Episode 606 - Carnival of Crime (Boston Blackie, The Whistler, Sam Spade, & Superman)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Down These Mean Streets (Old Time Radio Detectives) Episode 606 - Carnival of Crime (Boston Blackie, The Whistler, Sam Spade, & Superman) Release Date: November 25, 2024

Down These Mean Streets takes listeners on a nostalgic journey through the Golden Age of Radio, featuring some of the era's most iconic detectives and crime fighters. In Episode 606, titled Carnival of Crime, host Mean Streets Podcasts curates thrilling mysteries from four legendary radio shows: Boston Blackie, The Whistler, Sam Spade, and Superman. Set against the vibrant backdrop of a carnival, each story intertwines suspense, deception, and heroism, delivering an engaging experience for both longtime fans and newcomers.

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1. Boston Blackie: The Shadow of the Carnival

Plot Overview: The episode opens with Boston Blackie, portrayed by Richard Colmer, finding himself embroiled in a sinister mystery at a bustling carnival. A fortune teller named Madame Zena predicts that Blackie will soon be surrounded by death. Her prediction ominously comes true when she is found dead, masquerading in a monkey costume.

Key Points & Discussions:

• Fortune Teller's Prophecy: Madame Zena's eerie foresight sets the stage for the unfolding drama. "Do not mark Madame Zena, for she sees death tonight." [10:50]
• Conflict with Cooper: Blackie's confrontation with Cooper, a pickpocket threatening carnival worker Rhoda, escalates tensions. "You're free to go because of Rhoda." [14:31]
• Investigation & Revelation: Inspector Faraday συνεργάζεται with Blackie, revealing Cooper as the accidental killer who mistook Madame Zena for Rhoda. However, the plot thickens as the real perpetrator, Flint, the carnival owner, is unveiled.
• Final Showdown: Blackie deduces Flint's true identity through geographical inconsistencies and confronts him, leading to Flint's dramatic demise. "What must have happened is this. When the real Flint came to this country, this character knocked him off and took over his identity." [24:04]

Notable Quote:

• Blackie asserting his resolve: "I have a prediction of my own to make. I'm going to make a monkey out of the killer who shot Madame Zena in that monkey suit." [25:15]

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2. The Whistler: The Brass Ring Deception

Plot Overview: From The Whistler, the story titled The Brass Ring delves into the manipulative schemes of Babe Logan, a carnival dancer. Doris Singleton voices Babe, who marries a wealthy older man with the intent to exploit his fortune, only to meet her downfall through deceit and murder.

Key Points & Discussions:

• Babe's Schemes: Babe's calculated marriage to Mr. Bundy, a star-struck wealthy man, is driven by greed. "I want you to marry me." [44:35]
• Manipulation and Control: Babe aims to secure her financial future by leveraging her position, leading to confrontations with her suitors.
• Tragic Accidents: Multiple staged accidents, orchestrated by Midway Martin and Fred Kelly, are revealed to sabotage Happyland's reputation. "He cut out a piece of the track so that there'd be an accident." [115:38]
• Superman's Intervention: Superman (voiced by Vincent Price) intervenes during the final showdown, preventing further tragedy and exposing the culprits behind the carnival's chaos.

Notable Quote:

• Babe confronting her suitor: "I want you near me, that's all. You change your mind and I won't get in your way." [49:12]

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3. Sam Spade: The Bluebeard Caper

Plot Overview: Howard Duff stars as Sam Spade in The Bluebeard Caper. The detective is drawn into a complex case involving Jefferson Davis Calhoun, a man with a notorious history of marrying women who meet mysterious ends. When Calhoun attempts to defraud Sam's client, Sylvia Towers, Spade uncovers a web of deceit and murder.

Key Points & Discussions:

• Insurance Fraud: Calhoun's pattern of marrying women under different aliases and collecting their insurance serves as the central crime. "He's been married three times under three different names and that all his wives died mysteriously." [73:32]
• Investigative Tactics: Sam Spade employs classic detective methods, including questioning, undercover maneuvers, and leveraging his keen intuition to solve the case. "If you were going to knock him out, you should have got it before." [75:29]
• Climactic Resolution: Spade confronts Calhoun, leading to his confession and the unraveling of his fraudulent schemes. "You've just given me enough. From now on, it's over, Mr. Bundy." [91:42]

Notable Quote:

• Sam reflecting on the case: "I don't think we can prove it. Although there's no doubt in my mind that Martin was responsible." [107:12]

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4. Superman: Death Rides the Rollercoaster

Plot Overview: The Adventures of Superman segment, titled Death Rides the Rollercoaster, features Superman thwarting a nefarious plot at Happyland Amusement Park. Midway Martin, the antagonist, attempts to sabotage the new Five Mile Sky Chaser roller coaster to ruin his rival, Nancy Bartlett's, reputation and business.

Key Points & Discussions:

• Sabotage Plot: Martin and his henchman, Fred Kelly, deliberately remove a section of the roller coaster track to cause a catastrophic accident. "He cut out a piece of the track so that there'd be an accident." [115:37]
• Superman's Heroism: Demonstrating his strength and quick thinking, Superman intervenes just in time to stop the roller coaster from derailing, saving countless lives. "With a click of a finger, he breaks both saddlebirds and drops the saddles to the street." [60:00]
• Public Relations Maneuver: To restore trust, Nancy orchestrates a parade led by Superman, which is interrupted by Martin's final act of sabotage. "I said you won't mind taking a ride on it to celebrate your buying Happy Land." [119:09]
• Ultimate Confrontation: Superman confronts Martin, exposing his actions and ensuring justice is served as the carnival's safety is reinstated. "You're sorry, but there's no other way." [119:04]

Notable Quote:

• Superman's decisive action: "Hold your hats. Thank you. Belt buckle, please. Here we go." [52:32]

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Conclusion:

Episode 606 of Down These Mean Streets masterfully weaves together intricate tales from four beloved radio detectives, each bringing their unique flair to the carnival-themed mysteries. From Boston Blackie's savvy detective work and The Whistler's ominous storytelling to Sam Spade's sharp investigative prowess and Superman's heroic feats, listeners are treated to a rich tapestry of suspense and intrigue.

Notable Quotes Compilation:

• Boston Blackie: "I have a prediction of my own to make. I'm going to make a monkey out of the killer who shot Madame Zena in that monkey suit." [25:15]
• The Whistler (Babe Logan): "I want you near me, that's all. You change your mind and I won't get in your way." [49:12]
• Sam Spade: "I don't think we can prove it. Although there's no doubt in my mind that Martin was responsible." [107:12]
• Superman: "Hold your hats. Thank you. Belt buckle, please. Here we go." [52:32]

This episode not only celebrates the timeless appeal of Old Time Radio detectives but also highlights the enduring legacy of their stories, making it a must-listen for enthusiasts of classic mystery and adventure tales.

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Additional Information:

• Advertisements & Sponsorships: The episode features period-appropriate advertisements for products like Fitch's Shaving Cream, Lucky Strike cigarettes, Tums, Wheaties, Champagne Velvet beer, Signal Gasoline, and Wild Root Cream Oil Hair Tonic. These interludes provide authentic glimpses into the consumer culture of the era, seamlessly blending with the narrative without disrupting the storytelling flow.

• Host’s Remarks: Mean Streets Podcasts concludes the episode by promoting an upcoming Thanksgiving special and cross-referencing other related shows, encouraging listeners to explore more of their curated Old Time Radio content.

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Down These Mean Streets continues to honor the rich tradition of radio detective stories, offering immersive experiences that transport listeners back to a bygone era of thrilling tales and captivating performances.

Transcript

[Vincent Price]

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.

[Host]

Hello and welcome to down these Mean Streets with more old time radio detectives and crime fighters. This week we're off to the midway to enjoy the sights and sounds of the carnival. Of course, it won't just be roller coasters, carousels and deep fried food. We'll find some mystery and murder along the way, courtesy of these four old Time Radio detective shows. First up is a trip to the carnival with Boston Blackie where a fortune teller predicts a murder and it turns out to be her own. Richard Colmer stars as Boston Blackie in this syndicated mystery. Then it's one of my favorite episodes of The Whistler. From September 16, 1946, it's the brass Ring with Doris Singleton as a carnival dancer who marries a star struck, wealthy older man and then makes her plans to enjoy his fortune and rid herself of that new husband. Up third is Howard Duff as Sam Spade in the Bluebeard Caper. Originally aired on CBS on August 8, 1948. In this one, a man hires Sam to save his sister from an impending marriage to an infamous widower and winding up dead like each of his previous wives. But a trip to the carnival reveals more about his client, the sister, and each of those late ladies. Finally, it's up, up and Away with Death Rides the Rollercoaster from the Adventures of Superman. Originally aired on ABC on December 3, 1949. Now, usually when we hear the man of Steel on this podcast, his stories are in the form of serialized adventures. But in the spring of 1949, the show was revamped as a weekly 30 minute series and that run brings us the episode we'll hear today. Interestingly, it's a reworking of a story that had previously been serialized on the program back in 1940. In fact, we featured it on a bonus episode of the podcast back in August of 2022. In this abridged 30 minute version of the story, Superman flies to the aid of Lois Lane's friend, a carnival owner who's being menaced by an unscrupulous rival who will do anything to run her out of business. The barkers are calling and we've got our tickets for this quartet of radio mysteries. We'll kick things off with Boston Blackie right after these messages.

[Vincent Price]

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[Narrator]

Little you know about the little white tablet in the little green pocket roll just waiting for the moment when need them to bring your acid indigestion under control. Chums are the little white tablets in the little green pocket roll. Tums for the tummy T u M s bring relief quicker than you'd ever guess. Best for any kind of acid distress. Keep them handy in the pocket roll. Keep your tummy under Tommy'.

[Vincent Price]

Tums are fast, effective and safe. Tums relieve the discomfort of acid indigestion quickly with no danger of acid rebound, sometimes caused by harsh alkalizers. Always carry Tums. $0.10. Three roll pack a quarter new Tum. Six roll pack with free metal carrier. $0.49. Next time you bounce out of bed in the morning. Well, you do bounce, don't you? Okay, let's say next time you get out of bed, head for the Wheaties. Sure enough, head for the Wheaties at 7am and see how they help. At 11am yes, they can make a difference at 11. And they can make a difference at the breakfast table. It's likely to be a pleasanter place with a bowl full of crisp little old Wheaties next to your spoon and napkin. The reason is of course, the whole hearted whole wheat taste of Wheaties. You're getting all that sweet as a nut, whole wheat flavor in every Wheaties flake. Pour on the milk, put on the fruit and dig right in to one of the finest openings any morning ever had. And then see how much finer the morning itself goes when you've started with breakfast of champions. That full whole wheat really gives with vitality, you know, There's a whole kernel of wheat in every flake of Wheaties. Now see if you don't notice the difference all morning long. Less of the mid morning slump, more of the up and at em punch. Know what I mean? All right, then you try it tomorrow. Next day for a good breakfast. For a good morning, start with Wheaties. See yourself how wheaties at 7 can help at 11. 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.

[Narrator]

Every time the carnival comes to town, I feel like a kid again. Look, here's Madame Zena's place. Let's get our fortunes told.

[Vincent Price]

Oh, you don't really believe in that Hulk, Mary?

[Narrator]

Well, no, but. But it should be fun.

[Vincent Price]

Let's hear what she has to say. Come on. Okay, but let her do all the talking. You'll see how wrong she can be. They are the rank production.

[Narrator]

The young lady will.

[Vincent Price]

Come on, Mary, let's get out of here.

[Narrator]

No, the man will stay.

[Vincent Price]

Look, Madam Zina, anything.

[Narrator]

You stay, I'll wait outside.

[Vincent Price]

Okay, Mary. I don't get it. Okay, one of those shapes is for Me? Just tell them I'm happy with Merry way.

[Narrator]

Do not mark Madame Gina, for she sees death tonight. And you bought them black? He arrived in the middle of it.

[Vincent Price]

It's smooth, smooth, smooth. And you're sure it's pure? That, my friends, was the voice of a man, an enthusiastic friend of cv, describing what he likes about Champagne Velvet, the beer with the million dollar flavor. You too will find that CV is smooth from foam to finish. More than that, from your first sip of the rich, creamy foam that billows on top of your glass right down to that last delicious drop, you'll find CV bright and sparkling, light and lively, with a clear, clean taste that makes you sure it's pure and stamps it as a beer of real premium quality. Premium quality that costs you no premium in price. Yes, sir, it's mused just as smooth. And you're sure it's pure? There is no finer beer. And now back to Dick Culmer as Boston Blackie. Enemy to those who make him an enemy, Friend to those who have no friend.

[Narrator]

Do not mark Madame Gina, for she sees death. And you, Boston Blackie, are in the midst of it.

[Vincent Price]

How do you know my name?

[Narrator]

I know nothing. I am but the earthly instrument of the actual body.

[Vincent Price]

Yeah, what's this routine about death?

[Narrator]

It is here in the crystal ball.

[Vincent Price]

Where?

[Narrator]

It is here for everyone to see. I'm looking everyone who wishes to see.

[Vincent Price]

Okay, take a second look and maybe you can see who it is that's going to be dead.

[Narrator]

That's right.

[Vincent Price]

I don't believe a word you're saying.

[Narrator]

You have just stab the astral in front of. Get out.

[Vincent Price]

Okay, okay. That's what I want to do in the first place.

[Narrator]

But remember what Madame has said.

[Vincent Price]

Oh, I've made notes.

[Narrator]

There is death and you, Boston, brightly arise in a moon starve.

[Vincent Price]

How much do I owe you for this seance?

[Narrator]

You owe Madame nothing. But you made all the stars your life. Okay, Never pie.

[Vincent Price]

Come on, Mary, let's. Let's defy the forces of gravity instead.

[Narrator]

Of the forces of Faraday on our Blackie. I refuse to take another step until you tell me what happened with Madam Z.

[Vincent Price]

Nothing happened. It was all a joke. I don't believe giving me a rib, honestly. And I gave it right back to her. So she chased me out of her place.

[Narrator]

Blackie, you're holding something out on me.

[Vincent Price]

Look, Mary, let's go on this ride and I'll tell you everything that happened, word for word. Oh, Mr. Flynn and Mr. Flynn. What? Ah. What is it? The fan bell on the Merry Go Round broke and we need another one. Stop whispering and talk louder. I can't hear a word you're saying. Oh, I keep forgetting your hard hearing. There's a fan bell on the Merry Go Round brook and we need a new one. You're finding a supply cabinet in my office.

