The Shadow: Murders in Wax 05/15/1938

Summary

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Podcast Summary: The Shadow – "Murders in Wax" (05/15/1938)

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode: The Shadow: Murders in Wax
Air Date: March 26, 2026 (Original: May 15, 1938)
Host: Choice Classic Radio
Duration: ~28 minutes

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Episode Overview

In this episode of The Shadow, titled "Murders in Wax," listeners are transported to the eerie world of an old wax museum where a gruesome murder sets off a string of deadly events. Lamont Cranston (The Shadow) and his confidante Margot Lane investigate as a series of chilling murders targets key civic leaders, with each victim’s likeness displayed in a macabre wax tableau. The episode delves into themes of vengeance, corruption, and manipulation, wrapped in the atmospheric suspense of classic radio drama.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. The Wax Museum Shocker (02:58–05:39)

• Setting: The Wax Museum exhibit features lifelike tableaus of infamous crimes and figures.
• Event: In front of an unsuspecting audience, the wax figure of Edna Kelly falls off a chair—revealing not wax, but her actual murdered body.
  • “It’s real. It’s a body.” (05:02)
• Media Sensation: The crowd is horrified; newsboys tout headlines outside: “Mysteriously murdered, sweetheart of a gangster found slain…”

2. Lamont & Margot Discuss the Case (05:39–07:32)

• Aftermath: Lamont rows Margot through the park as they piece through the tableau's significance.
• Theory: Cranston surmises the dramatic placement of Edna's body is symbolic—a warning, possibly a prelude to further murders.
  • "The taking of Edna Kelly's life is only the first of a series of vengeful murders." (07:12)

3. Police Investigation & The Shadow’s Warning (07:40–11:29)

• Police Strategy: Commissioner Weston and his team debate motives—vengeance, insanity, or a personal grudge.
• Clues: The “mark of the squealer” is found slashed across the wax dummy’s face, suggesting mob involvement.
• The Shadow Intervenes: The Shadow warns police they’re wasting time with roundups, as the real killer is after others depicted in the wax tableau: the mayor, the district attorney, and Commissioner Weston himself.
  • "You may be, at this moment, in imminent peril." (10:12)
• Escalation: The district attorney, Armstrong, is reported missing by his worried wife. (10:21–10:51)

4. Another Murder at the Wax Museum (11:29–13:08)

• Return to the Scene: Police hurry back to the wax museum.
• Discovery: The wax dummy of Armstrong is now his real body—he has been killed and posed in the tableau as The Shadow predicted.
  • “Dead. Murdered. And he was brought here just like the Shadow said…” (12:37)
• The Shadow warns: The mayor and the commissioner are now in immediate danger.

5. Motive Uncovered – Political Intrigue (15:26–16:31)

• Analysis: Lamont suggests the murders may benefit a political rival—removing high-ranking officials all pictured in the tableau.
  • "Their removal would be highly advantageous to a political [rival]." (15:54)

6. Keegan’s Role and Driscoll’s Suspicion (16:31–22:49)

• Margot Interviews Keegan: posing as a reporter, she discusses Edna's death with George Keegan (currently imprisoned). Keegan’s anger and pain are palpable.
  • "She was a double-crosser." (17:27)
  • He quickly regrets this, asking Margot not to record his words.
• Warden Driscoll Emerges as a Suspect: The Shadow eavesdrops on Driscoll, who is secretly facilitating Keegan’s “leave of absence” to commit the killings.
  • "He'd just go there." (21:08 — The Shadow on Keegan's ability to kill while supposedly incarcerated)
  • "He's on his way to the city right now to add another link to his chain of cold blooded murders. He's gone there with your full knowledge and consent." (21:47)
• The Shadow threatens exposure of Driscoll’s corruption if further murders are not stopped.

7. The Climax: Showdown with Keegan (23:17–27:56)

• Mayor Set-Up: Keegan attempts to kill the mayor, only to find he's been tricked—shooting a dummy instead.

  • "Hey, what's this? This ain't nobody. It's a dummy, a plant." (24:42)

• Intervention: The Shadow reveals himself as Keegan’s nemesis and orders his surrender. Police and Commissioner Weston close in.

  • "Now, I'd advise you to drop that gun." (25:00)

• True Conspiracy Revealed: The Shadow exposes Warden Driscoll as the manipulator, using Keegan to eliminate rivals by preying on his jealousy and telling him lies about Edna’s fidelity.

