The Shadow: The Silent Avenger 03/13/1938

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Shadow: The Silent Avenger (Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio)

Episode Overview

This classic radio episode from March 13, 1938, features the legendary vigilante The Shadow as he faces "The Silent Avenger." The story centers on a vengeful murderer, Joe Brecker, sentenced to death, who vows retribution on those who convicted him. As a series of mysterious sniper killings unfolds, The Shadow (Lamont Cranston) works to uncover the killer’s identity and prevent further tragedy. Blending suspense, moral reflection, and psychological depth, the episode explores the long shadows cast by violence, war trauma, and society’s responsibilities.

---

Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Brecker’s Vow of Revenge and Sentencing

• The episode opens in a tense courtroom with Joe Brecker, convicted of murder. As the judge prepares to pass sentence, Brecker delivers a chilling threat:

  • Quote (Joe Brecker, 03:17):

    "For every day I sit in a death house, one of you will be killed. Starting with the foreman of the jury. And if the governor doesn't commute my sentence to life, he'll die the day I burn."

• Brecker specifically mentions the judge, prosecutor, jury, and The Shadow as his targets, causing widespread unease.

2. Brecker’s Plan: Manipulating His Brother

• In prison, Brecker instructs his shell-shocked brother, Danny, to exact his revenge after reading about his execution in the papers. Danny is depicted as mentally unstable, traumatized by wartime experiences, and fiercely loyal to Joe.
  • Quote (Joe Brecker, 07:29):

    "You know those old hand grenades you have at home?... If [The Shadow] ever finds you... you just pull the pin of a hand grenade and throw it where you think his voice is coming from."

  • Joe manipulates Danny’s trauma, framing “the enemy” as the figures responsible for Joe’s fate.

3. The Shadow’s Interrogation of Joe Brecker

• After Danny leaves, The Shadow confronts Joe in his cell, extracting information by reading Joe's mind and deducing Danny’s involvement.
  • Quote (The Shadow, 08:36):

    "Prisons are filled with shadows. Shadows in the minds of men walking in the shadow of death itself."

  • The Shadow uncovers that Danny, a decorated WWI sniper, is being sent to kill the jurors and officials, using a silenced, long-range rifle ("A sniper so cunning he could hide in an open battlefield. Pick his enemies off at long range and not be seen." - The Shadow, 10:10).

4. The Murders Begin

• Jurors and Justice Wilson are murdered one by one. The police are helpless and baffled by the "silent" deaths—no shots heard, only bodies falling.
  • Quote (Police, 11:25):

    "He’s got a bullet right between the eyes. Looks like Joe Brecker is keeping his word."

• Fear and panic spread as Brecker’s threats come true.

5. Psychological and Moral Reflections

• The Shadow and Margot discuss Danny’s scarred psyche, exploring the responsibility of society in shaping him as an instrument of death.
  • Quote (Lamont Cranston, 17:10):

    "Individually, we're all innocent. And yet all guilty... Danny, Joe Brecker's brother, is a product of our own folly: teaching men to kill in time of war and yet expecting them to respect life in time of peace."

• This conversation marks a thoughtful meditation on the toll of war and societal violence.

6. Showdown at the Brecker Home

• Margot visits Mrs. Brecker, hoping Danny will return. Danny appears, conflicted but feeling compelled to finish Joe’s vengeance.

  • Quote (Danny Brecker, 19:32):

    "Ma, they gonna kill Joe in a few minutes... and then I gotta go out and do one more thing for Joe. It’s almost time."

• The Shadow intervenes as Danny attempts to attack with a hand grenade.

  • Quote (The Shadow, 21:32):

    "Now you hear a voice telling you not to."

  • The Shadow narrowly averts disaster by hurling the grenade out a window.

7. Race Against Time: The Governor at Risk

• Clues lead Lamont and Margot to deduce that Danny will try to assassinate the governor during a public parade from the vantage of an incomplete “Wardman Tower.”
  • Quote (Margot, 22:50):

    "But it isn’t finished. They stopped work on it. It’s nothing but a steel frame."

  • Quote (Lamont, 23:04):

    "Be a better place for a sharpshooter like Danny Brecker."

8. The Final Confrontation

• Danny, perched atop the tower, waits to kill the governor. The Shadow confronts him, using psychological tactics and hypnotic suggestion.
  • Quote (The Shadow, 24:20):

    "Put down that rifle, Danny Brecker."