[Narrator]

Get it?

[Vincent Price]

Sure enough, Mr. Flynn. Hey, have you seen Cooper around? He's working the suckers near that concession over there. No good? Pickpocket has stopped working like honey. I'm gonna get him and break his neck. Definitely close the folks. Don't push. There's plenty of room for everyone up here. That's right. Now, I'll tell you what I'm gonna. Okay, Cooper, get a move on. Beat it. Oh, look, Flint, you got me all wrong. I ain't doing nothing. Just watching Joe make his pitch. Come on, Cooper, get away from these people. Why? What I got to say to you? I say in private, let go my arm. Let go nothing. Come on, you move. All right. Okay, Flint, we're away from the mob. Now. Say your piece and let go my arm. I told you before, Cooper, I don't want you working a crowd at my car. Who's doing anything? I'm just walking around like the rest of the crowd. It's a free country. Yeah, and you're kind of free with your hands in other people's pockets. Well, you're saying things. I'm just minding my own business. Now, look, Cooper. Yeah, this is my first Connie in the States. For 10 years I had a tent show in Australia. So what? 10 years and not once did anybody squawk that they were on. Okay, so you're honest. What should I do, Yell hooray? Why don't you come right out with it? You don't want me around because of Rhoda. I don't know what you're talking about. Let me refresh your memory. Rhoda, a beautiful blonde who dresses up in a monkey suit and makes what, the animal? I'm warning you, Cooper. Get out of here and stay out. Now, I'm the one that's tired of hearing. I'm staying. You're getting out. I'm not getting out and you're going out. Rhoda.

[Narrator]

Who's out there?

[Vincent Price]

It's me, Cooper.

[Narrator]

Cooper?

[Vincent Price]

Yeah. Can I come in?

[Narrator]

I'm just about in my monkey suit. Okay, come in.

[Vincent Price]

I just had a talk with the boy.

[Narrator]

With Flint?

[Vincent Price]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

Cooper, you had a fight. Look at the cut on your cheek.

[Vincent Price]

So wet. Flint don't look so pretty either.

[Narrator]

What's the matter with you? You want me to lose my job?

[Vincent Price]

Yeah. I'm sick and tired of seeing you climb into that broken down monkey pays.

[Narrator]

The rent and grocery bills.

[Vincent Price]

Rent and grocery bills. Road to use your head.

[Narrator]

That's what I'm doing.

[Vincent Price]

Look, with your looks, you should be in the movies instead of Dublin for a monkey.

[Narrator]

Beat my brains out and starve with the rest of those Hollywood hopefuls? No, thanks.

[Vincent Price]

Now look, baby, with me along, you got nothing to worry about. I'll stake you until you get sick.

[Narrator]

How are you going to do it? By lifting stuff from people's pockets?

[Vincent Price]

Well, don't you worry about that.

[Narrator]

Oh, no. When the cops pick you up, little road is left out in the cold.

[Vincent Price]

Now, look.

[Narrator]

Come on, Cooper, stop daydreaming. Help me with the back of my costume. I'm due on in a couple of minutes.

[Vincent Price]

Rhoda, you're leaving the Corny with me after this show. This is the last time you get into your monkey suit.

[Narrator]

Guess again. I'm staying.

[Vincent Price]

Maybe you didn't understand what I said. Baby, this is the last time you get into your monkey suit, whether you go with me or not. Homicide Saturday.

[Narrator]

Inspector, you've got to protect me. I'm going to be killed.

[Vincent Price]

Who is this? Who's going to kill you?

[Narrator]

My name is Rhoda Cummings and I work at the carnival.

[Vincent Price]

Cooper said he's going to kill me. Yeah? Who's Cooper?

[Narrator]

Somebody I know.

[Vincent Price]

Why should he kill you?

[Narrator]

He wants me to quit my job and go away with him.

[Vincent Price]

Look, lady, you got the wrong department. You need the marriage bureau.

[Narrator]

Didn't you hear what I said?

[Vincent Price]

Yeah, but I got away.

[Narrator]

You won't kill me unless you do.

[Vincent Price]

Something about it bad. Oh, come on, Mary. Let's see if I can win a baby doll for you. It could be quite a picture. I know you're worried about that Madame Zena and her prophecy. Stop, will you? Oh, very honestly, I am the one who should be worried.

[Narrator]

Somebody ought to be.

[Vincent Price]

Mary, you know where I've been for the past 10 minutes? No.

[Narrator]

You know me better than to think I'd ask you.

[Vincent Price]

I was calling billboard at theatrical trade paper.

[Narrator]

You were?

[Vincent Price]

I found out about this madam and also about a fellow named Flint who owns the carnival. And Zena is an old timer at the racket. Flint is a hard of hearing guy who operated in Australia and this is his first carnival over here.

[Narrator]

But Blackie, how could Madame Zena call you by name?

[Vincent Price]

Mary, my picture's been in the paper a couple of times. You know the Whole thing is just. Excuse me for buttoning in. Well, what's the matter? I wouldn't talk like that about Madam Zeena. Oh, friend of yours? If you want to call it that.

[Narrator]

Well, what's what?

[Vincent Price]

Madam Zena and I have been crossing paths in this business for nigh on to 30 years.

[Narrator]

Oh, you work in this carnival.

[Vincent Price]

But in this carnival, it's another. As long as there's a carnival, I'm there. Oh, that's the only life worth living. I guess it's. Oh, sorry.

[Narrator]

Oh, that's personal.

[Vincent Price]

But my name is James Bland Thompson. Folks just call me Pop. Hi. At last. It's Mary Wesley. I'm Boston Blackie. Howdy, man. Hello there, Pop. And howdy, Boston Blackie. Hey, I heard tell about you. Well, that's good. Now, what's this about you and Madame Xena and not seeing eye to eye? Well, I'll tell you, Pop. She was looking into a crystal ball when she saw death. Yeah, you can believe it. Oh, Pop, come now. No, that's true. You're an old timer. You know the trick of the trade. Don't tell me you believe it. If Madam Zena said it, I believe it. Okay, Blackie. She can look into the future. I'll admit she's pretty good if she's got an old timer like you. Buffalo.

[Narrator]

That was a shot.

[Vincent Price]

I came from the direction of those cars. Come on.

[Narrator]

Easy.

[Vincent Price]

Easy, Blackie. I'm trying to keep up with you. Take it easy.

[Narrator]

Me too. Blackie.

[Vincent Price]

I think the shot came from this wagon over here. That's Ro is placed. You stay out here, Mary. Pop, I'm going in alone. No, nothing doing, Blackie. Something's the matter with Ro. I'm going in.

[Narrator]

I'm not staying out either.

[Vincent Price]

Okay, okay. Come on.

[Narrator]

What? Marcus. The monkey that's been shot.

[Vincent Price]

No, no, it's Rhoda.

[Narrator]

Rhoda?

[Vincent Price]

Inside that costume you'll find Rhoda. Who is this Rhoda? A young blonde gal who doesn't act imitating a monkey. You mean there's a human being in a costume? That's right. Let's open it up. There's a zipper over the headpiece there. Get this head piece off. That isn't Rhoda. No. Pop. Looks like I owe you an apology. What do you mean by Madame Zena could really tell the future? She predicted death, all right. Her own listen for just a few seconds To a man who knows good beer and who likes champagne velvet the beer with the million dollar flavor Bright and sparkling, yes, sir, light and lively yes, sir. Clear and clean. Yes, sir. There is no finer beer, and that's a fact. Go where you will, pay what you will. No better beer than CV can be had at any price. No better beer than CV can be made at any cost. CV's famous formula provides for only the more costly premium quality materials. Then CVs careful processing and controlled aging gives you a beer that you're sure is pure. CV's flavor will tell you all of that. You'll find it bright and sparkling from foam to finish. Robust and full flavored as a real honest to goodness beer should be. CVs flavor will tell you that you're enjoying a premium quality beer at no premium in price. You're sure it's pure and it's just as sm. And now back to Boston. Blackie. Blackie is told by Madame Zena, a fortune teller of the carnival, that he soon will be in the middle of death. Flint, owner of the carnival, tries to chase Cooper, a pickpocket, from the lot, and is knocked unconscious for his efforts. Cooper then goes to Rhoda, the girl in the monkey costume, and threatens to kill her unless she goes away with him. While walking through the midway, Blackie and Mary hear a shot and find Madame Zeena dead in Rhoda's monkey costume. As we return to our story, Madame Zena's body has been removed and Blackie and Inspector Faraday are constructed. Blackie, why is it every time there's a murder, I find you there? You have to find something, Faraday. After all, you are a cop. Nice of you to admit it. By the way, you're acting too nice to me. Why? It's Be Kind to Animals Week. No, Faraday, what are you doing about Madame Zenith's killer? One of my. It just so happens I got Matthew searching the carnival grounds for the guy right now. Couple thousand people out there, Faraday. How do you know which guy you want? His name is Cooper. We got a pretty good description of him from Flint, the owner of this carnage. Cooper's a pickpocket who works traveling shows. Why, Faraday, you've been holding out on me. Sure. I got a call from a girl. She says her name is Roda. She works at the carnival. I see. And her boyfriend, Cooper, is threatened to kill her if she doesn't go away with him. And? And I get here, find that Rhoda is the monkey girl and that somebody in a monkey costume has been killed. And from that you figure that Cooper is your killer? Of course. Cooper came into the tent to make Good. His threat. He saw somebody in the monkey costume, didn't bother to find out who was in it, started shooting. What do you think? It's simple genius. And so are you. Where is Rhoda now? Oh, no. Nobody's seen her since the body was discovered. In fact, Mary's looking for her right now. Why don't you look for Mary? But how did Madame Z get into Rhoda's costume? Well, with Zeppes and Faraday. Where do I find this guy Flint, the owner of the carnival? His office is in the wagon at the end of this row. Talk loud, he's a little deaf. And you two will make a wonderful team. Deaf? This place has now become a corny, corny parody. Some joke. I've never met a carnival on him. Maybe I can get his autograph. We'll read it to him. Very cute. By the way, I have a prediction of my own to make. What is your prediction, Madam Blackie? I going to make a monkey out of the killer who shot Madame Zena in that monkey suit.

[Narrator]

Well, Pop, still no sign of Ro.

[Vincent Price]

I'm getting kind of worried, Ms. Wesley. We've looked here. The Ferris wheel back at concessions out on the midway. There got to be some place on.

[Narrator]

This lot we expected to find Ro in the monkey costume. We found Madam Virginia. Maybe rollers in Madame Zena's wagon.

[Vincent Price]

Now, that's an idea. There's this. There's the wagon up ahead there.

[Narrator]

Well, I hope we find her alive.

[Vincent Price]

Yeah, not like Zena.

[Narrator]

Oh, now, this hit you pretty hard, didn't it?

[Vincent Price]

Like taking my right arm.

[Narrator]

Yeah, I'm sorry.

[Vincent Price]

Zena taught me the ropes on my first tent job. Yeah, I was a kind of a green kid from a farm with the smell of sawdust in his nostrils. I fooled a Kearney owner and give me a job as a hawker. Did you really? Yeah. Zena saw right through me and put me wise to the game.

[Narrator]

No wonder you miss her.

[Vincent Price]

Yeah. Yeah, I'm gonna miss her a lot.

[Narrator]

Here she can.

[Vincent Price]

Let's go in. Don't be frightened.

[Narrator]

How did that gong ring?

[Vincent Price]

Adam?

[Narrator]

Clean it there.

[Vincent Price]

There's an electric eye inside this doorway which sets off the gong when the connection is broken. Oh. Now, see if Rotor's in here. Yeah. Rhoda. Rhoda.

[Narrator]

No. Doesn't look like she's here.

[Vincent Price]

You're right. But where can she be if she's still alive? Anybody in? Huh? Door's open. Hey, what's the matter? Don't you believe in knocking? I did knock, but nobody answered. Stop mumbling. I can't hear a word you're saying. I said, I did knock, but nobody answered. Why didn't you say, sir? Come in and close the door. Okay. You a cop? No, I'm Boston Blankie. I've heard of you. You're Flint. That's right. Have they picked up cooperation? Not yet, but they will. My first carny in the States and I have to get mixed up in a murder. You're just back from Australia? What? I said, are you just back from Australia? Yeah. Yeah. Split show. Played every big city in that land down on it. Melbourne. Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney. Played them all. I think Melbourne is the most beautiful city in Australia. Yeah, I feel the same way. You've been there? Yeah. And Sydney. Only about two hours by train from Sydney to Melbourne, right? Yeah. Yeah. Hey, getting back to this mix up, I built a good reputation during those 10 years in Australia and this is a tough rap for me. It's all Cooper's fault. What about Cooper? He's a cheap pickpocket who was working my crowd and trying to make time with Rhoda. I tried to chase him off the lot this afternoon. What happened? Said he was going, but he was going to take Rhoda with him. Uh huh. He said a couple of swings each other and the next thing I knew, one of the local yokels was picking me off the grass. And you haven't seen Cooper since? No. But you've got to catch Cooper before there's any more killing on this lot. You never know what a crazy guy like that will do. Hey, that sounds like a fight. It is. I'm going to find out for sure. I'm with her. Hey, Blackie. That's Cooper running away from the cops. Run right into me. Get out of my way. Get out of my way. Sorry, Cooper. Hold it. Let's go. Me? What's your right, Cooper? Let go. I'll knock your head off. Silly boy. Well, Flint, there's our boy on the ground. Yeah, I see. Glad I could stop Cooper before he flew the coop. All right, come on, Cooper. Talk and get it over with. We know you killed Madame Zena. I told you, Inspector, I didn't kill anybody. You believe me, don't you, Blackie? You threatened to kill Rhoda, didn't you? Well, sure, but you know how a thing like that slips out. I didn't mean it now. No, Cooper. You shot Madam Zena thinking it was Rhoda. Oh. Okay. Matthews, take him downtown. Okay. Come on, Cooper, let's go. All right, all right. You don't have to wait. Come on. Well, Blankie, I guess that winds up this case, does it? What else? You have no witnesses to the crime. You don't even have the murder weapon. Where's your case? What do you mean, where's my.

[Narrator]

Arrest me. Arrest me. I killed Madam Zena.

[Vincent Price]

You what? What's this? I killed Adam.

[Narrator]

Zena.

[Vincent Price]

I did it.

