← Down These Mean Streets (Old Time Radio Detectives)
Down These Mean Streets (Old Time Radio Detectives)
Episode 603 - Green (Hornet) Party (Green Hornet & The Whistler)
02:03:09
As Americans head to the polls to pick a president, we'll hear some old time radio mysteries centering on the seedier side of the political process. Fortunately, The Green Hornet is on hand to keep things safe for democracy and to deliver a...
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Get this and get it straight. Crime is a sucker's road and those who travel it wind up in the gut of the prison of the grave. The story you are about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent. The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective. The Adventures of the Saint, starring Vincent Price. Bob Bailey in the exciting adventures of the man with the action packed expense account. America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Hello and welcome to down these Mean Streets and more Old Time Radio detectives and crime fighters. Well, after what has been a very long and trying campaign, we head to the polls in the United States on Tuesday to pick our next president. So to mark the occasion, I've selected some radio mysteries centering on the shadier side of elections and politicians. Beginning with three Adventures of the Green Hornet. In these three stories, the Hornet and his alter ego, newspaper publisher Brit Reid, battle crooked politicians and the rackets who try to get them elected. We'll hear the Green Hornet and his loyal sidekick Cato in Votes for sale from October 9, 1940. Ballots and bluff from November 1, 1945. And election boomerang from October 15, 1952. Then we'll hear an episode of the Whistler, a story of a blue collar politician who grows weary of his domineering wife, even though she's the brains and the strategy behind his rise to power. It's one of my favorite Whistler episodes. It stars Joseph Kearns and it's called Final Returns. It originally aired on CBS on October 29, 1945. So now let's step inside the booth and cast our vote for Old Time Radio Mystery. We'll kick things off with a triple feature of the Green Hornet right after these messages. Say, there's a girl in our neighborhood who's always been mighty fond of Brenda. Starr follows her adventures regularly in the funny papers. So she was mighty thrilled when she found that Brenda is one of the characters in that new series of comic buttons that Kellogg's Pep is putting out. So thrilled, in fact, that she started to specialize in collecting Brenda's star buttons. And she already has five of them pinned right on her jacket. Of course, most of the fellows and girls in the gang think that it's more fun to collect different buttons. And that's why they want Cindy and Vitamin, Flint Hart and Superman and all the others. Of course. However you do it, it's doggone exciting fun, as you know. The best part is these comic buttons are so easy to get. You don't send in any money, not even a box Stop. And you can't buy them anywhere. But there's one of these exciting prizes in every package of Kel's Pep the Sunshine cereal. The crisp, tender whole wheat flakes with that catchy sunshine flavor makes a mighty good eating for breakfast. So crisp and fresh and toasty that, well, you want to pitch right in and eat hearty. And that's always a good idea on a cold morning. Yes, sir. Kellogg's Pep is mighty good for you. Mom knows that, so remind her to get plenty of Pee the Sunshine cereal, Kellogg's pet. The doctors we heard from had this to say. A laxative should be effective, gentlemen. Close to natural acting. A medicine that can be used with complete confidence. Now, Ex Lax has been popular with many doctors and millions of people over the years because chocolate and xlax is effective overnight. It helps you toward your normal regularity. Xlax is so gentle, so close to natural acting, there's no upset. That's why many doctors and millions of people use xlax with complete confidence. Ex Lax, the laxative that helps you toward your normal regularity gently overnight. Why has Hollywood star Merle Oberon switched to new improved Green shampoo? Because compared to dulling soap shampoos, this wonderful new green reveals up to 33% more sheen. Follow Merle's secret. For shining hair, it's new green for Hollywood sheen, Improved green for Hollywood sheen. Your hair can have that Hollywood sheen the very first time you use New Dream get wonderful new Dream shampoo from coast to coast. Ford owners agree the big new Ford brings you more for your money. More in comfort, more in performance and more in economy. But only through personal experience can you appreciate the restful ease of Ford's famous midship ride and the luxurious comfort of Ford's non sag foam rubber cushioned front seat. Only by driving this great car can you enjoy its smooth power and solid rotability. And only by getting the facts about Ford's economy can you understand that. So powerful, so smooth riding and so beautiful. A car can cost so little to buy, to run and to maintain. Find out how much it saves you. Yes, before you buy any car at any price, it will pay you to stop by your local Ford dealers, take the wheel of the 100 horsepower V8 or its companion in quality, the 95 horsepower 6. Once you've driven it, you'll agree the new Ford is the one truly fine car in the low price field. I dedicate this program to the fight against crime. Not merely crimes of violence and crimes of dishonesty, but crimes of intolerance. Discrimination and bad citizenship. Crimes against America. With his faithful valet, Cato Brit Reed, daring young publisher matches wits with the underworld, risking his life that criminals and racketeers within the law may feel its weight by the sting of the Green Hornet. Ride with Britt Reed as he races toward another thrilling adventure. The Green Hornet strikes again. Army Cato, here's where we smash a political racket. I don't care how you get it, Curly, but I want the boots from the Fifth Ward. That's going to turn the election. I want it turned my way. The Fifth Ward's pretty independent. Harder. Not like some of the others. I'm not worried about the others. It figures out to be a close race, Curlew. I have the south side. So Nort. I want the Fifth. Bradford is going to take the north side. That's why I want the Fifth. If you can't deliver it for me, I'll get someone else. It'll cost plenty. I've got plenty. What do you think I've been doing while I've been in office? Twiddling my thumbs? If it costs 20,000, 30, 50,000. I want the Fifth Ward. Could you use some of that, though, to get the Sentinel to lay off you playing dumb, Curly? Why not? Curly, you could never understand anybody being honest, could you? Ah, everybody's got his price. Yes. Yes. That's why I don't trust you anymore than I have to. Okay. Same for you with me, so long as you pay the dough. I work for you. If I wasn't paying off in votes, you'd wash me off the books. And you think that's the way it is with a Sentinel? Everybody wants dough, Curly. We want money and power. I have both. But you'll never get power, no matter how much money you get. For one reason. Yeah, that's right. Because you can't understand that a man like Reid, the owner of the Sentinel, a man like him or someone like Bradford, believes in the principles of democracy. That's more important than money to them. Principles of democracy? That stuff to feed the suckers? Oh, sure, I use it. It's good for votes. But Reed and Bradford believe in it. That's why they're going to be hard to deliver. That's why I want the Fifth Ward votes. Okay, you'll get it. But what time is it? A couple of minutes past eight. Past eight. Where are you going? Reed's talking at the auditorium sponsored by the Civic Club. We're scheduled for eight. Just a short speech. Hope we haven't missed too much of it. Ah, he's talking for Bradford. Why listen to that stuff? It's always a good idea to know what the enemy is doing. Curly. Quiet. I want to get this. And I want to say this to you. People listening. The reason why the Daily Sentinel has backed Bradford from mayor is that he's a good housekeeper. And this city needs its house clean. Looks good, don't they? Shut up. Yes, this city needs a house cleaning as never before. It needs to be cleaned of political grafters and chiselers. Clean of racketeering and politics. Cleaned of rats who regard the public money as their money. Cleaned of machine politicians like Harder. That's what. That's what the Sentinel is fighting for. That's what every honest, sincere voter is fighting for. And that's why all of us here are going to put Bradford in office. Mr. Bradford. Thanks, Reed. I'm not accustomed to making speeches. Bradford, it's your job now. Keep on, Reeve. Excuse me, please. Josh. Mr. Reeve. That was. Well, thanks, Ms. Casey. Let's get out of here, shall we? If we can get to that door. Bradford's going to give them a fighting talk. I could notice the signs. You did all right yourself. Nonsense. All I did was put one of Gunnigan's editorials into words. And here we are. What's a chomp? Anything new from the Sentinel? I called Gunnigan just before your speech. He said everything's quiet. How does the vote look? From all reports, whoever takes the fifth ward hits the jackpot. Well, there's still some time before election. Bradford will have to do plenty of campaigning in that ward. He's making a speech there tomorrow night, isn't he? That's right. A street corner speech. Hey, boss, they told me you'd be in here. What is it, Laurie? Boss, I've been snooping around the fifth ward. Harder's up to his old tricks. What do you mean? Hobos, boss. They're drifting in there by the dozens. Harder's getting set to pack the ballot box with drifters and repeaters. Who's handling it? Who do you think? It's Curly. Harder's right hand. Rat. What about Bradford's speech tomorrow night? Laurie, did you get a line on that? There's going to be trouble. Hoodlum. Sir, All I know is there's been a heavy demand for stale vegetables. Gosh, if Bradford talks down there, he'll collect more ripe tomatoes than a ham actor. Bradford better call it off, boss. We'll see about that. Ms. Case, I want you to get the police commissioner for me. Harder may be mayor of this town, but Bradford's got to have police protection. Yeah. Yeah, he's gotta have it. But will he get it, Casey? Bradford talks in front of this mob. He's nuts. Where are the police? All I know is they aren't here. The boss inside? Yes, in the drugstore. I think he's calling the police commissioner now. Bradford's with him. Let's go see what's cooking, then. It's all right with me. After you, Casey. Don't worry, Lowry. They're saving the fruit for Bradford. There's Mr. Reedy on the phone now. Well, how long will it be before there's police protection here? Well, Bradford can't wait that long. He has other talks tonight. He can't call it off. He won't. I get those policemen down here, or the Sentinel will have plenty to say about your department. The police commissioner. What did he say, Reed? What could he say? Bradford, stalling, says they'll be here. But frankly, it's easy to tell. He's getting his orders from higher up, Hodder. Well, sure, it's harder. After all, I suppose we can't censor the commissioner completely. His job depends on the party in power. Right now, that's hardy. Mr. Bradford, you can't talk in front of that crowd. It's up to you, Bradford. There's only one answer to that. Reed. I've got to talk. But. Holy mackerel. Mr. Brass. Save it, Lowry. I knew that would be your answer, Bradford. Well, might as well get it over with. Just a second, Lowry. Airborne. Take a look out the front and see if you can spot any of the men from the Sentinel. Huh? When the police weren't here, I phoned Gunigan. He got in touch with the delivery crews. You mean the boys are coming over here? Might as well have some supporters around. Take a look. A pleasure, boys. Miss Case? Yes? My car's out and back. I've got 10 cameras in it. Lowry will bring up any man who can take pictures and you'll hand them the cameras. But the regular cameraman need more than a regular cameraman. You answer. We'll make sure. And I'll want one myself. And one for little case. Hello, Ms. Case. You're staying out of this. Well, out of this. Settled. Understand? Gosh, I suppose so. The boys are here, boys. Good. Ms. Case. Got the cameras? I'll be out there, Lowry. Give the boys the high sign. They're to take cameras and get as many pictures as they can. If any rough stuff starts, they know what to do. Better tell this druggist to stay open, Boss. There may be some black eyes that need attention. All right, Bradford. Yes, Reed. You're walking into it. You know, somebody's got to. Okay, let's go. I'm out for votes, but I want to be sure that they're honest votes. I don't want the kind of votes my opponent gets. I want to kill you. Careful, Bradford. Let him have it. Give it to him. He's a little careful. Ms. Case. Get down out of here. How'd you get in here in the first place? Should I go on? Oh, it's no use, Bradford. Come on, you guys, break it up. Hey, smack them cameras this way. Bradford, get