  • "Keegan is shielding the Warden as the real instigator of the Waxworks murders." (26:20)
  • "He wanted you all out of the way, Commissioner, so he employed Keegan as his instrument of murder." (26:28)
  • "At first he had to give Keegan sufficient incentive to perform these crimes. So he went to work on his emotions, his jealousy. Oh, he told Keegan that his girl Edna Kelly had been double crossing him right along. Keegan. This was a lie." (26:34–26:50)

• Final Confrontation: Keegan, realizing Driscoll’s manipulation, shoots the corrupt warden but is swiftly taken away.

8. Resolution (27:18–28:42)

• Aftermath: Weston thanks The Shadow, who offers a final tongue-in-cheek suggestion regarding future wax tableaus.
  • “If the Wax Museum decides to create a new tableau depicting this present event, might be wise for you to arrange to be excluded from. Gives people ideas.” (27:35)
• Moral: The iconic closing phrase:
  • "The weed of crime bears bitter fruit. Crime does not pay… The Shadow knows." (28:12)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "The weed of crime bears bitter fruit. Crime does not pay. The Shadow knows." – The Shadow (28:12)
• “You may be, at this moment, in imminent peril.” – The Shadow warns Commissioner Weston (10:12)
• "He wanted you all out of the way, Commissioner, so he employed Keegan as his instrument of murder." – The Shadow exposing Driscoll (26:28)
• "If the Wax Museum decides to create a new tableau depicting this present event, might be wise for you to arrange to be excluded from. Gives people ideas." – The Shadow’s sardonic suggestion (27:35)
• "She was a double-crosser." – George Keegan on Edna Kelly (17:27)
• "He's on his way to the city right now to add another link to his chain of cold blooded murders. He's gone there with your full knowledge and consent." – The Shadow confronting Warden Driscoll (21:47)

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Important Timestamps

• Wax Museum Opening & Murder Discovery: 02:58–05:39
• Rowboat Scene – Lamont and Margot deduce the killer’s intent: 05:39–07:32
• Commissioner Weston debates suspects; The Shadow's first warning: 07:40–11:29
• Armstrong’s murder found at the wax museum: 11:29–13:08
• Margot’s tense interview with Keegan: 16:31–18:05
• The Shadow confronts Warden Driscoll: 20:02–22:49
• Keegan’s failed attempt on the mayor; police close in: 23:17–25:06
• The Shadow reveals Driscoll’s plot; Warden is shot: 26:04–27:18
• Classic closing moral and outro: 28:12

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Episode Tone & Style

The episode features the classic Shadow blend of mounting suspense, sharp dialogue, and the eerie mood of old-time radio mysteries. The interplay between Lamont, Margot, the police, and underworld characters is brisk and reminiscent of the hard-boiled detective era, but with gothic panache and moral clarity emblematic of The Shadow.

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For New Listeners

This episode is a prime showcase of why The Shadow remains iconic: a layered mystery, memorable audio drama performances, and a hero who stands in the moral shadows to set things right—reminding listeners every week that, in the end, “Crime does not pay.”

Transcript

[Announcer]

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].

[George Keegan]

Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? A shadow knows.

[Narrator]

Ladies and gentlemen, the Shadow's latest adventure, which starts in just a moment, isn't a bit more exciting than the big news I have for you right now. It's all about a new kind of tire that's making motoring history. Yes, you guessed it. It's the new Goodrich Safety Silvertown, with the Lifesaver tread. Believe me, motorists, you've never seen or ridden on any tire like it. As the Lifesaver tread, spiral bars whirl over wet, slippery pavements. They sweep the water right, left, right, left. Force it out through deep drainage grooves. This means that there's a dry track under your car for the rubber to grip. Means that you'll stop quicker, safer than ever before. Treat your family to real protection against dangerous skids. Make your next tires Goodrich, spelled G O O D R I C H. Goodrich. Safety Silvertown. The Shadow. Lamont Cranston, a man of wealth, a student of science, and a master of other people's minds, devotes his life to righting wrongs, protecting the innocent and punishing the guilty. Using advanced methods that may ultimately become available to all law enforcement agencies. Cranston is known to the underworld as the Shadow. Never seen, only heard. As haunting to superstitious minds as a ghost, as inevitable as a guilty conscience. The Shadow's true identity is known only to his constant friend and aide, Margot Lane. Today's story, murders in Wax.

[Wax Museum Attendant]

Ladies and gentlemen, we invite you to step inside and view the illuminating and educational exhibits that are the features of our wax.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Wax.