[Narrator]

I can't.

[Vincent Price]

Slow down. Slow down, miss. Who are you? Oh, you're Rhoda, aren't you?

[Narrator]

That's right. I'm Rhoda Cummings. I killed my best friend.

[Vincent Price]

Okay, okay, so you killed her. How'd you do it?

[Narrator]

What? Cooper sent me. I went to Madame Z and told.

[Vincent Price]

Her I was scared.

[Narrator]

She told me to hide in her wagon and she'd take my place for one performance.

[Vincent Price]

One performance? Go on. Well, she did it.

[Narrator]

And now she's dead instead of me. It's all my fault. Arrest me.

[Vincent Price]

Say, where have you been up to now?

[Narrator]

I hiding in Zena's wagon. But Pops and a girl came into the wagon looking for me. And I heard them say that Zena was dead. So I came over here.

[Vincent Price]

Who is this? Pops and a girl. The girl is Mary Wesley. And possess an old time carnival man. Look, Ms. Cummings, relax. We caught the killer. Your friend, Cooper Faraday. Did you ever think that Cooper might be innocent? No. You're just so. Because you didn't solve the murder. Which murder are you talking about? Madam Zine, of course. Is there another one? I think so. It took place a couple of weeks ago, I think. And when I make sure of the past, I'll make you a present of the killer.

[Narrator]

Well, Pop, we still haven't gotten Rhoda to deliver to Blackie.

[Vincent Price]

No, we almost did, Ms. Wesley. If she hadn't run.

[Narrator]

Blackie.

[Vincent Price]

Yeah, we almost had her.

[Narrator]

Blackie.

[Vincent Price]

That's okay, Mary.

[Narrator]

What do you mean?

[Vincent Price]

Rhoda just walked into her wagon? She did paradise with her now. Is she all right? Yeah, she's all right. But she thinks she's responsible for Z. Oh, no. Yeah. Look, Pop, you know, you say you've known zena for about 30 years. Do you know where she worked recently? I know every show she's worked in the last 20 years. Did she ever work Australia? Oh, sure, for two years. Thanks, Pops. For what? Blackie, you just gave me one killer for two murders. I'll see you later.

[Narrator]

Hey, where you going, Blackie?

[Vincent Price]

Talk to Cooper. He's in jail, but he won't be there for long. Coming to see you, Cooper. Who? Oh, it's Jill Black. Still think I killed Venus? Maybe. How long have you known her? A couple of years. Why? I understand that you and Flint had a fight this morning. Yeah, we did. Knocked him cold when he tried to chase me off the lot. It's a free country. I can go where I please. Blackie, what are you doing in there? Helping you wind up your case. I don't need your help. I got Cooper in this cell. And Rhoda Cummings is willing to testify he threatened her. I didn't kill Zena. Look, Friday. At what? How'd you like to make this case airtight? I'm listening. Okay, let's go see Flint and find out what we can make the guy who owns the carnival own up to. Ah. Hello, Inspector. Rocky. Hello, Flint. Hello, Flint. Has Cooper confessed yet? No, but he will. Look, Flint, we need your help in this case. What? We need your help. Name it and you got it. Now, Flint probably has a murder gun right here in the room. Oh, come now, Blackie. Stop that nonsense about a gun. You said you wanted my help. Yes, and you've just given it to me. You're not deaf, are you, Flint? What are you talking about? You heard me whisper to Fantast about the gun. I saw your lips moved. That's possible. But when I was here before, you pretended not to hear my knocking on the door. Yet you heard the noise in the distance when Matthews was chasing Cooper. And it wasn't very loud either. Believe me, you're not deaf. Call an act. Okay, so I'm not deaf. Blackie, what is this all about? He isn't even Flint. What? You're crazy. I don't know who you are, but you killed the real Flint and took over show. You killed Madame Zena. Not by accident, but on purpose. Why should I kill Madam Zena? She was the best draw in a lot. She knew the real Flint. Probably had worked with him in Australia. What? I found out she did work there. Chances are she tried to blackmail you and you killed her. The fact that she was in Rhoda's monkey costume was a complication. But it was just a branch. All right, so I killed her. But I'm gonna kill both of you right now. Get him. Party. Pleasure. That takes care of Mr. Flint. Sure does. You can let Cooper out of jail now. You win, mastermind. How did you know this guy wasn't the real Flint? When I first met him, he said he'd spent 10 years in Australia. When we started talking about Melbourne, we both agreed it was the prettiest city on the continent. And that it was only two hours from Sydney. Okay, so you're discussing geography. What's that got to do with murder? Saturday. Anybody who's spent any time at all in Australia knows it takes a half a day to get from Melbourne to Sydney. So? So what must have happened is this. When the real Flint came to this country, this character knocked him off and took over his identity. Yeah, he would have gotten away with it probably, if it weren't for Madam Z. Oh, I get it. Well, it's about time. And Friday, speaking of time, see to it that Flint gets plenty of it. If you want a beer with flavor, a flavor that's delightfully different. Try the million dollar flavor of Champagne Velvet Beer. It's just as sm. Now there's a suggestion for the person who has yet to try Champagne Velvet. You'll find CV to be the smoothest, most mellow beer you ever tasted. More than that, you'll like its brightness, its sparkle. And the clear, clean taste that makes you sure it's pure. In addition, you'll enjoy the rich, robust and full bodied flavor that proves CVs premium quality. Premium quality that is yours to enjoy at no premium in price. That's why our enthusiastic friend says, try it. Just try CV and you'll agree there is no finer beer. You're sure it's pure and it's just as sm. Just as sm. And now, here's a glimpse of what happens in next week's Boston Blackie adventure. Hey, Morgan. Huh? Jack. Morgan, wait a minute. Want to talk to you. Well, well, if it isn't Dynamite Thompson. Yes. What do you want to talk to me about? Don't act so innocent. What do you mean? The fairway construction job. My bid should have won. Only my bid would lower by 500. That's the third time you've underbid me on a big contract. How do you always figure your bid? Just a little less than mine. Oh, that'll be terrible. How come you've landed every big construction contract the last two years? Oh, come now, Dynamite. You don't expect me to tell you. You don't have to tell me. I know you've got a stooge planted in my outfit. I don't know who he is. When I find him, I'm going to take him apart. Just like I'm going to do to you right now. Think you're man enough? Stick around and find. Find out. Maybe this might show you. Morgan. Look out. Dynamite, you're leading with your chin. Okay, Morgan. Okay, that's enough. Boston Blackie. The Peacemaker. Who needs you now you stay out of there. Yeah. It's private. Had enough dynamite? No. I told you. I'm going to tear you apart. Waiting out. Lay out. I kicked this guy's face. Oh, yeah? Can't beat it, Morgan. Myself. Okay, okay. But I'll be taking care of this chump some other time. That's your story, Morgan. I'll get even with you if it's the last thing you ever do. The Signal Oil Program, the Whistler. That whistle is your signal for the Signal Oil Program the Whistler. 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. Yeah. Yes. I know the nameless terrors of which they dare not speak. Yes, friends, it's time for the Whistler. Rated by independent research, the most popular west coast program. And remember, let every traffic signal remind you with new signal gasoline you do go farther than ever. Look for the familiar big yellow and black circle sign that identifies those popular signal service stations throughout the west, from Canada to Mexico. And now, the Whistler's strange story. The Brass Ring Babe stood out on the platform in front of the sideshow tent while Duke made his pitch, smiling her best professional smile at the sea of faces below her. Reserving a personal intimate wink for the tall, gray haired man with a carnation in his buttonhole. Babe was an intelligent girl and the man with the carnation had money. She could smell it a mile off. And it didn't hurt to be nice to the customers. Especially the ones with money like dapper middle aged Mr. Bundy staring up at her from the crowd with stars in his eyes. Step right up close. It's the most sensational, most stupendous, most gigantic show in a carnival. Wait till you hear. Oh, wait till you see. You can't miss it. You just won't miss it. Why, it's so hot you'll just melt away. I said melt away. Hey, babe. Yeah, dude, he's here again.

[Narrator]

Yeah, yeah, I see him.

[Vincent Price]

Mr. Finn. Five bucks for a ticket and keep the chain.

[Narrator]

Great guy, Duke. Great guy. You know something?

[Vincent Price]

Now what?

[Narrator]

Mr. Finn's name is Bundy. And I'm gonna marry you.

[Vincent Price]

What are you talking.

[Narrator]

Take it easy.

[Vincent Price]

Come on.

[Narrator]

With a piss.

[Vincent Price]

You're crazy, babe.

[Narrator]

And get on with a piss.

[Vincent Price]

You don't know what you're talking about.

[Narrator]

Said you lose the crowd. They're drifting.

[Vincent Price]

Okay, this way, folks. What a dance she does. What? The dance. You have never Never, never seen anything so colossal, so stupendous. Rapid from the top of that gorgeous blonde head to the tips of her toes. Oh, she's hot. She's on fire. She's burning down. That's enough, boys. That's more than enough for some of them. Now, step right up. Step right over here and have your money ready. Two bits. Only two bits. The fourth part of a dollar. Come on, folks, give them room. Give them room. Here you are. Oh, five bucks again. Yes, you can keep the change. Thanks, Mr. Bundy. Oh, Ms. Logan has told you. Yeah, she told me. Sucker.

[Narrator]

Who is it?

[Vincent Price]

Mr. Bundy.

[Narrator]

Oh, oh, just a minute. There we are. Nice and respectable. Oh, hello, Mr. Bundy.

[Vincent Price]

Good evening, Georgette. Am I.

[Narrator]

No, no, not at all, Mr. Bundy. Come on in.

[Vincent Price]

I don't want to include.

[Narrator]

I did it. I got lots of time. What's the matter with you?

[Vincent Price]

We're ready to go. You better get on a move on.

[Narrator]

Stall them off. I'm busy.

[Vincent Price]

They're going in right now.

[Narrator]

Did you hear me, Duke? I said stall them off.

[Vincent Price]

Okay, fave. Anything you say.

[Narrator]

You know how the customers are, Mr. Bundy. Get a little over anxious once in.

[Vincent Price]

A while, I shouldn't wonder. Your dance is very good.

[Narrator]

Oh, you like it, huh?

[Vincent Price]

I haven't missed a night in three weeks.

[Narrator]

Well, maybe I ain't good enough for the Ritz Plaza, but I give them their money's worth.

[Vincent Price]

You certainly do.

[Narrator]

Oh, well, I don't quite know how to take that, Mr. Bundy.

[Vincent Price]

I see here, Georgette. Must you always call me Mr. Bundy?

[Narrator]

Well, after all, Charles.

[Vincent Price]

Make it Charles, will you?

[Narrator]

All right, Charles.

[Vincent Price]

Why do you think I've come here night after night for three weeks?

[Narrator]

Oh, I. I guess maybe you like me a little.

[Vincent Price]

They all like you, Georgette. All of those people out there.

[Narrator]

Well, Charles, I can't help it if it.

[Vincent Price]

I know, I know. Trouble is, I. I don't want it that way.

[Narrator]

What do you mean, Charles?

[Vincent Price]

Quite simple. I don't want to share you with anyone else. Oh, in plain words, Georgette, I want you to marry me.

[Narrator]

Why? Why? Gee, Mr. Bundy.

[Vincent Price]

I mean, Charles, I don't blame you for being surprised. You see, I was rather surprised myself.

[Narrator]

Gee, got to think it over. You know, a girl can't go into this. I mean, tie up her whole life like that without looking at all sides to it. Of course, Georgia, you know, I got a career here. My whole future.

[Vincent Price]

You don't need to worry about your future. I'll take care of that.

[Narrator]

But. But How?

[Vincent Price]

I have more money than I could possibly spend, Georgette.

[Narrator]

Well, gee, you can't blame me if I'm a little cagey, Charles. There are so many fellas.

[Vincent Price]

Oh, I'll make it legal if you want. I'll get a lawyer and have an agreement drawn.

[Narrator]

Will you, Charles?

[Vincent Price]

Will you, babe? I told you that.

[Narrator]

Wait just a minute, dude.

[Vincent Price]

Just a minute, nothing. They're going to tear the house down if I stole them any longer.

[Narrator]

No, I'm sorry, Charles. I got to do my show.

[Vincent Price]

What about a Georgette?

[Narrator]

Yes, Charles, yes.

[Vincent Price]

Marriage with that old goat? Never heard anything so crazy in my life.

[Narrator]

Like I told you, Duke, it's none of your business.

[Vincent Price]

It's a sellout, that's what it is. Money's important. Sure, I stand out there on the midway seven nights a week busting my lungs out. I hustled props, sold peanuts when I didn't have it. But I wouldn't.

[Narrator]

What wouldn't you do, Duke?

[Vincent Price]

I wouldn't sell out, babe.

[Narrator]

You got money on your mind right now, haven't you?

[Vincent Price]

What do you mean?

[Narrator]

You're through without me. That's all washed up. That's what's on your mind, ain't it? Not the sellout. It's what am I gonna sell when the babes shut up, I'll say what I want.

[Vincent Price]

The brass ring, ain't it? You've been on the merry go round for six or eight years and you finally grab hold of the brass ring. A sucker. At last you got yourself a sucker. Why, you're mad, ain't you, dear?

[Narrator]

I've never seen you look like that. Why, sure. That's it, ain't it? You're in love with me and you're jealous.

[Vincent Price]

Past tense, baby. Not now, not anymore.

[Narrator]

Too bad, Duke. My heart belongs to Bundy.

[Vincent Price]

If you're ever in a shipwreck, give me a buzz, will you, babe? I'll toss you an anchor with the prologue of the brass ring. The Signal Oil Company brings you another strange tale by the Whistler. If you've lived out west any length of time, you know that Signal gasoline is famous as the go farther gasoline. And if you've noticed Signal's recent magazine, newspaper and billboard advertising you know that you now go farther than ever with today's Signal gasoline. Well, what does this all mean to you? Economy. Yes. But even more than that, it means extra performance from your car. For in gasoline, it takes extra quality to go farther. Let me make that point clear. When science employed the modern magic of catalytic cracking to put amazing New power into today's Signal gasoline. They naturally gave you quicker starting, faster pickup and quieter higher anti knock. And it's because of this, because signals increased power helps your motor perform more efficiently that you now go farther than ever with signal gasoline. That's why Signal says look to your speedometer for the best proof of gasoline quality. It takes extra quality to go farther. Good reason why so many wise drivers are switching to signal. The famous go farther gasoline. Now back to the Whistler. So you grabbed the brass ring, didn't you, babe? And Mr. Bundy came through nobly with the legal arrangements. Something about the marriage of six months in Connecticut as Mrs. Bundy. To demonstrate good faith of your freedom to do what you please. After that, with a solid feeling that the money set up for you in Trust by Mr. Bundy will be all yours in the event of his death. That's all, babe. Six tedious months with Mr. Bundy. Of course, it seemed like six years, but it had to come to an end sometime.