  • Quote (The Shadow, 26:10):

    "Danny, listen to me. Hold that hand grenade, Danny. Hold it tight, Danny Brecker. Your mind obeys mine."

• Danny’s grip falters; the grenade explodes, killing him but sparing the governor and the crowd.

9. Aftermath and the Shadow’s Reflection

• Police assess the scene. It’s revealed Danny fell victim to his own bomb.
• Commissioner Weston tries to downplay the Shadow’s role, but the Shadow delivers a sobering moral:
  • Quote (The Shadow, 27:36):

    "There is no credit, no glory in the death of Danny Brecker... He was a victim. A human instrument of destruction fashioned by mankind that teaches men to kill their enemies in time of war, yet expects them to forget their murderous art in time of peace... There is no glory in this for you or The Shadow—or for any man."

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|-----------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 03:17 | Joe Brecker | "For every day I sit in a death house, one of you will be killed..." | | 07:29 | Joe Brecker | "You know those old hand grenades you have at home?...throw it where you think his voice is..." | | 10:10 | The Shadow | "A sniper so cunning he could hide in an open battlefield. Pick his enemies off at long range..."| | 17:10 | Lamont Cranston | "Individually, we're all innocent. And yet all guilty..." | | 21:32 | The Shadow | "Now you hear a voice telling you not to." | | 24:20 | The Shadow | "Put down that rifle, Danny Brecker." | | 26:10 | The Shadow | "Your mind obeys mine. Do you hear me, Danny? ...Don't throw that hand grenade." | | 27:36 | The Shadow | "There is no credit, no glory in the death of Danny Brecker..." |

---

Important Segments & Timestamps

• Brecker's Threat in Court: 03:17–03:45
• Brecker’s Prison Instructions to Danny: 05:23–07:53
• The Shadow Confronts Brecker in Prison: 08:28–10:29
• First Murders of Jurors: 11:14–12:14
• Reflection on Danny’s War Trauma: 16:37–17:28
• Danny’s Return Home: 18:02–19:43
• Hand Grenade Confrontation: 21:27–22:07
• Discovery of the “Tower” (Sniper’s Nest): 22:47–23:04
• Final Confrontation on the Tower: 24:20–26:41
• Shadow’s Final Reflection: 27:31–28:32

---

Themes and Tone

• The episode is notable for combining suspenseful detective storytelling with a surprisingly reflective and compassionate exploration of violence and society's role in shaping criminality.
• The tone is atmospheric, tense, and ultimately somber, ending with the Shadow’s insistence that blame is shared and that “crime does not pay… the Shadow knows.”

---

This classic Shadow episode exemplifies golden-age radio drama with its mix of action, psychology, and social commentary, leaving listeners with more to ponder than just the resolution of the case.

Transcript

[Commercial Announcer]

Dear Winter, Toyota can't get enough of you because Toyota's got 25 vehicles with available all wheel drive and four wheel drive. And that's more than any other auto brand, from the versatile RAV4 to the svelte crown, the sleek Camry all wheel drive, the Corolla hybrid all wheel drive, the rugged Tacoma, the tenacious tundra, and the spacious grand Highlander with all wheel drive to keep you and yours safe. Hey, you bring the action, we'll bring the traction. Toyota, let's go places based on manufacturers websites as of October 2025 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].

[The Shadow]

The Shadow knows.

[Lamont Cranston]

Again. Blue Coal dealers present radio's strangest adventurer, the Shadow mystery man who strikes terror into the very hearts of shopsters, lawbreakers and criminals. Today, Blue Coal brings you the Shadow's latest adventure, the silent Adventure. The Shadow's exciting adventure begins in just a moment. But first I'd like to remind you homeowners that right now, when winter is changing into spring, is the most treacherous time of all the year. But you can protect your family's health and save valuable dollars by burning blue coal. It's Pennsylvania's finest anthracite. Order a trial ton from your nearest Blue Coal dealer tomorrow. And if you want to read the adventures of the Shadow in complete novel form, in addition to numerous detective stories, crime problems and features, simply write us for your copy of the Shadow magazine absolutely free. Remember, all you have to do is mail a penny postcard to Blue Coal, 120 Broadway, New York City, or to Blue Coal in care of this station. Send for your free copy of the Shadow magazine tonight. Order.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

Order of the court.

