The Shadow 1940-12-22 - Joeys Christmas Story

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Shadow – "Joey’s Christmas Story"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Air Date: December 15, 2025
Episode Aired: Originally December 22, 1940
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Show Featured: The Shadow

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Episode Overview

This episode of Harold’s Old Time Radio features a holiday-themed installment of the classic show The Shadow, titled “Joey’s Christmas Story.” Set in a snowy city at Christmastime, the story revolves around Lamont Cranston (the Shadow) and his companion Margot Lane as they seek to bring joy to Joey, a young, kind-hearted newsboy facing hardship with his out-of-work father, Tim McNulty. When a crime rattles Joey’s community, themes of kindness, forgiveness, and the true spirit of Christmas are brought to the forefront, culminating in a message of hope and reconciliation.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Introduction and Christmas Tradition (00:42–02:35)

• The announcer invites listeners to enjoy a special Yuletide adventure, introducing The Shadow and the premise.
• Cranston and Margot's tradition: They take Joey, a newsboy, on an annual tour of toy departments at Christmas.
• Joey insists on giving away his remaining newspapers to those in need before joining.

  “It’s bein’ almost Christmas and everything. Well, I like to give them away to some certain people who couldn’t maybe afford to buy one.” – Joey (04:17)

The McNulty Family’s Hardship (05:19–06:28)

• Joey’s father, Tim, is working as a street-corner Santa Claus to try and make ends meet.
• Despite hard times, Joey remains optimistic, trusting that his father will find a way for them to have a happy Christmas.
• Lamont and Margot recognize the family’s pride and resolve to help in a dignified manner.

Mysterious Crime & Joey’s Detective Game (07:13–11:25)

• Hobo Sam, a local acquaintance, informs that someone is in danger at 18 Water Street.
• Lamont, Margot, and Joey investigate a supposedly abandoned warehouse where a fight allegedly took place. As clues lead them to Joey’s own apartment building, suspicion grows.
• Twist: It’s revealed that Joey staged this detective scenario—leaving clues in his own handwriting—to impress Lamont.

  “You mean you staged this whole thing just for our benefit, didn’t you?” – Cranston (11:19)
  “Yeah, but wait, wait a minute. What I meant to say was…am I a dope?” – Joey (11:16)

Genuine Crime: The Robbery of Mr. Murphy (12:06–14:39)

• They discover a real crime: Mr. Murphy, a wealthy and miserly neighbor, has been hit on the head and robbed.
• $65 is missing, yet $10 is left in his wallet, puzzling the investigators.

The Mystery Deepens: Suspicion and Absence (14:42–17:13)

• Cranston and Margot question the circumstances. Why did the assailant leave $10 behind, and how did he escape?
• There are hints that Joey and his father might know more than they let on. Tim McNulty’s strange behavior and sudden disappearance are noted.
• The next day, Tim does not show up for his Santa Claus shift, prompting concern.

The Shadow’s Intervention: Confession and Forgiveness (18:32–21:49)

• As the Shadow, Cranston visits Mrs. McNulty (Joey’s mother), learning Tim robbed Mr. Murphy out of desperation to give his family a better Christmas after years of hardship and unpaid debt.

• Mrs. McNulty reveals Joey knows what his father did and both are missing, likely to be found at the docks.

  “Tim’s a good man…he done because…well, because of me and little Joey.” – Mrs. McNulty (19:24)

On the Docks: Lessons on Family and Honor (22:10–24:09)

• Joey and his father, Tim, have an emotional conversation about their struggles and the choices made. Joey assures his father of his love and support.

• The Shadow appears, urging Tim to go to Mr. Murphy, confess, and seek forgiveness instead of going to the police.

  “What I did was wrong, Joey, and I must pay for it. I’m going to tell my story to the police.” – Tim McNulty (23:49)
  “I want you and young Joey to go to Mr. Murphy’s house. Tell him what you’ve done…Even as hard a man as Mr. Murphy will listen to reason on this night of nights, Christmas Eve, I know it.” – The Shadow (24:03)

The Power of Christmas: Reconciliation (24:47–27:16)

• At Mr. Murphy’s house, Tim confesses, with the Shadow interceding to advocate for understanding and forgiveness.

