Whistler 42-10-04 ep021 Urge to Kill

Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode Summary: "Urge to Kill" (Whistler 42-10-04 ep021)

Release Date: July 29, 2025

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Introduction

“The Whistler” presents a gripping tale of psychological turmoil and deception in the episode titled "Urge to Kill." Set against the backdrop of an industrious factory owner, Henry Drake's life unravels as he grapples with unexplained memory lapses and violent urges. This summary delves into the intricate plot, character dynamics, and the episode's climactic twist, enriched with notable quotes for deeper engagement.

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Main Characters

• Henry Drake: A successful factory owner facing immense pressure from increased production demands.
• Phil Putnam: Henry's business partner who provided the initial investment for their factory.
• Rita Drake: Henry's concerned wife, grappling with his deteriorating mental state.
• Ethel Watson: The factory's secretary, caught in the unfolding drama.
• Dr. Schultz: A renowned state psychiatrist called upon to help Henry.
• Jackson: The butler, serving the Drake household.
• Duke: Rita's Airedale dog, whose mysterious death becomes pivotal to the plot.

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Plot Summary

1. Mounting Pressure and Memory Issues

Henry Drake, co-owner of a thriving factory, experiences severe memory lapses amidst escalating production demands due to wartime pressures. His inability to recall significant events, such as receiving important contracts from his partner Phil Putnam, raises suspicions among his associates and family.

Henry Drake (00:58): "I get a terrible feeling of depression. And then this awful urge comes upon me. The urge to hurt someone."

2. Seeking Psychiatric Help

Concerned for his well-being, Henry decides to consult Dr. Schultz, a prominent state psychiatrist. During their session, Henry reveals his disturbing urges to inflict pain, though he vehemently denies any intent to act on them.

Henry Drake (11:01): "I don't want to harm anyone. I'd rather die."

Despite initial reluctance, Phil insists that Henry fully disclose his issues to Dr. Schultz.

3. Increasing Signs of Distress

Following the doctor's advice, Henry attempts to rest and distance himself from business stresses. However, inconsistencies in his memory persist, such as unexplained muddy shoes and mysterious outings he doesn't recall, alarming his wife Rita and secretary Ethel.

Rita Drake (15:08): "A man like you, an intelligent, walking around in his sleep."

4. The Strange Death of Duke

One fateful night, Rita discovers her beloved dog, Duke, strangled beyond normal accidents. Henry exhibits physical signs suggesting violence, including a mysterious cut on his thumb, but maintains he has no memory of harming Duke.

Ethel Watson (19:03): "Oh, good heavens. Well, what happened to him?"

5. Unraveling the Truth

As tensions escalate, Henry's behavior becomes increasingly erratic. He confronts Phil and Rita with claims of overhearing their affair, leading to a heated confrontation. Rita, terrified by Henry's unstable demeanor, contacts the police, resulting in Henry's arrest.

6. The Courtroom Revelation

In a dramatic courtroom scene, Dr. Schultz presents evidence proving that Henry was entirely sane during the supposed episodes of insanity. It's unveiled that Henry orchestrated his mental breakdowns to feign insanity, aiming to evade the death penalty for the murder of Duke. However, his meticulously planned deception unravels, leading to his conviction.

Dr. Schultz (28:40): "Henry Drake was then and is now absolutely sane. The whole thing was a plan to escape the death penalty for premeditated murder."

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Significant Moments

• Initial Memory Lapses ([00:50] - [05:00]): Henry's struggles with memory and his interactions with Ethel and Phil set the stage for his psychological decline.

• Consultation with Dr. Schultz ([06:53] - [12:24]): The psychiatric evaluation reveals the depth of Henry's issues, highlighting his fear of harming others.

• Duke's Death ([19:00] - [20:00]): The strangling of Duke serves as the catalyst for the unraveling of Henry's facade.

• Final Confrontation and Arrest ([25:00] - [27:30]): The confrontation between Henry, Rita, and Phil culminates in his inability to maintain his charade, leading to his downfall.