[Lamont Cranston]

Joseph Brecker, you have been duly tried by a jury and found guilty of murder in the first degree. You now appear in this court. That sentence may be passed upon you. But before I pronounce sentence, have you anything to say?

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

Yeah, I have. Before you pass sentence on me, I'm gonna pass sentence on you. You, Judge Wilson, on Sloan, the prosecuting attorney, and those 12 good and true saps on a jury. Put her in the court. And one more. Maybe the guy that really trapped me in the first place. The only guy smart enough to get me the Shadow order. Order is hooked.

[Lamont Cranston]

That will do, Joseph. Record. You have nothing to say in your own behalf.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

This is in my own behalf. And you'd better listen, all of you. I know I'm on my way to the death house. To the chair. But I'm warning you. For every day I sit in a death house, one of you will be killed. Starting with the foreman of the jury. And if the governor doesn't commute my sentence to life, he'll die the day I burn. Water.

[Lamont Cranston]

Water in the. Joseph Brer. By the power vested in me by the people of this state, I hereby order you to be taken to the state penitentiary. There to be delivered over to the warden by whom, on a certain day, determined by this court, he shall, in the manner prescribed by law, put you to death. And may God have mercy on your soul. Court is adjourned.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

All right, come on.

[Lamont Cranston]

We're the court outside. Well, it's a sheer bluff, I tell you. How can Brecker kill a whole jury? The da, Judge Wilson, even the governor. I tell you, he's crazy.

[Margot]

Well, I'm glad I wasn't on that jury.

[Lamont Cranston]

Yeah, you bet somebody. Wrecker's gang are all dead or in jail.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

I know, but you can't get that crack.

[Lamont Cranston]

Nobody's ever seen the Shadow. He could appear right in this courtroom and not be seen. I'd hate to have anybody like that. Well, Margot, let's get out of here.

[Margot]

Must be very flattering to inspire such awe and fear, Lamont.

[Lamont Cranston]

It has its disadvantage, Margot. Unfortunately, the mystery surrounding the Shadow inspires fear and terror in the innocent as well as the guilty. The unknown is so often associated with evil, there's no help for it. The Shadow must remain a shadow.

[Margot]

Lamont, what do you make of Brecher's threat? Do you think it's just block?

[Lamont Cranston]

I wish I did, Margot.

[Margot]

Meaning?

[Lamont Cranston]

Meaning Lamont Cranston is going to don the Shadow's cloak and call on Joe Brecker in prison. Your brother to see you. Brecker. Okay.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

Hello, Danny. Hello, Joe.

[Lamont Cranston]

You got five minutes. Better make the most of it. Deputies are here from the state. Plan to take you. Bye bye. To the big house. I'll be back.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

All right. Come on in, Denny. Sit on the bunk.

[Lamont Cranston]

I want to talk to you.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

There ain't much time. Hey, it's like a cage where they keep animals, huh, Joe? Stay off that, Denny. Okay, don't get sore. Sit down here and listen to what I gotta say. Are they gonna kill you, Joe? Yeah, but they're gonna pay for it. Every last one of them. You know who they are, don't you? I've told you over and over again. Yeah, Joe, you told me. And you know what you're to do. You remember everything I told you, don't you, Danny? Yeah, yeah, Joe, I remember. I won't forget. When the newspapers say they put you in a death house, I kill one of them. That's right, Danny. And don't forget these people I told you about, the judge, the jury, that prosecuting attorney are the same ones that drafted you into the army, sent you over to France, let you get shell shocked. So it's hard for you to remember things. Sure, I won't forget. Hey, will it hurt much when I kill you? Joe, stop that, will you? Okay, okay. I just want to know. You just keep your mind on the jury and Judge Wilson, maybe even the governor. You'll get them all, eh, Denny? Yeah, yeah, Joe. They won't know what hit him. That's stuff, Danny. And I owe. Just one more thing. There's a guy that may get after you. He's smarter than the cops. He's the one that really got me. You gotta keep away from him. Don't give him a chance to find you. How can I do that? You gotta keep away from home. Don't go near the flat of the old lady. But Mara will worry if I don't.

[Lamont Cranston]

Come home that night.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

No, no, she won't, Denny. She'll know you got things to do. All right, Joe. What about the fella I can't see? Is he dead? Like all my buddies in the war, the ones that talk to me in the dark. No, no, Danny, this guy's different. He ain't dead. He's alive. You can hear his voice. Only you can't see him. But if you ever hear his voice, you'll know he's near you, somewhere in the shadows. Yeah, if he talks to me. I'll fix them, Joe. Sure, but not the way you're gonna get the others, Danny. Cause you can't see him, see? Now look, you know those old hand grenades you have at home?