[Wax Museum Attendant]

See Bluebeard actually slaying his eight wives. See Custer's Last Stand. See the capture of George Keegan, public enemy number one, and many other thrilling, lifelike tableau. The price of admission is only one dime 10 cents. Our lecture is just starting, and if you hurry, hurry, hurry, you'll be just in time to witness the complete show on the inside. Dip my dip.

[Lamont Cranston]

Now.

[Wax Museum Attendant]

How many, brother, please? Two, please.

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

Ladies and gentlemen, if you'll just step over here to the next platform, I shall describe to you the details of the feature tableau of our exhibit. Say, they look like real people, don't they?

[Margot Lane]

Yeah. How do they make them?

[George Keegan]

With wax.

[Margot Lane]

Gee.

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

This tableau is a dramatic reenactment of the capture of George Keegan, the Notorious gang chief of Prohibition Day. He was arrested in the manner shown right here. No doubt you all recognize the figures of the brave men who personally led the police squad. Who made the capture. On the left, the wax figure of our own Mayor Lewis. Center, our District Attorney, Armstrong. And right, Police Commissioner Weston.

[Margot Lane]

Were they really there when Keegan was caught?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Sure he was.

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

George Keegan's arrest put an end to the wave of crime and lawlessness that gripped our city for a decade. He is now imprisoned in the state penitentiary for the rest of his natural life.

[Margot Lane]

Gee, the girl in the tableau sure looks lifelike.

[Lamont Cranston]

Yeah.

[Margot Lane]

Ask them who she is.

[George Keegan]

Okay.

[Wax Museum Attendant]

Hey, Cap, who's that girl?

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

Just coming to that, brother. A little lady. Seated in the chair was Keegan's gun.

[Warden Driscoll]

Ma.

[Narrator]

Edna Kelly.

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

She was with him in the hideout at the time of the raid.

[Wax Museum Attendant]

Hey, look.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Look at that.

[Wax Museum Attendant]

The wax figure fell off the chair.

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

Don't get excited, folks. It's only a wax figure. I'll just set it up again and.

[George Keegan]

Holy catch.

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

It's.

[Narrator]

It's real. It's a body.

[Wax Museum Attendant]

A dead body. A dead body of Edna Kelly. It's really Edna Kelly. Edna Kelly? How'd she get here? She's been murdered. Murdered. X free x3 come turn mysteriously murdered, Sweetheart. A Gangster found slain. Here you are. Read all about the waxworks for the paper.

[Margot Lane]

Lamont, you do row beautifully. But if you don't pull a trifle harder on that right oar, we'll hit that rock.

[Warden Driscoll]

Sorry.

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

There we are.

[Lamont Cranston]

A little rusty on navigation, Margot. This is my first rowboat venture in the park this spring.

[Margot Lane]

I'm really enjoying it. I need a little fresh air and sunshine after that experience at the waxworks yesterday. That was pretty terrible.

[Lamont Cranston]

Don't you ever happen to go to that place, Margo?

[Margot Lane]

Well, I was showing the town to my cousin Jane from upstate. We passed the Waxworks Museum and she insisted on going in. She'd never seen a chamber of horrors.

[Lamont Cranston]

And she saw more horror than she bargained for.

[Margot Lane]

Yes, and so did I. I'll never forget it.

[Lamont Cranston]

Just what was that wax tableau like?

[Margot Lane]

It was set in a replica of a furnished room in the house where Keegan was captured.

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

Yes.

[Margot Lane]

The figures of Mayor Lewis, District Attorney Armstrong and Police Commissioner Weston were grouped about Keegan and Edna Kelly.

[Lamont Cranston]

Did anyone notice the figure of the Kelly girl was actually she until it fell from the chair?

[Margot Lane]

No. The wax figures were so lifelike that no one suspected.

[Lamont Cranston]

I see. If I roll with the island.

[Margot Lane]

Oh, that'd be nice. Lamont, whom do you think killed Edna Kelly.

[Lamont Cranston]

Well, she was a gunman's girl. Always the obvious suspects. Her lovers, enemies or even members of his gang who might be more comfortable

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

with her out of the way.

[Lamont Cranston]

But, Lamar, I don't think it was either of these.

[Margot Lane]

Why, Lamar, doesn't it strike you that

[Lamont Cranston]

the substitution of the girl's body for the waxwork in such a spectacular fashion may have some deeper significance than the mere bizarre effect?

[Margot Lane]

What do you mean?

[Lamont Cranston]

It must have been the girl's connection with the other people represented in that group. What motivated the murderer in bringing her body there.

[Margot Lane]

I don't quite understand.