• Courtroom Twist ([28:23] - [30:14]): The revelation of Henry's premeditated plan to feign insanity brings the story to a gripping conclusion.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Henry Drake on His Urges:

   “I get a terrible feeling of depression. And then this awful urge comes upon me. The urge to hurt someone.”
   [00:58]

2. Henry's Plea for Help:

   “I don't want to harm anyone. I'd rather die.”
   [11:19]

3. Rita's Frustration:

   “A man like you, an intelligent, walking around in his sleep.”
   [15:06]

4. Dr. Schultz's Revelation:

   “Henry Drake was then and is now absolutely sane. The whole thing was a plan to escape the death penalty for premeditated murder.”
   [28:40]

5. The Whistler's Commentary:

   “The whole thing blew up in your face. A beautiful plan gone haywire. You should have spent less time thinking about your revenge, Henry, and more time studying psychology. Too bad.”
   [29:10]

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Conclusion

"Urge to Kill" masterfully intertwines themes of psychological manipulation, deception, and the fragility of the human mind. Through Henry Drake's facade of insanity, the episode explores the lengths one might go to in evading justice. The narrative's suspense builds seamlessly, culminating in a courtroom twist that underscores the importance of truth and the perils of deceit. This episode stands as a testament to the Golden Age of Radio's ability to craft compelling, thought-provoking stories that resonate with audiences even today.

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Note: This summary focuses solely on the narrative content, excluding advertisements and non-essential segments, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the episode for those who haven't listened.

Transcript

[Ryan]

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[Phil Putnam]

VGW Group void. We're prohibited by law 21/ terms and conditions apply.

[Dr. Schultz]

Wait a minute.

[Henry Drake]

Have you heard the strange tales of the Whistler?

[The Whistler]

I'm the Whistler.

[Henry Drake]

I get a terrible feeling of depression. And then this awful urge comes upon me. The urge to hurt someone. The urge to inflict pain.

[The Whistler]

The urge to kill.

[Henry Drake]

Another Sunday night and again, CBS presents the Whistler.

[The Whistler]

I, the Whistler, know many things, for I walk by night. I know many strange tales, many secrets hidden in the hearts of men and women who have stepped into the shadows. I know the nameless terrors of which they dare not speak. And so I tell you tonight the unusual tale the urge to kill. Henry Drake sits in his big office staring out over the smoking stacks of his busy factory. Production is at its peak. The demands of the past year have brought untold problems to his desk and placed heavy loads on his shoulders. Henry Drake and his partner, Philip Putnam had started this factory five years ago and built it into a smooth running, highly profitable organization. But now the added demands of war have more than trebled the production and the worries as well. Phil had put up most of the money and Henry the brains. It was Henry who always had to make the decisions. But now something is happening to Henry. He is beginning to slip. His memory is playing tricks on him.

[Ethel Watson]

Good morning, Mr. Drake.

[Henry Drake]

Oh, morning, Ethel.

[Ethel Watson]

Mr. Putnam wants to know if you studied those contracts last night.

[Henry Drake]

Contracts?

[Phil Putnam]

What contracts?

[Ethel Watson]

Why, the ones he gave you last night. You said you'd take them home. They must be signed by noon.

[Phil Putnam]

Contracts?

[Henry Drake]

Why, I don't know what you're talking about. When did Phil give me any contracts?

[Ethel Watson]

What? Just before you left last evening.

[Phil Putnam]

Well, that's funny.

[Ethel Watson]

Don't you remember?

[Henry Drake]

What? Remember? Well, yes, I do remember now. Yes, yes, of course.

[Ethel Watson]

Well, may I have them?

[Henry Drake]

Well, let me see. What on earth did I do with them? Oh, tell Mr. Putnam to step in here.

[Ethel Watson]

Yes, Mr. Drake. Mr. Drake would like to see you, Mr. Putnam.

[Dr. Schultz]

I'll be right in.

[Henry Drake]

I'll ring if I need you.

[Dr. Schultz]

Ethel.

[Ethel Watson]

All right.

[Henry Drake]

Good morning, Henry. What's up? Why, about those contracts you gave me yesterday evening. Just what were they about?

[Phil Putnam]

What?

[Rita Drake]

What do you mean? Haven't you read them?

[Phil Putnam]

No.

[Henry Drake]

No, I haven't.

[Rita Drake]

Good heavens, man. They were supposed to be signed by noon today and it's 10 o' clock now. Now where are they?

[Henry Drake]

I don't know where they are, Phil. I. I can't find. I'm sure I didn't take them home.

[Rita Drake]

Oh, you must have.

[Henry Drake]

Strange. I can't remember a thing about them.

[Rita Drake]

Well, what did you do after you left here? Where'd you go?

[Henry Drake]

Why, I went home. That is, I think I did.