[Lamont Cranston]

Yeah.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

Well, I want you to carry a couple with you. If this guy ever finds you, if he tries to stop you paying him off for killing me, you just pull the pin of a hand grenade and throw it where you think his voice is coming from. That'll get him all right, Joe. But how will I know when it's him? You'll know all right, Denny. He has a queer kind of laugh and he calls himself the Shadow.

[Lamont Cranston]

All right, Breger, time's up. Come on.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

You okay?

[The Shadow]

Okay.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

So long, Denny. Don't you forget anything. So long, Joe. I wouldn't forget. I wouldn't forget nothing you told Him.

[Lamont Cranston]

Come on. You have to shake it up.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

The poor dope. He'll do it, all right. He'll fix him. Every last one of them. If I burn. Who's that? I heard somebody, but there's nobody there. Hey. God.

[The Shadow]

Are you surprised to find me here? Joe Brecker.

[Lamont Cranston]

Shadow.

[The Shadow]

So you weren't expecting me. And yet prisons are filled with shadows. Shadows in the minds of men walking in the shadow of death itself.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

What do you want? You put me here. Sent me to the chair. Why can't you let me alone?

[The Shadow]

Because your career of murder is not over. Because I know you mean to carry out the threat you made in court.

[Lamont Cranston]

Yeah.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

Yeah. And you can't stop me, Shadow.

[The Shadow]

I can, because you're going to tell me how the jury, the prosecuting attorney and Judge Wilson are going to be killed.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

You're crazy. I'm not telling you anything, Shadow. I'm not afraid of you anymore. I got nothing to lose.

[The Shadow]

You are telling me, Brecker.

[Commercial Announcer]

Yeah.

[The Shadow]

You see, I can read your mind. One thought is racing through your mind now. It's mirrored in your eyes, etched on your brain.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

You're lying, trying to trick me into telling you.

[The Shadow]

All right, I'll tell you what you're thinking about. You're thinking of a man. He acts strangely. He's. That's it. He's shell shocked. Am I right?

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

No. No. Stop it.

[The Shadow]

This man is very close to you. I've got it. He's your brother. His name is. Let's see. Danny. Danny, isn't it?

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

No. No.

[Lamont Cranston]

Go away. Leave me alone.

[The Shadow]

Thinking that even now your brother Danny is hurrying home to get a high powered rifle out of a trunk.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

Is that true?

[The Shadow]

A rifle equipped with telescopic sights and a silencer. You're thinking of Danny's medals for marksmanship, his decorations for valor as a sniper. A sniper so cunning he could hide in an open battlefield.

[Lamont Cranston]

A lie.

[The Shadow]

Pick his enemies off at long range and not be seen. That's all I need to know, Brecker. All I need to know.

[Bethenny Frankel]

No.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

No, you're crazy. You're just guessing.

[Lamont Cranston]

All right, suppose he is. You won't find him. You won't stop him. Shadow.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

Shut up, Brecker. What's eating you?

[Lamont Cranston]

Shut up, Wrecker. What's the matter with you? Who do you think you're talking to? It's a shadow. He's here in the prisoner. Well, don't let that worry you, Brecker. There's plenty of shadows where you're going to. Come on. Deputies are waiting, and you're heading for the last mile. Now, look, Mr. Hansen, every one of you jurors are in danger. You shouldn't be here on the street. This death threat may seem like a lot of hooey to you, but I've been assigned to guard you. And if anything happens, they'll send me back to pounding a beat with.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

Well, I'm sorry, inspector, but I've got my business to attend to, and I can't hide in my office.

[Lamont Cranston]

Hanson, what's the matter, man?

[Margot]

Oh, Jack, look at him. He fell down.

[Lamont Cranston]

What's the matter with that man? What's going on here?

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

Keep back.

[Lamont Cranston]

Get back. Who are you? Greg, homicide squad. This man's been shot. Ah, you're crazy. I didn't hear no shot. I was. Neither did I. But just the same, he's got a bullet right between the eyes. Looks like Joe Brer is keeping his wor.

[Margot]

Lamont, can't you do something? Can't you find Danny Brer?