• The Shadow delivers a moving speech on the meaning of Christmas—compassion, forgiveness, and goodwill.

  “Do you know what Christmas really means, Mr. Murphy? It’s a time of forgiveness, of man’s goodwill to man…” – The Shadow (26:24)

• Mr. Murphy relents, agrees to let bygones be bygones, and the families unite to attend the Christmas choir together.

Closing: The Spirit of Christmas (27:16–28:17)

• The families are uplifted at the church’s choir amid softly falling snow; Joey is overjoyed his family is reunited and at peace.
• Lamont and Margot reflect on the beauty and poetry of the moment as the message of Christmas is fulfilled.
• Joey, ever the budding detective, records the lesson in his notebook:

  “Well, Joey, that’s the spirit of Christmas. Peace on earth, goodwill to men.” – Cranston (27:56) “You’re right. I gotta make a note of that in my notebook.” – Joey (28:03)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Joey’s Kindness:
  “Well, I like to give [the papers] away to some certain people who couldn’t maybe afford to buy one.” – Joey (04:17)

• On Family:
  “We’re all together, all for each other.” – Joey (22:59)

• The Shadow’s Christmas Speech:
  “Do you know what Christmas really means, Mr. Murphy? It’s a time of forgiveness, of man’s goodwill to man. You must know that feeling. You must show it by letting bygones be bygones between you and the McNulties.” – The Shadow (26:24)

• Spoken Theme of the Episode:
  “Well, Joey, that’s the spirit of Christmas. Peace on earth, goodwill to men.” – Cranston (27:56)

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Important Timestamps

• 02:35 — Introduction of Joey and holiday toy store tradition
• 04:13 — Joey gives away newspapers to the needy
• 07:13–11:25 — Joey’s staged detective game revealed
• 12:06 — Discovery of robbery and wounded Mr. Murphy
• 18:32–21:49 — The Shadow’s visit and Mrs. McNulty’s confession
• 22:10–24:09 — Emotional scene between Joey and his father at the docks
• 24:47–27:16 — Confrontation and reconciliation with Mr. Murphy
• 27:16–28:17 — Church choir, family reunion, closing message

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Episode Tone & Style

The episode carries warmth, sentimentality, and gentle humor. Dialogue is earnest and occasionally playful, especially with Joey’s earnestness and the gentle ribbing among the adults. The resolution is tear-jerking and uplifting, embracing the spirit of charity, redemption, and hope that comes with the holiday season.

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Final Takeaway

"Joey’s Christmas Story" blends the intrigue of classic radio drama with heartfelt lessons about generosity, courage, and the meaning of Christmas. Through the Shadow’s guidance and the community’s ultimate forgiveness, it delivers a timeless reminder: the greatest gifts are love, understanding, and goodwill to all.

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows. Ladies and gentlemen, as we near the start of the happy holiday season, the blue coal dealers of America wish you, the members of their vast unseen audience, the merriest Christmas ever. And they present as their special Christmas gift to you a heartwarming Yuletide adventure of the shadows. Before the Shadows start this adventure, I'd like to add my Christmas greetings to those of the Blue Coal dealers of America. You know their product. Blue Coal is the modern equivalent of the old fashioned yule log. You can depend upon Blue Coal to bring warmth, good cheer and comfort to your home 24 hours of the day. And with each order of Blue Coal is included the free extra home heating service of your friendly Blue Coal dealer. Is your bin well filled for the holidays? If not, phone your neighborhood Blue Coal dealer first thing in the morning. The Shadow, the mysterious character who aids the forces of law and order, is in reality the Monk Cranston. Wealthy young man about town as the Shadow. Cranston is gifted with a 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 voice of the invisible shadow belongs. Today's drama, Joy's Christmas Story.

[C]

Was there any particular destination you would want me to drive you to, Mr. Cranston?

[B]

Hayes? I'm looking for little Joey the newsboy.