[Lamont Cranston]

My deductions are correct. The taking of Edna Kelly's life is only the first of a series of vengeful murders.

[Margot Lane]

But, Lamont, if that's true, isn't there anything you can do to forestall them?

[Lamont Cranston]

Perhaps I only knew a little more. I only knew where the killer plans to strike next.

[Margot Lane]

Surely the Shadow can find that out.

[Lamont Cranston]

With your help, Margot, perhaps he can.

[Commissioner Weston]

A fine bunch of detectives I've got in this department. You call yourselves a homicide squad. That's a laugh.

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

But, Commissioner Weston, we've combed this city.

[Commissioner Weston]

Hogan, have you checked on the story of the museum proprietor?

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

Commissioner, you talked to him yourself.

[Commissioner Weston]

Have you verified his statements?

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

Yes, Chief, they're solid. The murderer entered the Waxworks Museum by a back door. It was found jimmied. After he put Edna Kelly's body in a tableau, he took the wax image of her outside and buried it under some trash in the alley.

[Commissioner Weston]

Did you go over the image for fingerprints, Cordona?

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

Yeah, but we couldn't find anything. Tell him about the face. Oh, yeah, Commissioner, funny thing. The face of the wax dummy had been sliced with a knife across the left cheek.

[Commissioner Weston]

Why didn't you tell me that before? You know what that means as well as I do.

[Narrator]

That's right.

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

That's the mark of Esquela.

[Narrator]

But it couldn't.

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

But any mob stuff. The probation report shows that Edna Kelly's been going straight ever since Keegan was sent away. If you ask me, I think it was a lunatic that done it. No sane guy had set a dead girl's body up for exhibition in that waxworks joint. No, it looks to me like one

[Narrator]

of them love things.

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

Some guy carrying a torch for Kelly.

[Commissioner Weston]

You're both wrong. It was no lunatic that committed that murder. And Edna Kelly hasn't gone out with anyone since Keegan started his stretch.

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

Then what, Chief?

[Commissioner Weston]

Edna Kelly was murdered for vengeance by someone who wanted to settle a score with her lover, George Keegan. Keegan can't be reached in the big house, so they take it out on the girl.

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

What about the mark of the squealer on the face of the wax figure?

[Commissioner Weston]

That ties right in. That was the murderer's way of telling Keegan what he thought of him. Keegan has saved his neck by squealing on a dozen guys.

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

Say, that's right.

[Commissioner Weston]

Of course it's right. Cordona, first thing in the morning, I want you and Hogan to conduct a general roundup of every known enemy of George Keegan.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

That won't do any good, Commissioner.

[Narrator]

It's the Shadow.

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

Where is he?

[Commissioner Weston]

Don't trouble to find him. Why are you here, Shadow?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

To aid you in capturing the murderer of Ender Kelly.

[Commissioner Weston]

What do you know about the case?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

I know that you shouldn't be wasting your men's time rounding up possible suspects while the real assassin is left free to strike his next blow.

[Commissioner Weston]

Now, see here, Shadow. Don't tell me how to run my department.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Hold on, Weston. I have every reason to suspect that the placing of the Kelly girl's body in the wax tableau was intended as a warning of other deaths to follow.

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

Other deaths? You think there's gonna be more killings?

[Commissioner Weston]

Be quiet, Hogan. Tell me what you mean, Shadow.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

I mean that the other people represented in that wax tableau are in danger of being killed too. And they are? The mayor, the district attorney, and you yourself, Commissioner Weston.

[Commissioner Weston]

That sounds preposterous.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Not at all. My advice is that you act quickly. One of you may be, at this moment, in imminent peril.

[Commissioner Weston]

Oh, come, come, Shadow. What possible motive could the murderer of the girl have for wishing to kill us as well? I think that you're. Excuse me.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Hello?

[Commissioner Weston]

Mrs. Armstrong, the district attorney's wife wants

[George Keegan]

to talk to you.

[Commissioner Weston]

Put her on.

[Margot Lane]

Hello? Hello?

[Commissioner Weston]

Yes, Mrs. Armstrong, this is Commissioner Weston.

[Margot Lane]

Look, Commissioner, I'm dreadfully worried about John.

[Commissioner Weston]

What's wrong?

[Margot Lane]

Well, shortly after dinner, he went out, said he might take a walk. Several hours passed and he didn't return. I must have fallen asleep. And when I woke up a few minutes ago, he still hadn't come back. Oh, this isn't like John, Commissioner.