[Lamont Cranston]

No. No, Margo, he got away. He hasn't been near his mother's home since his brother Joe went to the death house.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

Xp. Get your xp paper. Jamal. Breaking jury shut down. Get your xp paper.

[The Shadow]

I've got to find Danny Brea. He's somewhere hiding somewhere, waiting to strike again.

[Lamont Cranston]

I've got to find him.

[Margot]

Good morning, Mr. O'. Hara. I'd like some oranges and peppers.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

Good heavens, Mrs. Adams, what are you doing out in the street? I thought the police had detectives watching every one of you jurors that was on the Breaker case.

[Margot]

Oh, they've got a detective staying at my house, but I had to have some things for dinner and I slipped out. Mother, can I have some candy? Yes, dear, of course you can. You. Mother. Mother, what's the matter? Why don't you send to me Sam?

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

Sam, quick, phone the police. Get a doctor. Mrs. Adams has been shot. I'm afraid she's dead. Yes, the killer has struck again.

[Lamont Cranston]

Well, Judge Wilson? Yes, Hobby judge. Don't you think it'd be, well, safer with a killer still at large if you had those window curtains closed? No, no, that's not necessary. This apartment's on the 20th floor. Yeah, I know, your honor, but just the same, I. I'll answer it, sir.

[The Shadow]

Thank you.

[Lamont Cranston]

Hello? Yes, Judge Wilson is right here, your excellency. The governor's on the wire, sir. Here you are. Hello? Yes, governor. Yes, of course you couldn't commute Joe Brecker's sentence if you did a thing like that. Even to save the rest of the jury. There'd Be no more.

[The Shadow]

Law and order.

[Lamont Cranston]

But look, Governor, don't you think it'd be wise for you to cancel your engagement to ride in the parade tomorrow? There'd been an open car and a perfect target. Judge. Judge Wilson.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

Governor.

[Lamont Cranston]

Governor. Judge Wilson has just been shot.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

He. He's dead.

[Lamont Cranston]

The Shadow will continue with his adventure in just a moment. In the meantime, here is a message of particular importance to families throughout this area who supply their own heat. We are now in a period of the year when all fuels are put to their severest test. However, homeowners who use blue coal have nothing to worry about because blue coal, which is especially prepared for home use, is better qualified to meet sudden changes of weather than other fuels. During mild weather, blue coal banks for long periods with little attention. Then, when the temperature takes a sudden drop, blue coal immediately responds with minimum draft, sending a uniform supply of heat throughout the living quarters of the home. Because blue coal burns down to a fine powdery ash, it is not only an economical fuel, but a particularly clean fuel as well. Furthermore, blue coal is an American product mined in Pennsylvania by the Glen Alden Coal Company. Unlike a good many other fuels sold in this area, blue coal is prepared exclusively for home use so that you can be sure of getting more uniform, more economical heat. Blue coal is actually trademarked with a blue color so that you can identify it at a glance. There has been a big swing this winter to blue coal throughout this territory. Sales of blue coal this winter in the middle Atlantic and New England states show an increase of 10.4% over sales for the same period a year ago. So take a tip from these blue coal families for better, more economical heat. Switch to blue coal tomorrow. Ask for it by name. Order a trial ton from your nearest blue coal dealer, whose name will be found in the where to buy it section of your classified telephone directory under the name Blue Coal. Good work, Margot.

[Margot]

Hello, Lamont.

[Lamont Cranston]

Didn't take you long to get here. Let me help you out of the car.

[Margot]

I was waiting for your call, Lamont. As a matter of fact, I've been waiting for days. Where have you been? What are you doing?

[Lamont Cranston]

The same thing the entire police force this city's been doing, Margot. Chasing a will o' the wisp.

[Margot]

Are you sure it's Joe Brecker's brother?

[Lamont Cranston]

Danny?

[The Shadow]

Yes.

[Lamont Cranston]

There doesn't seem to be any doubt of it, but the police can't find him. And I haven't a single clue to go on.

[Margot]

What do you know about him?

[Lamont Cranston]

Looked up his record. He was shell shocked during the War in France. He was an expert marksman. A sniper. Society trained him to kill men. They told him they were enemies, that he should kill them off. And now with a shell shocked mind, he's remembering what society taught him to kill. Yes.

[The Shadow]

And another thing.

[Lamont Cranston]

For the people who've been through that experience, life is cheap.