[Narrator]

I can't give you dun dun, dun, dun dun.

[Vincent Price]

Georgia.

[Narrator]

Don't bother me. I'm busy packing.

[Vincent Price]

What do you mean, packing? We're going to the Williamsons, darling, just for the day. There's no packing to be done.

[Narrator]

You're going to the Williamsons, Charles, not me. Now, go away, Ron. I'm busy.

[Vincent Price]

Where are you going?

[Narrator]

You didn't really think it would work, did you, Charles?

[Vincent Price]

What wouldn't work?

[Narrator]

I came through with my end of the bargain. Six months. I don't want any more. Why kid yourself? I'm not Mrs. Charles Bundy. It just ain't there. I'm Babe Logan, remember?

[Vincent Price]

You haven't given it a try.

[Narrator]

Oh, what do you think I've been doing for six months, twiddling my thumb?

[Vincent Price]

Oh, now, you've got to be reasonable, Georgette. It takes time.

[Narrator]

The trouble time, it's precious. You gotta be careful with it. If you're not, you wake up some morning and find yourself pushing 40 and out of a job. That's why I'm going back.

[Vincent Price]

Where are you going? Tell me.

[Narrator]

Back to the drafty tents, the smell of damp sawdust. Cat calls, wolf whistles.

[Vincent Price]

You're not serious.

[Narrator]

Just try and stop me, Charles. Try.

[Vincent Price]

I won't let you. They'll laugh at me.

[Narrator]

They'll all laugh at me with your dough. Let em. Listen, Charles. I don't want to hurt you, honest. I want to let you down easy. I'm not Connecticut and I never will be. I'm a carnival girl. I belong there in a Sideshow with a guy like Duke to make the pitch for me, see? I'll beat it. Will you? I got a pack.

[Vincent Price]

It'll work, Georgette. Really it will. You've got to give me enough.

[Narrator]

I said I'm going.

[Vincent Price]

All right, then I'm going with you.

[Narrator]

Huh?

[Vincent Price]

You get tired of it after a few days. You're different.

[Narrator]

Hello, Charles.

[Vincent Price]

I'm not going to let you walk out of my life, Georgette. I'll do just what I did before.

[Narrator]

What do you mean?

[Vincent Price]

I. I want you near me, that's all. You change your mind and I won't get in your way. I'll just stand around and. And be there just like before.

[Narrator]

Can you tie that, Duke? The guy just won't listen to me. I tell him over and over again.

[Vincent Price]

And he's still out there night after night, looking up at you with that earnest face of his. Ah, the poor sucker.

[Narrator]

I don't know that I like that crack.

[Vincent Price]

Don't hand me that, baby. You took him for a ride. Now that you got that paper in your safe deposit box, you're what?

[Narrator]

Duke.

[Vincent Price]

You don't care what happens to him.

[Narrator]

Well, you don't have to make it worse. You don't have to keep letting him into the show.

[Vincent Price]

Why not? Pays his dough five bucks and keep the change.

[Narrator]

God gives me the creeps. Every show. There he is in the first row waiting for me at the door when I go home.

[Vincent Price]

I guess you'll have to figure that one out for yourself.

[Narrator]

Maybe I will.

[Vincent Price]

Yes, there were strings on that brass ring. Went there, babe? It's not quite as easy to drop Mr. Bundy as it was to pick him up. And all you have to do is look into those earnest, pleading eyes of his to realize it'll go on as long as he lives. Night after night, day after day. As long as he lives. You wish there were some other way, don't you, babe? It'll be a shame to have to kill him. It comes to a climax on Monday night as you leave by the stage entrance after your 9:00 show. He's there waiting for you as usual. And it's right then that you decide it can't on any longer. Monday night. A quiet night at the carnival. As good a night as any. Hello, Georgette.

[Narrator]

Charles.

[Vincent Price]

How long till your next show?

[Narrator]

Oh, about 30 minutes. Would you. Would you like to take a walk around the grounds?

[Vincent Price]

Why, why, of course. I'd be delighted.

[Narrator]

Roller coaster?

[Vincent Price]

I used to love them. Haven't been on one for years.

[Narrator]

You know, this might Be hard for you to believe, but I haven't either.

[Vincent Price]

That is odd.

[Narrator]

Sky ride. The Tunnel of Love. Used to scare me to death.

[Vincent Price]

Let's try it, babe. What do you say?

[Narrator]

You gotta watch your blood pressure.

[Vincent Price]

Oh, so that's what you're thinking. I'm too old for you.

[Narrator]

Oh, don't be silly. Come on, let's win a.

[Vincent Price]

No, I insist. The skyrise.

[Narrator]

Too high for me. I'd just as soon stay on the ground.

[Vincent Price]

Now who's afraid? Too old, am I? Well, we'll see about that. Are you game?

[Narrator]

All right, Charles, I'm game.

[Vincent Price]

Here we are. No, no.

[Narrator]

Let's take the last seat, huh? I feel better if I can see people ahead of me.

[Vincent Price]

Still nervous, huh? Come on. Here's the last seat.

[Narrator]

Better take your hat off, Charles.

[Vincent Price]

Keep your safety belt buckled, please. Yes. Now, hold your hats. Thank you. Belt buckle, please. Here we go.

[Narrator]

Well, we're off. I don't know whether I'm gonna like this or not.

[Vincent Price]

Look at that killer head, George. I feel like a kid again.

[Narrator]

Is your safety belt hitch?

[Vincent Price]

Sure. Look down there.

[Narrator]

No, thanks. I got scared.

[Vincent Price]

Go ahead.

[Narrator]

No, I don't wanna.

[Vincent Price]

Hold on. Here we go. Oh, boy, what a thrill.

[Narrator]

Yeah, honey, your stomach stayed back at the ticket office, I. I used to go around with a guy who was awfully foolhardy. You know what he used to do?

[Vincent Price]

Can't imagine what.

[Narrator]

Well, he used to unhitch the belt and stand up right at the top of the hill just before you go down.

[Vincent Price]

Oh, what's so unusual about that?

[Narrator]

How awful. Dangerous, don't you think? See what I mean?

[Vincent Price]

I don't think it's so dangerous. What?

[Narrator]

Oh, don't be a fool, Charles. He was young. Well, he could do anything.

[Vincent Price]

I still think I'm an old fogey, huh? Well, watch this. There goes the belt.

[Narrator]

Charles, we're almost at the top.

[Vincent Price]

Get down. Get stuff. How's this, Charles?

[Narrator]

Chart my hat.

[Vincent Price]

Where?

[Narrator]

Over the side. Grab it.

[Vincent Price]

Look out. Don't push me. Don't push me. He belongs. All right, Mrs. Bundy. All right. So it was an accident. It was just a mighty peculiar accident, that's all.

[Narrator]

Listen, you dumb flatfoot. I gave you the straight stuff. And if you think you can sit back and make a lot of nasty.

[Vincent Price]

Sit down, babe.

[Narrator]

That goes for you too.

[Vincent Price]

I said, sit down.

[Narrator]

Okay, okay, I'll sit down. But I'm not gonna take any more.

[Vincent Price]

Just a minute, babe. Sorry, sergeant. The dame's a little high strung. Quite a jolt, you know, losing her only husband that way. Yeah, I guess it was.

[Narrator]

You can skip all that stuff about peculiar accidents.

[Vincent Price]

I'm sorry, Mrs. Bundy. That's the way it's going on the record. Peculiar that the money goes to you on your husband's death. Peculiar that he decided to take you on the roller coaster the first time he'd been on one in 20 years. Peculiar you picked the last seat. Peculiar his safety belt happened to be unbuckled.

[Narrator]

All right, so what?

[Vincent Price]

So we leave it there. No proof. Nothing else we can do. By the way, the passenger three seats ahead of you happened to turn around just as you hit the top of the hill.

[Narrator]

What do you mean?

[Vincent Price]

He saw your husband a second after he fell. Too bad he didn't turn around a second Sooner. That's all, Mrs. Bundy. You can go. So it's over now. All over. Mr. Bundy has gone for good, and the brass ring is yours to keep. You ought to be able to relax now. Get back in the swing. Work 10 shows a day to pass the time until the probate is complete and the money arrives. Yes, it's smarter to keep right on working as if nothing had happened. No use exciting any more. Suspicion, is there, babe? You can't decide whether or not it's imagination. But it seems as if they all suspect you. Your friends along the midway are noticeably cooler, more distant since the accident. But it doesn't matter now. The brass ring is yours. You can tell them all where to get off. Then you suddenly realize it isn't over after all. Two weeks later, just before the 9 o'clock show Duke comes into your dressing room.

[Narrator]

Yeah, Duke. I ought to be flattered, I guess. What's the matter? We pals again?

[Vincent Price]

Take it off, Babe.

[Narrator]

Take what off?

[Vincent Price]

The chip on your shoulder. I ain't looking for a fight.

[Narrator]

You're smart. Ain't easy for a broken down vaudeville ham to find a job these days. And in a couple of weeks, you might be working for me.

[Vincent Price]

Wonderful.

[Narrator]

What's so funny?

[Vincent Price]

Don't look now, baby, but your conscience is shown.

[Narrator]

Why, you.

[Vincent Price]

Listen, sweetheart, don't blow up on me. I'm the only friend you got left.

[Narrator]

Hi. You're just like all the rest of them, you and yourself.

[Vincent Price]

Get it, will you? Maybe it was an accident, maybe it wasn't. I'm still working the show, ain't I?

[Narrator]

What do you want? What you come here for?

[Vincent Price]

I got something that might interest you, kid. There was a guy out there the last show. Looks like he's going to take up where Mr. Bundy left.

[Narrator]

What do you Mean?

[Vincent Price]

Can't figure it out. Pays five bucks for a ticket and tells me to keep the change. Sat in the same seat Bundy had.

[Narrator]

Is it? What's he want?

[Vincent Price]

I don't know. Thought maybe you might. Oh, by the way, the guy's out there now waiting for the next show. That's all, babe. Just thought I'd drop by and give you something to think about. You see him there when you go on for the next show. Sitting in the same front row seat Mr. Bundy used to occupy. And you wish Duke hadn't said anything about it. You might not have noticed him for a while anyway. He's much younger and almost good looking. But he never smiles. Just sits there as you go through your dance. Never applauding or whistling like the others. Just sitting there watching, watching, watching. He's there the next day and the next. The same cold stare, the same expression. You try and ignore it, but it just won't work, will it, babe? You have a pretty good idea why he's there. And you know there'll be a showdown sooner or later. It might as well be now.

[Narrator]

Hey. Hey, you down there.

[Vincent Price]

Me?

[Narrator]

Yeah, you. Come here a minute. Okay, this way. Now, who are you, mister?

[Vincent Price]

My name is Woody.

[Narrator]

You're a cop, ain't you?

[Vincent Price]

What makes you think I'm a cop?

[Narrator]

You've been in that same seat six days in a row now. Five shows a day. That makes 30 times you've seen the show, right?

[Vincent Price]

I like the act.

[Narrator]

Nobody likes it that much, mister.

[Vincent Price]

I'm satisfied.

[Narrator]

I'm not. Get it? No, it's easy. I don't want to look down at that seat and see the great stone face anymore.

[Vincent Price]

I know a good way to get rid of me.

[Narrator]

Yeah?

[Vincent Price]

Go for a ride on the roller coaster.

[Narrator]

That's a pretty stupid approach, even for a flat foot. Didn't you say to report, officer? Did you look it up in the files? Accident, it says. Big black letters. Accident. Now get out of here, you.

[Vincent Price]

Wait a minute, babe. Hey, keep it down, will you? Everybody outside. Oh, it's you.

[Narrator]

Get him out of here, Duke.

[Vincent Price]

What's the matter, pal? Lady wants to get rid of me. Told her I'd be happy to leave forever if she do me a little favor. Yeah, what's that? Take a ride with me on the roller coaster. Oh, that what made you blow up, babe?

[Narrator]

Get rid of him. I don't want to see him anymore, understand?

[Vincent Price]

Why don't you want to take a ride in the rollercoaster, babe?

[Narrator]

You think so too, don't you? You think I killed him?

[Vincent Price]

What are you blowing up for if you didn't? What's there about the roller coaster get you down?

[Narrator]

So, all right, Mr. Detective, I'll show you. Come by after the last show tonight and we'll take your ride.

[Vincent Price]

Next car loading. How many, please? I'll take them all. My girl and I want to be alone this trip. I get it. It'll be four bucks.

[Narrator]

Well, is that a big enough drop for you?

[Vincent Price]

Oh, it's so. So. That's a big one up ahead.

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Vincent Price]

That means along about here is where you unhitched his safety belt.

[Narrator]

Skip it, will you? That won't get you anywhere.

[Vincent Price]

Right about here, wasn't it, babe? Right here.

[Narrator]

He did it himself, I tell you. He was showing off.

[Vincent Price]

You killed him.

[Narrator]

I didn't kill him. He stood up and he tripped.

[Vincent Price]

He didn't trip. You pushed him.

[Narrator]

Oh, you. You stupid dope. You thought this would make me talk? I thought there was more brains in the police force than. Oh, wait a minute. You can't slap me.

[Vincent Price]

The police have nothing to do with this, babe. Charles Bundy was my father.

[Narrator]

He never said anything about it.

[Vincent Price]

Doesn't matter if you talk or not, babe. I'm not depending on the law anymore. You see? I'm gonna kill you. Take your hands off me, you safety belt. There.

[Narrator]

No. No, you can't.

[Vincent Price]

Sometimes the law doesn't work, babe. Sometimes a man has to take things in his own hands.

[Narrator]

I said let go of me.

[Vincent Price]

Cheap, chiseling tramp. You wanted his money, didn't you? You had that in the back of your mind right from the first. Listen.

[Narrator]

Listen to me, Woody, please.