[Commissioner Weston]

What time is it now? It's after 2:00am well, now, don't be alarmed, Mrs. Armstrong. He's probably detained somewhere on business. I'll try to locate him for you and call you back.

[Margot Lane]

Oh, thank you.

[Commissioner Weston]

District attorney has disappeared.

[Wax Museum Attendant]

Disappeared?

[Margot Lane]

Say.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Well, Commissioner Weston, do you think, Shadow, that. Yes, Commissioner. I fear that the killer has struck again. Can't be. If I were you, I would go to the Waxwork Museum at once. You may arrive in time to stop this murderer from completing his monstrous work.

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

Well, here's the wax museum. Commissioner Weston.

[Commissioner Weston]

Sergeant, take some men around to guard the back door. Yes, sir. Cordona, does anyone any keys to this place?

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

No, sir. We'll have to force a lock.

[Commissioner Weston]

All right, go to it.

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

Okay, let's go.

[Wax Museum Attendant]

Kick it in there.

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

Okay. All right. There she is. Now, where's the light switch?

[Commissioner Weston]

Never mind that. Use your flashlights.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Okay.

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

Kind of scary in here, ain't it?

[Narrator]

Yeah, it gives you the creeps.

[Warden Driscoll]

Hey, what's that?

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

Where?

[Warden Driscoll]

That guy over there.

[Narrator]

He's got a knife.

[Commissioner Weston]

Don't shoot, you fool. That's one of the wax dummies. Now, where is this Keegan tableau?

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

It's right over here on the left. Oh, so that's it. Well, I guess nothing's happened yet, Chief.

[Warden Driscoll]

Doesn't look like anything's been disturbed.

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

That's a wax dummy of District Attorney Armstrong sitting down in a chair.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Sitting down?

[Narrator]

Hey, it seems to me his dummy

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

was standing up the last time he was here.

[Narrator]

What?

[Commissioner Weston]

Give me a lift up on the platform, quick.

[Wax Museum Attendant]

Yeah, you think it may be that?

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

I don't know.

[Commissioner Weston]

Flash the light over here. Good heavens, it's Armstrong.

[Wax Museum Attendant]

Is it really District Attorney Armstrong?

[Margot Lane]

Yes.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Dead.

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

Murdered. And he was brought here just like the Shadow said He?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Yes, just as I said. Gentlemen, I'm sorry that I couldn't have warned you earlier.

[Commissioner Weston]

Who did this thing, Shadow? Do you know who did it?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

I'm not sure. With your cooperation, Commissioner Weston, together we may bring about his downfall.

[Commissioner Weston]

How?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

I am positive now. But either you or Mayor Lewis is the next victim marked to go. Guard yourselves well.

[Commissioner Weston]

I'll attend to that.

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

All right.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

You will hear from me soon, Commissioner. When the Shadow finds out who the killer is, he will be brought to justice.

[Narrator]

Ladies and gentlemen, let's leave the Shadow's exciting adventure for a moment. As you know, this mysterious figure time and again tempts fate. But do you realize that unless the tires on your car give you real skid protection, you are tempting fate every time you drive on wet roads? Will you win or lose? Nobody knows.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

The Shadow knows thousands are killed or injured every year when cars slide, swerve, spin across wet, glistening roads.

[Narrator]

But why gamble with fate, motorists, when the new Goodrich Silvertown, with its lifesaver tread offers you such marvelous skid protection? This new kind of tire takes care of the skid problem as it's never been taken care of before. Here's the evidence from the largest Independent testing laboratory in America. The famous Pittsburgh Testing Laboratory. Their impartial engineers tested the regular and premium priced tires of the nation's six largest tire manufacturers. And did Goodrich Silver towns come through with flying colors, motorists. Those impartial tests proved that no other tire tested regardless of price, came up to the Silvertown in resistance to skid. And what's more, the new Silvertown gave more non skid mileage than any tire tested in its price class. It averaged 19.1% more miles before the tires wore smooth. And that's the same as saying you'll get every sixth mile free. So when you think of greater safety for yourself and family, remember this impartial record of the Silvertown's amazing performance. Have your car equipped with the safest thing on wheels. The new Goodrich Safety Silvertown. Remember, you pay no price premium for this life saving Silvertown.

[Lamont Cranston]

I think it's quite evident now, Margot, even to Commissioner Weston, that the killers aim to do away with everyone concerned in that tableau.

[Margot Lane]

Then Lamont, you. You mean the Mayor, the Commissioner and Keegan? They're the only ones left.

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

Exactly.

[George Keegan]

Let me see.

