Podcast Summary: Choice Classic Radio Detectives – The Shadow: "The Plot Murder" (02/27/1938)

Date: January 15, 2026 (Rebroadcast)
Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode Title: The Shadow: The Plot Murder
Original Air Date: February 27, 1938

Overview

In this tense and thrilling adventure, The Shadow faces a diabolical plot to sabotage a secret national defense weapon, the "flying torpedo." When Lieutenant John Wilson is accused of treason and sabotage, Lamont Cranston (The Shadow’s alter ego) digs deeper, uncovering a sinister conspiracy involving mind control, espionage, and a plot to assassinate America’s top officials. The episode masterfully blends suspense, action, and psychological intrigue within the framework of Golden Age radio drama.

Key Discussion Points and Plot Breakdown

The Court Martial and Sabotage (02:41–04:11)

• Lieutenant John Wilson is court-martialed and convicted of “treasonable sabotage” for disabling the experimental flying torpedo.
• Wilson's behavior in court is odd—he appears confused or possibly under some kind of trance.
  • Margot Lane expresses doubt about Wilson's guilt:

    “He acted…well, almost like a man in his trance.” (04:18, Margot Lane)

The Flying Torpedo: Stakes and Invention (04:14–05:14)

• The “flying torpedo”: A powerful, radio-guided missile, invented by Professor Archelis for military use.
• Lamont explains its deadly capabilities and strategic importance.

The Shadow Investigates Mind Control (05:24–08:49)

• Cranston decides to investigate Wilson as the Shadow.
• He observes Wilson demonstrating signs of hypnotic control; Professor Archelis is deeply involved and may have used mental manipulation:
  • Lamont Cranston:

    “Archelis has put Wilson under some strong mental influence. A sort of hypnotic telepathy.” (09:50, Cranston)

Archelis’ Sinister Plot Revealed (10:08–12:24)

• Archelis and his henchman, Barloff, reveal their true intent:
  • The steering mechanism on the torpedo has been sabotaged to cause it to turn back and destroy America’s top leaders at a demonstration with the President, VP, and cabinet present.
  • Archelis boasts:

    “They've fallen into my trap. They'll be blown off the face of the earth just as I planned.” (10:54, Archelis)

• Barloff checks for any sign of being watched, showing their paranoia.

The Shadow Confronts Archelis (13:38–14:36)

• The Shadow confronts Archelis directly about the hypnotic control of Wilson.
• Archelis shrugs off the threat, claiming Shadow has no “power” over his magic.
• The Shadow warns:

  "If any blood is shed, it will be yours—not the Shadow’s." (14:17, The Shadow)

Attempt to Prevent Disaster: Bureaucratic Obstinance (16:14–18:39)

• Cranston tries to convince General Levitt to ensure Archelis’ presence at the torpedo test; Levitt remains skeptical, viewing Cranston's concerns as “imagination running away.”

Crime and Escalation: General Levitt Murdered (18:07–19:43)

• Archelis and Barloff attack General Levitt when their plot is nearly uncovered.
• They plan to further silence Wilson and hasten their escape.

Desperate Rescue: The Shadow Breaks the Spell (21:12–22:20)

• Archelis tries to drive Wilson to suicide under hypnosis.
• The Shadow intervenes just in time, saving Wilson and finally breaking the hypnotic spell.
  • The Shadow:

    "John... Something's happened to me. I feel that I can talk now." (22:13, The Shadow/Wilson)

The Truth Comes Out: The Boomerang Torpedo (22:20–23:08)

• Wilson reveals Archelis' plan: The flying torpedo will double back and strike the point of origin, killing assembled leaders.
  • Wilson:

    “The rudder is set so the torpedo will fly in a complete circle…and strike the point from which it was sent.” (22:32, Wilson)

  • The Shadow rallies the authorities to halt the test immediately.

Showdown at the Dock: Archelis and Barloff Cornered (23:08–26:25)

• Police intercept Barloff and Archelis at the South Pier as they try to escape by freighter.
• In a brief shootout, both are apprehended; Archelis is mortally wounded.
• Commissioner Weston lauds The Shadow:

  “You’ve saved the lives of thousands of spectators, to say nothing of some of our highest government officials.” (25:23, Commissioner Weston)

Justice and Vindication (26:03–26:34)

• With his dying breath, Archelis clears Lieutenant Wilson of all guilt.

• The conspirators' plot is foiled, and the narrative closes on a patriotic note exalting civic duty, vigilance, and the triumph of good over evil.

  • The Shadow’s closing words:

    "Crime does not pay. The Shadow knows." (30:33, The Shadow)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Margot Lane on Wilson’s Behavior (04:18):
  “He acted…well, almost like a man in his trance.”
• Archelis’ Malice Revealed (10:54):
  “They've fallen into my trap. They'll be blown off the face of the earth just as I planned.”
• The Shadow, with justifiable menace (14:17):
  "If any blood is shed, it will be yours—not the Shadow’s."
• Wilson Describes the Boomerang Mechanism (22:32):
  “The rudder is set so the torpedo will fly in a complete circle…and strike the point from which it was sent.”
• Commissioner Weston on The Shadow’s Heroism (25:23):
  “You’ve saved the lives of thousands of spectators, to say nothing of some of our highest government officials.”
• The Shadow’s Final Word (30:33):
  "Crime does not pay. The Shadow knows."

Important Segment Timestamps

• [02:41] – Start of the court martial and setup of the sabotage accusation
• [04:14] – [05:14] – Exposition of the flying torpedo and its importance
• [05:24] – [08:49] – Evidence of Wilson’s hypnotic manipulation; The Shadow’s first intervention
• [10:08] – [12:24] – The true plot: weapon sabotage, assassination plan, villain exposition
• [13:38] – [14:36] – The Shadow confronts Professor Archelis
• [18:07] – [19:43] – Levitt’s murder and the villains seek to silence all witnesses
• [21:12] – [22:20] – The Shadow breaks Archelis’ hypnotic spell over Wilson
• [22:20] – [23:08] – Wilson reveals the full mechanics of the plot
• [23:08] – [26:25] – Final confrontation and the villains’ capture
• [26:03] – [26:34] – Wilson’s innocence is established
• [30:33] – The Shadow’s iconic closing line

Tone and Style

Classic radio drama style: urgent, earnest, moralistic, and atmospheric. The interplay between Cranston and Margot Lane is supportive and brisk, while the Shadow’s verbal battles with villains drip with cold confidence and righteous threat. Archelis is performed with suave menace, and the pacing escalates rapidly from conspiracy to action to resolution.

Conclusion

This quintessential episode of The Shadow combines a compelling conspiracy, psychological intrigue, and a proto-techno-thriller plot, all framed in the crisp, moral universe of early radio drama. The famous “crime does not pay” ethos is pronounced, and The Shadow again emerges as the vigilant, incorruptible defender against the dark designs of evildoers.