[Vincent Price]

You're going over, Babe. Just the way he did get through. Babe. The Whistler will return in just a moment with the strange ending of tonight's story. You know, the proof of the pudding they say is in the eating and the proof of the service you get at dealer owned Signal Gasoline stations is, after all, in what actual customers say about it. That's why we're so happy to receive letters such as this one from Mrs. Leon F. Marsh of Berkeley, California, who wrote during a recent trip which took me from Berkeley as far south as.

[Narrator]

Calexico on the Mexican border. I met with courtesy from every Signal dealer with whom I traded. Especially, I want to commend Harvey Nathanson of 4400 Beverly Boulevard, Hollywood, whose service.

[Vincent Price]

Was both prompt and complete in every detail.

[Narrator]

I never had to request that my.

[Vincent Price]

Windshield be wiped or my tires checked.

[Narrator]

These and many other services were done automatically and with a Smile. It's men like Harvey Nathanson who make trading with independents, signal dealers.

[Vincent Price]

A pleasure, Mrs. Marsh. On behalf of my sponsor, Signal Oil Company, I want to take this opportunity to thank you and the many other kind drivers who have dropped me a line telling of their experiences with signal products. Or of little extra services you have enjoyed at dealer owned signal stations. It's letters like yours that make independent signal dealers want to do an even better job of helping today's cars run better and last longer. Now back to the Whistler. So the career of Babe Logan, carnival dancer, came to an end. It was a sensational ending, of course. Barker's pitchman performers, often of her colleagues, gathered around the broken body lying among the timber supports, all talking at once, not in guarded whispers anymore, but openly of the suspicion, the terrible doubt that hung over the midway like a cloud. After the first accident, a few weeks before and after the second accident, Duke had to change his pitch a little. Not much, just a little. Until you've seen her do that dance. What a dance, folks. What? The dance. Just like the one with the seven tails. Only this little lady throws away six of them before she starts. Yes, she starts right in with number seven. You gotta see Millie, folks. Millie, the girl with a million thrills. Step right up. Full fright. Yes. Now that Babe was gone, there was a new attraction in Duke's tent. An ambitious young redhead named Millie. And at that very moment, a few blocks away at police headquarters, Sergeant Case had changed his approach too. There's no use going over it all again. We've been through it before.

[Narrator]

But it was an accident. He tried to push me. He slipped. I was the one who was supposed to go out of that roller coaster.

[Vincent Price]

Sure, sure, you were supposed to go out, but you didn't. He fell just like his father did two months ago. Both of them. Accidents, huh?

[Narrator]

Can I help that it was an accident?

[Vincent Price]

Maybe. Maybe. Maybe they were, Babe. But you don't really think a jury is going to believe that, do you?

[Narrator]

No. Oh, I guess you're right. They'd never believe me now.

[Vincent Price]

Next Monday at 9:00 the Whistler will bring you another strange tale. 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. Featured in tonight's program were Doris Singleton and Eddie Marr. This program, directed by George W. Allen, based on a story by David Gillespie, music by Wilbur Hatch, is transmitted to our troops overseas by the Armed Forces Radio Service. That whistle is your signal for the Signal Oil program, the Whistler. This is Dick Wells speaking, reminding you to look for those familiar yellow and black circle signs that identify those popular signal oil stations throughout the west from Canada to Mexico. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System. The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective. Brought to you by Wild Root Cream Oil Hair Tonic, the non alcoholic hair tonic that could contains lanolin. Wild Root Cream Oil. Again and again, the choice of men who put good grooming first.

[Narrator]

Sam Spade Detective Agency.

[Vincent Price]

Same. What, sweetheart?

[Narrator]

Oh, Sam. How did it go?

[Vincent Price]

Well, it wasn't exactly a 10 and 1 outfit. More of a mud show, dog and pony type, you know, rag front.

[Narrator]

Sam, what are you talking about, huh? And by the way, where were you last night?

[Vincent Price]

I missed the last bus in from the Cow palace, so I had to do a star pitch. Connie talk after.

[Narrator]

If you think I'm gonna ask what a star pitch is, you're mistaken. What were you doing at the Cow Palace?

[Vincent Price]

All just fooling around?

[Narrator]

Oh, Sam. Yes, Sam.

[Vincent Price]

Yes, Sam. You asked him any questions, sweetheart? In the Pathway. I'll be right down to pitch my spiel, spill my pitch and make with a canvas and the Bluebeard Caper. Dashiell Hammett, America's leading detective fiction writer and creator of Sam Spade, the Hard Boiled Private Eye, and William Spear, radio's outstanding producer director of mystery and crime drama, join their talents to make your hair stand on end with the Adventures of Sam Spade presented by the makers of Wild Root Cream Oil for the hair. Say, mom, if the summer winds are making Junior's hair drier and muscier than it should be, why not borrow a little of Dad's Wild Root Cream Oil and restore that sweet angelic look. You'll find Wild Root Cream Oil Hair tonic comes in handy for every member of the family. It grooms the hair so neatly and naturally, relieves that summer dryness and removes loose dandruff too. Better check on your supply right now. If it's running low, then tonight or tomorrow, first thing, get Wild Root Cream Oil Hair tonic. Again and again, the choice of men who put good grooming first. And now, with Howard Duff starring at Spade, Wild Root brings to the air the greatest private detective of them all in the Adventures of Sam Spade. Ready, Uppie.

[Narrator]

Yes, ma'am. By the way, what is a star pitch? Oh, your clothes. You look as if you slept on the ground.

[Vincent Price]

That's what it is. Date August 8, 1948 to detectable Senate D Homicide detail, San Francisco police. I'm Samuel Spade. License number 12756. Subject the Bluebeard Caper. I will not offer as an extenuating circumstance the fact that business is bad all over. But it is true that I've been sitting in my office for four hours and the phone have not rung once. This one didn't phone. From the looks of him, he didn't have the required nickel at the hangover he was wearing under his eyes had cost someone a pretty penny. So I figured his credit might be good somewhere. Mr. Spade? Yeah?

[Narrator]

Oh, my head.

[Vincent Price]

Yeah. Try this. Oh. Want it mixed? Oh, no. Sort of. I couldn't stand the noise. Where'd you wake up? Any same clothes? Figures. It all started at my sister's engagement party. Mint juleps. They must have been full of fluke. Flummox. You don't happen to have an ice bag? It's customary for my clients to bring their own. Well, now, here's a spiel. Did I tell you my name? The name he gave my secretary was Ned Towers. You want to stick with that? Yeah, Ned. Ned Towers. Yeah. It's about my sister. She's her name. Sylvia. Sylvia Towers. Silver Towers. But it's not about her really. It's about that bluebird. I mean Bluebird. She's married Jefferson Davis Calhoun. What about him? Oh, that. That marriage is cal. To be stopped. I found out that his name's not Calhoun at all. That he's been married three times under three different names and that all his wives died mysteriously and that he collected their insurance. And now he's talked my sister into insuring herself for a hundred thousand bucks in his favor. When did you learn all this? In a barbershop yesterday. Oh, I. I went in to get a manicure and I picked up this old detecting magazine. Here's his picture. Look at it. I had heard of it. Case and his heyday. The papers had called him the mint jewel of Romeo. And any name he happened to be using at the time had Colonel in front of him. None of his three wives had survived the honeymoon. Wife number one, an aviatrix, bailed out at 10,000ft over Mount Hood along with her husband. His parachute opened, hers didn't. They found the body the following spring. Wife number two, a snake dancer, died of snake bite when she squared off with a full fang diamond back instead of her usual non poisonous partner. Cause of death was never officially proven because the body was embalmed by mistake, it said there before the coroner arrived. And finally number three, a professional stunt woman disappeared over Niagara Falls in a beer keg instead of her specially designed barrel and was never seen again? Well, Mr. Spain? Yeah, but are you sure your sister's fiance, this Calhoun, is the same guy? Here's a picture of him together. That's their engagement photograph. What do you think? Brunette. My sister.

[Narrator]

Redhead.

[Vincent Price]

That's him on the left. Redhead. Well, Mr. Towers, are we going to sit idly by and see another poor girl go to her debt? How much money you got? About a hundred dollars. I'll take 50. Now you are going to help. How much does she already know? I tried to tell her she's beautiful. She wouldn't even listen. I thought she might listen to you. I pray she will, Ned. I pray she will. There were two aspects of the case that I wanted to look over more closely. A, Sylvia's red hair, and B, the red splotches on my client face. I had a hunch she might be suffering from more than a hangover. So I dropped him at the address of a medical friend of mine who specializes in poison. He said the tests would take most of the afternoon, so I decided to find out. Who was Sylvia, what was she? Was she as kind as she was there? Such a face.

[Narrator]

Yes?

[Vincent Price]

Yes.

[Narrator]

I beg your pardon, Ms.

[Vincent Price]

Towers?

[Narrator]

Yes. I'm Sylvia Towers. Are you the florist you were expecting?

[Vincent Price]

Maybe a detective?

[Narrator]

Come in.

[Vincent Price]

Thanks, I will.

[Narrator]

As a matter of fact, I wasn't expecting a florist or anyone else. But I'm glad to see you. I really am.

[Vincent Price]

Huh?

[Narrator]

Sit down here. They're just relaxing. Oh, no, over here.

[Vincent Price]

Oh, well, why not?

[Narrator]

There. Isn't this more cozy? Take your hat off. Oh, you have me believing you really are a detective.

[Vincent Price]

What do I look like?

[Narrator]

Well, I'll have to mull it over. Now, don't tell me. Let me dream.

[Vincent Price]

Like Sylvia. Ms. Powers, I mean.

[Narrator]

Oh, Sylvia. I like the way you dress nice and casual.

[Vincent Price]

Oh, you do?

[Narrator]

But, you know, you really should wear a handkerchief.

[Vincent Price]

Hey.

[Narrator]

Hey. You ticklish?

[Vincent Price]

Look, if you want to frisk me, get it over with. It's your apartment. You got a right to.

[Narrator]

Well, isn't this way nice?

[Vincent Price]

Sure, it's fine. It's just that, you know, I just didn't expect. I just didn't expect.

[Narrator]

What do you want, a butterfly act?

[Vincent Price]

No, it's just that my feelings are hurt. You haven't asked me who I am or what I'm doing here, anything.

[Narrator]

Oh, I don't care. I like you.

[Vincent Price]

Is this how you got engaged to Calhoun?

[Narrator]

No, he was telling some phony, so I bought a few.

[Vincent Price]

They were phony, so you bought a few. Figures.

[Narrator]

He had bad luck. With marriage, it was the only way I could force the issue.

[Vincent Price]

You're forcing him into marrying you?

[Narrator]

Darling, don't be so critical. I did it very nicely.

[Vincent Price]

I'm sure you did. But why?

[Narrator]

Oh, I don't know. He's so. So courtly. A real Southern gentleman.

[Vincent Price]

How real?

[Narrator]

Hand me that cushion, darling. No, here, behind my head. Oh, that's better. Oh, dad. Go away. Why?

[Vincent Price]

Do you want to be number four on the Bluebeard parade?

[Narrator]

Do you really think he did kill him?

[Vincent Price]

Oh, that's one of two fairies. He's a dead.

[Narrator]

Oh, I love your hair. So nice. Bristling. Does this bother you?

[Vincent Price]

Yeah, but don't stop now. Wait a minute. Look, I've. I got my client to think about and I'm. I'm trying to think about it. Darling, I didn't want to take this assignment, but he really seemed to be worried about you.

[Narrator]

Oh, now, who on earth would be worried about me?

[Vincent Price]

I'm a little worried about you myself. And I'm not even distantly related to you.

[Narrator]

Well, don't say that yet. This marriage may not last long.

[Vincent Price]

Don't you say that.

[Narrator]

Oh, I. I know his marital life has been full of tragedy, but I'm not superstitious. I think I may change his luck.

[Vincent Price]

Okay, Sylvia, okay. It's your life. I told your brother I talked to you, and I have.

[Narrator]

My brother?

[Vincent Price]

Yeah. Ned, I think maybe your boyfriend tried to poison him last night.

[Narrator]

Oh, no.

[Vincent Price]

Uh huh.

[Narrator]

Oh, Jeff, it's just in time.

[Vincent Price]

Well, my dear, we will discuss this further in private. I have only this to say. At the present time, in the south, it is not customary for a lady to receive a gentleman alone just prior to her marriage to another gentleman. But Jeff, I know. Your motives were pure and innocent. Customs differ, that's all. I am Colonel Calhoun. At your service. Home. I'll call you when I need to. I'm afraid I must ask you to remain, Sylvia.

[Narrator]

Oh, Jeff, I meant to tell you it was just a flirtation. I didn't think it.

[Vincent Price]

You mean he made certain proposals?

[Narrator]

Well, what did I do?

[Vincent Price]

What could she do?

[Narrator]

He said there were things in your past yet.

[Vincent Price]

Yeah, that's what I. There, there, my dear.

[Narrator]

It was blackmail.

[Vincent Price]

That's all I want.

[Narrator]

I did it for you.

[Vincent Price]

Go to your chambers, Tilde. I will deal with this adventurer. If this were the south, there would be better ways. But never fear. Where there's a Calhoun, there too, you will find Southern chivalry. Please, no.

[Narrator]

Jeff, phone the police.

[Vincent Price]

Sylvia, I must insist that you do.

[Narrator]

As I Say, very well, Jeff, you know best.