off this platform. It's turning into a riot. I never saw so many vegetables in my mouth. Looks like we're overwhelmed. No use battling this mob. Come on, let's get out of here. Back where you came from, boss. Here come the cops. Yes, after the damage is done. What about those pictures, Larry? No, boss, we got some. The boys are in there shooting. Let's hope they get them back to the set. Yes, before those cameras are sm. Never mind that. We're getting out of here. That is a fine job. A fine job. That'll teach Bradford a lesson. Trying to invade the Fifth Ward, huh? Hello? Hell, yes, Commissioner. Take it easy. I don't care whether you like what happened last night or not. I'm still running this town. And that means the police department as well as the rest. So what? No one was hurt. You got there a little late, that's all. What's that? Now listen, Commissioner, I made you and I can break you. Just cool off and think of that. Goodbye. Make them and break them. That's the way to run a political machine. Well, what do you. It's you, Kelly. Yeah. Harder. How'd I do last night? Not bad, Kelly. You handled it very nicely. The Sentinel almost pulled the fast one, boss. They had a bunch of their truck drivers down there. Some of those babies are pretty handy. What sent into your arm? The paper. I had a Sentinel. Haven't had time to look it over yet. Let's see, they had a bunch of photographers there. They did, eh? Yeah, but we took care of that. Plenty of broken cameras around there for the White Wings to sweep up. Well, if they get a picture or two, it doesn't matter. You used drifters, didn't you? Yes. Some of the hobos were bringing in. Give them coffee money. Where did land this? In those guys all about? Yeah. Kelly, what's the matter? Something wrong? There's something wrong. Take a look at this. What? This Picture. Here you look. Head. So what? They can't identify anyone. Good luck. You dummy. This is a picture of you. What? You fool. Look at that. A picture of you throwing tomatoes. The whole city knows you're one of my men. Why? Take it easy. Take it easy. Did you have to go there? Well, no, I didn't. Just wanted to see the fun, huh? Have a good laugh, huh? How was I to know that spot. Get out. We're through. Finished. Now wait a minute. I said get out. And I said wait. Cool off. Harder. Or maybe you don't want the Fifth Ward votes. Curly, if you think you get. What did you say? Get smart. Harder. All right, I pulled a boner. But you need me. I'm the only guy who can handle those votes for you. And you're not. Well, guess I did fly off a handle. I made a mistake. But I can still deliver those votes. The only thing is I'll have to stay in the background more. That's all. And what? Simple. Harder. I got maybe a dozen boys. They can act as go betweens. I'll give them the dough, they'll buy the votes. I won't even appear, much less you. All I do is supply the cash. That's right. Now we can talk about it later. Mister, you apartment. One moment, please. Who is it, Cato? It's Mr. Aria. Mr. Brad Lauria. And you already sent that green haunted note to Bradford? Yes, Mr. Bradford, but I don't. You don't understand why I did it? Well, if the public believes the Green Hornet has allied with hard air, they're more apt to vote for Bradford. Oh, excuse me. I see. Mr. Bates. Hello, boss. I'm calling from Bradford's home at the storage. What happened, Laurie? What is it? Bradford just got a threat from the Green Hornet. No. Yeah, I called it in. The gun again. He's giving it page one. Well, looks as if Harder has the wrong kind of friends, doesn't it? Yeah, but I never guessed they were this wrong. Got any orders, boss? Orders? Yes, Laura. You might call on Harder and get his ideas about the horn adjust to check up. On my way. Come on, boss. Good night, Cato. Yes, Mr. B. Got the Black Beauty ready. The gas weapon and the mask. Laurie's going calling and so is the Green Hornet. That's just the kind of a story the settler would print. I have nothing to do with the Hornet. It's absurd. Well, I'm just asking, Hunter. That's my job. Well, you've got your answer. Here's the door. You can. Hey, that car out in front. Step on it. Holy mackerel. That's the Hornet car. I guess he didn't know you had company. Now try and say you're not pals with the Green Hornet. You'll read about it in the Sentinel Elect. Great work, Lowry. That story sold plenty of papers and it's going to influence plenty of votes. That was just blind luck, boss. I stepped into it. False modesty. No, no. On the level, I don't mind grabbing all the credit I can. But last night was one of those things. This ought to help Bradford's chances plenty. Say, boss. Yes? I've been thinking it over. Why should the Hornet pull a stunt like that, threatening Bradford? A politician like Harder should know that that would throw public sentiment toward Bradford. Yes, he should. There's no use figuring the Green Hornet. He's got angles no one else ever gets. Possibly Lowry. He's a smart apple. Even now, the police are no closer to him than they ever were. Well, there's no use going over that. We're talking votes. Any news of how it looks? Gunnigan's getting some more dope for us. Mr. Reed. Yes, Ms. Case? You spoke to Gunnigan? He's been getting some of the news from the City Press Association. Anything on the Hornet? Nope. What's the trend on the election? Is it still the same, or does it look as if Bradford were favored? Gunnigan says it looks as if the Fifth Ward still holds the deciding votes. Well, it doesn't seem possible. Hardy must have lost some support after the Hornet threatened Bradford. Maybe you haven't seen the Clarion. Harder claims that the Hornet threat was a stunt cooked up to discredit him. He says it's political mudslinging. Yeah, and the Clarion Prince it leave Mackerel. Casey. That yellow newspaper. Hey, boss. Yes? You're leaving, Mr. Reed? Well, yes, Ms. Case. I have some private matters to attend to. If you want me, I'll be at my apartment. You understand what you're to do, Cato? Yes, Mr. B. Sometime between now and election day, Harder's man, Curly, is going to organize those votes in the Fifth Ward? Yes. Drifters, bums, repeaters. He'll be handing out plenty of money to pack the ballot box with votes for Harder. But get this, Cato. After that snapshot of Curly that was printed in the Sentinel, he'll keep himself in the background. I see. He'll use other men, go betweens, ward healers. Now, find out when Curly is calling a meeting of those men and let me know. Cato, the Green Hornet's Going to take an interest in that meeting. Hey, Casey. Is the boss in? If you're looking for Mr. Reed, the answer is no. Lowry. He's not in. Huh? With elections tomorrow. Holy mackerel. Casey. Why not? Because he's got his own affairs to attend to. Casey. Why is it that every once in a while the boss goes off the track and starts playing the nightclubs and staying away from the office? Lowry, Mr. Reed's private life is his own. Okay, okay. Skip it. That playboy streak he has. I guess I got pre election quotes you want to hear? Where is he? He's. That's my phone, Lowry. I'll get him. Missed his voice, didn't you? What do you mean? Relax, Casey. You're blushing as red as that lipstick. Nothing against a girl feeling soft about her boss, is there? You're not a reporter. You're a keyhole keeper. I wouldn't be bad. Hi, Laurie. Hello, Mr. Reed. Yes, Ms. Case. How are things at the Satinal? We missed you, Mr. Reed. I'll bet you have. Lowry wants to talk to you. What? Do you mind? I've missed you too, Miss Casey. You have? Yes, all of you. Oh. Well, here's Lowry. Hello, boss. I've been making the rounds. Bradford issued the usual statement. He says he's confident that the voters of the city will toss out the machine and elect him mayor. I hope so. But it's not the regular voters we're worried about. It's those drifters. And I also learned that Curly's calling a meeting of the ward healers from the 5th tonight. It's supposed to be secret. Secret meeting, huh? You got any idea what he plans to discuss at it? Lorry, you know where it is. It's going to be at his house. Ten tonight. Ten tonight? I see. I figured I might be able to crash that meeting. Might get some dope in the Sentinel. You plan to be there? If I can make it. How about it? Why, yes, do that, Lowry. If Curly doesn't organize those repeat votes tonight, they can't do any voting tomorrow. Sure. They're going to arrange for the payoff. All right, Lowry. If you can do it. Okay. Why not take a camera? Yeah, boss. They might get some shots. And don't forget to vote for Bradford. Good night. So Lowry plans to be there? If he can make it. I'll have to make sure he doesn't. Can't have him breaking in on the green hornet. Mr. Brett. That's you, Cato. I find out about the meeting, Mr. Brett. 10:00 at the Curry's house. You're not the only one who found out, Cato. Lawry learned about it too. Lawley. We'll have to take our chances on that. By now it's time for us to get busy. Where's the Hornet gun? In the mask. Here in the desk, Mr. Brett. Good. Bring them along. We're moving out in the Black Beauty as soon as it gets dark. A few hours later, as darkness mantled the city Brit Reed and his valet Kato stepped through a secret panel in the rear of the apartment. Then walked along a narrow passage built within the wall of the apartment house which led directly to an adjoining building. Supposedly abandoned. This building served as the hiding place for the sleek superpowered Black Beauty high speed car of the Green hornet. I drive, Mr. Betts. Yes, kid, I'll take the wheel. You're going to have a ticklish job taking care of Laurie. I want to be sure he doesn't arrive too soon. I understand, mister. You've got the extra Green Hornet mask? Yes, sir. Good. Step on it, Cato. Let's go. Yeah, it's okay. Harder. All fixed? Yeah. I'm sorting the door out now for the boys. When they show up, they'll distribute it, okay? Sure. If they don't, them mugs in the fifth ward ain't gonna do no voting for nobody. You sure you control the polls? Yeah. Okay. Just asking. And now, what about this Hornet business? Okay, okay. If you say so hard. Yeah. I won't see you until after elections. It's in the bag. Good night. There's 500 for Joe. That'll take care of two, maybe 300 votes. And a thousand for Bucky. Never mind sorting that money, Curly. What that? You're a mess. Get away from that desk. A stick up, huh? My heart. That will run you out of that mass. I'm taking that money, Curly. You're the Green Hornet. Hand it over. Hornet. Wait a minute. Is this on a level? What's the angle? Figure it yourself. You know them all. You mean you're in with harder? All I want is that money, Curly. Oh, all by yourself, huh? That's right. I'm up for myself. Curly and get back. What are you going to do with that gun? Get back. Yeah, yeah, sure. Stay right there and don't move unless I tell you to. I see. Each of these envelopes is addressed. Who's Joe? He's. He's going to buy votes. All them guys there. That dough is to buy votes for Harder. Not anymore, Curly. But if them guys don't get that dough, we can't buy votes. That's your tough luck. But harder. He'll bust me wide open if I don't like his. You haven't got much choice, Curly. I'm taking this money. And when Joe and the rest get here, they're going to get nothing but orders. Orders? Yes, orders written by you, Curly. Orders telling them not to bother about rounding up votes. That everything's all right, but that how to lose election. Sure. You can't do that. You're writing those orders, Curly. I don't get it. What good's that gonna do you? It'll give me time, Curly. Time to make sure no one can trail this money. Oh, you want to cover up, huh? That's the idea. Suppose I say nothing doing. Suppose I don't write them orders I can refuse to. No, wait. I don't think you'll refuse. Curly, you wouldn't use that gun. That's up to you. You right, or I was. Okay. Sure, sure. Good. It's still more than two hours before those men are due to come here. You can send the orders by messenger. Messenger? And you needn't try anything, Curly. When that messenger shows up, I'll be hidden behind the door with this gun pointing at your ribs. Now sit down and get started. Okay, mister. Delivering this batch of letters will cost you five and a half. Here's your four bits change. Keep it. Go on, scram. Sure. Okay. Close the door, Curly. Listen. Hornet. That busts me wide open, you know that, don't you? Does it? Harder is going to get licked in the election. And that means I'm washed up. I ought to get a chance to explain the harder you think I'm crossing him up. Keeping the toe. You'll get that chance, Curly. Let me call him up. Let me, huh? He's already been called. What do you mean you didn't call him? He was with me and I didn't call. You might ruin things. No, Curly. I have a helper. He called. Carter will be here and well. And he. Suck it now, huh? The time for his arrival was set very definitely. Here, put this on. What's that? Put it on. Hey, this thing is a mask. A mask? Like the one you're wearing. Put it on. You're going to wear that mask when you open the door for Harder. I wish something would have happened. Me hiding