[Rita Drake]

Think you did? What's the matter with you, Henry?

[Henry Drake]

I don't know, Phil. I can't seem to recall a thing I did last evening.

[Rita Drake]

Are you kidding?

[Henry Drake]

Certainly not. Why should I kid about such a thing?

[Rita Drake]

Well, don't get sore about it. Certainly ridiculous. This is a serious situation.

[Henry Drake]

I know, Phil. I know that better than you do. Well, call you home.

[Rita Drake]

They've got to be there. Have Rita send them over by special messenger.

[Ethel Watson]

Yes, sir.

[Rita Drake]

Get Mrs. Drake on the phone. You know, it looked very. Well, Henry, you're as pale as a ghost. Look at the perspiration. What's wrong with you, man?

[Phil Putnam]

I don't know.

[Henry Drake]

I really don't know. I feel terrible and my eyes are bothering me. Bright flashes keep passing in front of me and my ears throbb. Hello?

[Rita Drake]

Oh, Rita, this is Phil. Henry brought a contract home to study last evening. Look around and see if you can find it.

[Dr. Schultz]

It's very important.

[Rita Drake]

And a blue binder, about 20 pages.

[Phil Putnam]

What?

[Rita Drake]

I see.

[Phil Putnam]

Thanks.

[Rita Drake]

She's in the library now.

[Henry Drake]

Oh, yes.

[Rita Drake]

You can't. Yes, I see.

[Phil Putnam]

Really?

[Rita Drake]

Well, all right. Call me back.

[Henry Drake]

Well, what about it?

[Rita Drake]

You have no idea what happened to you after you left here last evening at 6.

[Henry Drake]

Did I leave at 6?

[Rita Drake]

Certainly. So did I. She said you didn't come home for dinner. She decided to go to the opera. When she came back at 12. You didn't come in until one said your shoes and trousers were all covered with mud. You went straight to bed.

[Henry Drake]

Was it raining last night?

[Rita Drake]

Of course it was.

[Henry Drake]

I don't remember that.

[Rita Drake]

Rita's going to look in the coat and suit you were wearing last night. She'll call me back.

[Henry Drake]

What on earth is happening to me? Where could I have gone? Yes.

[Rita Drake]

Yes, Rita, you couldn't. I see. Very well.

[Phil Putnam]

Thanks.

[Rita Drake]

Goodbye. Not a trace of the contract.

[Phil Putnam]

Now what?

[Henry Drake]

Phil, I've got to tell you this. This isn't the first time this has happened. It's been going on for weeks. About twice every week a terrible depression comes over me. And then when I wake up, I can't for the life of me remember what happened the night before.

[Rita Drake]

Well, maybe the strain has been too much. You better see a doctor at once, Henry.

[Henry Drake]

I know I should, but I'm afraid to.

[Phil Putnam]

Why?

[Henry Drake]

I'm afraid of what he might tell me.

[Rita Drake]

Nonsense. Go and see a doctor right now. I'll go down to your place and search it from top to bottom.

[Henry Drake]

Very well, Phil. I'll go now. I'll be back as soon as I can.

[The Whistler]

Henry stumbles in a daze from his office and walks about the city for an hour trying to make up his mind to see a doctor. He doesn't have the courage to tell his own doctor, so he finally decides to visit a psychiatrist. Then he remembers the name of one of the most famous in the country. Dr. Schultz, the state psychiatrist.

[Henry Drake]

I know you're not a general practitioner, Dr. Schultz. As a state psychiatrist, I know you're a busy man, but I've read a few of your books and I thought you'd be willing to help me.

[Dr. Schultz]

Well, ordinarily I wouldn't, Mr. Drake, but I know who you are and what you've been doing. I'll do what I can.

[Phil Putnam]

Thank you, Doctor.

[Dr. Schultz]

You say you have lapses of memory?

[Phil Putnam]

Yes.

[Henry Drake]

I wake up in the morning and can't remember what happened the night before. In the morning I have headaches and see strange flashes before my eyes and hear throbbing noises.

[Phil Putnam]

How often does this occur?

[Henry Drake]

About twice a week. But I remember everything I do during the day.

[Dr. Schultz]

Have you ever had a serious ailment?

[Phil Putnam]

No.

[Dr. Schultz]

Ever had an accident? Anything that might have caused a concussion?

[Henry Drake]

Well, not that I remember. I may have had as a child.

