
Shadow 169 1939-10-15 The Village of Doom (Johnstone)
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The Shadow
Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows.
Narrator
The Shadow, mysterious character who furthers the forces of law and order is in reality Lamont Cranston, wealthy young man about town. The Shadow uses his hypnotic power to cloud men's minds so that they cannot see him. Cranston's friend and companion, the lovely Margo Lane is the only person who knows to whom the unseen voice of the Shadow belongs. Today's story, the village of Do.
Lamont Cranston
Well, Margot, here we are. How do you like it?
Margo Lane
Oh, it's glorious, Lamont. What an ideal place for a picnic.
Lamont Cranston
I thought you'd approve of it. Well, now, let's unpack the lunch.
Margo Lane
Oh, now, wait a minute. That's my job. You just sit there and enjoy the scenery. This is fun. How did you ever find this spot, Lamont?
Lamont Cranston
Oh, I've been holding out on you. I used to come here when I was a little boy.
Margo Lane
Really?
Lamont Cranston
I think the last white man to set foot here was. Was one of the Spanish conquerors.
Margo Lane
Well, it's certainly remote. And so peaceful and quiet.
Lamont Cranston
That's why I picked it. No one ever comes here.
Margo Lane
Is that a promise?
Argus
Here, here.
Margo Lane
Go away.
Argus
Get away. Hey, chicken.
Margo Lane
Oh, Lamont. He's got the chicken.
Lamont Cranston
I'll fix that right now. Shall I chase him?
Margo Lane
Well, not that I don't think you couldn't catch him. I wouldn't bother. I thought no one ever came near here.
Lamont Cranston
Well, I. I wasn't counting dogs.
Margo Lane
That's a nice start. Well, we'll just have to struggle along in the salad and sandwiches. Here, will you open these olives?
Lamont Cranston
Why, certainly. Let's see. Directions say, just twist the new improved easy open tops. Easy open top.
Margo Lane
Trouble?
Argus
No.
Lamont Cranston
Imagine how tough this would be if it weren't for the new, improved easy, open top.
Margo Lane
Oh, how still it is here. Lamar.
Argus
Hey, did a dog run through here?
Margo Lane
Yes, he just.
Argus
Oh, thanks.
Margo Lane
Look out for that salad bowl.
Argus
Sorry.
Margo Lane
Well, we now have salad garnished with footprints.
Lamont Cranston
Oh, Margot, that's a shame.
Margo Lane
Who was he? The son of the Spanish conqueror.
Lamont Cranston
Now, look, all I know is that it used to be very quiet here when I was a boy.
Margo Lane
Well, that certainly dates you. Did you get the top off the olives?
Lamont Cranston
Not yet.
Argus
Just twist the top.
Lamont Cranston
What are you laughing at?
Margo Lane
Lamont Cranston, noted criminologist, solver of mysteries. And he can't get the Top off a bottle of olives.
Lamont Cranston
Well, for your information, young lady, this is the toughest case I've ever had.
Margo Lane
Oh, let them go. Just relax and enjoy the serenity of nature.
Villager
Hey.
Argus
Hey. Did a boy go through here looking for a dog?
Margo Lane
Yes, right that way.
Argus
Thanks.
Margo Lane
Wait a minute. Come back.
Mrs. Carstairs
What for?
Margo Lane
You forgot to step in the salad.
Mrs. Carstairs
Oh, I ain't got time.
Margo Lane
Well, you know, the quiet little spots. All right.
Lamont Cranston
I'm sorry, Margot.
Margo Lane
Oh, come on. I was only kidding. Here, turn on the portable radio. We'll have music with our picnic. There's still sandwiches.
Lamont Cranston
All right. Well, let's see now. See what we've got here.
Harley
Ham.
Argus
Mm.
Lamont Cranston
Swiss cheese.
Margo Lane
There. That ought to scare off the next boy who's looking for a boy who's looking for a dog. Oh, don't look so glum, Lamond. I didn't mind the interruptions.
Lamont Cranston
Well, I'm not worried about the interruptions.