[C]

Oh, well, if it's a paper you want, I could stop at any. No, no, we're looking for Joey, Trevy. We have a special date with him that we keep every Christmas season. Oh, you mean like horrendous bull, huh?

[B]

That's right, Trevy. Every year for the past three seasons, we've taken Joey on a tour of the toy sections of all the department stores.

[C]

Oh, well, now, ain't that nice? You know, this time of year I.

[B]

Get wishing I was a kid again myself.

[C]

Ain't that silly? No, of course not, Trevy. We all feel that way. You know, my Friend and acquaintance. Big Charlie, of whom you have heard me speak. Yes. Well, him and me used to have.

[B]

Some fun at Christmas time when we was kids. That is, till Big Charlie spoiled it. Now, how is that?

[C]

Well, he got us bandit from all the toy departments in the stores. But why? Oh, just on account of one pinchy.

[B]

Little thing he used to do.

[C]

Well, what was it? Giving Santa Claus a hot foot.

[B]

That was a fine thing to do.

[C]

Oh, look, Lamont, there's Little Joy on the corner. Stop your cab, sweetie, will you? There you go. Papers. Good job. Hey, Mr. Clampson. Gosh, I thought maybe you wasn't coming.

[B]

Well, how are you, Joey?

[C]

I'm fine, thanks. Hello, Ms. Lance. Hello, Joey.

[B]

Are you all set for our little excursion, Joey?

[C]

Well, I still have a couple of papers left. Oh.

[B]

Well, how many papers have you.

[C]

11. I got 11, eh?

[B]

Well, do you think $5 would pay for them?

[C]

Gosh, five bucks. See, Mr. Kantana, you shouldn't give me that more picture.

[B]

Now, throw your papers away and we'll hop into the cab.

[C]

Well, would you. Would you mind if I don't throw them away? I mean, it's being almost Christmas and everything. Well, I like to give them away to some certain people who couldn't maybe afford to buy one.

[B]

Why, sure. Go ahead, Joey.

[C]

Of course. Thanks again, Mr. Clanston. Hey, Willie, here's a paper compliment to Dewey. Ah, he's a swell kid. Look at him. You'd think he was giving away a million dollars.

[B]

That's just about what it is to him, too.

[C]

Yeah, that kid is a regular character. I hope he saves a paper for me.

[B]

Oh, Shreevy, I don't think you're on his charity list. That's what I get for owning a cab, huh?

[C]

I got rid of more but one, Mr. Clinton.

[B]

Well, good. Let's get into the cab.

[C]

Okay.

[B]

There's it.

[C]

Well, why'd you save the one paper, Joey? Why, that's me. Your friend Hobo Sam. He gets a lot of good out of a pa. Really? How's that? Well, when he finishes reading, he wears it inside his shirt that keeps warm. And the evening records the warmest paper in town.

[B]

They should advertise that.

[C]

As I says before, that kid's a character, huh?

[B]

Well, you tell us where Hobo Sam can be found, and we'll stop off there before we go to the store.

[C]

He found a street away. Hey, look, there's my pop. Hey, would you please go Snowpeak this corner, Mr. Shrevey? Oh, sure thing, sure thing.

[B]

Every little bit hurts.

[C]

Thank you, Hey, a pup. Hello, son. Didn't he look nice, though? I bet you that he's the best looking street corner standing course in the whole royal.

[B]

Joey. How long has he been doing that job?

[C]

Oh, ever since the holiday season started. He kind of needed a job too. You see, he ain't been able to get much work the last couple of years. It's good that he found something at Christmas time anyway.

[B]

Do we?

[C]

That's what I told him. But the money he's been making on this job is going out for back rent and bills. He thinks it ain't really Christmas money.

[B]

Oh, so your prospects for Christmas are still none too bright.

[C]

Well, Mr. Crampton, I ain't worried. Pop will find some way for us to have a good Christmas. You see, when he's worried like of anything, me and him take a walk down by the dock. We sit on the pier and watch the water going by. You know, Pop says that watching the water like that makes them all easy the inside again. See, I like going down there with him. Do you know what I mean?