[Vincent Price]

Well, sir, how about you and me putting our heads together over little old men? Tulip. Fine, Sam. Not thirsty? What's the pledge, Colonel? How come your girlfriend yelled, hey, rube just now? What is your asking price, sir? What's her a bid? 5,000 now, 5,000 after she's buried. 20,000 after the insurance people pays off. No dice. Capers worth 100 grand. 50 for me, 50 for you. That is out of the question, sir. Okay, from here I go to the cot. Now, son, let's not be hasty about this. It will require a slight change of plan, but I reckon I can swing it. All right. 50. 50. When are you going to knock her off? You want her to fly the coop? Is there another way out of here? Well, not that I know of, but she's crafty. She's crafty. Well, come on, let's get it over. Yes, you're right. Maybe. Now or never. Wait a minute. Come here. What is it? How you gonna do it? Well, hit her with this and then out the window. Let me see then. See? That's got quite a heft to it. Where'd you get this fat souvenir of Niagara Falls? Know where you're gonna get it? Why, are you Yankees? The souvenir of Niagara Falls was deadlier than I thought. The blow spun him around like a top and he went down on the other side of the room. Taking the bar and the mint children gradient along with him. I headed to the room Sylvia disappeared into. But she had already disappeared out of it. I looked in the closet, the bathroom under the bed, tapped the walls for secret panels and then forced myself to look out. The only possible exit, the open window. Ten stories sheer, dropped to the street. Two stories sheer, unclimbable masonry to the roof. I get this, Dundee. No other exits, no horizontal ledges, drain pipes, niches, cornices, not even a helicopter landing. I asked myself, who is Sylvia? What is she? The makers of Wild Hill Cream Oil are present presenting the weekly Sunday adventure of Dashiell Hammett's famous private detective, Sam Spade. If you want the well groomed look that helps you get ahead socially and on the job. Listen. Recently, thousands of people from coast to coast who bought wild root cream oil for the first time were asked, how does wild root cream oil compare with the hair tonic you previously used? Better than 4 out of 5 who replied said they preferred wild root cream oil. And no wonder. Wild root cream oil grooms the hair neatly and naturally relieves annoying dryness and removes loose dandruff what's more, non alcoholic Wild root Cream oil is the only leading hair tonic that contains do they? Lanolin. So ask for Wild Root Cream Oil hair tonic again and again. The choice of men who put good grooming first. By the way, smart girls use Wild Root Cream oil too. And mothers say it's grand for training children's hair. And now back to the Bluebeard Caper. Tonight's adventure with Sam Spade. There was no use wasting any time trying to figure out how Sylvia had done whatever she had done to escape from that escape proof room. There was nothing of interest in it but a diving helmet, deep sea type and the current issue of Billboards, a magazine which records the movement to show people under carnivals and scent shows. An item was circled Colonel Carlisle Colossal Carnival and Pet show which was currently playing San Francisco out by the Cow Palace. That reminded me of the Colonel in the next room. I went in to hit him again, but somehow it's not being there didn't surprise me a bit. What I found on the roof did surprise me a little. It was a rope and grappling hook human fly pipe which fitted with the circuit the aspect the cable was because getting to take on. But I'd never have taken Sylvia for a stunt woman. I see Nathan to get him condition for what lay ahead. Slid down the banister of the top floor, somersaulted into an elevator and rode it down to the lobby. No hand pausing only to acknowledge the applause of the scrub woman. I skated on over to the phone book. Dr. Mendel. Bernie. Sam Spade. Oh, say, I'm glad you called, Sam. That patient you brought in here at Ned Tower. Yeah, what about him? Well, your hutch was right. There was enough poison in him to kill him twice. And that ain't all, ain't done no. Then what's all? Well, his stomach had enough foreign objects in it to keep all the newspapers in town in Monday morning feature stories for the rest of the year. What type foreign objects? Oh, glassware, spoons, hunting knives.

[Narrator]

Nothing valuable.

[Vincent Price]

Where'd you send him? Oh, he. He wasn't a hospital case, Sam. Enough poison to kill him twice. Glassware, spoons, hunting knives. And not a hospital case. The poison, he's developed an immunity. The other stuff, it's harmless. Harmless? Do you want me to send you the complete report? No, no, forget it, Bunny. You've given me enough. From then on, Dundee, it was mostly entertainment. I headed to the carnival grounds outside the town and Colonel Carlisle Carlosal Carnival and Sancho unfolded before my very eyes. Just west of the Cow Palace. Brought to you in the interest of artistic endeavor. Mademoiselle Mahala, the favorite dancing girl of the Sultan of Bernie, Brought direct from the perfumed gardens of the mystic Orient. Every muscle of a gorgeous body shaped. And now, ladies and gentlemen, in the interest of science and the furtherance of national defense, one of the medical miracles of the 20th century. Ladies and gentlemen, the man with the iron stomach and the asbestos esophagus. Professor, if you please, sir, give the folks a sense of your control over the fiery elements.

[Narrator]

I will light the torch.

[Vincent Price]

Professor. And now, professor, if you will find the coach dancer left me cold. But the fire eating professor, it was not out of my client, the man who called himself Ned Powers. I moved across to the platform that they could without setting fire to my myself and caught his eye. When he caught mine, it fringed my eyelashes. Hey, scramble. I got my exit door. I can't talk to nobody. Where's the colonel? There ain't any colonel. Just for the banner pack. Where's your sister? I ain't got no sister. Then who is? Sylvia. Hey, do me a favor, shamus. Keep the 50 and forget the whole pitch. Now be it. Oh, I want to see the show. Okay, you paid for your duck. Tear your eyes out if you want to. Okay, but just start squawking. They're drifting away. Ladies and gentlemen. That was only a sample. Only a sample?

[Narrator]

Why, he eats the stone and throws the beach away.

[Vincent Price]

And he uses powdered poison on his off boiled eggs. Now tell me if you will, is there a doctor in the powder? I drifted on down the midway. There was Bonapuna, Nature Boy, Gelder and Hilda, the Siamese twins. There was Shorty the fat man and Fatty the Short Man. A bearded lady and several natural freaks of nature. At the very end there was a big canvas enclosure. The act was called the Free Death Defying Darling. From the noise inside, I judged that to be an understatement. I bought a ticket and got inside just in time to see a trim, energetic blind and sailor coveralls crawl out of the twisted wreckage of the car. She's just driven point blank into a concrete wall at an advertised speed of 80 miles an hour. She took a bow, slipped lightly out of a ring and a brunette about the same size and shape but wearing a costume consisting mainly of three live rattlesnakes past her coming in. I swear she did. I also swear that she danced so well I didn't even notice the snake. That's I got used to before the lead tank had Taken its final bow and wriggled out of sight. A redhead in green coveralls appeared at the top of a 60 foot hour. She climbed into a barrel and some stupid fool pushed her off. The tank she landed in was no more than three feet across and couldn't have had more than a foot of water in it. But she emerged from the sputters with her face wet and some of the greasy carnival type makeup washed off. The redheaded branch of the Death Defying Darlings was, you guessed it, that miraculous escape artist. The one and only Sylvia. I was anxious to meet the rest of the act, so I vaulted over the canvas for their play. There was a sinister buzzing sound at my ankles as I entered. I jumped out of the way just in time to miss getting bitten by one of the brunette's dancing partners. The diamondback. Sylvia looked at me pretty, grabbed it expertly just behind the head and shoved it down into its.

[Narrator]

Should have known better than to come in here on a noun. Granges makes the Lomi terribly nervous.

[Vincent Price]

Then we're even.

[Narrator]

How did you know I was here?

[Vincent Price]

I didn't. I was looking for my client.

[Narrator]

Then you are working for Ned?

[Vincent Price]

Who else?

[Narrator]

When I heard you bargaining with Jeff, I didn't know what to think. Before that I'd been so sure.

[Vincent Price]

Look, sweetheart, I haven't been sure of anything in this caper from the start. At least of all you. Well, no matter how sure I get, I still won't believe it.

[Narrator]

Look at me, I'm only flesh and blood.

[Vincent Price]

Yeah. Well, anyhow, how did you meet yourself coming on with the snakes when you went out in the coveralls?

[Narrator]

Oh, zippers. I was wearing the snakes underneath all the time.

[Vincent Price]

Thanks. Doesn't the autocrats make them nervous?

[Narrator]

Oh, no, they used to. Mother trains them. That was after Father.

[Vincent Price]

Never mind your family. Let's talk about you. All three of.

[Narrator]

Well, after Mother and Father. Well, the act was as recent, you see, and they wouldn't keep me on as a single. So Jeff Plum worked out a routine so only one of me would be on at one time.

[Vincent Price]

That figures. How often do you come out of it alive?

[Narrator]

You mustn't say things like that, even in joking. I'm terribly out of condition. I haven't had a real workout since then.

[Vincent Price]

She went over Niagara Falls and that beer keg. And by the way, how did you manage that?

[Narrator]

It's simple. Relaxation. Secret of everything. I could teach you that. Sam darling, Jeff could never learn it.

[Vincent Price]

How long do you think we'd get away with it?

[Narrator]

Sweetheart, Aren't you taking rather a lot for granted?

[Vincent Price]

Maybe not enough. So far as I know, you've only been killed and resurrected three times.

[Narrator]

Darling, if it frightens you, I promise I'll never do it again.

[Vincent Price]

How did you drop 10,000ft without a parachute?

[Narrator]

Oh, that mounted stunt. I crash landed the plane, set fire to it.

[Vincent Price]

There were weapons or something.

[Narrator]

Dropped nothing but a weighted fight suit.

[Vincent Price]

Whose body was that they found?

[Narrator]

There are always bodies when the snow melts. By the time they get to them, they could be anybody.

[Vincent Price]

Oh, that's a relief. What about that other body?

[Narrator]

Which other one, darling?

[Vincent Price]

When you were embalmed after the slake bite. Oh.

[Narrator]

Oh, well, Jeff just claimed somebody from the morgue that nobody else wanted. Don't be so critical, darling. We didn't hurt anybody.

[Vincent Price]

Better not try to tell that to those insurance companies.

[Narrator]

Well, they should be happy. Jeff says it helps them with their taxis.

[Vincent Price]

Does it make you happy, dying and being dug up every year or so?

[Narrator]

Well, it's better than doing it every night. But I couldn't go back to Jeff. He lost his nerve after Ned found out. You see, Ned's the only one left who knew me in the old days. If I were dead, he couldn't prove anything. Jeff really meant to kill me this time.

[Vincent Price]

What was Ned after? Blackmail?

[Narrator]

Oh, no. He wanted me back with a shame. He argued you to frighten Jeff into letting me go. After all, I am the best threesome in the business. Well, anyway, the stuff deals. Did you see my review on billboard?

[Vincent Price]

I saw for myself.

[Narrator]

You know something? I was thinking, with all you know about crime.

[Vincent Price]

Don't say it, darling.

[Narrator]

It's so easy. And we could have a honeymoon every time I came back and we got married again.

[Vincent Price]

Thanks for the offer, but if I get married, I want my wife to stay alive ever night.

[Narrator]

But I wouldn't really be dead. Only legally for the insurance. Only legally. Sam.

[Vincent Price]

Here.

[Narrator]

Sam.

[Vincent Price]

Darling. Look, sweetheart, let's not relax. You're not safe. Not as long as that insurance policy is floating around with Jeff's name on it as beneficiary.

[Narrator]

He'd never think of looking for me here.

[Vincent Price]

Well, the same. You better take that policy into town in the morning and make some changes. Where is it?

[Narrator]

Oh, it's in my safe.

[Vincent Price]

You got a safe here in this trailer?

[Narrator]

Well, it's just a secret place. I only call it a safe. But it is safe.

[Vincent Price]

Yeah, I thought I'd find you here, but I hardly expected to see Mr. Spade. You don't surprise me a bit. Bluebeard.

[Narrator]

Hello, Jeff. Sit down. Stop waving that revolver. What do you want?

[Vincent Price]

That policy. I heard every word you two have been saying. Not that that piece of paper means anything. You won't even be around when a bank's open. But having the original policy in my hand will save a lot of delay. Red tape, of course.

[Narrator]

Chair.

[Vincent Price]

Where is it?

[Narrator]

H. Oh, what's the use? It's in the basket right by the side of your chair.

[Vincent Price]

Wait a minute. Don't move, Spade. If you do, I bless you. Listen to me, don't raise safe. Still a child, aren't you, Sy? Don't do it, Calhoun. Don't do it. And that lieutenant there took the lid right off of the caper. Due to my Boy Scout training, my split second timing, and the fact that Salome's fang missed an artery by a 30th of an inch. I understand Calhoun will live long enough, which, as far as I'm concerned, is any like the time you care to name about Sylvia. I really don't know how to advise you there, but if you're planning on charging her with attempted homicide, you'll find that there are three darling sisters with as US Citizens and residents of California, it might be hard to figure out which one of her to invite. Period. End of nightmare. Alley. Bluebeard Division. Any questions?

[Narrator]

F. Oh, just one, Sam. A grammatical error, but I'll correct it.

[Vincent Price]

And just whom do you think you are to be correcting my grammar?

[Narrator]

Who, Sam. Nominated case nominal. Nominated Sam? The most frequently used cases in English are nominated, accusative and possessive. I'm referring to your sentence which reads, it might be hard to figure out which one of her to indict. Of course you meant them, since they're three darling sisters. Her being singular.

[Vincent Price]

Indeed. Her was singular, Effie.

[Narrator]

Oh, Sam, you made a joke.

[Vincent Price]

That's a very small one. Now type that up and leave my grammar as is. It's colorful.

[Narrator]

Oh, very well, Sam. I'll just fix the syntax as I go along.

[Vincent Price]

Syntax in California? Say, are you looking for a hair tonic that will groom your hair neatly and naturally? Then you're looking for Wild Root Cream Oil. Want a hair tonic that relieves annoying dryness? Get Wild Root Cream Oil, like a hair tonic that removes loose, ugly dandruff. The answer again is Wild Root Cream Oil, the famous hair tonic that gives you the big advantages men consider most important. Step up to your drug or toilet goods counter first chance you get and ask for Wild Root Cream Oil in the big economy bottle and the handy new tube that's easy to pack when you travel, also ask your barber for a professional application of Wild root cream oil hair tonic. Again and again the choice of men who put good grooming.

[Narrator]

You were quite right. She was only one girl. So I left it to her and made the correction that farther back.

[Vincent Price]

Where Twinkle twinkle toes.

[Narrator]

You know, when you said three darling sisters, I changed it to one.

[Vincent Price]

That's impossible. It takes two to make a sister.

[Narrator]

That is not funny, Sam.

[Vincent Price]

Who's laughing?

[Narrator]

It's no laughing matter, Sam. After all that Sylvia, the darling sister, whatever, she now don't care if she can go over Niagara Falls in a barrel.

[Vincent Price]

Let's get it right up. Beer keg.

[Narrator]

In fact, the only funny thing is you being taken in through all. Snake charmers of that type are a dime a dozen.

[Vincent Price]

20 cents. Bone up that place.

[Narrator]

What place?

[Vincent Price]

Where you get the red headed snake charmers. 12 for 10 cents.

[Narrator]

Diamond sandwich. A statement of siege.

[Vincent Price]

You can say that again, please.

[Narrator]

Three people, all with different hair, wearing snakes under a coverall. No normal girl would do that, Sam.

[Vincent Price]

I don't know. Women do all kinds of work.

[Narrator]

Oh, Sam, why can't I be an adventurous like some girls are?

[Vincent Price]

I wouldn't trade you for 30 cents worth of snake, Thomas.