Margo Lane
Well, then, what is it, darling?
The Shadow
These olives.
Lamont Cranston
We interrupt our dance music at this time.
Margo Lane
Well, here you have us broadcast by.
Lamont Cranston
The Safety Committee of the town of Old Mill. Go ahead, sir.
Harley
My message may sound unusual to those who are listening. I'm speaking for the citizens of Old Mill in a direct appeal to the man who calls himself the Shadow.
Margo Lane
Lamont, did you hear?
Harley
We're aware of your splendid work in the interest of law and order. And we take this means of trying to contact you.
Margo Lane
What can it be?
Harley
A strange and unexplainable force is slowly but surely wiping out our entire population. All other agencies have failed to cope with this terrible situation. Unless we get aid at once, our village and our people are doomed. Please. Please, Shadow, help us.
Lamont Cranston
Turn it off.
The Shadow
Muggle.
Harley
I make it.
Lamont Cranston
Do you know anything about Old Mill?
Margo Lane
Well, I've driven through there. It's a quaint little place. About a two hour drive, I should think.
Lamont Cranston
Come on, let's get along.
Margo Lane
What are you going to do?
Lamont Cranston
I don't know exactly, Margot, but perhaps I can at least demonstrate to the Safety Committee of Old Mill. The old truism. It pays to advertise.
Villager
All over there.
Argus
Yeah. You want the whole road? Yeah. Come on. Step on it.
Margo Lane
Step. It's slow driving. Lamont, where do you suppose all these people are coming from?
Lamont Cranston
I don't know. Cars are loaded with bits of furniture and personal belongings. It's possible they're fleeing Old Mill.
Margo Lane
They're certainly in a panic.
Lamont Cranston
Look out, Marco. That car stuck right in the middle of the road. Stop alongside of it.
Margo Lane
All right.
Lamont Cranston
Pardon me, sir. Could you tell me how far it is to Old Mill.
Margo Lane
Old Mill?
Villager
Did you say Old Mill?
Lamont Cranston
Yes. We're near it, aren't we?
Villager
Too near it, mister.
Lamont Cranston
What seems to be the trouble there?
Villager
Who knows? All we know is that people die. Everybody in Old Mill has lost someone took my wife. It did.
Margo Lane
You mean she was killed?
Villager
Maybe. Maybe she just died. Nobody can tell how it happens, but every night it's somebody. Those that have since have gotten out. There's hardly anybody left.
Lamont Cranston
They're all gone.
Villager
All but a few fools that think they can fight it out. But they'll die too. Mark my words.
Lamont Cranston
There's a car coming, Margot. Let's go.
Margo Lane
Okay.
Villager
I've warned you, mister. Go back. Go back. You're driving to your doom.
Margo Lane
Lamont, I have a sneaking suspicion your deductive powers are in for a few hot licks.
Lamont Cranston
Swingingly speaking, I wouldn't be a bit surprised, Margot. And in the same vein, may I remind you that this little symphony will be conducted by the Shadow.
Argus
We can't spend the rest of our lives bottled up here in Town Hall.
Harley
We've got to stick it out. I know most of you men want to leave Old Mill. I don't blame you. But we just can't turn our village over to. To this thing.
Argus
We've tried everything we could think of, and still our people die. Why, we ain't got enough men left to man the Old Mill power plant. Look at us. Sitting here in candlelight. Waiting. For what?
Harley
I'm telling you, we've got to stay and lick this thing.
The Shadow
But how, Harley?
Lamont Cranston
How?
Argus
You'll try to reach this here shadow, and he hasn't showed up.
Villager
I don't think the Shadow can do anything about this.
The Shadow
Perhaps. But at least I can try.
Villager
Say somebody's in the back of the hall.
Argus
Yeah. Yeah. But I don't see anybody. Who's back there?
The Shadow
The one you've been seeking, gentlemen. I am the Shadow.
Argus
The Shadow come.
Harley
He's here. What did I tell you, Shadow. I knew you'd come.