[B]

I know what you mean, Joey.

[C]

Well, I figured you'd probably. Hey, look, there's Hobo Sam. Hey, will you stop a minute, Mr. Shri? Yeah, Toby.

[B]

Sure to be sure.

[C]

Hey, Sam, wait a minute. I got something for you. Excuse me, Sig. I'll be right back.

[B]

All right.

[C]

I got a paper for you, Sam. Pl. The ads in it go, it's practically an overcoat. Oh, Lamont, I wish there was something that we could do for Joey's as well as for him.

[B]

We will, Marco. We will do something. But it can't be charity. They're much too proud to accept that.

[C]

There must be some way to help, though.

[B]

We'll find a way. Leave it to me.

[C]

Okay, I'm. I'm ready, Mr. Stacy. Well, how did Hobo Sam like the paper? Uh huh. I say we'd be glad to get the paper. Oh, Hobo Sam. Oh. Oh, Hobo Sam. Yeah. Yes.

[B]

What's the matter, Joey? You seem worried.

[C]

Well, I. I just found out something from Hobo Sam. Oh, what? He just told me that the father of one of the kids I run around with was on his way to a house on Water Street. They'll murder a guy. What? A guy might have. Did he say.

[B]

Hey, did you get the address?

[C]

Yeah, yeah. 18 Water Street.

[B]

Well, we better notify the police at once.

[C]

They ain't time for that, Mr. Transom. But you could help. How? Well, you got a reputation as a gentleman detectives like. And you could do something about this Yourself. Well, what is it by being minded, Mr. Transom.

[B]

Very well. Sh. 18 Water street and hurry.

[C]

Are you sure you got the right address, Joey? This is just an old deserted warehouse. I know this is the right place, Ms. Len. A lot of the men come here to play cards and stuff.

[B]

Well, we'll see what's in this room here. Come on.

[C]

A mug look at this room.

[B]

Yes, Furniture broken and strewn all over the room. Well, there's. There's been a fight here, all right.

[C]

Yeah, this must be the price. This must be it. Look, right there. Blood on the floor.

[B]

Yes, I see it. No sign of a body, though.

[C]

No sign of a body. No joy. What are you doing? Oh, just making notes in my notebook. I like to keep a record of how a detective works.

[B]

This room looks as if a dozen men had staged a brawl here.

[C]

Looks like more notes, Joey. Yes, sir.

[B]

I can't make head of tailor this thing. Dozens of clues and no evidence.

[C]

Come on. Look here.

[B]

Yeah, what is it, Margot? Note.

[C]

I found it on the floor.

[B]

What does it say?

[C]

Hurry to 19 West street before another disaster occurs.

[B]

Well, that's a mighty convenient message. They must have been expecting help. Come on, we're going to 19 West Street. There's the number 19 West Street. And I am attempted to add in a very unusual neighborhood this address is in.

[C]

Yeah, it's just an old boarded up tenement house.

[B]

Well, let's have a look.

[C]

How can we even get into the place? The doors are all barred.

[B]

Yes, you may have trouble forcing an entrance.

[C]

Oh, you think maybe your body's in there, Mr. Cleeve?

[B]

I never make predictions in a case like this, Joy.

[C]

No. Prick. Dad. Hey, how do you spell predictions? Ms. Jones, please.

[B]

Joey, forget your notebook for a moment, will you?

[C]

Yeah, but it's still in the line of beady. Mr. Crane. Lamont. Look up there by that window. There's a piece of paper tacked to it.

[B]

Oh, yes. Get it for me, will you, Joey?

[C]

Yes, sir. Lamont. What is all this about, Margot?

[B]

I haven't the slightest idea.

[C]

See here, Mr. Cranston, it's a notor of us.

[B]

All right, let me have it. Please come at once to 66 Broome street urgent.

[C]

Hey, that's my address. That's where I live. Hurry. When you hurry, Hot pot is right on this floor. Up here's a sort of a storage place, like kind of an attic.

[B]

Oh, I suppose we better look up there.