[Margot]

Yes. But these poor people he shot and killed, the jurors and the judge, they were only doing their duty. Their innocent.

[Lamont Cranston]

Yes. Indee. Individually, they're innocent. Margo, individually, we're all innocent. And yet all guilty. Because this Danny, Joe Brecker's brother, is a product of our own folly. Teaching men to kill in time of war and yet expecting them to respect life in time of peace.

[Margot]

Lamont, why did you want me to meet you here?

[Lamont Cranston]

I want you to do something for me, Margo. I want you to go into that brownstone house right over there. And Joe Brecker's mother lives in the basement. Joe is scheduled to die at five o'. Clock. It's exactly ten minutes from now.

[Margot]

All right, Lamont. I'll do it. Where will you be?

[Lamont Cranston]

I'll be with you, Margot. As the shadow. I have a feeling Danny may come to his mother tonight. Either just before or just after his brother dies. Hurry. You have less than 10 minutes. Here's the house. I'll ring the bell.

[Margot]

Lamont, what shall I tell her? That I'm a reporter?

[Lamont Cranston]

Yes. But don't try to make her answer questions.

[Margot]

I hear someone coming. Yes. What do you want? Mrs. Brekker? I'd like to speak to you. May I come in? I don't care. You can come in if you want to. Doesn't matter. Nothing matters anymore. Nothing will ever matter again. I know you've been through a terrible ordeal these past days, Mrs. Brekker. How could you know what I've been through? How could anyone know? My one son a murderer and the other one goodness only knows what or where. I'm very sorry. If there's anything I can do. In three minutes they'll be killing my son.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

Joe.

[Margot]

There's nothing anyone can do. It's his brother, Danny. Oh, I'm so worried about him. Why doesn't he come? Oh, why doesn't he come home?

[Lamont Cranston]

Ah.

[Margot]

Oh, Danny.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

Yeah.

[Margot]

Oh, I've come.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

Joe said I shouldn't, but I had to come. I knew you'd want me home tonight.

[Margot]

Danny.

[Lamont Cranston]

Danny.

[Margot]

Where have you been? What's Joe been making you do?

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

I just been doing what Joe told me to do for him. Ma. Who's that girl there? What's she doing here?

[Margot]

Why, she. She's just a friend, Danny. Just a friend. Come to sit with me.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

She won't tell nobody I've been here. Will.

[Margot]

No, no, Danny. She won't tell anyone.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

Ma, they gonna kill Joe in a few minutes.

[Lamont Cranston]

Five o'.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

Clock. And then I gotta go out and do one more thing for Joe. Look, it's almost time.

[Margot]

Oh, no. No, Danny, no, you can't. I won't let you.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

Let go of me, Mom.

[Lamont Cranston]

No.

[Margot]

No.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

Let go me. I gotta do what Joe told me. I gotta keep my word to Joe.

[Margot]

No, Danny, listen to me. I know. I know who's been killing those people. Shooting them. Oh, you've got to give yourself up, Danny. They won't hurt you.

[Lamont Cranston]

They didn.

[Margot]

You didn't know what you were doing.

[Lamont Cranston]

Five o'.

[Margot]

Clock.

[Commercial Announcer]

Running a business is hard enough. So why make it harder with a dozen different apps that don't talk to each other? One for sales, another for inventory, a separate one for accounting. Before you know it, you are drowning in software. Instead of growing your business, this is where Odoo comes in. Odoo is the only business software you'll ever need. It's an all in one, fully integrated platform that handles everything. CRM, accounting, inventory, E commerce, HR and more. No more app overload, no more juggling logins. Just one seamless system that makes work easier. And the best part, Odoo replaces multiple expensive platforms for a fraction of the cost. It's built to grow with your business, whether you are just starting out or already scaling up. Plus, it's easy to use, customizable and designed to streamline every process so you can focus on what really matters running your business. Thousands of businesses have made the switch, so why not you try Odoo for [e-mail]. that's O D O O dot com.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

It's time. It's time. Five o'. Clock. Joe's dead. Now I gotta go back to the tower and do the last thing Joe wanted me to do for you.

[Margot]

Granny, don't. You've done enough har.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

You keep out of. Joe told me to do this.

[Lamont Cranston]

I gotta.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

I can still hear a voice telling me to do it.

[The Shadow]

Now you hear a voice telling you not to.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

Danny, voice. I know you're the shadow.