[Lamont Cranston]

I should take a right turn here.

[Margot Lane]

Lamont, do you believe these murders are the work of a madman?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Not at all.

[Lamont Cranston]

I think that whoever's behind all this is quite sane, Margot. Quite sane.

[Margot Lane]

What makes you say that?

[Lamont Cranston]

There are some important civic figures in that group. Their removal would be highly advantageous to a political.

[Margot Lane]

But surely political rivalry wouldn't be sufficient motive for these horrible crimes, I wonder. And besides, the girl, Edna Kelly, how would she fit into that picture?

[Lamont Cranston]

That's what we're driving up here to find out. The prison now.

[Margot Lane]

Cheerful looking spot.

[Lamont Cranston]

I'll drive you up to the gate and let you out.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

I shan't go in with you.

[Margot Lane]

Why not?

[Lamont Cranston]

The warden, Mr. Driscoll, has never been a particular admirer of mine. Feeling which I reciprocate.

[Margot Lane]

Why, Lamont?

[Lamont Cranston]

Well, I had occasion to expose the graft ridden conditions in this prison a few years ago. Naturally, that didn't make me too popular with Mr. Driscoll.

[Warden Driscoll]

Here we are.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Now.

[Lamont Cranston]

You remember what I told you?

[Margot Lane]

I think so. I'm a reporter from the Daily Globe. I'm to ask for an interview with Edna Kelly's sweetheart, Keegan. And when I see him, I'll try to find out from him. Please tell me something, Mr. Keegan. The readers of the Daily Globe have sent us thousands of letters expressing their interest in your reaction to the tragic death of Ms. Kelly.

[George Keegan]

I ain't got nothing to say about it.

[Margot Lane]

Do you believe that the killing was executed by one of your enemies?

[George Keegan]

I wouldn't know.

[Margot Lane]

You. You loved Edna Kelly, didn't you?

[George Keegan]

Hey, what are you giving out with the lonely hearts column?

[Margot Lane]

No, no, you see.

[George Keegan]

Lay off that love stuff.

[Margot Lane]

But, Mr. Keegan, I. I was sent up here by my paper to get a human interest story from you. And after all. Well, you. You were fond of Ms. Kelly. She was your girl.

[George Keegan]

My girl?

[Commissioner Weston]

Oh, no.

[George Keegan]

I'll tell you what in the. Kelly was. She was the same as any other dame, see? She was a double crosser.

[Margot Lane]

But I thought.

[George Keegan]

Wait a minute, Wayne. Wait a minute. I. I didn't mean that. Don't write nothing. Like I just said there. I get a little screwy sometimes when

[Warden Driscoll]

they think about what happened to you.

[Margot Lane]

Oh, of course, I understand.

[George Keegan]

So just don't write nothing, will you?

[Margot Lane]

No, no, but. But what about this theory that she was slain by one of your enemies, Mr. Keegan?

[George Keegan]

I wouldn't know.

[Margot Lane]

I tell you, Lamont, he flared up so suddenly when I asked him if he really loved her, I was scared to death.

[Lamont Cranston]

He called her a double crosser, eh?

[Margot Lane]

Yeah, but he. He regretted it the next second. He asked me to be sure and not write anything about it.

[Lamont Cranston]

It's most interesting, Margot, and thank you for your.

[Margot Lane]

But has what I told you helped you unravel any.

[Warden Driscoll]

Greatly.

[Margot Lane]

Well, what happened now?

[Lamont Cranston]

I think that there are many more interesting facts to be learned there at prison.

[Margot Lane]

Yes.

[Lamont Cranston]

This evening the Shadow shall pay a call on his old friend, Warden Driscoll.

[Warden Driscoll]

Come in.

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

Can I see you for a minute, Warden?

[Warden Driscoll]

What's the trouble, Carrie?

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

Well, it's about Keegan.

[Warden Driscoll]

Well, what about him?

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

Well, I put him in solitary like you told me. Yes. Yes, that was this morning. I done that.

[Warden Driscoll]

Hey, Carrie, what are you trying to tell me?

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

Well, he ain't at no food for the last three meals, so. So I was. I was wondering if something should be

[Narrator]

done to make him eat.

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

He just lays quiet on his bunk.

[Warden Driscoll]

I thought I told you that no one was to go near Keegan's cell without my orders.

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

Well, I thought if you. Wasn't easy.

[Warden Driscoll]

Harry, if you just perform your duties as guard around here and let the warden do the thinking, everything will be satisfactory.

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

Yeah, sure, Warden.

[Lamont Cranston]

Sure.