[C]

Joey, what are you doing home to Ermie? Oh, hello, Mom. I'm working on something. Oh, I guess. Look at Me, please? This here is Ms. Lane, Mr. Pilkey.

[B]

How do you do, Mr. Pilkey?

[C]

How do you do? Have you popped it on yet? Well, you know, he has another hour to work in the corner. And what are you up to now, young man? I think there's a dead man up in the attic. A dead man? Glory to heaven.

[B]

No, no, don't be alarmed, Mrs. McNally. It's just a superstition.

[C]

Whatever it is, I don't like it. Oh, don't you really think that there's a dead dry up there, Mr. Prince?

[B]

No, I don't think so, Joey.

[C]

Yeah, but them notes and the blood and everything in the warehouse.

[B]

What about them?

[C]

Well, don't that mean somebody's dead? Not necessarily, but it says in all the detective stories.

[B]

You read detective stories, do you, Joy?

[C]

Well, sure, sure. I'm surprised at you, Mr. Cranston. I always thought that when a detective saw blood and everything.

[B]

But I'm not even sure it was blood.

[C]

It was so blood.

[B]

How do you know?

[C]

How do I know? Didn't I cut my own fate?

[B]

Aha, I suspected as much.

[C]

Yeah, but wait, wait a minute. What I meant to say was. What I meant.

[B]

You mean you staged this whole thing just for our benefit, didn't you?

[C]

Well, I. Joey, did you do that? Maybe I should have did it that. What did they do? What are you up to now, young man?

[B]

Just a little game that Joey played on us, Mrs. McNulty. A game that sort of backfired.

[C]

Poor Gee. And I thought I had it planned so good.

[B]

You did, Joey. You just made one mistake.

[C]

Oh, yes. Yeah.

[B]

Those notes were all in your own handwriting. The same handwriting you used in your notebook.

[C]

What do you know? Am I a dope?

[B]

What was that, Joey? Is this part of your game?

[C]

No, no, I don't know nothing about that.

[B]

Well, we better have a look up here in this attic. Now wait there, Margot.

[C]

Hey, I'm coming with you. I could go right ahead. He's Mr. Moises.

[B]

He's been hit on the head. Hey, that's a nasty wound. Who is he, Joey?

[C]

Well, Mr. Mikey's thought is a rich guy here in the neighborhood and he's the meanest and stingiest himself.

[B]

Now, what happened? What happened to you, sir? It hit on the head. Well, who did it? I don't know, bro. Came from behind, hit me, robbed me. Hey, look here.

[C]

There's a pocketbook on the floor.

[B]

Let me see. Joey.

[C]

There you are.

[B]

Well, there's still some money in it. $10. How much money did you have? Mr. Murphy, 75. $75? Oh, that's strange. If it was robbery, why did your assailant leave you the $10? I don't know, I don't.

[C]

Hey, he's pissed out again.

[B]

Well, I wonder how the person who attacked him made his getaway. There are no windows in this room and we were at the only door.

[C]

Gosh, then it must have been. Huh?

[B]

What were you going to say?

[C]

Nothing. It must have been.

[B]

Who? Joey?

[C]

I didn't say nothing.

[B]

Very well, you'd rather not tell me. You better get Mr. Murphy down to your apartment at. Well, the wound isn't serious but it might not be wise to move him until a doctor has had a chance to look him over.

[C]

I'll phone for Dr. Collins right away.

[B]

Oh, thank you very much, Mr. McNulty.

[C]

Thanks.

[B]

Now Margot, if you could get me some hot water please.

[C]

I didn't know you were home.

[B]

Hey Pop, I guess you were so busy cooking you didn't hear me come in.

[C]

Well, no, Pop, I'd have seen you. Hey Pop, come on in here. Hello, son.

[B]

What's going on here?

[C]

Mr. Micey, he got hit and robbed.

[B]

Oh, well, no. That's too bad.

[C]

Yeah. These are friends of mine, Pop. Ms. Rayn and Mr. Clancy.

[B]

How do you do, Ms. McNulty?

[C]

How do you do?