[The Shadow]

Yes, Danny. And for your own sake, your mother's sake.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

Danny told me what to do with you. He knew you'd find me. That's why I got this hand grenade. Danny. Dog. I got my hand on a fire, Intendant. I'm gonna Pull it out.

[The Shadow]

Stop, Danny. I'm warning you.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

The voice came from there in the corner. Joe told me to throw the grenade by shadow.

[The Shadow]

What happened?

[Lamont Cranston]

All right.

[The Shadow]

I managed to pick up the grenade and throw it through the window into the court before it exploded.

[Margot]

Oh, thank heaven.

[The Shadow]

I don't mind saying that's the closest call the Shadow ever had.

[Margot]

Lamont, how long have you been here? In your office. What happened? Were you able to trail Danny to his hiding place?

[Lamont Cranston]

No. By the time I got to the street after that hand grenade episode, he disappeared.

[Margot]

But haven't you any idea where he went? Where that tower he mentioned might be?

[Lamont Cranston]

No. I've been working on this enlarged map of the midtown section. Trying to find some tall building, some tower Danny Brecker could use to hide, to pick off the governor.

[Margot]

Then he said something about a tower. He. It must be somewhere along the line of march of today's parade.

[Lamont Cranston]

Lamont. Margot. That's the wardman tower.

[Margot]

But it isn't finished. They stopped work on it. It's nothing but a steel frame.

[Lamont Cranston]

Be a better place for a sharpshooter like Danny Brecker. There's no work going on there. Just a watchman down on the street level. Margot, it's a long chance, but it may be the answer.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

Come on.

[Lamont Cranston]

There isn't a minute to lose.

[Margot]

My car's downstairs. Lamont. I'll drive you over there. But what if he isn't there? What if he's somewhere else waiting to strike?

[Lamont Cranston]

In that case, Margot, I'm afraid we'll have a new governor of this state.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

Just a couple of minutes now, Joe. Just a couple of minutes, and the governor's car will come along. And then I'll do the last thing you asked me to do. Joe. Wind velocity zero. Range 300 yards. He'll die quick, Joe. Like you died. The governor's coming now, Joe. That's his automobile with all the flags on it. That's him sitting in the back with all those fellas around him. But I can pick him out. I won't miss. Joe.

[The Shadow]

Danny. Danny Brecker, listen to me.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

What was that? Who said that? Who laughed like that?

[The Shadow]

Don't you recognize the shadow, Danny?

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

But Joe said. He said the hand grenade would fix you.

[The Shadow]

You see, Danny, your brother was wrong. Put down that rifle, Danny Brecker.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

How did you find me way up here? How did you know I was hiding up here among these steel girders? Just like I used to hide in the trees in the war.

[The Shadow]

That doesn't matter, Danny Brecker. All that matters is that you must not kill any more people.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

But I got to. Just one more, Shadow. Just one more. The governor down there in that car. I promised Joe.

[The Shadow]

No, Danny, you will never keep that promise. Put down that rifle. Put it down, Danny. Lay it down on that steel girder and crawl back to the catwalk.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

All right.

[Lamont Cranston]

All right.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

I'll put it down. I'll put it down. Where are you, Shadow? I still got another grenade. Talk to me, Shadow. Say something so I can tell where you are.

[The Shadow]

Crawl back to the catwalk, Danny. Crawl back to the catwalk, I say.

[Lamont Cranston]

No.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

No, I won't. I won't. You can't make me. Come here and get me if you want me, Shadow.

[The Shadow]

I don't want to have to do that. Danny.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

Don't you come near me, Shadow. Don't you touch me. If you do, I'll drop this hand grenade. I'll throw it down there. Among all those people, I've killed dozens of them there. I pulled a pin. I'll throw it.

[The Shadow]

Danny, listen to me. Hold that hand grenade, Danny. Hold it tight, Danny Brecker. See, your fingers tighten about it. Your mind obeys mine. Do you hear me, Danny? Danny, hold it. Don't throw that hand grenade.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

Hold it. Hold it tight. Don't throw it.

[Lamont Cranston]

Don't drop it.

[The Shadow]

Don't drop it, Danny.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

Don't drop it, Danny. Don't drop it, Danny. Don't drop it. Yes, Commissioner Weston. A high powered rifle fell into the street. Fell right in front of the governor's car.

[Lamont Cranston]

I'm glad no one was hurt. Mm. This is the 30th floor.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

This is where the bomb went off. Blew the guy to pieces.