[Warden Driscoll]

And leave Keegan alone.

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

Yeah.

[Commissioner Weston]

Yes, sir.

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

I'm. I'm sorry. Good night, Warden.

[Warden Driscoll]

Close that door after you.

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

Yes, sir.

[Margot Lane]

Fool.

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

Hello? Yes.

[Warden Driscoll]

Oh, yes, Ma. Oh, did he get away all right?

[Margot Lane]

Good.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Yeah.

[Warden Driscoll]

Well, get him back here before daylight, no matter what happens. Yeah, okay. Tell him I Hope he does a good job. Yeah, yeah. Goodbye.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

You seem to be quite amused, Warden Driscoll. Huh?

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

Who's that?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Won't you share your little joke with me, Harry?

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

Are you outside that door?

[Warden Driscoll]

Is that you talking, Carrie? If this is your idea or something funny.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

This is not Carrie.

[Narrator]

Well, who are you?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

I am the Shadow.

[Warden Driscoll]

The Shadow?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Yes, Warden.

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

Well, why are you here?

[Warden Driscoll]

What do you want with me?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

I came in when Carrie left. I overheard your phone conversation, Driscoll. It was very interesting.

[Warden Driscoll]

Really?

[Lamont Cranston]

Yes.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

I am more than curious to know who you were talking about.

[Warden Driscoll]

Now, listen, Shadow. What business have you?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Wouldn't have been George Keegan.

[Warden Driscoll]

Oh, now see here, I have had enough of this.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Wait, Warden. I wouldn't advise you to leave until we've finished our conversation.

[Warden Driscoll]

Well, what are you after, Shadow?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

I am seeking the murderer of Edna Kelly and District Attorney Armstrong.

[Narrator]

Why?

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

Look here.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Because this is where he is to be found.

[Warden Driscoll]

Who do you mean?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

George Keegan.

[Commissioner Weston]

Keegan?

[Warden Driscoll]

Oh, that's preposterous. How could a man in prison for the rest of his life suddenly commit two murders in a city 50 miles away?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Very simple, Warden. He'd just go there.

[Warden Driscoll]

Are you inferring that Keegan has escaped?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Oh, no, Nothing as crude as that. But if he were allowed to, shall we say, take a leave of absence for a night?

[Warden Driscoll]

Keegan has never left these buildings.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Where is he now?

[Warden Driscoll]

In his cell.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Oh, no, he isn't. I investigated before I came here, and his cell is empty.

[Warden Driscoll]

Oh, yes, yes, that's right. I. I forgot. He's in solitary confinement.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

You mean his cot is stuffed with pillows to make it appear as if he were in solitary confinement?

[Warden Driscoll]

No, that's not true.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

I'll tell you where George Keegan is. He's on his way to the city right now to add another link to his chain of cold blooded murders. He's gone there with your full knowledge and consent.

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

No, no.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

It would be a great political advantage for you to have the District Attorney Armstrong, the Mayor Lewis and Commissioner Weston out of the way, wouldn't it, Warden?

[Warden Driscoll]

Oh, you don't know what you're talking about.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

It's an easy thing to prey upon the susceptible jealousies of a man like Keegan until you goaded him into carrying out your evil wishes.

[Warden Driscoll]

You can never prove what you're saying.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

I haven't time to right now, Warden. The lives of the Mayor and the Commissioner at stake. Unless I'm able to stop Keegan. I shall present more than enough proof necessary to implicate you to the District Attorney's office in the morning. So you'd better think hard and fast. Warden Driscoll.

[Lamont Cranston]

Margo Lane calling.

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

Margo Lane, telephone.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Police Commissioner Weston immediately has no time to lose. Tell him that tonight both he and the Mayor are in great danger. Even now it may be too late. They do have time to follow up my instructions.

[Lamont Cranston]

Tell them that they must follow my instructions.

[George Keegan]

All right, Mr. Mayor. Stay sitting at that desk and keep you back to me. I got a gun here. Don't turn around. Just listen. I'm George Keegan. Remember me? You was one of the heroes that made the pinch when I was picked up. You must remember, boy, they even got a little statue of you and me down at the Wax museum. Now do you know? You'd better know, Mr. Mayor. Cause I'm sending you down personally to take that statue's place. Well, why don't you say something? Are you scared to talk? Where's all that fancy gab that you hand out at banquets? And meeking?

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

Come on, speak up.

[George Keegan]

Come on, what's the matter with you?

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

Speak up, will you?