[B]

Mighty glad to know you folks. Well, I. I think we better be getting along, Joey.

[C]

Yeah, the only gift maybe you had.

[B]

But let's make a date now to go to the stores tomorrow afternoon, shall we?

[C]

Oh, sure, sure. Thanks. Goodbye, Joy, Ms. McNulty.

[B]

Bye.

[C]

What do you suppose happened to that man?

[B]

I'm not quite sure yet. There are several things that are obviously not on the up and up.

[C]

Wait a minute, what do you mean?

[B]

Well, first of all, why should the crook, whoever he was, leave $10 in the man's purse?

[C]

Yes, I thought of that.

[B]

And secondly, how did he make his escape from that loft? And why was little Joey so upset by it? He almost revealed something to me up there and then he changed his mind.

[C]

Why do you suppose Mr. McNulty acted so strangely?

[B]

I'm just as curious about that as you are, Margot. I don't believe his story about coming into the house unnoticed. Tomorrow, Margot, we're going to stop at Mr. McNulty's corner and have a little talk with Santa Claus. Before Lamont Cranston interviews Santa Claus, put yourself in his place. Just a moment. If you had the privilege of a personal interview with Chris Pringle, what would you ask him to bring you? Well, maybe you ladies would ask him for a handkerchief and possibly you gentlemen would put in a bit for some neckties. But if Santa Claus should bring you a sack full of blue coal, ah, that would bring real Christmas cheer to ladies and gentlemen alike. For blue coal is America's finest hard coal. It burns better, banks better, distributes steady, long lasting, convenient heat from cellar to attic of your home. And then supposing you got a blue coal automatic heat regulator neatly done up in a special holiday wrapping Then you'd be doubly lucky for you'd have the perfect heating combination for economy and comfort. Blue coal and a blue coal automatic heat regulator. But if you don't get the opportunity to interview Santa Claus personally, here's the next best thing to do. Phone your friendly blue coal dealer. You'll find him willing and eager to help you with any home heating problem. His name is listed in the where to buy it section of your classified telephone directory under the words blue coal. And now back to Joey's Christmas story. Well, there he is. Marco, what you putting on this Note? Good afternoon, Mr. McNulty. Oh, I. I beg your pardon. I. I thought that this was Mr. McNulty's corner. It was till this morning.

[C]

Well, what happened?

[B]

Oh, he didn't show up so I got his uniform and location. Well, where is he? Do you know? They got me mister. Maybe he's up at the north pole getting the reindeer ready for the big runs him for over the mantelpiece.

[C]

Well, Lamont, what do you suppose is happening to him?

[B]

I don't know. Something is wrong though. I think that the shadow has a call to make at the McNulty flat.

[A]

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[B]

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[A]

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[C]

Let me see. Is that two cups of flour or one cup of flour? Oh dear.

[B]

Mrs. McNulty.

[C]

Who is that?

[B]

Now don't be alarmed, Mrs. McNulty. I've come here to talk to you.

[C]

Where are you? Who are you?

[B]

I'm called the Shadow. Don't try to find me. I'm standing right here beside you. But by my power I've hypnotized your mind so that you cannot see me.

[C]

I. I don't understand. What do you want of me?

[B]

I've come here to help you.

[C]

How? How?

[B]

Where's your husband?

[C]

I. I don't know.

[B]

Please have confidence in me. He's in trouble, isn't he?

[C]

Yes, Tim is in trouble.

[B]

Is it about money?

[C]

Yes. Yes. You do know, don't you?

[B]

Not the whole story.

[C]

Lord, Tim's a good man. A good man, believe me. But he done. He done because. Well, because of me and little Joey.

[B]

Tell me about it, please.

[C]

Well, last night after the doctor come and took Ms. Murphy home, Tim made me a present of $65.

[B]

Did you. Did you know where the money came from?

[C]

No. I mean I. I wasn't sure. I asked him about it. I asked him where he'd come upon such a sum of wealth and he avoided the question.

[B]

I see.

[C]

All he could tell me was that this Christmas Joey and I were going to have all the things he couldn't give us in the past.