[Dr. Schultz]

Have you been working under an exceptional mental strain?

[Phil Putnam]

Yes.

[Henry Drake]

Yes, I have. The pressure has been more than doubled for the last year. The problems have been so heavy that I've been unable to sleep. I've studied them until dawn, until finally I was unable to remember them.

[Dr. Schultz]

You don't go to sleep easily.

[Henry Drake]

No, not till very late, from all appearances. I wander about until 1 o' clock in the morning. Where? I don't know.

[Dr. Schultz]

You're married?

[Phil Putnam]

Yes.

[Dr. Schultz]

What does your wife think of your strange behavior?

[Henry Drake]

Well, naturally, she doesn't like it. She says I walk in and go to bed without saying a word. So now she doesn't even ask where I've been.

[Dr. Schultz]

Are you and your wife incompatible?

[Phil Putnam]

Well, somewhat.

[Dr. Schultz]

Have you ever been interested in another woman?

[Henry Drake]

I Have not any children?

[Phil Putnam]

No.

[Dr. Schultz]

Have you ever been caught in a predicament where you were forced to do something dishonest in order to escape a severe penalty?

[Henry Drake]

What do you mean?

[Dr. Schultz]

Well, I'll put it another way. Do you fear anything or anybody?

[Phil Putnam]

No.

[Dr. Schultz]

Do you hate anything or anybody?

[Henry Drake]

Yes. Lately I dislike my work, my business, intensely.

[Phil Putnam]

Why?

[Henry Drake]

I don't know why. Maybe I've had too much of it.

[Dr. Schultz]

Who is closest to you in your work?

[Henry Drake]

Well, I have a partner and we have a secretary.

[Dr. Schultz]

And who are they?

[Henry Drake]

My partner is Philip Putnam. My secretary is Hethel Watson.

[Dr. Schultz]

Oh, you both have the same secretary?

[Henry Drake]

Yes. That way we keep things more orderly.

[Phil Putnam]

Mm.

[Dr. Schultz]

Could you get along without her?

[Phil Putnam]

Why? Never thought of it.

[Henry Drake]

She's very capable, but I suppose I could get along without her.

[Dr. Schultz]

Does your partner have as much responsibility in the business as you?

[Henry Drake]

I do most of the mental work.

[Dr. Schultz]

You resent that?

[Henry Drake]

You mean do. Do I think he should take more responsibility? Yes, I do. But he isn't capable. Plays golf and takes days off at a time. Yes, I do resent that. I know nothing can be done about it.

[Dr. Schultz]

Is your partner married?

[Henry Drake]

No. For a while I thought he and our secretary were growing fond of each other. But in the last few months it.

[Phil Putnam]

Seems to have cooled.

[Dr. Schultz]

Are your financial affairs in order?

[Henry Drake]

Exceptionally so. Never better.

[Dr. Schultz]

Are you worried about the outcome of the war?

[Henry Drake]

No. No more than anyone else, I realize. It'll keep every nose to the grindstone.

[Dr. Schultz]

And you drink?

[Phil Putnam]

I'm temperate.

[Henry Drake]

Probably a little more of late.

[Dr. Schultz]

Never took narcotic?

[Henry Drake]

No.

[Phil Putnam]

No.

[Henry Drake]

I've tried sleeping tablets, but they did me no good.

[Dr. Schultz]

I see. Have you anything further to add to this discussion?

[Henry Drake]

I know.

[Dr. Schultz]

Then I must ask you to leave and not come back.

[Henry Drake]

What do you mean, Doctor?

[Dr. Schultz]

Just that. Leave and don't come back until you decide to tell me the truth.

[Henry Drake]

But I have been telling you everything I know.

[Dr. Schultz]

No, you haven't. There's something you've been withholding. Good day.

[Henry Drake]

Wait a minute. What are you trying to say?

[Dr. Schultz]

I'm not trying to say anything. I've told you that you're holding something back. Some fear that you don't want known. But if you want me to help you, you have to divulge everything.

[Phil Putnam]

All right. I thought maybe you could help me without my telling, but all right, I'll.

[Henry Drake]

Tell you what it is.

[Phil Putnam]

That's better.

[Henry Drake]

It happens on these mornings when I fail to remember what has occurred the night before. It happens during these spells of flashes and noises.

[Phil Putnam]

What happens?