here with my camera. All set. Fall asleep with some of those guys, don't you all pretty soon. Who's this? Holy mackerel. It's Harder. Come on, Curly. Answer that door, baby. Is this going to be a camera shot for page one. Come on the door. Let's hear. I get the phone call to the Green Hornet. Holy mackerel. It's a Hornet, Father. And a Hornet. Hold it. Thanks for the picture. You'll see it now. What the gash. Who are. What? Look. What's going on here? That man took a picture. And then. And then this man shot him with a gun that made no sound. If you were the Hornet, let's have the answer. Arthur. I ain't the Hornet. I ain't Curly. You. That's right, honey. What the. Not a fool. Curly is wearing that Hornet mask because I made him do it. You made him? Boss, you can't blame me for this. And who's this? That's my helper. Heidi, keep that gun trained on him. I will, boss. I couldn't help it. The Hornet grabbed the dough. I had to tell them guys not to buy any votes he made. What's that? Why are you. I'll lose the election. Sure. What's your ankle, H. My angle. I got it. You're betting on Bradford. That's it, isn't it? You're betting on Bradford winning the election and you're making sure he does. I don't bet. Don't hand me that. Look, I've got plenty of money. I'll pay you whatever you say. Crooked money. Harder. That reporter out there. He's got a picture in that camera. We'll have to get rid of that. You didn't hear me. Harder. I've got all of your money I want. You mean you. You won't play ball. You're licked. Harder. Finished. So that's the way it is. And there's only one thing for me to do. That's your resume. Curly, grab that gun behind your heart. Attack him. For you, boss. The little guy. Get your hooded. You're asking for. No, no. Do what you do. I. Yes. Can't breathe. Good work, Cato. You got Curly just in time. Hey, Star. Not cold, Kato. I want to make sure they stay that way until tomorrow evening when the election booze close. Can you fix it? It can be done, Mr. Bates. Good. Curly lives alone. Nobody will come in here. We can leave the two of them. Lock the door and they won't be disturbed. I'll take the Black Beauty and you can drive Harder's cab back in front of the house. Yes, sir. Be sure you leave no fingerprints. What about the police, Mr. Bates? Police, Cato? Well, when Lowry recovers from that and the Sentinel prints a picture of Hardy with a Green Hornet. The police will think Harder has a good reason for staying out of sight. Election day or no election day, the police and everyone else. The money, mister. It's graph money, Cato. But we'll see that it gets to some charity that won't know it's tainted. It'll do more good that way. Now let's get busy. We have a lot to do. I've got to be at the Sentinel all day tomorrow waiting for the election returns. Look at that, Ms. Case. Bradford's piling up a tremendous vote. Look at the returns from the Fifth Ward, the whole city, Mr. Reed. That picture Lowry took last night certainly impressed the voters. Bradford's got this election in the bag. Harder and his political machine are lit. It looks that way. But Mr. Reed. Huh? Isn't it odd that no one can find Harder? Would you show your face after being taken in a picture with a Green Hornet? Election is so important. Forget it. Harder's voting machine is so disorganized, it doesn't make any difference anyhow. Daily Sentinel, good evening. Yes, Just a moment. It's Bradford, Mr. Reed. Hello? Oh, yes. Bradford. What? Well, that's fine, fine. Send us a statement, will you? Right. Call us back. This case Bradford is in, he's won. He has? Yeah. Still a few more votes to count. But Bradford has more than a majority already. Hey, boss. Boss. Have you heard the news? Yes, Laura. You mean about Bradford winning? Yeah, I checked that on the way through the office, but it's something else. Otter and Curly finally got the headquarters. They did? Well, do they have any explanation for their absence or for that picture Mar talking? But you know, it's a funny thing, that picture I took last night, as soon as I mentioned it, both of them started to swear a blue streak. From the way they sounded, they don't care much for the Hornet. H. Perhaps the Hornet wasn't working with Harder. After all. He hunts the biggest of all game public enemies who try to Destroy Our America. $25,000 reward for the capture of the Green Hornet Dead or alive. It was Britt Reed, the young publisher of the Daily Sentinel, who offered this fabulous sum. Brit Reed's father retired and left the city after turning the active management of his newspaper, the Daily Sentinel, over to Brit, hoping that responsibility would control the playboy activities of his son. There were times when Gunigan, the city editor, and others of the competent staff thought that Brit would develop into a publisher like his father. But there were other times when they feared that the young club man would never abandon his happy go lucky love of Nightlife. Just one individual knew the truth about Britt Reed. Cato, his Filipino valet, knew that under his playboy exterior Brit often risked his life. That criminals of every description might feel the weight of the law by the sting of the Green Hornet. Cato knew that Britt Reed was the Green Hornet. Who, though innocent of major crime, was wanted by both police and underworld. Wanted, dead or alive. Ride with Brit Reed in the thrilling adventure Bullets and Bluffs. The Green Hornet strikes again. The election campaign had been one of the bitterest in the city's history. My opponent is a crook in league with crooks. A steamer conniving to turn criminals out of our jails to play on the taxpayer. Right. He points to his record as a member of the parole board. Well, I'll give you the truth about that record. The truth that will show what Lucas really is. Listen to these facts. Listen to them. John Holland, the incumbent, had concluded conducted a mud flinging campaign that reeked of libelous charges. But the real fireworks had been promised for a radio talk on the eve of the election. A man named Mitchell was to speak. Mitchell and a friend approached the hotel elevator. 10th floor. Mr. Mitchell? Yes. How long will it take you to dress, Mitchell? Call for me in half an hour, Jerry. All right. That'll give me time to dress. You're not scared, are you? Because of those threats from the Green Hornet? Don't make me laugh. You're still going to throw the book at Lucas? You bet I am. Walk down to my door with me, Jerry. I'll tell you something. All right. Tell you what I'm doing. I'm telling the world that I've had a warning from the Green Hornet. Yeah. I'm making it look as if the Hornet's tied hand in glove with Lucas. That'll bear out the statements Hollins made. That Lucas and cahoots with the criminals. Not bad. I'm not stopping there. I'm passing the warning letter in the Hornet's seal in lieu of a signature. Over to the newspapers for publication tomorrow morning. Good stuff. You don't catch me backing down. You won't if you know what's good for you. I know if all is defeated, some of us will be out of jobs. But you. Well, Mitchell, you know what? Sure, I know. Better go onto your floor and get into the black time. Got to go to Holland's party after the broadcast. See you later. Half an hour. Yeah. Wonder who turned the lights on. I did. What would lock the door, Mitchell? The Green Hornet. Lockett. How did you get in here? That's not difficult in a hotel with fire escapes and old fashioned locks. You got my warning, didn't you, Mitch? Yes. But you haven't canceled your broadcast. No, No, I haven't. I. I can't. I can't cancel. I must go on. Well, you're not going to broadcast. You're not going to leave your room. I. I tell you. Look here, Mitchell. You used to be a pretty good guy. Why are you backing a crook like Holland? You're a fine one to complain about anyone backing a crook. You and I both know that Lucas is on the level. You used to throw your influence behind men like Lucas. What changed you? Why are you helping Holland spread a lot of lies about Lucas? What's Holland got on you? Who said he had anything on? That's pretty obvious, Mitchell, but I. I don't get it. The Green Hornet's the biggest crook that ever ran loose. Can't you talk about. Never mind that. What's Holland got on you? What's the difference? Listen, I've got a broadcast. I'll pay you if that's what you want. Your money doesn't. But I've got to do it. Look, I'll level with you. I got mixed up in some deals and Holland found out. He's got enough on me to send me to the big house for the rest of my life. That's why I backed him. Suzette or Alcatraz. If I don't appear at that broadcast, you'll use it. I'd sooner be dead. And so to save your own neck, you're going on the air and tell a pack of outlandish lies about John Lucas. You're going to tell things that he'll have no time to refute. The old game of the last minute speech before election. You keep an honest man out of office and let a rat like Holland stay in. No, Mitchell. That's off the phone. Answer it, Mitchell. And be careful what you say. Hello, Mitchell. This Holland? Yes, Holland. Are you set to the speech, Holland? I. I can't make it. You what? You make it. Have no excuses. But I. I can make that speech. You'll get the works. I mean the complete works. Mitchell, the Green Hornet's here. Why you. Give me that phone. I'll show you. I should have hurt you. I'll get him. Give me that gun back. Give it to me. Oh, you fool. Make. Pull it over. And Hornet. You shot yourself. To try to get you. Michael. A doctor can't help you. Well, what's the difference? If I hadn't Got it. This way how would have got me. The Green Hornet saw that Mitchell was dead. He knew that seconds counted. He stepped quickly to the corridor, then hurried to the stair. As he dashed up one flight after another he tore off the mask that concealed his identity then left the stairwell two floors above the Mitchell suite. It was Britt Reed, millionaire playboy and publisher who strolled nonchalantly to the elevator and pressed the button down. Take me to the Grill, please. Well, re. I hope you feel better now that you got on your tuxedo. Well, at least I can relax over my dinner. Actually, I'll not be so pressed for time. It is a slick idea of renting a room in the hotel so you wouldn't have to go all the way to the apartment to change. Haven't those stakes come yet? He told the waiter to take his time. I figured you'd be longer than yours. Oh, well, there's no hurry now. By golly, I wish I was going to the party Mr. Lucas is having. It won't be much of a party. Just a few friends to give up his courage from the night before election. What do you think of his chances? Well, if it all depends on Juan whether or not the public believes the lies that Hollandstall. Yeah, I expect there'll be a flock more like tolerant Mitchell talks tonight. Mitchell? Sure. You know that loud blabbing galoo from the Clarion newspaper? Oh, yes. Hey, look, there's me friend Sergeant Doyle. He works with folks. What's he doing in a swank eating place like this? Seems to be looking for someone. Maybe it's me. By God, he. Reed, it is me. He's coming over here. I wonder if something's happened. He always does his best to give me an inside track on a big story. Hello there, Sarge. Oh, hello Michael. Good evening, Mr. Reed. Hello, Doyle. Exper. I got something for you. Something hot. Yeah, what is it? Mitchell's been bumped off. Mitchell? I say that was to speak tonight. He was murdered in his room. Murdered? Yeah. And we've got evidence that points to the Green Horn GREEN HORNET KILLED BROADCASTER Here you are, ladies. I can read all about it. Here you are, sir. Murder Kill one More murder charged against the Green Hornet is too bad, Mr. BR and no way to prove that Mitchell turned the gun on himself when he couldn't use it on me. KO I'm afraid the Hornet's affair with Mitchell is going to cost Lucas a lot of votes. But Sentinel will have to fight hard tomorrow to put Lucas across. Any word on the way the election's going Dunigan, I don't know whether our strong publicity can put Lucas over. Mr. Reed. Lucas should have gone over with the landslide. I know. But some people will think that the Green Haunted is tied up with Lucas. Will people believe that in spite of all we printed today, a lot of them will. Reid, I've been a city editor for a long time and I've seen a lot of elections. You sure have, Gunnigan. And I've heard things said in some hot campaigns. Most of them have forgotten when the election's over. And in this case, Lucas should bring charges against Holland. And if he doesn't, he's nut. The Daily Sentinel had done its best to discount the effect of the Green Hornet's connection with Mitchell's death. But it was obvious that the affair had cost Lucas a lot of votes. Instead of a landslide, the election was a nip and tuck affair. With first one and the other candidate taking the lead. Then it was over and the election final hit the streets. Street TITLE RETURNS Here you are, Lucas Winds. Read all about it. Here you are, lady. How a machine beat and set the X. It was the next day in the office of Brit Reed. Secretary Lenor K. Expert