[B]

I understand. Mrs. MacNulty.

[C]

This morning after he went to work I. I found this note from Tim sitting on the kitchen table.

[B]

What does the note say?

[C]

It says that he was the one that robbed Mr. Murphy. Oh, my. Tim done that. My poor.

[B]

Did he explain why he did that?

[C]

Oh yes, that the money had been owed to him by Mr. Murphy for several years. He tried many times to collect it from him but Mr. Murphy is, well, a kind of a stingy person, you see.

[B]

So he chose that way of getting the money that was rightfully his.

[C]

Yes, that was it. Oh, but he knew he'd done wrong in doing it that way. Tim knows that now. He knows that he'd acted in desperation just for me and little Joey.

[B]

That was the only reason, I believe that it couldn't have been anything else.

[C]

No, he's ashamed. He's ashamed most of all. Cause little Joey knows he done it. You see, there's a back stairway from our flat to the attic and Joey knows that. And he knew that his pup had used those stairs.

[B]

Where do you think your husband's gone?

[C]

If I only knew. Look, that isn't my only worry.

[B]

What do you mean?

[C]

I'm afraid little Joey's gone too. Why, he said he'd be home by 2 o'. Clock and it's almost six now and no sign of him. And about an hour ago, one of his little friends come by to find out where he was. He told me that Joey hadn't been on his corner all day.

[B]

Mrs. McNaughter, don't worry, please. I give you my word. They'll return and everything, everything will turn out all right.

[C]

Well, what did you find out?

[B]

Lamont, Joey's father, was the one who robbed the man all right.

[C]

Oh, Lamont.

[B]

Now both he and little Joey have disappeared.

[C]

Oh, how awful.

[B]

Oh, it's not that bad, Margot. I think I can find them on the docks at Water Street.

[C]

Why'd you have to do that to Mr. Myfie?

[B]

I. I don't know, son.

[C]

Golly, we didn't need the money that bit.

[B]

Ah, Joey, can't you understand? This year I wanted you and your mother to have all the things I couldn't give you in the past. I've been a failure, Joey. A failure.

[C]

Aw, that ain't no way to talk. You've been a swell Pop. Whatever you done, it's unbearable in the whole world. Even Santa Clausen. You're the best Santa I ever seen. Better even in the real one.

[B]

Ah, that's nice to hear, Joey. But K. It's all Pop.

[C]

I don't know what got into you. Don't you remember all the things you told me when we'd been down here by the river before? About courage and hope and the future and all the things you told me I should look for?

[B]

That was for you, Joey, not for me.

[C]

Yeah, but I'm part of you. Popping whatever you are. That's what I am. And mom feels the same way. We're all together, all for each other.

[B]

Honor. Joey is right, Mr. McNulty. Who was that? Who spoke? I did. Who are you? Men call me the Shadow.

[C]

The Shadow? Holy smoke. It's the Shadow, Pop. You heard of him. The invisible guy Shadow.

[B]

If you've heard of me, then you both know that I'm here to help you.

[C]

Did you hear that pup? He said it was going to help us.

[B]

Yes, but how? I know of the trouble that you're in, Mr. McNulty. I know what you did to Mr. Murphy.

[C]

Oh, he wasn't to blame for that on us, Mr. Shadow.

[B]

Yes, I was. I was, Joey.

[C]

But Mr. Murphy was a mean old man. He had plenty of dough and he owed Pop that money for years and years. Never paid it to him. That's why Pop done what he's done.

[B]

I know, I realize that Joey. Well what I did was wrong Joey and I must pay for it. I'm going to tell my story to the police.

[C]

Oh no, no, I don't think that.

[B]

Would be necessary Mr. McNulty. There's another way, a better way. What is it? I want you and young Joey to go to Mr. Murphy's house. Tell him what you've done.

[C]

Why he'd send Pop to jail for life.