The Shadow
I hope I can help you tell.
Lamont Cranston
Me what it's all about.
Harley
I don't know if there's so much to tell, Shadow. The story's been the same every night for months. Not a night passes that somebody in the village doesn't die.
The Shadow
What causes the deaths?
Harley
We don't know, Shadow. We haven't found a single mark on any of the bodies. If it was murder, there'd be some.
Argus
Shout out. Get out. All of you. Raleigh. Gordon.
Harley
What's the matter? Raleigh?
Argus
It's come again. It struck once more. Now get out while you came. Stop it, Raleigh.
Harley
All right. Now tell us calmly. Who is it this time?
Argus
It's my curse to have to tell it. The name kind of freezes on my tongue. But you've got to tell us. It's kinder one of us here. We got to know.
Harley
Come on, Raleigh. Out with it.
Argus
Harley.
Harley
Yes.
Argus
God help you, man. God help you.
Harley
Why one of mine?
Argus
Your little boy. No.
Harley
A baby.
Argus
It can't be.
Harley
An innocent baby.
Villager
Are you sure, Raleigh?
Argus
Sure.
Villager
He's dead.
Argus
I wish it was just a dream of mine. But I just left you. Mrs. Holly Sittin Glass side little tyke in her arms.
Harley
My son. My little boy.
Argus
I'm not waiting any longer. I'm getting out of old Miss Meat.
Villager
That's enough for me.
Argus
I'm. Run for your lives, man. Run for your lives and get out of here.
The Shadow
I'm sorry, Harry. Very sorry.
Harley
Oh, Shadow, you came too late.
The Shadow
I'm afraid so, Holly.
Harley
He was all we had. Why did it have to be him?
The Shadow
Harley, go home now. Your wife will need you.
Harley
Yes, poor Sally. She'll need me. I'll need her.
Lamont Cranston
Margot. Step on it.
Argus
Follow that car.
Margo Lane
What's the matter, Lamont? I've never seen you so excited.
Lamont Cranston
The son of that poor man ahead has just been killed. The Shadow's after a baby killer.
Margo Lane
Oh, Harley. She's been like that ever since it happened. We can't get the baby out her arms. She just sits and rocks back and forth and bowing forth.
Harley
Sally, darling, you know who's talking to you, don't you?
Sally Prentice
No. Sure I know.
Harley
Give me the baby, Sally.
Sally Prentice
No. Nobody can take him away from me. Nobody. They're all trying to tell me he's dead. He's not. I know.
Harley
Yes, Sally, our baby's dead.
Lamont Cranston
We've got to be brave.
Sally Prentice
No, you're wrong. You're all wrong. Death is horrible. Death is ugly. And look at my baby packages.
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Sally Prentice
He's beautiful. He'll stir in a while. His eyes will open. He'll wake up and cry for his boss.
Harley
Sally.
Margo Lane
Oh, don't give way, Holly.
Argus
Don't.
Sally Prentice
Oh, will you all go now, please? You'll frighten my baby when he wakes up. He's afraid of people. Somebody frightened him once. Poor little fella. And he never got over them.
Harley
Sally, don't. Please don't.
The Shadow
Harley, let me speak to your wife.
Margo Lane
Lord help us. Where is that voice Coming from Mrs. Prentice.
The Shadow
Listen to me.
Sally Prentice
Who is that? A voice called to me.
Harley
It's a friend, dear. One who has come to help us.
Sally Prentice
But I. I don't see him.
The Shadow
No, you can't see me, Sally. But I'm close to you. As close as the spirit of that little baby will always be his spirit.
Sally Prentice
Are you telling me my baby's gone too?
The Shadow
No, he's not gone. He's closer to you than he was in life. He'll always be near you.
Sally Prentice
Yes. Always near me.
The Shadow
Now, Sally, give up the child.
Margo Lane
Here, I'll take him.
Sally Prentice
Give up the child.
Mrs. Carstairs
Here.
Margo Lane
That's a good girl. I'll put the little darling down in the dive.