[George Keegan]

All right, then you get yours just the same. Looks like I just brought about a special election. Now, Mr. Mayor, I'll just take this corpse of yours down to the museum and then. Hey, what's this? This ain't nobody. It's a dummy, a plant.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

You've gotten your targets mixed, haven't you, Keegan?

[George Keegan]

Who's that?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Aren't you surprised to find yourself shooting at a wax dummy?

[George Keegan]

Come on, out in the open.

[Narrator]

Who are you?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

I'm right here with you. I am your shadow.

[George Keegan]

Come on, Ken that phony talk.

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

What are you, copper?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

No, just your personal nemesis, Keegan. Now, I'd advise you to drop that gun.

[George Keegan]

Not a chance.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Close in on him. Commissioner Weston.

[Wax Museum Attendant]

Up with your hands. Keegan. Let go of me. Let go of me.

[Commissioner Weston]

Get that gun away from him.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Yeah, Chief, this is your waxworks murderer, Commissioner.

[Commissioner Weston]

Thank you, Shadow.

[George Keegan]

You guys ain't got nothing on me.

[Commissioner Weston]

How did you get out of jail?

[George Keegan]

I flew out the window with the

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

help of Warden Driscoll.

[Commissioner Weston]

Is this true? Did Driscoll aid you in these crimes?

[George Keegan]

Driscoll? Driscoll wasn't in.

[Warden Driscoll]

Who's that? Ah, I see you've caught him. Good work, Commissioner.

[Commissioner Weston]

Hello, Warden. Driscoll. What brings you here?

[Warden Driscoll]

This man, Keegan escaped from my prison tonight. And I learned that his purpose in leaving was to make good a threat he'd made on the life of our mayor.

[George Keegan]

Hey, what is this baloney you're throwing out, Warden?

[Margot Lane]

You.

[Warden Driscoll]

Quiet. You I've just learned that this isn't the first time he's got out either.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

A very good story, Warden. Only I think that George Keegan could tell us a different one.

[Warden Driscoll]

Shadow, you here?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Yes, and I sort of expected you'd come too, Warden.

[Commissioner Weston]

What's this all about, Shadow?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Perhaps Keegan can explain that to you, Commissioner.

[Commissioner Weston]

How about that?

[George Keegan]

Listen, I ain't no squeal or see, but that Warden ain't telling the truth. Not one bit.

[Warden Driscoll]

That's all I gotta say. Hey, Commissioner, what is this all about? Am I being placed under suspicion here? In the testimony of a shadow?

[Commissioner Weston]

Just a minute, Warden. What are you holding back, Keegan?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

I can answer that for you, Commissioner. Weston. Keegan is shielding the Warden as the real instigator of the Waxworks murders.

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

That's a lie.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

He wanted you all out of the way, Commissioner, so he employed Keegan as his instrument of murder.

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

Don't listen to him.

[Commissioner Weston]

Go on, Shadow.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

At first he had to give Keegan sufficient incentive to perform these crimes. So he went to work on his emotions, his jealousy. Oh, he told Keegan that his girl Edna Kelly had been double crossing him right along. Keegan. This was a lie.

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

Huh?

[George Keegan]

What do you mean? She was on a level.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Absolutely. Keegan.

[Police Sergeant Hogan]

Why?

[George Keegan]

Driscoll, you turtle.

[Wax Museum Attendant]

He's got another gun. Don't. Don't.

[George Keegan]

Go on.

[Lamont Cranston]

Go on.

[George Keegan]

Rolling pain. Just like Edna done before she died. That's right. Try to talk. That's what she done, too.

[Lamont Cranston]

And I laughed at it.

[Narrator]

I laughed at it.

[Wax Museum Attendant]

Laughed at it. That's what I did.

[Commissioner Weston]

Take him away.

[Narrator]

Laughed at it.

[Commissioner Weston]

Driscoll is dead, Commissioner. Well, perhaps that's for the best. Oh, Shadow, are you still there?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Yes, Commissioner.

[Commissioner Weston]

I want to thank you heartily for this night's work.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

I seek no credit, Commissioner. However, I have a suggestion for you.

[Commissioner Weston]

What's that?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

If the Wax Museum decides to create a new tableau depicting this present event, might be wise for you to arrange to be excluded from. Gives people ideas.

[Commissioner Weston]

You have been listening to a dramatized version of one of the many copyrighted stories which appear in the Shadow Magaz.

[George Keegan]

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

[Commissioner Weston]

The Shadow knows all the characters and all the places named are fictitious. Any similarity to persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

[Margot Lane]

Sam.