just entered for Ashford. You just had a phone call. Your pal Doyle from the cops headquarters. How many Doyles do you know and what do you want? Did you ask him to check up on the parolees who were around town? Yeah. There was so much hurry about Lucas being crooked whilst he was on the parole board. Mr. Reed told you those charges weren't true. Well, all the same, I thought he'd do some checking up. I asked Dial to help me. Well, he's reported on a man named Malloy. Fingers Malloy? Oh, that little runtime. These are safe crackers. Your Fingers is living in Swank at the Downtown Hotel. No. Is he? Just in case you want to do anything about it. That I do. I'm on my way. Maybe Holland was right after all. Michael, listen to me. Well, for the Daily Sentinel, back John Lucas. Sure, I know. But you think you'd be smart to try and make a case against him? Listen, KG Referee's on the level. I know that, lad. And I merely tell you that if he found that Lucas was crooked, he'd be the first one to publish the fact. That fighter back in his campaign. If he comes in, tell him I'm on the way to interview Fingers belong. Listen, you L. Mr. Reed's in his office right now. Then tell anyhow. Tell him, baby. When I get back, I'll have to load down on Cow Really? Oh, golly. I didn't see you coming, Mr. I thought you were holding the door open. Oh, well, I found your way. Well, I guess he didn't know you, Mr. Lucas. Perhaps not. Who is he, Ms. Cade? Michael Axford. Reporter? Well, sort of. You see, when Mr. Reed's father left the city, he hired Axford as a sort of, well, bodyguard. Oh, he was formerly a detective. I see. And Mr. Reed keeps the big fellow busy running down news at police headquarters. Oh, I'll tell Mr. Reacher here. Yes, Mr. Lucas is here. I'll be right out. He'll be right out. I. I'd like to congratulate you, Mr. Lucas. Thanks, Ms. Case. We were all very happy to see you. Shellack. The Holland machine. I'm not sure that I have. Hello, Lucas. Come on inside. All right. I wanted you to be the first to know what happened when I called on Holland. You saw him? Yes. My attorney and I just left him. Brent. He's going to keep fighting. I hope you'll fight back. Sit down there. Thanks, Britt. Holland has built up a strong machine and he's going to do his best to keep it. He's given me 24 hours to step out. The newly elected John Lucas sat in Brit Reed's office wearing a deep look of concern. But Lucas, where does Holland get the right to tell you to step out now that you're elected? Let me tell you what happened, Britt. Why you and your attorney went to Holland's office to give him 24 hours to retract all the false charges he made against you. Yes. My attorney showed him a list of the charges and told him that we'd stop proceedings if he didn't retract those charges within 24 hours. Holland heard us through. Had he leaned forward in his chair and said, I've listened to you. Now it's your turn to listen to me. I expected this call from you, Lucies. Well, let's go over the charges they made. Take this first one. Accusing you of collecting payoffs from the men you paroled when you were on the board. That's a direct lie. Is it? Well, if you start anything, I'll back my statements with proof. Number two. I said that you'd pay the blackmailer $5,000 to give certain photographs. That's not true. I can back that with proof. It's not true. There can't be proof. You think I'm bluffing? Well, I'm not. Proof of every statement is in my safe at home. You come here with a 24 hour ultimatum for me? That's a laugh. This is no laugh. I'll give you 24 hours to resign from your newly elected post. 24 hours, Lucas. Then I'll give my evidence to the newspapers. I don't know what he has in his case, Brett. He obviously has some sort of trumped up evidence that would sound convincing. Well, read this, Lucas. It's a statement from Holland. Huh? He says that he will forward sworn affidavits, photo static evidence and other proof of his statements to all newspapers if you haven't resigned by tomorrow noon. Bread to eh. What's to be done? Can a crooked machine discredit an honest man? It's been done, Lucas. I know what my dad would tell you to do. Step on. Not on your life. He'd tell you that you had the backing of the Daily Settle because you were a fighter. He'd say, fight to the finish and we'll stick with you. John Lucas left Britt Reed's office with the promise of backing by the Daily Sentinel if he would fight Holland to a finish. When Ms. Case entered an hour later, she found Britt deep in thought. These letters are ready for signing, Mr. Reed. Ms. Case. I wonder if we've made a mistake. A mistake? I gave Lucas a promise that you'd stick with him. Yes, well I. I hope you've made no mistake. There's doubt in your voice. I didn't have a chance to tell you where Ashford went. Where he thinks he has a line on one of the men that got a parole through Mr. Lucas. A man called Fingers Malloy. Hey, Reed. Uh oh, Reed. I got something for you. You've been hard lining with Fingers Malloy, eh? That I have, by golly. And he's up to something. Yeah, I suspected something was funny when I found out that he was living in a high priced joint like the downtown. He couldn't live there. What? He got. Honest. Where is this money coming from? That's what I was wondering. It had looked mighty bad for your friend Lucas if it came out that the guy he let go free from the hoosgal was back into crime. Well, did you talk to Malloy? You bet I did. The little nut was trying to keep me out of his place. He thought I was still on the cops. I tell you, Reed, Fingers is back in the racket again. He's planning something. If he's caught, he'll go back into the Hooves doll for violating his parole. And it'll look bad for John Lucas. Water? Yes, expert. It might look bad for Lucas. Very bad. Britt Reed owned the fashionable apartment building in which he lived and Michael Axford made his home. The young publisher he has just finished dinner, cooked and served by Cato. Well, I got to be going. Oh, my Johnny, I'm that full of Cato's cook and I can hardly move. Police headquarters again. See me? Yeah. You have to go along with me sometime, Reed. T could tell you lots of things about the green harness. Your hat, Mr. Oxford. Oh, thanks, R K. I see you, Reed. I'll probably be in bed when you come. Good night. Good night, Cato. We're moving out. Stepping through a secret panel in the rear of a closet in the bedroom, Brett, Reed and Cato went along a narrow passageway built within the walls of the apartment itself. This led to an adjoining building which fronted on a dark side street. Though supposedly abandoned, this building served as the hiding place for the sleek, superpowered Black Beauty streamlined car of the Green Hornet. Reed pressed a button. The great car roared into life. A section of the wall in front raised automatically, then closed as the gleaming Black Beauty sped into the dark red. Reed parked in a dark alley that ran past the rear of Holland's home. The Library is dark, Mr. Britt. I have a flashlight, Kiddo. I'm going to try to get into Holland safe. If I can't do that, perhaps I can find something else. Files or something of that sort that can be used to help Lucas. You stay with the car. The Green Hornet made no sound as he forced a latch on the French doors then pushed past heavy drapes into the library. A pencil point of light from his flash fell on the safe in one corner. He crossed before it. His gloved hand reached for the handle. When he heard footsteps, his light went out. He hurried to the French door and stepped behind the drapes as Holland clicked on the lights. A small man was with Holland. Are you sure no one followed you here? Below that. There was a couple of cops on my trail when I left the hotel, but I shook them off before I came here. The police keep close tabs on parole man. Where's Mr. Lucas? Ain't he here? He won't be here. Oh, that's too bad. I hoped I'd see him so that I can thank him for trying to get me a better job. Sure swell him to send me cash to come here from Middleport. Give me a hotel room and everything. Are you the one that's to tell me what my new job is? Yes. I'll give you all the details. Stay in my safe over there. Help yourself. Oh, I've given Up. Opening safes. I promised Mr. Lucas I wouldn't touch him. All right. That one's unlocked. Just turn the handle and open the door. Oh. Oh. All right, then. Just help yourself with your instructions while I make a phone call. That's it. Open the door wide. Hey, safe. Exactly. There's nothing here. Stand back. Keep your mouth shut. A gun. Keep your mouth shut. Fingers. I'll let you have it. What do you want? Hello, Police headquarters? This is J.B. holland. Holland, I've been robbed. Come over and hurry. You Holland? That's right. The lawyer. J.B. holland. You made me think your name was Brown. You ain't no friend to Lucas. You're the healer. Spill all up dirty lies about him. Yes, that's his thing. And I had proof of everything in my safe. Lucas sent you to steal the proof. Dirty scheming rat. Listen to me, Puck. The cops will be here in about two minutes. They'll find your fingerprints and they'll handle that safe. You'll go back to jail for the rest of your life. I'll tell them the truth. I'll tell them just what you've done. You think they believe you? Don't make me laugh. The record shows that a man named Lucas wired you the door to come from Middleport. A guy named Lucas phoned to reserve a hotel room for you. Shut up and listen to me. I can shoot you, kill you. The police would say I've done the right thing. I'm giving you a chance. Get clear. You've got about a minute to get away. Make the most of it. Yeah. Then you'll be able to stick to your lie that you have proof of the things you said about Lucas. You'll say he sent me the steal approval. Are you going or not? I'll stay and tell the cops the truth. You stay and you won't tell anyone anything. I'll plug you and you'll be through talking. Even if the cops find me dead, it'll spike your story about me making awful lot of proof against Lud. Like funny drill. I'll see you had a pile with you. I shot you, but he escaped. Donny. Roger. Donny. Schema. Rat. Are you gonna take it on the lamb or take it between the eyes? Neither one. Hey. Who? Green Hornet. Drop the gun, Holland. He's a killer. Prophet. Let me out of here. I'm leaving. Pick up the gun, Fingers, and hand it to me. Be careful how you handle it, though. But I. I tell you he's a killer. Hurry. I have a lot to do before the Police. Come. Yeah. Here you are, Holland. You know what happened to Mitchell? You kill him? Do you know what's going to happen to you? No, no. Don't shoot me. Don't kill me. Please don't do that. Why not? What good are you to anyone? You fixed the setup very neat. Malloy's prints on the safe and everything. The cops find you shot with your own gun and they blame finger. Oh, not for murder. On top of everything else. What do you want? I'll give you anything. Name the prize, but don't kill me. Here. Sign this paper, Holland. That's all you have to do. Paper. It's the retraction of what Lucas wanted from you. A complete retraction of everything you said during the campaign. That will ruin me. What in thunder do you think this gun will do to you? You have about five seconds left. Hussain. Hussein. Give it to me. Hurry. Malloy, you better wipe your prints off that safe. Make it fast. The police are near. It won't take more than two seconds. What about that signature, Holland? Yeah, I've said it. Hey, the cops in front of the house get this. Holland. If you don't stick to that retraction, I'll be back. Get it? Yes, I'll be back. Just remember, Mitchell, cops are at the door. They'll bust him in a minute. They'll let themselves in. They'll get us. Shut up, Holland. You're going to sleep. When you wake up, tell the police whatever you want, but keep me out of it. Is that clear? Yes. Please don't shoot me. Don't know. We got to get out of here. Take it. Holland gas to make you sweet. Hey, what did you do toward me? A special gas in this gun. Come on. Fingers out. This way, please. Wake up. I got something to tell you. What are you trying to do? Knock the door down? Please. Listen, I got news. What's the idea of waking me up in the middle of the night? If you got news, take her to the office. What suffer's name d you gotta hear? I already took you to the office. And it's an eight banner head on page one. Holland has signed a complete retraction of all he said about your friend Lucas. I didn't know that Holland kept office hours all night. He don't. It was in his home. The guy must be nuts or something. He called the cops whilst I was there and said something about robbers. Robbers? I was with the lads when they went to the house. We found Holland out cold in the floor and a retraction signed on his Desk. Holland Cold. What do you mean? Well, just like he'd been gassed by that stuff the Green Harlot used. Was the Hornet involved? I don't know, Reed. If he was, Harlan wouldn't admit it. He wouldn't admit nothing. He just told the cops he signed the retraction and that's all there was to it. What made him pass out? Wouldn't. He just fainted, I