Shadow (voice)]

Wait, Carver. That is only the beginning. What of all the others? What of these death traps you call home?

[Daniel Carver]

I'll tear them all down. Burn them. Build new ones. Houses that are warm and comfortable and safe.

[Narrator]

I swear it.

[Daniel Carver]

But tell me. Who are you? I owe you everything. For showing me what I've been doing to these people who depend on me.

[The Shadow (voice)]

I told you once before. I am a shadow.

[Daniel Carver]

But you are a man. Why can't I see you?

[The Shadow (voice)]

I have clouded your mind. Made it impossible for you to see me. You will never see me. Never hear my voice again. Daniel Carver, if you keep your word.

[Daniel Carver]

I will keep my word.

[Mrs. Tucker]

I swear.

[The Shadow (voice)]

If you don't, the shadow will return. And the next time.

[Daniel Carver]

Shadow. It's my foreman, Bill Dawson and Al Trimble.

[The Shadow (voice)]

Yes, I know. They mean to kill a man if they can find.

[Daniel Carver]

They're after some fellow that was here this afternoon with a young woman. Welfare workers, I think. What'll we do?

[The Shadow (voice)]

Let them come. This is your first test. You are responsible for their acts. What are you going to do, Carver?

[Daniel Carver]

They might shoot us by mistake. They've got shotguns.

[The Shadow (voice)]

This is your chance, Carver.

[Bill Dawson]

That fellow's around here.

[Commissioner Weston]

We'll find them out.

[Bill Dawson]

Go round up back and Tucker Shack.

[Mr. Smith (Blue Coal representative)]

And take a look.

[Commissioner Weston]

Okay? I'm just itching to draw a bead on that nosy city fella.

[The Shadow (voice)]

Now's your chance to deal with Dawson. What are you going to do, Carver?

[Daniel Carver]

I'll show you. Just watch me.

Don't shoot, Dawson. Dawson, don't shoot.

[Mrs. Tucker]

It's me. Carver.

[Bill Dawson]

Carver. Hey, what are you doing here? Come within an ace of blowing your head off.

[Daniel Carver]

I've come Here to see what I've been doing to these people by giving you a free hand.

[Bill Dawson]

You said you didn't want to be bothered.

[Mr. Roberts / Announcer]

I know.

[Daniel Carver]

I know I'm to blame. I've been blind. But that's all finished now. I'm going to make this village all over. Build new homes. Make up for all the misery I've caused these people.

[Bill Dawson]

You're getting kind of soft, ain't you, Carver?

[Daniel Carver]

You won't think so when I tell you that you are through fired. You and Al Trimble and all your kind.

[Bill Dawson]

Listen here, you mealy mouthed old skinflint. You can't fire me. I've done your dirty work too long.

[Daniel Carver]

You get out of Carville. You're through, Dawson.

[Bill Dawson]

Yeah, that's what you think. You and nobody else is firing me.

[Daniel Carver]

Put down that shotgun, Dawson. You'll hang for this devil.

[Commissioner Weston]

I will.

[Bill Dawson]

It'll be an accident. An accident? Like what's going to happen to that city, Dawson.

[Daniel Carver]

Don't you pull that trigger, you fool.

[Bill Dawson]

May you praise. You rat.

[Daniel Carver]

Ah, you. You missed.

[The Shadow (voice)]

No, no.

[Bill Dawson]

Something. Something knocked a gun up in the air. You didn't copy. You couldn't. Something just about knocked the gun out of my hand.

[The Shadow (voice)]

You are quite right, Bill Dawson. I saved you from committing a cold blooded murder.

[Bill Dawson]

What was that? Who said that?

[The Shadow (voice)]

The shadow, Dawson.

[Bill Dawson]

Shadow? A ghost.

[The Shadow (voice)]

Call me what you like, but I am here helping Daniel Carver. Helping the people of this village.

[Bill Dawson]

Come on, we're getting out of here.

[Daniel Carver]

Something just talked to me.

[Commissioner Weston]

Ah, you must be drunk, Bill. Hey, what's that over there?

[Bill Dawson]

It's old man Carver. But it wasn't him. It knocked my gun right out of my hand. Come on.

[Mrs. Tucker]

I tell you, this place is haunted.

[Commissioner Weston]

Ah, there ain't no such thing.

[Bill Dawson]

Listen to that.

[Mr. Roberts / Announcer]

Where is it?

[Mrs. Tucker]

Come on, tell me.

[Daniel Carver]

Where's it coming from?

[Bill Dawson]

Who's that laughing?

[Daniel Carver]

Blake Harbor.

[Bill Dawson]

Dead.

[Commissioner Weston]

It did sound kind of like a ghost. I don't see nothing.