[The Whistler]

I get this terrible feeling of depression. Then slowly Gradually, the urge comes to me.

[Dr. Schultz]

The urge to what?

[Henry Drake]

The urge to hurt someone. The urge to inflict pain, inflict injury on someone.

[Dr. Schultz]

On whom?

[Henry Drake]

Anyone. Any person comes into my mind. Anyone I see or think about. The waitress in the cafe, my secretary, my chauffeur, my wife, my partner, a laborer, anyone.

[Dr. Schultz]

Have you ever killed anyone, Drake?

[Henry Drake]

No.

[The Whistler]

No, I swear.

[Henry Drake]

Never. And I don't want to. That's why I'm here. I'm afraid. Afraid of myself. I don't want to harm anyone. I'd rather die.

[Dr. Schultz]

Would you?

[Henry Drake]

Yes.

[Phil Putnam]

All right. Now you know, that's my great fear.

[Henry Drake]

Something's got to be done about it. You've got to help me.

[Dr. Schultz]

Very well, Drake. I'm glad you finally told me. Now I know what to do, know where to start.

[Phil Putnam]

You.

[Henry Drake]

You don't think I'm going completely to pieces, Mentally, I mean.

[Dr. Schultz]

No, I don't think so.

[Henry Drake]

You think it's just temporary?

[Dr. Schultz]

Let's not talk about it anymore.

[Henry Drake]

What can I do?

[Dr. Schultz]

I want you to stay away from the business for a week. Don't go near it. Don't think about it. I want you to stay in bed as much as possible. Read something in the light vein. Put her about, if you like, in the garden. Say anything but business. At the end of the week, I want to see you again. But above all, rest. Rest your mind and your body.

[Phil Putnam]

Yes, I understand.

[Henry Drake]

And you think you'll. You think that will bring me out of these spells?

[Dr. Schultz]

I think everything will turn out for the best.

[Henry Drake]

Thank you, Dr. Schultz. I appreciate all. Listen, I'll see you in a week.

[Dr. Schultz]

Goodbye, Mr. Drake. And Ms. Burton.

[Ethel Watson]

Yes, Dr. Schultz.

[Dr. Schultz]

Did you take down that interview, Ms. Burton?

[Ethel Watson]

Yes, Doctor. I made a recording of it.

[Phil Putnam]

Thank you.

[The Whistler]

So Henry goes home and stays in bed for three days according to the doctor's instructions. Then toward midnight of the third evening, he. His wife, Rita comes home and is startled to find him gone.

[Ethel Watson]

Jackson. Jackson.

[Phil Putnam]

Oh, yes, Mrs. Drake.

[Ethel Watson]

Jackson. Where's Mr. Drake?

[Phil Putnam]

Why, Mr. Drake is in his room.

[Ethel Watson]

But he isn't. He's gone.

[Phil Putnam]

Gone? But I didn't see him go out, ma'. Am.

[Ethel Watson]

When did you see him last?

[Phil Putnam]

Why, it was about 9:30. I looked in to see if there was anything he wanted before I retired.

[Ethel Watson]

What did he say? Was he dressed?

[Phil Putnam]

No, ma', am, he was in bed. He said he didn't want anything and that I might as well turn in.

[Ethel Watson]

Where on earth could he have gone on a rainy night like this?

[Phil Putnam]

Shall I go out and try to find him, ma'? Am?

[Ethel Watson]

No, no, Never mind, Jackson. You can go back to bed.

[Phil Putnam]

Yes.

[The Whistler]

Yes, ma'.

[Phil Putnam]

Am. Thank you.

[Ethel Watson]

Can't imagine why on earth he'd go out when he wasn't feeling well. Hello, Phil. This is Rita. I just came in and Henry isn't here. I don't know. The butler said he saw him at 9:30 and he was in bed. Why would he go out in a storm? What reason could he possibly have? No, I don't think so. I hope he doesn't. Yes, Good night, Phil. Yes, I'll see you tomorrow evening, if possible. Good night.

[The Whistler]

As Rita hangs up the receiver, she suddenly realizes the library door is closed, but a streak of light shows beneath it. She steps quickly to the door and opens it softly.

[Ethel Watson]

Henry.

[Phil Putnam]

Huh?

[Ethel Watson]

What are you doing here?

[Henry Drake]

Oh, hello, Rita.

[Ethel Watson]

Why aren't you in bed?

[Phil Putnam]

In bed?

