Podcast Summary: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode: The Shadow - "The White Legion" (Aired 03/20/1938)
Air Date in Podcast: February 5, 2026
Host: Choice Classic Radio

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode features the legendary detective radio drama, The Shadow, in the story “The White Legion.” The plot follows Lamont Cranston, aka The Shadow, as he battles an insidious clandestine group, The White Legion, whose members mete out their own violent version of justice, threaten public officials, and are deeply entwined with political corruption. The episode is a thrilling blend of murder mystery, social intrigue, and the timeless fight of good versus evil, underscored by themes of secret societies, manipulation of public institutions, and political scandal.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Developments

1. The White Legion’s Reign of Terror (01:47–03:12)

• The episode opens with the White Legion abducting and punishing William Devens, a public official, dramatizing their extreme forms of “justice.”
• Quote: “We're the White Legion. And Mr. Devens is going to learn a lesson he'll never forget.” – White Legion Member (02:05)
• Devens pleads for his life, revealing the White Legion’s brutality and disregard for legal process.

2. The Murder of William Devens and the Shadow’s Investigation (03:13–04:17)

• Lamont and Margot discuss Devens’ murder and the emergence of the White Legion as an extra-legal force.
• The group’s secretive violence is pushing Commissioner Weston and the political elite to a breaking point.

3. The Kidnapping of Alton Parker (04:45–06:12)

• Assistant District Attorney Alton Parker, about to prosecute a high-profile gangster, is abducted by the White Legion in a public setting.
• Margot Lane aids Parker’s wife, and the Shadow begins to suspect key figures in the city’s media and politics.

4. Suspicious Media Ties and the Role of Hartney Claes (06:18–07:29)

• Hartney Claes, newspaper editor of The Globe, appears eager to help but arouses suspicion due to the paper’s downplaying of the White Legion’s crimes.
• Quote: “The Globe has kept away from the White Legion up to now. So much politics mixed up in it, you know.” – Hartney Claes (06:56)

5. The Shadow Begins His Own Inquiry (07:38–08:50)

• The Shadow retrieves crucial evidence from Parker’s briefcase, suggesting the DA’s kidnapping is linked to the impending trial.

6. The Shadow Confronts Claes (09:01–10:06)

• The Shadow, using his signature powers of intimidation and invisibility, confronts Hartney Claes about his possible ties to the White Legion.
• Quote: “The White Legion is about to be exposed… The next time you hear my voice, Claes, be ready to run your extras. It will be the signal that the White Legion is doomed.” – The Shadow (10:01)

7. Decoding the Memorandum and Infiltrating the White Legion (12:05–13:48)

• The Shadow and Margot decode a coded memo (“Convocation, Water Chapel. Sunday, March 20, at 11”), which reveals the time and place of a clandestine White Legion meeting.
• They tail Claes to a waterfront location in heavy fog, setting the stage for the Shadow to rescue Parker.

8. The Ritual and the Shadow’s Intercession (15:04–17:32)

• Inside the Water Chapel, the White Legion puts Parker on “trial.” The Shadow encourages Parker to stay strong and employs subterfuge to disrupt their ritual.
• Quote: “If you, with your robes and masks, knew what that scandal is, you wouldn’t be members of this gang.” – Alton Parker (16:41)
• The Shadow’s interference provides Parker with hope and disrupts the White Legion’s deadly intentions.

9. Public Exposure and Arrests in the Courtroom (18:04–23:32)

• In court, the Shadow unveils the true nature of the White Legion: “The men who paid Red Collins to commit murder are in this room. They are the leaders of the White Legion… Their hands are red with blood.” – The Shadow (20:29)
• Exposes Hartney Claes and Judge Matthew Rusko as ringleaders.
• With Parker’s return and evidence in hand, arrests are made, dismantling the White Legion’s leadership and ending their reign of terror.

10. The Shadow’s Final Message & Recognition (23:32–27:31)

• The Shadow receives public acknowledgment for his role in unmasking corruption and defending justice.
• Quote: “Know me only as the Shadow.” – The Shadow (23:32)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The Shadow knows.” – Lamont Cranston/The Shadow (00:26)
  The iconic catchphrase delivers instant atmosphere, setting the mood for suspense.
• “The vengeance of the White Legion is now completed. We've called the Shadow’s bluff.” – Hartney Claes (17:45)
• Revelation of high-level corruption:
  “His name is Hartney Claes… crusading editor who used his influence and position… to keep suspicion away from himself.” – The Shadow (20:54)
• The Shadow’s closing philosophy:
  “As you sow evil, so shall you reap evil. Crime does not pay. The Shadow knows.” – The Shadow (27:31)
• Recognition of the cast:
  The program concludes with Orson Welles (the voice of the Shadow) and Agnes Moorehead (Margot Lane) addressing the audience, inviting feedback and engagement (25:47–26:39).

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:47 – Introduction of White Legion; abduction of William Devens
• 03:13 – Lamont and Margot discuss Devens’ murder and the White Legion
• 04:45 – Kidnapping of Assistant DA Alton Parker
• 06:18 – Margot and Hartney Claes discuss delivering Parker’s briefcase
• 07:38 – The Shadow discovers trial evidence
• 09:01 – Confrontation between The Shadow and Hartney Claes
• 12:05 – Deciphering of secret meeting memo
• 13:48 – Shadow approaches the Water Chapel
• 15:04 – Ritual “trial” of Alton Parker by White Legion
• 20:29 – The Shadow exposes ringleaders in open court
• 23:32 – The Shadow receives thanks and delivers his closing remarks
• 25:47 – Orson Welles and Agnes Moorehead address the audience

Tone & Style

The episode maintains a dramatic and suspenseful tone, capturing the gravitas of The Shadow radio series. Through meticulous dialogue, ominous atmosphere, and the Shadow’s enigmatic presence, the story explores themes of justice, corruption, courage, and the persistent power of evil. The characters’ language is crisp, period-authentic, and occasionally stylized, especially in ceremonial or confrontational scenes.

For New Listeners

This episode of The Shadow stands as a classic of old time radio detective fiction—delivering intrigue, dramatic tension, and a satisfying resolution where evil is exposed and justice triumphs. Featuring the legendary Orson Welles as The Shadow, it’s a prime example of the genre’s golden age and an ideal entry point for both new and returning fans.