[Narrator]

Go.

[The Shadow (voice)]

Go quickly. Both of you. Get out of Carverville and don't come back.

[Bill Dawson]

Come on now, you fool.

[Daniel Carver]

Let's get out of here.

[Mrs. Tucker]

Hey, Bill.

[Daniel Carver]

Wait.

[The Shadow (voice)]

Wait.

[Commissioner Weston]

Don't leave me here alone with that thing.

[Mrs. Tucker]

Wait.

[Daniel Carver]

Jano. Jeno, Are you still here?

[The Shadow (voice)]

Yes. Daniel Carver.

[Daniel Carver]

Oh, thank you. Whoever, whatever you are, thank you for saving my life.

[The Shadow (voice)]

I saved you because you have much work to do.

[Daniel Carver]

If there was only some way of repaying you for making me see the truth. You should have credit for all this.

[The Shadow (voice)]

Just bring happiness to the people of this village, Daniel Carver. That will be your repayment in full. To The Shadows.

[Daniel Carver]

I'll do it.

[The Shadow (voice)]

Look, Carver, the people of the village are getting up enough nerve to come.

[Narrator]

Out of their house.

[Daniel Carver]

I have called them all together. Right now. I'll tell them what I'm going to do. I'll make this the happiest Christmas season they've ever had.

[The Shadow (voice)]

Yes, I believe you will. Daniel.

[Narrator]

Carver.

[Commissioner Weston]

What happened in here?

[Daniel Carver]

Who's that?

[Commissioner Weston]

Yeah, who's been shooting?

[Daniel Carver]

Anybody hurt?

[Narrator]

Hey, golly, it's Mr. Carver.

[The Shadow (voice)]

What's he doing here?

[Mr. Smith (Blue Coal representative)]

What do you want?

[Daniel Carver]

Mr. Carver? Wait a moment. Wait a moment, all of you. Oh, I know you have good reasons to hate. Tonight. I've been shown why.

[Mr. Smith (Blue Coal representative)]

Something.

[Daniel Carver]

Someone came to me. Oh, I don't know what he was. I don't care. All I know is he was like a spirit of God. He has shown me how to create a new Carverville. A happy Carverville where the spirit of Christmas will shine. All these years, through men and women, a shadow has brought us light.

[The Shadow (voice)]

This, Carver.

This is the peace on earth goodwill taught men.

[Narrator]

Friends, this afternoon we have an event of unusual importance to bring to you. The Shadow program is to be honored with one of radio's most coveted awards, which heretofore has been captured by other outstanding programs such as Jack Benny, Fred Allen and the March of Time, the pilot radio award. Mr. Harry A. Smith, president of Blue Coal, will accept this award from Mr. Sylvester Thompson, Vice president of the Pilot Radio Corporation, who will make the official presentation. Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Thompson.

[Mr. Roberts / Announcer]

Thank you, Mr. Roberts. During the past year, the Pilot Radio Award Society has been making periodic awards to various programs on the air which represent the highest achievements in their particular fields of entertainment. And so it's only natural that your program, the Shadow, should have come to our attention. We can easily understand the reason why the Shadow has held its high place in popular favor for so many years. It brings all the thrill and flavor of mystery drama to radio audiences. In addition, the committee commends you very highly upon bringing some of the finest actors of the American stage into the homes of so many radio listeners. Recognizing your noteworthy contribution to fine radio entertainment, I take pleasure in presenting to you, Mr. Smith, the pilot Radio Award of Merit. And I am certain that the Shadow will continue to delight radio audiences for many years to come.

[Mr. Smith (Blue Coal representative)]

Thank you very much, Mr. Thompson. On behalf of the Glen Alden Coal Company and the DLW Coal Company, producers and sellers of blue coal, it gives me great pleasure to accept this award. We greatly appreciate this recognition of our efforts to entertain the radio public. We realize, however, that the credit is due to those who prepared, directed and presented the Shadow, the Blue Coal dealers of America join me in expressing their appreciation to our very able artists who have presented this entertainment. And our thanks to you for this recognition of their efforts. I assure you that they will endeavor to keep their future presentations of the same high quality that we endeavor to maintain in every ton of Blue Coal.

[Narrator]

The story you have just heard is copyrighted by the Shadow magazine. The characters in this story are entirely fictitious. Any similarity to persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

[Bill Dawson]

The weed of crime bears bitter fruit. Crime does not pay.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

The Shadow knows.

[Narrator]

Next week, same time, same station, Blue Pole, America's famous anthracite, will again present another thrilling adventure of the Shadow. Be sure to listen and be sure to burn. Blue coal, the solid fuel for solid comfort.