[Narrator]

Oh, that's the nicest thing you ever said.

[Vincent Price]

Well, next to the night.

[Narrator]

Good night.

[Vincent Price]

Good night, Salome. The adventures of Sam Spade, Dashiell Hammett's famous private detective are produced and directed by William Spear. Sam Spade is played by Howard Dove Lane. Tuttle is Effie. The adventures of Sam Spade are written for radio by Bob Coleman and Gil Dowd with musical direction by Lud Gluskin. Join us again next Sunday when author Dashiell Hammett and producer William Spear join forces for another adventure with Sam Spade. Brought to you by Wild Root Cream Oil. Again and again, the choice of men who put good grooming first. This is Dick Joy reminding you to get Wild Root Cream Oil, Charlie. Dick, keep your hair in trim. You see it's non alcoholic, Charly. It's made with sil. You better get Wild Root Cream oil, Charlie. Start using it today. You'll find that you will have a tough time, Charlie, keeping all our gals away. Hi ya, baldy. Get wild root right away. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System. Faster than a speeding bullet. More powerful than a locomotive. Able to leap tall buildings at a single boundary. Look up in the sky. It's a bird. It's a plane. It's Superman. The adventures of Superman. When the planet Krypton, home of a race of supermen, exploded into dust. The sole survivor was infant boy who had been shot to earth in a sealed rocket. Today, that boy grown to manhood is known as Superman, sworn enemy of the forces of evil. To aid him in his never ending fight for truth and justice, he masquerades as Clark Kent, crime reporter for a great metropolitan newspaper. His secret is carefully guarded. No one is aware that Kent is Superman. No one but you. Join with us now on ABC as we embark on another of Superman's transcribed adventures as the man of Steel. In his guise of Clark Kent, crime reporter pits his superhuman strength against a gang of killers in Death Rides the roller coaster. Our scene is the Happyland Amusement park on the outskirts of Metropolis. A crew of carpenters are busily engaged constructing a huge roller coaster while painters put the finishing touches on a new carousel. Outside the amusement park office, Nancy Bartlett, Happyland's young owner, is talking with a man named Midway Martin. This is your last chance, Ms. Bartlett. 15,000 for the park, lock, stock and barrel. Take it or leave it.

[Narrator]

I'll leave it, Mr. Martin. Good day.

[Vincent Price]

Not so fast.

[Narrator]

Let go of my arm. Let go, I said.

[Vincent Price]

Well, you dirty.

[Narrator]

Get off this property before I have you.

[Vincent Price]

You won't talk so big after I get through with you.

[Narrator]

You don't frighten me, Martin, not one bit. My father left Happyland to me and asked me to keep it running. And that's exactly what I'm going to do. Midway Martin or no Midway Martin. Take a look. I'm building the highest and the longest roller coaster in the state. I'm putting in the largest and the fanciest carousel. I'm going to make Carnival Town. Your broken down outfit looks sick and you can't stop me. Now get out.

[Vincent Price]

I'll get out when I'm good and ready.

[Narrator]

You get out now or I'll have you thrown out.

[Vincent Price]

Yeah, that'll be the day.

[Narrator]

Will it be, Kelly, Fred?

[Vincent Price]

Kelly don't scare me none, sister.

[Narrator]

Oh, we'll see, Kelly.

[Vincent Price]

You calling me Miss Nancy?

[Narrator]

Yes. Come here. Now we'll see how tough you are, Martin.

[Vincent Price]

Something wrong, Miss Nancy?

[Narrator]

You know Midway Martin, don't you?

[Vincent Price]

Yeah, sure. Hello, Kelly.

[Narrator]

Throw him out of the park.

[Vincent Price]

Huh?

[Narrator]

I said throw him out of the park.

[Vincent Price]

Okay, you heard him, Martin. Scram. I'll scram when I'm ready.

[Narrator]

Well, don't stand there, Kelly. Throw him out.

[Vincent Price]

Let's go, pal. Hey, now be careful, Kelly. You're liable to get hurt. Never mind. She set out, not me for this. Sister, I'm not through with you. Not by a long Shot before I get done. You'll pay through the nose.

[Narrator]

Now, Nancy, you've just got to pull yourself together. You can't let this throw you as low as it can ruin me. Well, I borrowed $40,000 to open Happyland this year. The Five Mile Sky Chaser in the carousel alone cost almost. I know, dear, but you're not ruined yet. We'll fight this if we have to slash it right across the front page of the Planet.

[Vincent Price]

Oh, excuse me.

[Narrator]

Oh, come in. Clark, you remember Nancy Bartlett.

[Vincent Price]

Sure thing. How are you, Nancy?

[Narrator]

Fine, thank you, Mr. Kitt.

[Vincent Price]

Wow. Wait, you don't sound too fine. Something wrong?

[Narrator]

Well, just listen to this, Clark.

[Vincent Price]

What?

[Narrator]

An official high in the city Department of Buildings who asked that his name be withheld examined the new Five Mile Sky Chaser at the Happyland Amusement park and declared it to be unsafe. No one examined it, Mr. Kent. It's a lie.

[Vincent Price]

What paper is that? The Daily Blade.

[Narrator]

What other sheet would publish out and out lies? And that's not all. Just listen down here. When questioned by a Daily Blade reporter, Nancy Bartlett, owner of the amusement park, was nervous and evasive. That's not true. Obviously, something is wrong at Happyland. The is is in italics. Yeah, and Ms. Bartlett is not too anxious to have it exposed. How do you like that?

[Vincent Price]

What's the point? Somebody at the Blade got a grudge against you, Nancy? No.

[Narrator]

It's Midway Martin.

[Vincent Price]

Who?

[Narrator]

Midway Martin. He owns a carnival town, an amusement park across the river. And when he learned I was building a new roller coaster and carousel, he got frightened. He made me an offer of 15,000 for Happy Land. I refused, of course. And then he began to threaten me.

[Vincent Price]

Wow.

[Narrator]

Funny. I had to have him thrown out of the park. That was a week ago. And now this appeared in the paper today.

[Vincent Price]

Midway Martin no doubt has a friend on the Daily Blade.

[Narrator]

Well, Nancy Bartlett has more than one friend on the Daily Planet. And our circulation is double the Blade. Thanks, Lord, thanks nothing. We don't like yellow rumor circulating journalism. The only is, how are we going to handle this, Clark?

[Vincent Price]

Well, let's see. I assume the Five Mile Sky Chaser is perfectly safe. Nancy.

[Narrator]

Of course it is, if you want the truth. Martin's roller coaster is a menace to life and limb. He had three accidents on it last year, don't forget.

[Vincent Price]

Martin, when did you plan to open Happy Land?

[Narrator]

Saturday. Tomorrow. The parade starts in city hall at 11 and we open the gates at 2.

[Vincent Price]

Well, and what we've got to do is get the Planet to endorse the opening, to sponsor it. We'll run a story in the next three editions tonight and tomorrow morning. Hey, wait a minute. I've got an idea. Who's going to lead the parade?

[Narrator]

Oh, I'd plan to on a white horse.

[Vincent Price]

Well, can you get two white horses?

[Narrator]

Guess so.

[Vincent Price]

If you can, why don't you and Lois lead the parade?

[Narrator]

Why me?

[Vincent Price]

To give it the paper's official blessing. You know, Daily Planet Stargirl Reporter Leads Happyland Parade.

[Narrator]

Oh, that sounds wonderful. Lois, would you do it? Oh, golly, I don't know. I'm not much of a horsewoman. Oh, you don't have to be, Lois, really. These are parade horses. They behave perfectly. Well, okay, if it'll help any. Oh, hear it? Darrell probably won't be able to sit.

[Vincent Price]

Down for a week, knock out a story, Lois. I'll talk the chief into giving it a first page block. Hey, wait.

[Narrator]

I'm not gonna ride bareback, if that's what you're thinking.

[Vincent Price]

No, no, no. Get this into the story. Superman will take the first ride on Happyland's Five Mile Sky Chaser.

[Narrator]

What? Mr. Kent, you're joking.

[Vincent Price]

That doesn't convince all of Metropolis that the sky Chaser is safe, nothing will.

[Narrator]

I smell a rat. Are you planning to wear a Superman costume, Mr. Kent?

[Vincent Price]

Why, do you think I'd look bad in it, Ms. Lane?

[Narrator]

Well, I. Please don't joke, Mr. Ken. Are you serious about Superman's taking the first ride?

[Vincent Price]

Dead serious. He'll be there at 2:00.

[Narrator]

Can I advertise it? Superman in person?

[Vincent Price]

You can, Hawk.

[Narrator]

Are you sure?

[Vincent Price]

As sure as I am of my own name. And now to the human side of the news. An innovation. Amusement park openings is promised for tomorrow. Superman, the one and only Superman, will take the first ride on Happyland's Five Mile Sky Chaser, the longest, fastest roller coaster in the state. And Lois Lane, star girl reporter for the Metropolis Daily Planet, will leave the parade scheduled to start from city hall at 11:00. Hello, this is Midway. Martin. No, no, no. Don't talk, just listen. I see by the papers a Bartlett girl and a reporter from the Planet are leading the parade tomorrow. There'll be two white horses. Now, here's what you gotta do. I'll send one of my boys over with a couple of small black. Really, Mr. Kent, there sure are a lot of people out here for the parade. How many do you figure? Oh, 50,000 at least. Beanie, maybe more. Story and the Planet started the ball rolling all right. Most of the local radio commentators picked it up. Yeah, I heard one Last night, Superman's going to take the first ride on the roller coaster. That's right. Oh, boy, I sure wish I could ride with him. Well, now maybe you will, Beanie. Do you think so? I wonder what's holding up Lois and Nancy. I see the white horses, but. Oh, there they are. Can Ms. Lane ride old horse? We'll know in a minute. She's mounting now. Hey, not bad. There they go. Jesus, Lane looks wonderful. He sure does. Catfish. What's happening? The horses are bucking. Is that part of the act? No, something's wrong. They're galloping down the street, running wild, heading right for the crowd. Get up on the sidewalk, Beanie. I'll be right back. I'll see you later. Elbowing his way through the panic stricken crowd park, Kent reaches the comparative privacy of an alley between two buildings. In a matter of moments he changes from the be spectacled newspaper reporter to the red and blue costumed figure of Superman. Leaping high over the milling crowd, the man of Steel hovers above the open street where the two white horses, obviously gone mad with pain and right, are thundering along the asphalt with Lois and Nancy clinging to their backs. Only a scant 50ft separates the crazed animals from a mob of equally crazed spectators. When Superman drops between them like a plummet and seizing a bridle rein in either hand, brings them to a rearing, screaming Stop. Whoa, boys, whoa. All right, get off. Get out of the saddle. Quick. Holding the horses steady, the man of Steel waits until Lois and Nancy have dismounted. Then, with a click of a finger, he breaks both saddlebirds and dropped the saddles to the street. Quickly his open hand passes over the sweating backs of the animals. Almost as though by magic, the horses quiet down. Easy, boys, easy. It's all over.

[Narrator]

Oh, Superman, what happened? How did they suddenly go crazy?

[Vincent Price]

Someone put thin glass vials containing acid crystals under their saddles. What? When you mounted, the vials broke and the acid burned into their hides. Wow, how terrible. Might have been a lot worse. Another few seconds and a dozen people would have been trample to death.

[Narrator]

I know. And if Midway Martin was responsible for this.

[Vincent Price]

If he was, he's guilty of attempted murder.

[Narrator]

Fred, this is Ms. Lane and Mr. Ken of the Daily Planet. Fred Kelly, my crew.

[Vincent Price]

Boy, how are you? You heard what happened with the horses, I presume?

[Narrator]

Mr. Kelly, Fred was there. He saw us.

[Vincent Price]

Yeah, sure did. Lucky thing Superman stopped them nags. Ms. Bartlett tells me the horses were rented from a livery stable. That's right, the Caffreys. Were they saddled when they were delivered, Mr. Kelly? Yes, sir, they were. But I checked the girts myself to make sure they were tight enough for Miss Nancy and this lady here mounted. Were you the only one who handled the horses? Yeah, just me and a boy from the stable.

[Narrator]

You know, Mr. Kelly, that someone put acid crystals under the saddle.

[Vincent Price]

Yes, ma'am. Sure was a low down matrix.

[Narrator]

That's an understatement. Do you think Midway Martin was responsible, Fred?

[Vincent Price]

Well, if he was and I could prove it, I'd take a whip to him. I don't think we can prove it. Although there's no doubt in my mind that Martin was responsible. Obviously, he'll stop at nothing. Oh, he's a bad actor, that Martin. If I was you, Miss Nancy, I'd settle up with him.

[Narrator]

What do you mean, settle up, Fred?

[Vincent Price]

Make some kind of a deal, I guess. Get him off your neck. You mean pay him off, Mr. Kelly? Yeah, you could call it that.

[Narrator]

Not on your life. I wouldn't give him 10 cents. If you did, I'd never talk to you again. Don't worry, Lois. I won't.

[Vincent Price]

Okay, okay. You're divorced. And now, if you'll excuse me, I gotta go check on a crew. We'll be opening the gates in 20 minutes.

[Narrator]

Who is it that late?

[Vincent Price]

20 minutes to 2. Mind if I go along with you, Kelly? No, sir.

[Narrator]

We'll be back at the office, Mr. Kent.