guess. Well, as long as you got the story. Oh, golly. There's just one thing I'm regretting. What's that, Axman? It's a good story as it is. But if only the green harness had been mixed up in then, by golly, it would have had everything. Green Hornets. The story you have just heard is a copy copyrighted feature of the Green Hornet, Incorporated. X Tree. X Tree. Sedan Electri. Now, the most refreshing drink in the world, Orange Crush, which presents the Green Hornet. He hunts the biggest of all game public enemies who try to destroy our America with his faithful, valid cat. Daring young publisher matches wits with the underworld risking his life that criminals and racketeers within the law may feel its weight by the sting of the Green Hornet. Now ride with Britt Reed in the thrilling adventure of election boomerang. The Green Hornet strikes again. The adventures of the Green Hornet are brought to you by the most refreshing drink in the world, Orange Crush. Delicious. Orange Crush is made with real fresh oranges with all its wonderful fresh fruit flavor sealed in that sunproof Orange Crush brown bottle. The exclusive brown bottle that keeps light out, keeps flavor in. Always look for that exclusive brown bottle and enjoy the one and only or political czar Craig Redland's candidate for the top local office county commissioner was James McLean. McLean's opponent, able and honest, was Edward Gilmer, a strong favorite to win the election. McLean's campaign manager, Charlie Rogers, was gloomy, but Craig Redland reassured him. Oh, Charlie, don't worry. McLean will win easily. Boss, this is one time you're wrong. He hasn't a chance. Don't kid yourself. The Green Hornet will elect him. The Green Hornet. What are you talking about, Charlie? Two days from now, the Green Hornet's gonna come out against McLean and in favor of Gilmer. He'll bomb our campaign headquarters. What? He'll try to intimidate editors and backers of McLean and he'll threaten to kill McLean and me. Great day, boss. You mean he's actually going to do those things? No, not actually. But the public will think it's the Green Hornet who's doing instead. It'll Be some of my boys who'll cause all the trouble making the voters think it's the Green hornet. You give McLean an awful time. I think I see what you have in mind. You create sympathy for McLean by having the Green Hornet persecute him, eh? Yes, and I'll implicate Gilmer with the Hornet while I do it. They'll resent a criminal like the Green Hornet working on Gilmer's side. So in protest, they'll elect McLean. That's terrific, boss. Yes, I think it is. Myself and Charlie, with McLean and Office, I'll milk a million dollars out of the county treasury. I'll be riding the gravy train. You'll need a good man to handle the Green Hornet angle, though. Who's it going to be? Well, Pete Sterling. Well, he'll be here at midnight tonight. I'll go over all my plans with him. Tell him exactly what to do. Yes, sir. Pete Sterling's the man. So that's how it is, Pete. I've had fake masks and seals made and you'll fix your souped up car to look like the Black Beauty. When do you want me to start? Day after tomorrow. Or I should say the night after tomorrow. I'll be ready, Pete. Sure. Four persons shared the knowledge that Rick Reed, young publisher of the Daily Sentinel, was the Green Hornet. They were Reed's father, his Valid Cato, Police Commissioner Higgins and Reed's secretary, lovely Lenore Case. There was a puzzled frown on Ms. Case's face when she entered Reed's private office two mornings later holding a special delivery letter which had arrived just a few minutes before Mr. Reed. This wasn't marked personal, so I opened it. But I haven't read it yet because, well, I saw the way it was signed. First look at it, Mr. Reed. The signature part first. Great Scott, that looks like. Yes, sir. The seal of the Green Hornet. Wait till I read this. Well, what is it, Mr. Reed? The work of some crane? I suppose so. Yet I have an idea from the wording that I'm supposed to think it's legitimate. Really? You read it yourself, Ms. Case. It congratulates me because the Sentinel's backing Edward Gilmer for County Commissioner tells me also that the Green Hornet will punish Jim McLean for opposing Gilmer. All right. There you are. Hi, Casey. Good morning, Michael Axford. What's the idea busting in like this? Well, Casey wasn't outside to let me in. And besides, what I've got to tell you is too important to wait. All right, what is it that's so Important? It's the Green Hanitree, that's what. He's just thrown himself kerplop right into the middle of the election campaign. He has? How? Well, my assignment this morning was just the usual one of stopping by Maclean's and Gilmer's headquarters to learn what might be stirring. Well, things sure were stern at Gilmer's place. Don't tell me the Green Hornet was there. No, but they received a letter from the scallywag. He called Maclean a few names and told him to pull out and leave the election clear for gilmer. Because if McLean didn't quit, it said he'd end up dead or in the hospital. Or did the Green Hornet give a reason for his threat? But he didn't have to. It's as plain as the nose in your face. But the reason is Gilmer and the Green Hornet are in cahoots. They want to rob the public and they're afraid McLean will get elected. Michael, that's absurd. Why? Edward Gilmer's an honest man. Yes? Pardon me. Mr. Reed's office. Oh, yes, Commissioner, he's right here. It's Commissioner Higgins. Oh, thank you, Ms. Case. Hello, Commissioner. Yes. Yes, I did. Axford just told me about the letter McLean received. That's probably the work of some crackpot. This is the season for them before election. The Green Harnet's no crackpot. He's a menace. And menace. You have the letter in your office, huh? No, thank you. I don't care to see it. I received a supposed Green Hornet letter myself this morning. Glory be. Cassie, you didn't tell me that. It just came in. I'll show it to you when I meet you at dinner tonight. Let's dine at the gourmet, shall we? It's directly opposite McLean's headquarters. We'll drop in and see McLean after we've eaten. At dinner that evening, Reid and Commissioner Higgins were discussing the letter which both knew were false. But Higgins was troubled. Sure, we know their fakes, Reed, but neither of us is in a position to tell why we know. Forget about the matter, Commissioner. I can't. I've had Boss Redland, Charlie Rogers and McLean himself on my neck all day. The other newspapers in town too, read. They haven't passed off the haunted angle with a few lines as a sentinel. Did they take the matter seriously? Yeah. So does Haxford. Well, he's like most people read Opposition editors included. It never occurs to him that the public and the country usually benefit when the Green Hornet goes into action. To expert as to everyone else, the greenhorn is a criminal. What's that? Sounds like an earthquake. Came from outside nearby. Look at the people in here. They're in a panic. Don't run. Stay right where you are. Nothing's happened here. Don't cross the doorway. Remain inside here. Don't get panicked. I'll see what it is. Reed, There are flames outside. Higgins saw the panic in the street and the flames leaping from the building that housed James McLean's headquarters. He ran back to where Reed had finally calmed the diners. Then, together they hurried outside. Higgins sought out a policeman who gave him information. It was a bomb, Commissioner, thrown into the McLain place by the Green Hornet. Did you hear that, Reed? Officer, are you sure? Yes, sir. He got away, the murdering hound. He shot one of our men who tried to stop him. They killed him. Killed a policeman? Yes, sir. Patrolman Ludlow. The Green Hornet shut him down in cold blood. Within a matter of minutes. Network and local radio programs were interrupted by bulletins announcing the explosion and murder. Later that evening, commentators gave additional information of the tragedy that had suddenly caused the city to become a seething cauldron of public indignation. Police announced that in addition to Patrolman Ludlow, three other persons were killed and eight wounded by the Green Hornets murderous foray into the McLean Midtown headquarters. Never in the city's history has such political boss Craig Redland snapped off his radio set and ashen faced, turned to McLean's campaign manager, Charlie Rogers. Oh, it gets worse and worse, Charlie. Pete must have been crazy, boss, shooting down a policeman, of all persons. Pete should be here at any minute. We'll find out what happens when he gets here. When Pete Sterling arrived later, he had no sense of guilt. It was the cop's fault. When I threw the bomb, he came running from nowhere, shooting at me. I shot back. He missed. I didn't. I suppose there was nothing else you could do. Well, I got away, didn't I? The cops think it was the Green Hornet who did it, don't they? So what's the beef? You killed three of our party workers. So they were unlucky. The boss will send them flowers. Yes. Yes, I'll send them flowers. Pete, whether you meant to or not. You fouled up my plans. But you did get results. Sure I did. So what's going to be different? Well, I'll decide tomorrow after we have the complete reaction to what happened this evening. Okay. I'll call you tomorrow night, Pete. And from now on, all our contacts will be by phone. What are you going to do? Voice, you read the papers tomorrow afternoon. I'm going to police headquarters in the morning and see the commissioner. Now, Commissioner, I received this letter from the Green Hornet this morning threatening my life. He says he'll kill me if I don't make McLane quit the race. I read the letter, Mr. Ritland. I demand that you arrest Gilmer. Commissioner, he and the Green Hornet have plans to take over the county treasury if McLean quits. And if they do, they'll steal the people blind. Those are your thoughts, Mr. Redland. All I'm concerned with now is trying to catch a mass murderer. We're convinced the killer last night wasn't really the Green Hornet. The car wasn't the same as his. Nor are the seals on your letter the same as those on the Green Hornet letters in our files. Now, see here, commissioner. You've heard witnesses who saw the bombing and murder last night. They agree it was the Green Hornet who committed both. Yes. Now hear me out. In this letter I received, the Green Hornet admits it was he who did those things last night. He threatens my life. I'll give you a 24 hour a day police guard, Mr. Edlund. Mr. McLean will get the same. Oh, but Gilmer will be free to meet secretly with his partner, the Green Hornet. You refuse to arrest him and get to the bottom of this matter. Higgins, after a trying session with Redland, left headquarters and hurried to Britt Reid's office where he, the Young publisher and Ms. Case talked in privacy. Reed, I don't mind telling you, I'm in a tight spot. I can't come out and say positively that I know the Green Hornet's not involved. I realize that, Commissioner. The more I think of what's happened and the more I think of Redland's actions in past years, the more I'm inclined to believe this entire situation was created to cause gilmer's withdrawal so McLean can win in a walkover. Hey, you may have something there. Redland showed absolutely no concern about the persons who were murdered last night. His entire talk was about the political aspects and the outrage against McClane. Well, that's the way his statement in the newspapers read too. He seemed more concerned with having Mr. Gilmore withdraw from the race. Wanted me to arrest Gilmer. Which would almost certainly cause Gilmer to resign or be removed from his ticket. Right. But your surmise about Redland could be wrong. You realize that, Read? Of course I do. I'd like to find out if it is, though. I intend to. Ms. Case, look up Redland's telephone numbers. Call him at his home, his office or wherever he may be. While Ms. Case made a series of telephone calls trying to locate Craig Redland, Rick Reed talked in low tones with Commissioner Higgins. Finally, Ms. Case completed her efforts. That was Mr. Redland's home again, Mr. Reed. He hasn't returned yet and I can't locate him anywhere else. Who's that on the other end of the phone now? Mr. Rogers, he said his name was. Oh, that's McLean's campaign manager. Mr. Rogers said he was expecting to hear from Mr. Redland and he'll have Mr. Reddin call you when he gets in. Good. I'll wait till I hear from him. Mr. Reed's office. Oh, yes, sir. Mr. Reed's been expecting your call. Just a moment, please. Mr. Redland. Oh, thanks. Mr. Redland, it's very important that I talk with you. I'm sorry, it's nothing I can discuss on the phone. I see. But that'll be all right. Hey, Reed, did you hear the. Quiet, Michael? Mr. Reed's talking. I'll drive out to your place then, Mr. Redland. I'll be there about 8:30. Goodbye, Reid. Gilmer's finished. McLean's going to be elected. You're sure of that, Oxford? Positive. People are phoned and sending telegrams, all demanding him to withdraw. Him being a pal of the green harlots is something decent people can't stand. Reed, where are you going? I'm leaving