Sally Prentice
Then give up my baby. I did, didn't I? I gave up my baby to the voice. I'll never get him back again.
Harley
He's gone, Sally.
Argus
He's gone. My baby's gone. My baby's dead. Sally. Try to come back, Sally.
Lamont Cranston
Give me the child.
The Shadow
I want to examine the little fellow.
Margo Lane
They all examine are dead. What good is it? Nobody knows anything. Death will come just the same.
Lamont Cranston
Perhaps.
The Shadow
But here, watch this.
Margo Lane
What is it?
The Shadow
As all the others, cleverly, fiendishly, this infant has been murdered.
Lamont Cranston
Margot Le Bond has headed the town. We're all alone now.
Margo Lane
I know.
Lamont Cranston
Let's look about. I want to think this thing out.
Margo Lane
You've definitely decided it's murder, Lamont?
Lamont Cranston
Definitely. If I had been a moment late in getting to the prentice home. The one little telltale bit of evidence would have disappeared.
Margo Lane
Ghastly.
Lamont Cranston
I found it just under the child's chin. The most minute little break in the skin. Even as I looked at it, the skin drew together and the tiny break was gone.
Margo Lane
No wonder the authorities could find no mark of violence. I suppose all the deaths have been brought about in the same manner.
Lamont Cranston
Exactly. The poison killed and immediately eliminated all traces of itself. Clever device, eh?
Margo Lane
I hate to have the inventor for a playmate. What sort of a poison is it, Lamont?
Lamont Cranston
I think it's a concoction developed by a small tribe in the Congo. Saducella, they call it. They make it from herbs found only in that locality.
Margo Lane
And you say it leaves no trace?
Lamont Cranston
None. Whatever passes quickly through the blood. When the blood body temperature drops the least bit, the drug oxidizes and disappears. So even a doctor couldn't trace this horse? I've never heard of it outside the Congo.
Margo Lane
How ever did it find its way to this little hamlet?
Lamont Cranston
That's what puzzles me, Margot. If we knew that, the rest would be simple.
Margo Lane
Oh, Lamont.
Lamont Cranston
You frightened, Margot?
Margo Lane
I'm not entirely at ease. An empty village can certainly be a ghost like place.
Harley
Yes.
Lamont Cranston
Look. See how quickly people left? Most of them didn't even wait long enough to close their doors.
Margo Lane
Village deserted.
Lamont Cranston
Margot.
Margo Lane
Yes, Lamont?
Lamont Cranston
I'm going to ask you to do something that's going to take quite a bit of courage.
Margo Lane
Well, Lamont, right now I'm kind of short on courage.
Lamont Cranston
Would you be afraid to spend the night here?
Margo Lane
Offhand, I could think of things I'd rather do. But if you think it's necessary, I'll stay.
Lamont Cranston
Margot, I can't leave here until I avenge the death of that little child.
Margo Lane
Then of course I'll stay.
The Shadow
Good.
Lamont Cranston
We won't be short of living quarters. You can make your own selection. There are plenty of empty homes. Margot, listen.
Margo Lane
What is it, Lamond?
Lamont Cranston
I hear footsteps.
Margo Lane
Footsteps?
Lamont Cranston
Look, Marlow, coming this way.
Margo Lane
An old woman.
Lamont Cranston
Step back in the shadow of the porch until she passes. All right. Marvel. She's gone.
Margo Lane
Well, I wonder who she is.
Lamont Cranston
Rather a courageous soul, braving this thing alone. Follow and see where she goes. She lives in there, all right. She's lit the candles.
Margo Lane
Awful old shack, but it's certainly on a beautiful sight.
Lamont Cranston
This hill commands a view of the whole village. Awake, Margot. There's a name on this rural mailbox.
Margo Lane
Oh, yes. C A R S T. Carstairs.
Lamont Cranston
Let's go, Margot. I'd like to have a talk with the old lady.
Margo Lane
Well, how can we explain why we're here?
Lamont Cranston
Let me do the talking.
Margo Lane
Pleasure's all yours.