[Vincent Price]

Okay, I'll see you. I wanted to have a little talk with you, Kelly. Where can we go where we'll be alone? And I may have to use the telephone. Haven't time for much talking, Mr. Kelly. Oh, this will just take a minute or two. Well, there's a pay phone in a chuck house. I don't think nobody's there now. No, that'll be fine. Where is the chuck house? Right over here. Good. After you. Thanks. I did the phone fine if I needed. What I wanted to talk to you about, Kelly, was your suggestion that Ms. Bartlett might do well to buy Midway Martin off? If I was her, that's what I'd do. Yes, so I gathered. She's got a lot of dough sunk in its place. Why take chances with that? What would it be worth to you if Ms. Bartlett paid Martin off, Kelly? Huh? You heard me. What would your cut be? Look, fella, I don't know what you're talking about, but if it's what I think it is, go take a walk. Before I do, would you mind giving me that little glass vial in your right hand trouser pocket? You get hard of hearing? Very Conveniently, don't you? There's a little glass vial containing acid crystals in your trouser pocket. Probably a spare. So what? So I'd like it. Okay, here it is. Oh, right on a button. And he's out cold. Martin. Yeah, Kelly. I heard about the horses. Too bad you didn't hear nothing yet. One of them Daily Planet reporters, a guy named Kent Court wise. What do you mean? That extra vim acid crystals had in my pocket. And he knew it. How do you know it? Don't ask me what he did. Anyway, I just clipped him. He's laying here on the chuck house floor. Gag him and tie him up. Dump him someplace to get through. With what I told that part, the danger is going to pay through the nose. Get hold of a hacksaw and meet me at the west end of the park. Get a hold of what? A hacksaw. One that will cut through metal. We'll bring it to the west end of the park. I'll be waiting for you. What you going to do, Martin? You know what I'm going to do. And this time Superman's not going to stop it. This time she's a dead duck. We'll be back in a moment with part two of Death Rides the Roller Coaster. But first, here is your ABC announcer. Now back to the adventures of Superman. And part two of Death Rides the Roller Coaster. Making use of Superman's X ray vision, the amazing ability to visually penetrate any substance but lead, Clark Kent discovered that Fred Kelly, the crew boss at the Happyland amusement Park was in cahoots with Midway Martin, allowing himself to be knocked out by Ken Kent, listened in on a telephone conversation between Kelly and Martin, learned that Martin was about to strike again. But where? And how? As we continue now, Kelly has disappeared. Kent, who allowed himself to be bound and gagged and locked in a tool shed by the crew boss, has easily freed himself. It is now 2:00. The gates have been thrown wide and crowds have poured in for the official opening of Happyland Amusement Park. On the loading platform of the new roller coaster, the giant five mile sky chaser Lois Lane, Nancy Bartlett and Beanie, the Daily Planet copy boy, are becoming nervous and worried as the milling crowd waits impatiently for the advertised appearance of Superman.

[Narrator]

It's five minutes after two, Lois. Yes, Nancy, I know. I don't understand. What happened to Clark? He said he'd meet us back at your office, didn't he? Yes, but it isn't Mr. Kent I'm concerned about. There are thousands of people down there waiting to see Superman, take the first ride on the roller coaster. We advertise that. There are posters all over the park. If he doesn't show up, I'm ruined.

[Vincent Price]

Don't you worry, Ms. Bartlett. If he said he'd show up, he will. Superman never breaks a promise.

[Narrator]

The trouble low, Beanie, is that Superman didn't make this promise. Clark Kent did. Oh, I had a feeling something was going to happen.

[Vincent Price]

Oh, did you? Ms. Lane.

[Narrator]

Superman. Oh, I'm glad you're here.

[Vincent Price]

Thank you. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you. Sorry I was late, Ms. Bartlett, but.

[Narrator]

It'S all right, just as long as you're here.

[Vincent Price]

Well, Clark Kent got himself into a little trouble. And that delayed Clark. What happened to him was nothing serious. He learned that your crew boss, Kelly, is working with Midway Martin.

[Narrator]

Oh, no.

[Vincent Price]

Let's not worry about it now. You've got to show these people your roller coaster is safe. Get on the public address system, Ms. Bartlett, and tell them that you and Ms. Lane and myself are going to take the first ride. What about me, Superman? Oh. Oh, yes. Yes. And Beanie. Oh, boy.

[Narrator]

Should I do it now?

[Vincent Price]

Yes, please.

[Narrator]

Ladies and gentlemen, your attention, please. Most of you have either read or heard the vile rumor that Happyland's new five Mile Sky Chaser, the most modern roller coaster in the entire state, is dangerous and unsafe. This river has been circulated by a man to whom I refuse to sell Happyland. And this is his way of seeking revenge. But fortunately, I happen to have some good friends standing here on the platform with me, ready to step into a roller coaster car and take the first ride on the Sky Chaser. Our three people who wander through.

[Vincent Price]

As Nancy Bartlett introduces Superman, Lois Lane and Beanie to the cheering crowd. A terrifying scene is taking place at the far end of the amusement park where the five mile Sky Chaser tracks make a breathtaking turn. Two men, Midway Martin, owner of Carnival Town, a rival amusement park, and Fred Kelly, crew boss at Happyland, are hunched over a section of the roller coaster track. Kelly is working a hacksaw through the bright, shiny steel. That's the sharpest saw you could find, Kelly. All right. Ain't the saw. These tracks are tempered steel. I saw the bill on them. They caused plenty. All right, all right. Just keep solid. You know what's going to happen when that car hits his curve, Martin? And there's a piece of track missing. I know. Well, it ain't going to be pretty. So what? I'm just telling you. Thanks. What about that reporter? What about him? I got him locked in a tool Shed, what'll I do with him? Let him loose after the car jumps the track. Don't he know too much? Can't prove anything. Okay, all through. I lift the piece of track out. What you gonna do with it? Get rid of it in the river. Come on, let's go. I'm coming. This is one place I don't want to be. When that car hits a curve, I'm getting out of here and out of the park, believe you me.

[Narrator]

To inaugurate Happy Land Five Mile Sky Chaser, Superman. Two representatives of the Metropolis Daily Plan and I will take the first ride. Thank you.

[Vincent Price]

All right, Lois, hop in. You and Ms. Bartlett take the front seat. Beanie and I'll sit in the rear. Oh, boy. Is oh, boy the extent of your vocabulary, Beanie? Gosh, no. But, oh, boy, you all said Lois.

[Narrator]

Ms. Bartlett, we're ready if you are.

[Vincent Price]

Okay, then, let her roll.

[Narrator]

You know, I just. Thinking back. Golly, it's been 15 years since I.

[Vincent Price]

Was on a roller coaster. This is my first time. Well, you've got a thrill coming, Beanie. Hold your breath, though. When we take that first dip, keep.

[Narrator]

A firm grip on the bar and don't lean forward.

[Vincent Price]

When do we stop climbing? We're almost at the top. Golly, the people down there look just like a little bug. Yes, they certainly do. Well, here we are at the top. Okay, hold on now. Here we go. How is it, Beanie? Oh, boy.

[Narrator]

Jimmy Green.

[Vincent Price]

We certainly did.

[Narrator]

You would have heard more, but I. I couldn't catch my breath.

[Vincent Price]

Watch your tunnel coming up. You still with us, Beanie? Yeah, but oh boy, this car almost yanked me out of my seat.

[Narrator]

Hold on. There's a really sharp one down below. You can see it from here.

[Vincent Price]

Great Scott. What's the matter? Brace yourselves. I've got to stop this car. Leaping from the rear seat, Superman drops behind the roller coaster car, now hurtling down the incline at better than a mile a minute, heading for death and destruction. His powerful hands reach out and grip the axle between the matte spinning wheels and the muscles of his back and arms tighten like bands of steel as he calls on every ounce of his superhuman strength to stop the car in its headlong plunge to disaster. Sparks shoot up from the wheels as they grind into the rails. Slowly, almost inch by inch, the momentum of the car is checked until finally, Superman brings it to a screaming, nerve wracking stop at the bottom of the incline. Less than a foot from the sharp curve where Martin and Kelly had removed a section of the tracks. What happened There's a section of track missing on the curb. What do you mean, more of Martin's work?

[Narrator]

Why, how terrible.

[Vincent Price]

Now, listen to me. I don't want a word of this to get out.

[Narrator]

Superman, he tried to kill us.

[Vincent Price]

Yes, I know.

[Narrator]

Was an attempted at cold blooded murder.

[Vincent Price]

We've got to prove Martin did it, and that may take some doing, no matter what. Listen, please. Obviously you can't sell any tickets to the roller coaster.

[Narrator]

Obviously.

[Vincent Price]

Get back there and make some explanation to the crowd. I'll try to locate Clark Kent. He'll meet you in Ms. Bartlett's office. Now remember, not a word about this to anyone.

[Narrator]

Oh, Nancy, please. It's going to be all right, I promise you. Can it be? You heard the crowd when I made the announcement that the roller coaster had to be closed. Why, they laughed and booed. I know, dear.

[Vincent Price]

Oh, boy. If I could only get my hands on that Midway Martin, I'd fix him. Here comes Mr. Kent.

[Narrator]

Well, it's about time. Where have you been? Clark, honestly, why is it you always manage to disappear when you're needed most?

[Vincent Price]

Probably because I'm needed more. Some other place. You don't know what happened, Mr. Ken. Yes, I do, Beanie. Superman and I discussed it and we've come to a decision. The best thing for you to do, Nancy, is to sell out to Midway Martin.

[Narrator]

What? You see what you've done? You and your decisions.

[Vincent Price]

I'm sorry, but there's no other way.

[Narrator]

What do you mean, there's no other way? Clark, that man is a. Is a potential murderer.

[Vincent Price]

I know.

[Narrator]

He made two attempts on our lives. And your only solution is to. Well, just give him what he wants.

[Vincent Price]

Unfortunately, we can't prove anything.

[Narrator]

We haven't even tried to prove any. I'm going to turn this case over to the police and they'll prove something.

[Vincent Price]

Nancy.

[Narrator]

Yes?

[Vincent Price]

How much did Martin offer you for Happyland?

[Narrator]

15,000. Just 20% of what it's worth.

[Vincent Price]

I know, but you'd better call him up and tell him you'll take it.

[Narrator]

Oh, Clark Kent. Are you crazy?

[Vincent Price]

I don't think so. Call him, Nancy. Tell him to come right over. Here's a thousand in cash to bind a deal. Ms. Pike. Liz, you get the rest when we sign the bill of sale. All you gotta do now is just give me a receipt for the thousand. You made a good deal, Mr. Martin. Well, I tell you, the way I figured. It's good all around. This is no racket for a woman. Too tough? Yes, it seems to be tough. Why, sure, you gotta be Hard to run a business like this.

[Narrator]

Here's your receipt.

[Vincent Price]

That fact. Well, now that you own Happyland, Mr. Martin, tell us something. But sure, what is it? You really don't think the Five Mile Sky Chaser is unsafe, do you, Superman? And you folks didn't take the first ride in it like you said you was gonna, huh? Oh. Oh, no, no, that's right, we didn't. We started to, but you scared us off. I figured I would. Then you don't think it's unsafe? Why, of course not. Just my way of knocking out competition. I see. Like they say, all's fair in love and war. Well, then, if you don't think the roller coaster is unsafe, you won't mind taking a ride on it to celebrate your buying Happy Land. Well, what's that? I said you won't mind taking a ride on the roller coaster to celebrate this occasion. Oh, no, no, not me. I. I don't ride on everything. Oh, just once, Mr. Martin. After all, you circulated the rumor that it was unsafe. Certainly. As the new owner, you should convince the crowd out there that it's perfectly safe. Nothing doing. You're not afraid, are you, Mr. Martin? Afraid? No, no, no, I ain't afraid, but. What. Well, look, I gotta get. Oh, no, no, don't leave us, Mr. Martin. We want you to take just one ride on the roller coaster. Let go my arm, please, Mr. Martin. Hey, are you crazy? How can you say a thing like that? Now, come on, let's take a ride. Call this crackpot off, Ms. Bartlett, before I sock him one.

[Narrator]

But we want you to ride on your new roller coaster, Mr. Martin. You own it now.

[Vincent Price]

What's going on here? You all nuts? Be a sport, Martin. No. Okay, pal, you worse. But this. Oh, I hurt your hand, Mr. Martin.

[Narrator]

Be careful.

[Vincent Price]

Don't worry. Let's go, Martin. How the deal, sir? Give me back my door. Here's your receipt. Nothing doing. The deal is still on, and you're going for a little ride on the roller coaster. You'll never get me on this thing. Yes, we will, if we have to carry you like this. You let me. Let me down. Open the door, Beanie. I'll let you down, Martin, in the roller coaster car. No, no, please, please. Don't be GR on that thing. Sorry, but as the new owner, you've got to test your merchant. No, no, no. I'll get. I'll get killed. What on earth are you talking about, Mr. Martin, you know this roller coaster is perfectly safe. No, it ain't. What do you mean, it ain't? Safe. I tell you, I'll get killed if I ride on it. Well, Mr. Martin, either you ride or you talk. Well, what do you mean? Either you tell the crowd here in the park why the roller coaster and who made it unsafe, or you ride. Well, do you ride or talk? I'll talk. Quick, hand me the microphone. Lois, turn the volume up. Here. Thanks. Please stop the carousel and all rides and concessions. Everyone pay close attention. Attention, please, Ladies and gentlemen. A few days ago, rumors were circulated that the five mile sky chaser here at Happyland was unsafe. Safe. Those rumors were started by Midway Martin, owner of Carnival Town. Mr. Martin is here with us now, and he is about to tell you the truth. Go ahead, Martin. Right into the microphone. Well, I. I tried to ruin this place. I. I told lies about the roller coaster. Wait a minute. Wait a minute, everyone. What else did you do this afternoon? Well, I. I cut out a piece of the track so. So that there'd be an accident. Go ahead, tell them who helped you. Fred Kelly, you confess this of your own free will. Yes. All right, that's all. Ladies and gentlemen. You have just heard Midway Martin's public confession. Now you know the truth. But for a fortunate circumstance, the presence of Superman Death would have ridden the roller coaster when it was tested less than an hour ago. Ms. Bartlett is now arranging to have the track repaired. It will be safe and ready for use tonight. We hope you will all join with us from now on and enjoy everything the Happyland Amusement park has to offer. Thank you. And so ends Death rides the roller coaster on the Adventures of Superman, which come to you now each week at this same time over many of these ABC stations. Superman is a copyrighted transcribed feature appearing in Superman DC Comic magazine. This is abc, the American Broadcasting Company.

[Host]

We just heard Boston Blackie, the Whistler, the Adventures of Sam Spade and Superman. That will do it for this week's show. Thanks so much for joining me. Here in the States, the Thanksgiving holiday is only a few days away. And whether you're traveling, doing meal prep, or just enjoying some well deserved time off, I'll be posting an encore of last year's Thanksgiving special, a collection of holiday themed mysteries starring some of my favorite radio detectives. We'll hear Adventures of Casey, crime photographer Jeff Regan, investigator Sam Spade and more. And of course, I'll be back next week with another regular episode. In the meantime, you can check out Stars on Suspense, my other old time radio podcast. New episodes of that show are out on Thursdays. If you like what you're hearing, don't be a stranger. You can rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. And if you'd like to lend support to the show, you can visit buymeacoffee.com/stsotr next time giving thanks with gumshoes. Until then, good night and happy listening.

[Vincent Price]

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 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.