[B]

Wait now do as I say, please. I'll be there with you. I believe if you explain your reasons to him honestly and sincerely tell him why you did what you did to him. Even as hard a man as Mr. Murphy will listen to reason on this night of nights, Christmas Eve, I know it. I had a feeling that you'd done this to me from the very beginning, McNulty. But I've come to ask your forgiveness Mr. Murphy. I've come here to ask you to understand why I did it. You robbed me, that was all. That's why you did it.

[C]

But it was very popular.

[B]

Makes no difference. Turn you over to the police.

[C]

We'll tell them it was popular, money too.

[B]

Yeah. I'll never believe it. I'm the only one who knows about the debt, remember that. That's where you're wrong Mr. Murphy. You aren't the only one. Huh? Who is that?

[C]

Oh boy, the shadow. He's here just like he said he'd do.

[B]

Now where are you? I can't see anyone. I shall remain quite invisible to your eyes, Mr. Murphy. But you're going to hear me and you're going to do as I say. I don't understand this. I know all about this episode of the stolen money. And I realize that Mr. McNulty was wrong in what he did. But his reason for doing it is one that I shall always admire. What do you mean? Mr. McNulty has a family, a fine family. A wife and son. He loves them both very dearly. Things have not gone too well for that family for a long, long time. You wouldn't know what that means Mr. Murphy. You can't realize how a man feels when he wants to give everything to his loved ones and he has nothing to give. No, that doesn't justify. Wait, let me finish. He never bothered you for that money you owed him although many times he needed it very much. Then Christmas time approached. He Asked you for the money and you refused that $65. It meant the difference between happiness and despair. To his wife and son. And what he did to you, he did for them. I see. Do you know what Christmas really means, Mr. Murphy? It's a time of forgiveness, of man's goodwill to man. You must know that feeling. You must show it by letting bygones be bygones between you and the McNulties. I see what you mean. I want whatever has stood between you to be forgotten. Tonight, that young boy is singing in the choir at the cathedral. I want you to join him and his family. Go with them to the church. Open your heart and your hands in forgiveness to them and all mankind.

[C]

Oh, that was so lovely, Lamont. The church, the choir, everything.

[B]

Yes, it was beautiful.

[C]

Oh, look, Lamont, it's snowing again. Dark, gentle snow covering the city with a blanket of white. See? It's almost like poetry.

[B]

Yes, Joey, poetry. Shall we walk home, Mr. Murphy? Yes, I'd like to very much. Come on, Mother.

[C]

Of course. Kids. Golly. Take that swell away. Popping mom and Mr. Moissey are friends and everything.

[B]

Well, Joey, that's the spirit of Christmas. Peace on earth, goodwill to men.

[C]

Hey, Mr. Princess. But you're right. I gotta make a note of that in my notebook.

[B]

In just a moment, we'll hear once again from the Shadow. But now a Christmas message from John Barclay, America's home heating expert. Mr. Barclay, thank you and good evening, friends. Well, once again, Christmas Day is almost here. As I recall it, our last year's broadcast fell on Christmas Eve. And I'd like to repeat now what I told you then. I wish I could meet each one of you and personally extend to you the season's greetings. But not having that privilege, I do wish all of you, my unseen friends, a very merry Christmas. And I especially include in that greeting all the John Barclay servicemen who carry the Christmas spirit of goodwill throughout the year by helping thousands of Blue Coal customers enjoy greater heating comfort. Now, there may be some of you householders who haven't yet completed your Christmas shopping. And to you I offer this suggestion. For a lasting gift that will be appreciated not only on Christmas Day but throughout the years to come, I recommend a Blue Coal automatic heat regulator. Merry Christmas, friends, and thank you. Today's program is based on a story copyrighted by the Shadow magazine. The characters, names, places and plot are fictitious. Any similarity to persons living or dead is purely coincidental. The weed of crime bears bitter fruit. Crime does not pay. The Shadow knows. Next week, same time, same station. The Blue Coal Dealers of America bring you an adventure of the shadow chock full of thrills and dynamic dramatic action. So be sure to listen and be sure to phone your friendly Blue Coal dealer for greater heating comfort at less cost. We wish you a very Merry Christmas on behalf of our entire cast. Foreign.

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