Lamont Cranston
Yes, but I don't fancy the old girl.
Mrs. Carstairs
Well, what do you want?
Lamont Cranston
Pardon us, but you see, we had trouble with our car. We thought you might have a telephone we could use.
Mrs. Carstairs
Got no use for them.
Margo Lane
What's that?
Mrs. Carstairs
Gave you a good scare, didn't it? Oh, he takes good care of me. Don't you, Harkis?
Argus
Good boy. Good boy.
Mrs. Carstairs
Yes, Arcus. Good boy.
Margo Lane
Talks.
Lamont Cranston
It's a jackdaw. Marco. Member of the Crow family. Quite a bird you've got there, Mrs. Carstairs.
Mrs. Carstairs
What? How'd you know my name?
Lamont Cranston
Why, we saw it on your mailbox.
Mrs. Carstairs
You're a sharp one, ain't you? What you doing here in Old Mill?
Lamont Cranston
Well, we have taken a house down on Main Street.
Mrs. Carstairs
Are you mad? You know what you're doing? Ain't you heard what's happened to people who's lived here?
Lamont Cranston
We've heard all about it. Made it easier to get a house. As a matter of fact, you know it's my idea that plague or whatever it was is all over now.
Mrs. Carstairs
Pretty sure of yourself, ain't you?
Lamont Cranston
Well, don't you think so? You're staying here.
Mrs. Carstairs
I'm an old woman. Besides, I ain't afraid of death.
Argus
Death? Death.
Mrs. Carstairs
Shut up, Argus.
Argus
Good boy. Light. Light.
Mrs. Carstairs
Shut up, I said.
Argus
Argus.
Lamont Cranston
Look at that. He keeps looking down toward the village. Is he afraid, too?
Mrs. Carstairs
It's stalking the town again. He knows. Arcus knows somebody's going to die.
Lamont Cranston
Yeah. I guess you'll be comfortable in this house, Margot.
Margo Lane
Thank you, Lamond. What are you gonna do?
Lamont Cranston
I'm going downstairs, sit on the porch and watch for developments. You go to sleep and don't worry.
Margo Lane
I just can't get that old woman out of my mind. Horrible looking creature, wasn't she?
Lamont Cranston
You know, Margot, there was something familiar about that face. I'm sure I've seen it somewhere before, but I just can't place it. Well, Margo, I. I'll go on downstairs. And don't forget to put out the candles.
Margo Lane
No, I won't. Good night, Lamont.
Lamont Cranston
Good night, Margot.
Margo Lane
Oh. Tired. Who's that? Lamont. Lamont. Lamont. Lamont has come. I've seen it. Lamont. Don't you hear me? Lamont.
Argus
Lamont. Lamont. Good boy. Good boy.
Mrs. Carstairs
Oh, no. Akis. Bad boy. You didn't do as I told you. She's still alive. Yes, I can hear her yelling down there. You didn't wait long enough. After the light went out, you go back again, all right?
Argus
Light?
Mrs. Carstairs
That's right. You go where the light is this time. Complete the job. But wait till the light goes out and do just what I've taught you to do.
Argus
Good boy. Good boy.
Mrs. Carstairs
That's right. You be a good boy. Here, I better file your beak down a little. Sharper. Keep still. There.
Argus
There.
Mrs. Carstairs
There, that's better. One peck and it's done. All right, all right. Don't be in such a hurry.
Argus
Here.
Mrs. Carstairs
Dip your beak in the poison. Then off with you. That's it. We'll teach those two fools. You mustn't fail this time. Orcus Arcus. Did you hear that too? What you looking in the corner for? See something, do you?
The Shadow
Yes. Arcus sees something. He sees me.
Mrs. Carstairs
You? I don't see you. Who are you?
The Shadow
I am the Shadow.
Mrs. Carstairs
The Shadow? Well, now, ain't that interesting? You're the great invisible crime expert.
The Shadow
You've heard of me, I see.
Mrs. Carstairs
Oh, indeed I have. And who hasn't? But what could you want with a poor old woman like me?