for the night. Good night, axford. Good night, Ms. Case. Good night, Mr. Reed. Say, Reed, don't you want me to go with you to see Redland? I know how to handle these interviews. No, Axford. I'll do this alone. Suppose you go to police headquarters. If I need your help, I'll call you there. We'll continue our story in just a moment. Hi, fellows and gals. Isn't this an exciting story? But let's take time out to relax a minute. And say, when it comes to relaxing, you know what's really great? It's a drink of ice cold, delicious Orange Crush. That delightful, tangy Orange Crush flavor is so wonderfully refreshing. You can taste the sunny, ripened goodness of fresh California oranges. Orange Crush is made from real oranges. Yes, the finest, juiciest tree ripened oranges in all California. There's nothing artificial about Orange Crush. No artificial flavoring, no artificial coloring. That golden, fresh fruit. Orange Crush goodness is nature's and nature's alone. That's why you can drink all you want of delicious Orange Crush. It's good for you, really nourishing and that's something you want to tell your mom. Tell her you like Orange Crush. Tell her to keep the refrigerator stocked up with Orange Crush all the time. She can pick it up at her grocer's in a six bottle handy pack. And let me tell you something important. Whenever you or mom go to buy Orange Crush, make sure you get the real thing. Don't just say orange. Say, I want Orange Crush. There's no other drink so good, no other drink in the whole world with the same luscious fresh fruit flavor. You recognize Orange Crush by its famous crinkly brown bottle, the sunproof bottle that keeps sunlight out and keeps the flavor in. So always ask for and be sure you get genuine Orange Crush. That's O R A N G E C R U S H Orange Crush. Now back to the green hornet. At 8 o'clock, Britt Reed prepared to leave his apartment with Cato, his faithful confidant. Let me check. I have my mask in this pocket. Gas gun in this. Cato, do you have my dark raincoat in the car? Oh, yes, Mr. Britt. Put it there like you say. Then let's set out for Redland's place. Mr. Britt, if you think maybe Green Hornet going to do things later. Or perhaps we use Black Beauty. No, Al Qaeda, we'll forget it tonight. First of all, there may be no reason to assume the Green Hornet role this evening. Secondly, I want you to drive me directly to the door of Redland's house. And regardless of what happens, I want you to drive away from there later. Very well, Mr. Brett. Somebody downstairs. Don't bother pressing the button, Cato. That's Commissioner Higgins. He'll be waiting outside for Commissioner Higgins, whose car was parked a short distance away from the house, was waiting in front of the apartment building when Reid emerged. Conversation between the two men was brief. Higgins concluded. And five minutes after you get to Redland's place, I'll arrange to drive up and talk to the policeman I placed on guard in front of the main entrance to the grounds. That'll be perfect. I hope you don't mind doing this, Commissioner Reed. I've never been more concerned than solving a crime in all my life. I'll do anything to get at the truth. I feel the same way. I'll keep the officer on guard in conversation till after your car departs. I'll meet you, or Cato, in case you stay on at Redlands, the place we agreed. Good luck, Reed. For both of us. Commissioner. All right, Cato. Five minutes after Britt Reed entered the main gate to the palatial home of Craig Redland and went on to the front door. Another car stopped near the policeman on duty there. Commissioner Higgins parked the car and walked over to the patrolman. Good evening, Officer. Oh, hello, Commissioner. Anything been stirring around here? Thought I'd make a firsthand inspection of the situation inside the house. Britt Reed had wasted no time in getting to the point, a point that had Craig Redland's face flushed. While Charlie Rogers stood beside Redland and listened, Reid repeated the theories he had outlined to Commissioner Higgins earlier that day and ended. And Redland. Because I want to see justice in every sense of the word, I refuse to use the Daily Sentinel columns to demand Edward Gilmer's withdrawal from the race. You mean to say you don't believe the Green Hornet did this thing last night? That's my belief, yes. I told you why I went to police headquarters and went over the evidence they have there. For one thing, in all the crimes he's been accused of, the Green Hornet has never resorted to murder. Well, there's always the first time. The way you talk, Reed, you'd think I staged that incident last night. Did I sound that way? You Most certainly did, Mr. Redland. I wanted to tell you face to face why the Daily Sentinel didn't publish your statement today. We're opposed to libel. Good night again. Well, now, wait a second. Charlie will see you through your car. Charlie Rogers escorted Reid to his automobile and watched it disappear down the landscape path that led to the main gate, masked by giant cedar trees that fringed the path. Cato slowed the car halfway to the gate. We did not see us now from house, Mr. Britain. You jump out, I go on. Watch out. Don't bump. Tree coat and hatter in place. Here it goes. Reed leaped nimbly from the car and sprinted in among the trees. Cato looked back to where Reed had arranged his top coat and hat so that a man seemed to be sitting in the back seat. Very good. Outside the estate, Commissioner Higgins had maneuvered the policeman on guard to a spot about 10 yards from the gate. As Cato drove the car onto the road and turned in a direction away from the men, Higgins waved at the silhouette in the rear seat of the car. Hi there, Reed. Good to see you. He turned nonchalantly to the policeman. That was Brit Reed, publisher to the sun, though Raider. As I was saying, Officer, when your 12 weight relief comes on duty, I'd like to speak at that moment, Brick Reed in the mask of the Green Hornet and wearing a dark raincoat used his special key to gain admittance to the Redland house by way of a side door. He heard Redland's voice in the study and stealthily he made his way along the dimly lit hall and entered the room next to the study. He hurried across the dark and empty room and placed his ear against the sliding doors that separated the two rooms. In his study, an angry and nervous Craig Redlin checked over a series of addresses before him. Then he returned to the outburst he had started after Charlie Rogers had returned from seeing Reid to his car. Smug look on Reed's face made me want to hit him right in the jaw. He's a smarter fellow than most people give him credit for being, Boss. He guessed right off the bat that it wasn't the Green Hornet last night. Higgins was much the same way. You know, I'd like to have Pete take care of both of those smart guys. Well, why don't you, boss? And make it look as if the Green Hornet did the job. Yes, perhaps that's what I'll do. But first I'll see if I can make this Green Hornet plan of mine go over. Why do you want these lists of our warden, precinct headquarters? Because I'm about to call Pete Sterling come to have those places blown to kingdom come. There'll be a note from the Green Hornet left at each of the bombed places. And they'll include Gilmer for sure. Charlie, hand me the phone. Here. Yeah, boy. Thanks. I'll settle this thing once and for all. Who do they think they're playing with? Kids, huh? There's Pete. Now, listen, are all your men there? Then where are they? Well, give me the addresses. 1085 Intervale Avenue. Remember that, Charlie. I have it, boys. Now, Pete, you and your boys are going into high gear tonight. I want some of the McLean headquarters blown up. Charlie will bring your men to the addresses of the places. And he'll also bring them Green Hornet notes to be left near the places they bomb. Oh, where? Charlie, get me blank letterheads and Green Hornet seals from the desk right away, boy. Now, Pete, get in touch with your boys. Tell them Charlie will give them instructions. He'll leave here in a few minutes. You, I want you to come here within an hour. Right. Now, listen. You have that gun you used on the cop last night? All right? Bring it along with you. Don't ask questions. Just do as I say. Goodbye. Here you are, boys. Are you going to write the Green Hornet notes now? Yes. Take them with the list of addresses to the hideout. I'll call you there. After Pete gets here. What's he going to do here? I'm not telling you, Charlie. But I promise you this. It'll make Britt Reed and Commissioner Higgins look like fool. The Green Hornet had heard everything that was said. He made his way to the rear door of the house when the sound of Roger's departing car had faded. He let himself out the door, plunged into the underbrush and ran out onto a back road, heading for the place where he'd arranged to meet Cato and Commissioner Higgins. Rick Reed, without the Green Hornets mask and carrying his black raincoat, arrived at the spot where Commissioner Higgins and Cato waited. Cars parked near to each other. Reed, you've come sooner than I expected. Did you learn anything? Everything. Can listen. Reid repeated all he had heard. Higgins was astounded. Why, Reed, this means the entire case is right in our hands. All sewed up. Yes. This Pete Sterling, who's due at Redland's place is bringing the gun he used last night. But why? That's something you must learn for yourself. Commissioner. Cato and I are returning home. But I left the rear door of Redland's house open. If you summon your police here and enter without Redlands hearing you, chances are you'll learn whatever else there is to know. This is good thing. I'm very glad, for sake of Green Hornet. And for Edward Gilmer's sake, too. Cato, what's the address where Rogers is heading? 1085 Entervale Avenue Way, on the outskirts. I'll call headquarters and tell them to get men out there ready to take over the place. After Rogers gets there. Then I'll have a squad come here and we'll work our way into the Redland house. Pete Sterling entered the study with Redland after the latter had admitted him to the house. Well, I'm here with the old Roscoe, boss. What do you want me to do with it? Shoot me. Sure. Huh? What did you say? I said shoot me in the shoulder. Pete, that's the gun you shot the cop with last night, isn't it? Yeah, but why shoot you with it? I don't get it. You don't have to, but the police and newspapers will. And that's what I want. It'll convince Commissioner Higgins that the Green Hornet shot me. How will it do that? Because you wipe your fingerprints from the gun and leave it behind. I'll say the Green Hornet dropped it as he fled. Then what? The police will examine the gun. They'll find that the bullet which killed the policeman came from this same gun. Hey, that's a good idea. But I still see no reason to shoot you. Well, I do. I think Higgins has a faint idea that this whole thing's a frame up. And if he has, he'll lose it quickly when he learns that I've been shot by the Green Hornet. I don't think we'll lose Redland. Higgins. The cops. Look at them. Grab that gun, Pete. On my side, now. Don't shoot me. Don't shoot me. That's funny. I thought that's what you wanted. No, Redland. We'll save you and Pete with the electric chair. We know everything. Everything. Yes. Take care of that fellow on the floor, sergeant. Then call an ambulance. Have three men go to the hospital with him. Yes, sir. Redland, suppose you come along quietly. You'll be happy, I'm sure, to meet the fake Green Hornet and his gang who will be waiting for us at headquarters. Fake Green Hornet? Yes. We received a radio message a few minutes ago that your gang and Charlie Rogers had been arrested. That's right. It came over the police radio. The squad car that brought me here with the cops from headquarters. They found his gang and a car that was fake to look like the harness. And fake seals too. They found everything but the real Harnett himself. Just how did you learn all these things, commissioner? I received the information most mysteriously from a voice that said he was the real Green Hornet. I took the tip he gave me and. Well, he must have been smarter than you thought, Ridley. Where's Bruce Reed? Didn't he come here tonight? Reed? He left here more than an hour ago. It was his riding me that caused me to attempt these things. Tonight. He's the so and so who got me into this mess. Did he know that's what he. I thought Higgins said it was the Green Harlot. Let the rats be pet. For Redland confesses. Sterling held for murder. Read all about it. McLean out of county Race. Green Hornet cleared. Set the lack. That's the Green Hornet story for today. Another exciting story brought to you by the most refreshing drink in the world. The drink that's actually good for you. Because it's made with real oranges. The one and only Orange Crush. It sparkles. It tingles. It makes you feel fresh again. Always keep several bottles in your refrigerator. And always remember, the handy way to do that is to get the Handy Pack. Six bottles of Orange Crush in a handy carrying case. This program is a feature of the Green Hornet Incorporated. Created by George W. Trendle. Produced by Trendell Campbell Muir Incorporated, directed by Charles D. Livingston and Edited by Fran Stryker. The part of the Green Hornet is played by Jack McCarthy. This copyrighted feature originates in Detroit and all characters, places and incidents used are fictitious. The Green Hornet is brought to you every Wednesday and Friday at this same time by the most refreshing drink in the world, Orange Crush. That's the drink you like best of all. Try it. Next time, ask for Orange Crush. But remember, don't say Orange. Say Orange Crush. O R A N G E C R U S H Orange Crush. Next Friday, listen to the Green Hornet again in the exciting story of danger entitled the Proof of Treason. And now till Friday. This is Fred Foy saying so long from Orange Crush. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System Signal. Signal gasoline. Yes, Signal gasoline is the new gasoline you can prove is superior. The Signal Oil Company and your neighborhood signal dealer bring you another curious story by the Whistler. Tonight, final returns. I am the Whistler. And I know many things. For I walk by night. I know many strange tales hidden in the hearts of men and women who have stepped into the shadows. Yes, I know the nameless terrors of which they dare not speak. They say there's always a woman in the life of every successful man. A woman who inspires him or pushes him or nags him from obscurity to fame. Yes, a woman can be a man's destiny. If it hadn't been for Sylvia, Alex Kirby would have worked his life away at one of the open hearth furnaces of the Williston Steel Company. And the state would have lost one of its colorful political figures. But fate had something else in store for Alex Kirby. Something that had its beginning at a high school prom he attended one night with his friend, Leonard Evans. Oh, look, Len, I'm getting out of here. I shouldn't have come. Now, wait, Alex. I told Sylvia I wanted her to meet you. Oh, some other time. I don't belong here. What's that mean? Look at all these kids. Have a swell time and then look at me. What's wrong? You, an old man at 21? Man, I never went to high school. That's the answer. I don't want to kid myself. I belong here. I suppose I do. Sure you do. You went to high school, to college. And you know this tailor dame. She's not a dame, Alex. She's a teacher. That's what I mean. They're all dames to me. I don't belong here. Well, it's too late to back out. Here's Sylvia now. Hello, Leonard. Hope I didn't keep you waiting. Oh, no. Oh, Sylvia, this is Alex. Kirby. You've heard me talk about him. Oh, yeah. Alex, Sylvia Taylor. How do you do, Mr. Kirby? Hello. Have you gentlemen been dancing? As a matter of fact, Sylvia, Alex was just saying. Now, look, Glenn, how about it? Why don't you two take this dance? Well, if Mr. Kirby. Of course he does. Go ahead. I'll. I'll go sample the punch bowl. You dance Very well, Mr. Kirby. Oh, do I? Paul Leonard's an atrocious dancer. Len's a swell guy. Yes. His whole family is sweet. They've been wonderful to me. I board with them. You know, I have no family of my own. Yeah, he told me. You work in the open house, don't you, Mr. Kirby? Yeah. Where? Muscle counts. Len works in the chemical lab. You haven't any family either. How'd you know? Old Leonard talks about you. He thinks very highly of you. Yeah. He says you've earned your own living since you were 13. He thinks you have great potentiality. Yeah, and so do I. Yeah. For goodness sake, Mr. Kirby, the word is yes. What? Not yeah. Yes. Oh, you were. To make anything of yourself, you must learn to speak properly. Oh, I'll be dying. Hey, you like to know something. Something. Okay, something. You're the first D girl who's ever corrected me. Kind of hopeless, though, don't you think? Oh, I don't know, Mr. Kirby. I'm beginning to think you have. Possibly. Alexander. Yeah? Yes? Have you told Leonard yet? No, not yet. Oh, you promised me you'd do it today. Well, I couldn't. Why not? Well, Len's such a nice guy. Men are not nice guys. And good guys and swell guys. Alexander, how many times must I tell you that? I know, I know. Surely you can tell Leonard about our engagement. Why not? I know, but the way Len feels about you, I've never given him the slightest encouragement. Are you. Are you sure you want to marry me? Sylvia, I knew it the moment I met you. You sound pretty sure of yourself. I'm sure of you, Alexander. Very sure of what the two of us can do together. We're going straight to the top. There you go with that heading for the top stuff again. You've got me all wrong, Sylvia. I'm nobody at all. You're handsome. That's a start. I mean, I don't have any background, no schooling. We'll make up for that together. You'll go to night school and I'll tutor you. Gosh, I'd sooner have a good time than go to school. Rather, dear. Not sooner you'd rather have a good time. Okay, rather. But the point I'm trying to make is. It isn't a valid point, Alexander. Mine are. You're handsome, you're well liked. You have native intelligence. And you have the qualities of leadership. Everyone who meets you knows it. And we're going to capitalize on those gifts. Are you inferring again? The word is imply, not infer. But I'm doing more than imply. I'm telling you flatly. We're going into politics. But I don't know anything about politics. You will. You're going right up to the top. Where's that? The governor's mansion? You know, Sylvia, this is the first time I've ever heard you crack a joke. I'm not joking. Well, I'll be darned. Hey, you mean it, don't you? Of course I mean it. We're going to do things in this world, Alexander. Someday we'll leave this scrubby little steel town. But it can give us something now. Small and cheap and shoddy. But it's a start. Oh, don't you see, Alexander? You can have anything you want if you want it badly enough. The only thing that can stop you is death. How old is a car? Well, in years, the average car on the road today has passed its seventh birthday. But like most folks, a car is really only as old as it feels. And many cars today feel much younger than their birthdays thanks to that amazing new super fuel. New Signal gasoline. Here's what I mean. With New Signal in your tank, you touch the starter and instantly you feel your motor spring to life. As you step on the accelerator, you see your car step ahead with a pickup that makes you proud. And because of New Signals higher anti knock, you hear your motor purr contentedly even on steep hills. It's because of these features which you can actually feel. See? Hear that? We call New Signal the post war gasoline you can prove is superior. But while you're enjoying this improved performance, you'll be interested to know that you're also enjoying an extra bonus in extra miles. You see, because New Signals amazing power means you'll find less need for shifting into second or low gear. And shifting is the demon that wastes gasoline. Your speedometer will tell you it's a fact. You actually go farther than ever with New Signal Gasoline. And now back to the Whistler. Yes, Alex, Sylvia was very much your destiny from the first time she met you and corrected you. She was never a pretty girl, was she? In fact, when you married her, all the lively little Polish girls you danced with and made love to Wondered why you'd chosen a cold fish like Sylvia. They didn't know a man can't run away from his destiny, did they, Alex? At the time, nobody could guess that six years later you'd be the most important man in that grubbyless steel town. Thanks to Sylvia. Yes. Thanks to the books she made you study, the ambition she instilled in you, her untiring correction of your mistakes in grammar and speech, and the social niceties, you were able to run for mayor and win the election. And on election night, after everyone had finally gone home. Everyone but Leonard Evans. Will somebody pinch me now? I still can't believe it. I never had any doubts about the outcome. Did you, Leonard? No. No, you can never be sure about an election, Sylvia. I'll admit I wasn't worried about the mill guys, the labor vote. But when the other side of town poured in for me, too. Oh, my gosh, it was a landslide. Sylvia told you it would be, Alex. Well, I know, but anything can happen in politics now. Like I told that reporter. As you told that reporter. Oh, now, Sylvia, can't I relax when nobody's around? School isn't out yet. I see. Well, I guess I'd better run along. I have some packing to do. Packing? What do you mean, Len? I'm leaving town tomorrow, Alex. Oh, you're kidding. No. No, I'm not. Ask Sylvia. Leonard told me two weeks ago, dear. But you didn't tell me. You let me think. I thought it could wait until the election was over. I didn't want to worry you. Oh, I'm a child, is that it? So I'm a kid who has to be shielded from everything. Now you're being absurd. Okay, Sylvia, okay. Skip it. Well, where are you going, Len? The West Coast. I'll be up to my neck in chemical engineering. You sure you won't change your mind? Oh, sorry, Alex, I can't. I've. I've got to get away. Well, I hope you'll make a hit at whatever it is. Thanks, Alex. I know you'll be successful. You'll always be. As long as Sylvia's beside you. As long as Sylvia's beside you. With her, you're a success. Without her, a failure. Leonard's right, isn't he, Alex? As the years go by, she's there beside you, like your right arm, writing your speeches, standing quietly in the background as you move up the ladder, higher and higher. It's inspiration at first. And slowly, subtly, it changes to desperation. She never lets up. Eternally nagging, pleading and consulting Anything to keep you moving up higher and higher. Sylvia. Sylvia. Yes, dear. I hear you. In here, Sylvia. It's all set. What's all set? The nomination. I had lunch with Ed Stevens today. He said it'll be automatic. I'm as good as on the ballot as the party's candidate for the 48th district. That's not bad, huh? That's very good. Well, aren't you going to congratulate me? All right. Congratulations. You're not very enthusiastic. Is it because you didn't have your hand in it for once? Because I somehow managed to swing it without you? I don't want to disillusion you, Alex, but Mr. Stevens and I had it all settled last week. What? Yes. Furthermore, the one reason they selected you, according to Mr. Stevens, is the fact that you had nothing to do with the Preston machine. And I think you'll agree that was my decision. Am I right? Yes, Sylvia, as usual. Yes, Alex, higher and higher. And she's always there making every decision, correcting your speech, jumping on you like a wildcat when you try to make a move on your own. And the trouble is, she's always right, isn't she? She has a genius for being right. You wonder if there's any escape, if she'll ever be satisfied. Washington, a seat in Congress. Still she's there, picking away, goading you on. Then at a smart embassy cocktail party, a girl walks into your life. A girl who represents everything Sylvia has denied you. So you're Alexander Kirby. I've been wondering when I'd meet you. Did you expect to Miss Roland? Oh, yes. Dad's talked so much about you, you see. About me? You don't know who I am, do you, Mr. Congressman? Well, I'm Senator Roland's daughter. Oh, I get it now. Of course, Senator Roland sounds surprised. Well, I never expected the senator. Well, frankly, I never imagined the senator having such a pretty daughter. Of course, dad has other accomplishments besides bellowing on the Senate floor. If you're only one of them, he's a very remarkable man. Very potent Champagne, isn't it, Mr. Kirby? I don't think it's the champagne. Maybe the atmosphere, maybe. You have the bluest eyes I've ever seen. You're not going to take inventory of me, are you, Mr. Kirby? I know I'm clumsy at this sort of thing. It's been a long time. I don't think you could be clumsy at anything you do. Ah, now you're laughing at me. No, it's a defense mechanism. I always talk this way when I'm scared. Scared? Can't you tell? I'm scared to death. Why? For the same reason you are, Vivian. Silly, isn't it? We're both trembling, Vivian. When can I meet? Wait. Somebody's watching us. Oh? Where? Over there. The woman in that frightful dress. See her? Yes. She's my wife. But listen. You've got to listen to me, Sylvia. I don't think you know what you're saying. I knew it would be a shock to you, but there just isn't any other way. I've got to have a divorce. Why? Because I don't love you. Oh. Furthermore, I never did. And I don't think you've ever loved me. Is that good enough reason? If it's true, it is. Of course, there are other considerations, too. I know there are, Sylvia. They just don't seem so important to me now. They're important to me. Who is she? Vivian Roland. The one you were dancing with the other night? That's right. She's quite pretty. What are you leading up to, Sylvia? I'm just approving of your taste in women, dear. She's a lovely girl. Glad we agree on that. It's a shame you'll never be able to marry her. Sylvia, I don't understand you. I swear I don't. I thought you had pride. I have more pride than you will ever have, Alexander. And I don't think I flatter