[Lamont Cranston]

Good heavens. He must have had a time bomb that went off too quick. Any idea who it was? Yeah.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

They found an identification card and some newspaper clippings in his pocket and what was left of them. It was Danny Brecker, Joe Becker's brother.

[Lamont Cranston]

Oh, well, I guess that's that. Don't suppose we'll ever know what really happened. Anyway, there's one consolation. Looks as if the Shadow fell down on this case just as badly as we did.

[The Shadow]

Not quite, Commissioner Weston.

[Lamont Cranston]

Oh, so you got here in time to take credit for this, eh, Shadow?

[The Shadow]

There is no credit, no glory in the death of Danny Brekker. Commissioner Weston. He was a victim. A human instrument of destruction fashioned by mankind that teaches men to kill their enemies in time of war, yet expects them to forget their murderous art in time of peace. Danny Brecker was an enemy of society. A killer. But only because you and I and countless thousands made him one. No, Commissioner. There is no glory in this for you or the Shadow or for any man.

[Lamont Cranston]

Now, Mr. John Barclay, blue Coal's heating expert, has a few words of valuable information for you. Thank you, Ken Roberts. Good evening, friends.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

This summer you no longer need to skimp on your hot water to save.

[Lamont Cranston]

Money on gas bills. Now it's possible for you to have from three to five times more hot water than ever before without any increase in cost.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

In fact, I'm sure I can tell.

[Lamont Cranston]

You of a way to guarantee a greater supply of hot water at lower cost as the first step toward an unlimited supply of really hot water. Ask your Blue Coal dealer about hot water tank heaters. Sometimes described as bucket a day stoves, these heaters are very inexpensive and can be installed at a reasonable cost. Today, these heaters can be installed with an automatic draft regulator, which greatly increases.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

The heater's efficiency and further reduces the fuel bill.

[Lamont Cranston]

Heaters equipped with regulators not only help to maintain a supply of uniformly hot water, but they also make the operation of the heater practically automatic.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

Your Blue Coal dealer will be glad to tell you all about these heaters and quote a price on the size.

[Lamont Cranston]

Best suited to your requirements.

[The Shadow]

I thank you.

[Lamont Cranston]

Thank you, Mr. Barclay and friends. Follow Mr. Barclay's advice and remember this. You can show Blue Coal and the Shadow just how much you really enjoy this program by mailing the request for your free and postpaid copy of the Shadow magazine tonight. I'll repeat the address. Blue Coal, 120 Broadway, New York City, or Blue Coal in care of the station to which you are listening. Don't forget, mail your letter or postcard tonight. And for better heat at less cost, phone your nearest Blue Coal dealer tomorrow. You have just heard a dramatized version of one of the many copyrighted stories which appear in the Shadow magazine. All the characters and all the places named are fictitious, and the similarity to persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

[Joe Brecker / Danny Brecker]

As you so evil, so shall you reap evil. Crime does not pay.

[The Shadow]

The Shadow knows.

[Commercial Announcer]

Dear Winter Toyota can't get enough of you because Toyota's got 25 vehicles with available all wheel drive and four wheel drive. And that's more than any other autopilot brand, from the versatile RAV4 to the svelte crown, the sleek Camry all wheel drive, the Corolla hybrid all wheel drive, the rugged Tacoma, the tenacious tundra, and the spacious grand Highlander with all wheel drive to keep you and yours safe. Hey, you bring the action we'll bring the traction Toyota let's go places Based on manufacturers websites as of October 2025.

[Bethenny Frankel]

This is Bethenny Frankel from Just Be with Bethenny Frankel. It is a new year, new Us and why not New year, new Dogs? The dogs need to be healthier as well. I have the same conversation with myself about my furry babies, Biggie and Smalls. This is why they love Just Food for dogs. Real fresh, 100% human grade food ingredients you can pronounce and recognize. Beef, sweet potatoes, green beans. Are you getting hungry? Well, so are your furry babies. Choosing dog food is very confusing and we don't spend as much time on it as we do for ourselves. Every brand claims to be fresh and natural and healthy so you have to tune out the marketing and listen to the experts. Just Food for Dogs is the number one vet recommended fresh dog food. If you are cleaning up your act this year, do the same for your dog. They deserve the best just like you do. Go to justfoodfordogs.com 50% off your first box. You are welcome.