The Shadow
You know full well what I want with you.
Mrs. Carstairs
Have you come to ask me to help you solve the mystery of Old Mill, is that it?
The Shadow
The mystery of Old Mill is already solved. I know the identity of the fiendish murderer.
Mrs. Carstairs
You don't say. Well, now, ain't that fine? Who might it be?
The Shadow
It's a man by the name of Matthew Carstairs. That sent your hand to your head, didn't it? You might as well take off the wig, Matthew Carstairs. It'll serve you no longer.
Mrs. Carstairs
You're only guessing. You don't know. You're trying to trick me.
The Shadow
I knew your face was familiar the moment I saw it. I finally recall you had a case in court many years ago. You claimed that the entire town of Old Mill rightfully belonged to you.
Argus
All right, Shadow, so long as you know just so much. You must know, too, that the title of the land never passed from my ancestors. It's mine. Mine.
The Shadow
The court denied your claim.
Argus
The court robbed me.
The Shadow
You swore that someday Old Mill would be yours. That was a long time ago. The obsession drove you to this campaign of murder. You hope to make good your threat to the court.
Argus
And I will. I'll have Old Milder myself. And you can't stop me. I have a feudal claim to the land, but a claim just the same.
The Shadow
The state executioner has a claim on you, Carstairs.
Argus
I've got a gun. I'll use it.
The Shadow
If you come near me, you can't see me, Carstairs. Have you forgotten that?
Argus
No, but the jackdaw can. His eyes follow every move you make.
The Shadow
Put that gun away.
Argus
I'll put you away first.
The Shadow
You're terrifying the birdie.
Argus
No, no.
Mrs. Carstairs
Arcris.
Argus
Go away.
Margo Lane
The gun.
Argus
Harstairs. No, the bird.
The Shadow
It was the flame from the gun. The bird has carried out your orders, Carstairs. He struck where there was light.
Argus
Argus. Good boy. Good boy.
Harley
Yes, Argus, I guess you are a good boy.
Argus
We nearly had a mill. Good boy.
Mrs. Carstairs
Dad.
Argus
Dad. Dad. Dad.
Lamont Cranston
Well, Margot, the jackdaw's been destroyed, Carstairs is dead and the village of Old Mill lives again.
Margo Lane
Lamont, how did you ever happen to suspect Carstairs?
Lamont Cranston
Well, it was a series of fortunate circumstances. First, the face was familiar. But more important than that, I noticed several trophies in his shack that unmistakably came from the Congo. Presence of the strange poison was easily understandable then.
Margo Lane
Oh, I'm proud of you, Lamont.
Lamont Cranston
Yeah, you shouldn't be.
Margo Lane
Why not?
Lamont Cranston
I still can't open this bottle of olives.
Margo Lane
Have you been carrying them around with you all this time?
Lamont Cranston
And take them with my compliments. Here.
Margo Lane
Give up. What are you supposed to do? Twist the top. Like this?
Lamont Cranston
Yes, but it's impossible to. Margot, you opened.
Margo Lane
Will you have an olive?
Narrator
Today's program is based on a story copyrighted by the Shadow magazine. All the characters and all the places named are fictitious. Any similarity to persons living or dead is purely coincidental. The Shadow Magazine is on sale at your local newsstand.
The Shadow
The weed of crime bears bitter fruit. Crime does not pay. The Shadow knows.
Podcast Information:
In the episode titled "The Village of Doom," listeners are transported to the enigmatic town of Old Mill, where a series of mysterious and unexplained deaths has plunged the community into fear and chaos. The protagonist, Lamont Cranston—better known as The Shadow—alongside his companion, Margo Lane, ventures into the heart of the village to uncover the sinister force responsible for the unsettling events.
Lamont Cranston/The Shadow: A wealthy, enigmatic figure with the ability to cloud men's minds, rendering himself invisible. As The Shadow, he champions law and order, using his sharp deductive skills to solve complex mysteries.
Margo Lane: Lamont's loyal friend and confidante, who possesses keen observational abilities and supports The Shadow in his endeavors.