myself by claiming a little more intelligence. What do you think I am, Alexander? Why do you think I spent the best 15 years of my life making a somebody out of a nobody? Why, when I first knew you, you didn't know the difference between a champagne glass and a shaving mug. Why do you think I gave up everything I had? Wait a minute, Sylvia. I do know. I know exactly why you did it. You picked me out like you'd pick out a promising colt at a horse auction. That's all I was. A hunk of clay you thought you could make a career out of. And I've got to hand it to you. You did it. You rang the bell. You put your dough on a winner. That's me. A front runner, unbeatable at a mile and an eighth. Alex. Oh, it's true, isn't it? Oh, you're clever, Sylvia. You're smart. You're as cold and accurate as a piece of machine steel. But you made one bad mistake, my dear. You forgot I'm alive. I think I feel I got a heart. Oh, I beg your pardon. I have a heart. That's why Vivian Roland is more Important to me than anything else. And that's why I'm going to marry her. You mean you're going to commit bigamy. I've already told you, divorce is out of the question. You've got to be reasonable, Sylvia. I think I'm being fair. I've devoted my life to you. I think I'm entitled to something. Now that we've arrived, you might as well put divorce out of your mind, Alexander. I'd die before I'd give you up. Is that clear? Yes, I suppose it is. Alex, huh? Have you told her yet? No. You said you'd do it last night. I will, Vivian. Tonight for sure. You do love me, don't you? If I could only tell you, Vivian. Oh, I can't wait to let Daddy in on it. He doesn't suspect anything, does he? Oh, of course not, silly. Nobody knows about us. What do you think he'll say? Oh, he thinks you're smart and ambitious and I think you're handsome. I think we'll agree on you. Of course, he might think I'm a little old for you. You're only 35. Still, that's a little older than you are. I want it that way. I'm really not a know it all, Alex. I'm a fake. You? A fake? Yes. You'll have a lot to teach me, Alex. Teach you? Scare you? No. Just happen to think I. I've never been asked to teach anybody before. You will tell her tonight, won't you, sweetheart? I'm getting awfully tired of waiting. All right, Vivian. I'll tell her tonight. Well, Alex, what are you going to do? It looks as if the next move is up to you. You know it's useless to argue with Sylvia, don't you? She has you where she wants you, in the center of the ring like a trained seal balancing a ball on your nose while she stands over you with a whip. There isn't room for anything else in your mind, is there, Alex? Not even the biggest election in your career. Hello, Jerry? Jerry, this is Alex. Look, tell him I can't speak tonight. I'm sorry. Tell him I don't feel well. Tell him anything. I just can't make it, that's all. O okay, so it loses me a million votes. What if I don't care? All right. I'll lose the governorship too. I'm not talking tonight. And that's finally. Alexander. Why aren't you down at the auditorium? I'm not speaking tonight, Sylvia. What's the matter? Just wasn't up to it. You know what it means. Yes, I know what it means. How long are you going to keep up this silly brooding, Sylvia? Won't you listen to reason? You're not happy the way things are, are you? I don't suppose I am. Well, why won't you? I'm sorry, Alexander. Believe me, I'm sorry. It's a horrible situation. There's no way out for you and there's no way out for me. You see, I'm just as determined to go to the top with you as you are to get rid of me. Listen. So look at my side, Alexander. Does it seem fair to you to toss me aside after I served your purpose? You're a sort of a work of art, dear. You're something I made with my two hands and my brain. You're like a picture I spent a lifetime painting. When you're gone, there's nothing left for me. Don't you see? There'd be no reason for me to go on living. All right, Sylvia. The next week is like a long nightmare, isn't it, Alex? The clamor of the campaign rings in your ears. You find yourself making speeches. The speeches Sylvia wrote for you, by the way. Banners, posters, cheering. Crowds are all around you, but you hardly notice them. Slowly, insidiously, something is happening to you. Everything except you and Vivian and Sylvia fades into insignificance. There's no way out. She said, as long as she lives, you belong to her. It was a shock when you first found yourself thinking of it, wasn't it? Alice? As long as she lives, you belong to her. You were panicky. You hurriedly cast it out of your mind, but it came back again and again, each time appearing less terrifying and more logical. And then finally. Sylvia. Oh. Oh, you startle me. I didn't hear you come in. Come on, get your coat. We're going out. What for? Never mind what for. We're going out. We're going to decide this divorce business once and for all. Now, let's not go into that, Alexander, okay? How many times must I tell you? O you've told me for the last time, Sylvia. What do you mean? You've corrected me for the last time. I'm going to kill you, Sylvia. Alexander, if this is a stupid attempt to frighten me. There's nothing stupid about this revolver. Alexander. You're not. You're not yourself. You can't get away with this. Don't worry. I'm not going to do it here. That's why we're going out. You can't be serious. I Was never more serious in my life for that Roland girl. And for me too. For my own salvation. You're throwing it all away. Aren't everything we spent 15 years building? Maybe if I'm caught. You will be. You're as stupid at this as you are at everything else. Or you'll never get away with it, Alex. All right. I won't get away with it. So what? I said I'd rather die than give you up, didn't I? Something like that. Maybe. Maybe it is worth dying for. What do you mean? You can't understand it, I guess. I don't suppose anyone could understand it. That's the trouble, you see. No one can know how I feel about you. It isn't love exactly, it. It's a lifetime of work, worry and sleepless nights. Years of mustering every ounce of strength I have to make you great. That's what you're throwing away, Alexander, and I won't let you do it. I won't. Listen, Alexander, if you're going to kill me, you can do it right? At least you can let me help you here, too. What are you talking about? I'll write you a note, Alexander. I'll write you a suicide note. Oh, Alex, darling, I feel so sorry for you. It's been such a shocking blow. Yes, I. I know, Vivian. You have everyone's sympathy. No one ever dreamed she would kill herself. The last thing in the world I expected. I thought it was because of us. Oh, no, no, no, Vivienne. You mustn't think that. After all, there was her note. Yes, that note. Let's think of the future, darling. You've everything in the world coming your way. And now we'll both share it. Always. We can't get married for some time yet, though. Oh, I know that. But after the election. Yes, I. I won't see you much until then. I. I'm going back into the campaign this week. But afterwards, we'll always be together, dear. Forever. Well, Alex, it's really simple, isn't it? No one suspects you. Everyone's most sympathetic. And Vivian loves you. You go back into the campaign in earnest. No time now for anything but politics. Your own politics this time. Your own ambition. You forget all about Sylvia and the ugly, sordid past. Until one night a few months after the murder. Who in the world could that be? Hello, Alex. Well, land. Well, for heaven's sake, I thought you were on the coast. I was. Well, sit down. Thanks. How'd you happen to come east? Business. Been a lot of water under the bridge. Since I saw you last, Alec. Yeah. Tough about Sylvia. I like to talk about it, Lynn. Funny thing. You never knew how I felt about Sylvia, did you, Alex? I loved her, you know. Always had. Until I introduced you to. Then it was all over. I'm sorry, Lynn. Yeah, so am I. I've been reading the newspapers. They gave the story quite a spread. Yeah, I know. Natural, of course, with you a political bigwig and all. Yeah? Yeah. Well, what business brought you back? Elan? Sylvia. What did you think? What do you mean? Very simple, Alex. I'm going to kill you. The Whistler will return in just a moment with the strange ending to tonight's story. Meantime, while the smashing of the atoms is still making headlines, I'd like to tell you how another group of scientists have already put atoms to work for you. Not by smashing them, but by putting them together. You see, it was actually by separating the atoms in gasoline molecules and then putting them together in an entirely new way that chemists created that amazing new type of motor fuel. New Signal Gasoline. That's why New Signal is not just pre war quality gasoline. Not just old style gasoline improved, but an entirely new type of super fuel. Packed with new power so immediately apparent you can feel it, see it, hear it, to discover what proud performance there's still left in your car. You really owe it to yourself to try New Signal Gasoline. Stop this week at one of the friendly stations displaying Signal's familiar yellow and black circle sign. And let just one tank full of this great new super fuel prove in your own car why New Signal actually is the new post war gasoline you can prove is superior. And now back to the Whistler. Well, Alex, you try to talk, but all you can do is jabber. And it's no wonder with your old friend Leonard Evans calmly sitting on the Davenport toying with a.38 automatic. Yes, Alex. It's enough to make anyway jabber, isn't it? Don't be a fool and put that gun down. I will later may put it in your hand in fact. Just as you did with Sylvia. Why did you kill her, Alex? What? Why did you kill her? She killed herself. It was suicide. Everybody said so. The coroner, the police surgeon, the papers. You're not giving a statement to the papers now, Alex. You're talking to someone who knows you. Why did you kill her, Alex? Can't mean what you're saying. It doesn't make sense. You got tired of being pushed, didn't you? Thought you could get along without her. I don't know, Alex. Maybe I'm jealous. It couldn't have happened to me. You see, no matter how hard she pushed, we never could have reached the top of the ladder. And she wanted the top so badly. Well, that's beside the point, I guess. Why did you kill her, Alex? Why did you write that suicide note for her? I didn't write. And you forced her to write it for you before you killed her. Listen, lad, I got a copy of it right here. Took it out of the paper. Let's see. Here it is. I don't mean to infer. You have been unkind to me. Does that sound like Sylvie? Alex? What's wrong with it? She never would have used infer, Alex. Imply is the right word. Remember? She used to call you on it all the time. Let's get this over with. Hello, Joe. Oh, hello, Mr. Evans. Scotch and soda, double. Right away, sir. That was tough about Governor Kirby killing himself. I just heard the news. Yeah. He's a friend of yours, wasn't he? Yeah. Yes, it sure was tough, wasn't it? Yeah. Here, Joe, buy yourself a drink. Gosh, Mr. Evans, 20 bucks. Yeah, I won't be needing it. Taking a little trip, Joe? Down to police headquarters. Next Monday at 9:00, the Whistler will bring you another strange tale. The curious story. Call it coincidence, the Whistler is broadcast for your entertainment by the marketers of signal gasoline and motor oil and fine quality automotive accessories and by your neighborhood signal dealer. This program, produced by George W. Allen with tonight's story by Leslie Edgley, music by Wilbur Hatch, is transmitted to our troops overseas by the Armed Forces Radio Service. This is Marvin Miller speaking and suggesting that you try new signal. The new gasoline you can prove is superior. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System. We just heard three adventures of the Green Hornet plus another strange story by the Whistler. That will do it for this week's episode. Thanks so much for joining me. I'll be back next week with some more old time radio crime fighters. But in the meantime, you can check out Stars on Suspense, my other old Time radio podcast. New episodes of that show are out on Thursday. If you like what you're hearing, don't be a stranger. You can rate, review and subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or wherever you find it. And if you'd like to lend support to the show, you can visit buymeacoffee.com meanstsotr now. Goodnight until next time when I'll be back with more old time radio detectives. Until then, good night and happy listening. Now here is our star, Vincent Price. Ladies and gentlemen. In a prejudice filled America, no one would be secure in his job, his business, his church or his home. Yet racial and religious antagonisms are exploited daily by quacks and adventurers whose followers make up the irresponsible lunatic fringe of American life. Refuse to listen to or spread rumors against any race or religion. Help to stamp out prejudice in our country. Let's judge our neighbors by the character of their lives alone and not on the basis of their religion or origin.