Harley: A member of Old Mill's Safety Committee, deeply concerned about the town's plight and desperately seeking The Shadow's assistance.
Argus: The faithful dog of Mrs. Carstairs, instrumental in the unfolding of Old Mill's dark secrets.
Mrs. Carstairs: An elderly resident of Old Mill, harboring dark intentions tied to the village's torment.
Lamont Cranston and Margo Lane arrive at the serene yet remote location of Old Mill for a picturesque picnic. Their tranquil outing is abruptly interrupted by disturbances:
[02:00] A dog, Argus, chases a chicken into their picnic spot, signaling the first hint of the village's unrest.
Margo Lane [02:00]: "Oh, Lamont. He's got the chicken."
As they attempt to enjoy their meal amidst nature, interruptions continue, revealing that Old Mill is not as peaceful as it appears.
Their picnic is further disrupted by a broadcast from Old Mill's Safety Committee seeking help from The Shadow.
Realizing the severity of the situation, Lamont decides to investigate, leading them closer to the afflicted village.
Upon reaching Old Mill, Cranston and Lane encounter terrified villagers recounting the inexplicable deaths:
The Shadow attempts to intervene but arrives too late to prevent the heartbreak of another tragic loss:
[12:00] A heartfelt plea unfolds as Harley confronts his grief over his son's death, further deepening the mystery.
Harley [12:00]: "My son. My little boy."
Lamont's investigation reveals that the deaths are not natural but the result of a sophisticated poisoning method:
He identifies the poison as Saducella, a concoction from the Congo known for leaving no trace, complicating the detection of foul play.
This revelation points to a deliberate and calculated act of murder, shifting the investigation from natural causes to human malice.
Determined to confront the malefactor, Lamont and Margo decide to spend the night in Old Mill. Their resolve is tested as they encounter Mrs. Carstairs, whose sinister demeanor hints at her involvement in the village's curse.
Their suspicions mount as Lamont deciphers clues leading to Matthew Carstairs, pointing to a personal vendetta rooted in an unresolved legal claim over Old Mill.
In a tense showdown, The Shadow confronts Mrs. Carstairs, revealing her true identity and motives:
Mrs. Carstairs's obsession with reclaiming Old Mill leads to a deadly encounter orchestrated through her loyal dog, Argus.
As Carstairs attempts to wield violence, The Shadow's intervention ensures his demise, restoring peace to Old Mill.
With Carstairs defeated and the poison threat neutralized, Old Mill begins to heal. However, in a light-hearted twist, the narrative returns to the seemingly trivial struggle of The Shadow (Lamont) trying to open a bottle of olives—a recurring gag highlighting his human vulnerabilities.
Margo's assistance not only resolves this minor inconvenience but also symbolizes the enduring partnership between her and The Shadow.
The Shadow: "Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows."
[00:31]
Margo Lane: "Lamont Cranston, noted criminologist, solver of mysteries. And he can't get the Top off a bottle of olives."
[03:12]
Lamont Cranston: "It's a cleverly, fiendishly designed murder without a trace."
[13:06]
The Shadow: "The state executioner has a claim on you, Carstairs."
[22:27]
Lamont Cranston: "I found it just under the child's chin. The most minute little break in the skin."
[13:40]
Mrs. Carstairs: "You're a sharp one, ain't you?"
[17:14]
"The Village of Doom" masterfully blends suspense, drama, and the charismatic presence of The Shadow, embodying the essence of the Golden Age of Radio. The episode delves into themes of obsession, revenge, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Through meticulous investigation and the supernatural prowess of The Shadow, the narrative underscores the triumph of good over evil, even when the adversary employs cunning and subtlety.
The recurring humor, such as the olive bottle gag, provides a balanced respite from the intense drama, showcasing the dynamic between Lamont and Margo. This interplay not only humanizes the characters but also enriches the storytelling, making the suspense more engaging.
Overall, this episode stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of radio dramas, captivating audiences with its intricate plot and memorable characters.