[Henry Drake]

Why, I don't know.

[Ethel Watson]

Who are you phoning?

[Henry Drake]

Phoning? Oh, I was just thinking about phoning the doctor.

[Phil Putnam]

I wanted to talk to him.

[Ethel Watson]

At this hour of the night? It's 12 o'. Clock.

[Phil Putnam]

12. Yeah, so it is.

[Ethel Watson]

Wait till morning.

[Phil Putnam]

Yes.

[Henry Drake]

Yes. Anyway, I. I can't remember what I wanted to say to him.

[Ethel Watson]

Where have you been?

[Henry Drake]

Where have I been? I haven't been any place.

[Ethel Watson]

But you must have. Look at your top coat. It's soaking wet. Look at your shoes. They're muddy.

[Phil Putnam]

That's strange.

[Henry Drake]

I don't remember having gone out. I thought I'd been sitting right here all evening.

[Ethel Watson]

But it's obvious that you haven't been here all evening. You have been out.

[Phil Putnam]

Perhaps.

[Ethel Watson]

So this is the second or third time you've come in with your shoes all muddy. Where do you go at this time of night?

[Henry Drake]

I tell you, I don't remember.

[Ethel Watson]

I don't believe you.

[Henry Drake]

Whether you do or not, I don't remember where I've been.

[Ethel Watson]

It's the silliest thing I ever heard of. A man like you, an intellig, walking around in his sleep.

[Henry Drake]

I couldn't have been asleep. I know that.

[Ethel Watson]

Nonsense.

[Henry Drake]

Oh, don't be so impatient, Rita. I don't like this any more than you do. But I'm sure I'll be all right.

[Phil Putnam]

In a short time.

[Henry Drake]

Dr. Schultz will pull me out of it.

[Ethel Watson]

Well, I hope so.

[Henry Drake]

Have you been out, Rita?

[Ethel Watson]

Why, of course. I told you early in the evening I was going to play bridge with the Parkers.

[Phil Putnam]

Oh, perhaps you did.

[Henry Drake]

But I don't remember that either.

[Ethel Watson]

I told you just the same.

[Phil Putnam]

I'm sorry, Rita. I know this must be very trying for you.

[Henry Drake]

It isn't very pleasant to Have a.

[Phil Putnam]

Man mope about the house all the time.

[Ethel Watson]

Better go to bed, Henry, and get off those wet clothes.

[Phil Putnam]

Oh, yes.

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[Henry Drake]

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[Ryan]

Voidware prohibited by law.

[Henry Drake]

21 terms and conditions apply. Rita, why don't you go away for a few days? Take a little rest. I know you're terribly upset about all this, and, well, it would do you good.

[Ethel Watson]

It wouldn't be exactly right for me to go away at a time like this. What would people think of me?

[Henry Drake]

Who cares what people think? You go up to the mountains or.

[Dr. Schultz]

Down to Miami or.

[Henry Drake]

Well, any place. Maybe by the time you come back, I'll be all right.

[Ethel Watson]

Do you want me to go?

[Henry Drake]

I don't want you to go.

[Phil Putnam]

But I think it would be good for you.

[Henry Drake]

You're becoming upset because of me. And I think you'd worry less if you got away for a few days.

[Ethel Watson]

Very well. Perhaps you're right. We'll talk about it in the morning.

[Phil Putnam]

All right.

[Henry Drake]

Good night, Rita.

[Ethel Watson]

Good night.

[The Whistler]

Henry sits for a while, staring at the telephone. Then gets up slowly and shuffles up the steps to his room. He pauses for a few moments before Rita's door. Then goes on to his own room and goes to bed. The storm continues in its fury. And from his kennel in the backyard. Duke Rita's Airedale begins to howl. Finally, the storm subsides. Morning comes, and Henry joins Rita at breakfast.

[Ethel Watson]

What's the matter, Henry? You haven't eaten a bite.

[Phil Putnam]

No, I'm not hungry.

[Henry Drake]

I don't feel at all well this morning.

[Ethel Watson]

You do look pale. I. I've never seen you so haggard.

[Henry Drake]

No.

[Ethel Watson]

What's the matter with your hands?

[Henry Drake]

My hands?

[Ethel Watson]

Well, yes, you. You keep staring at them and flexing your fingers.

[Phil Putnam]

Oh, I don't know.

[Henry Drake]

They seem to. Well, it feels like rheumatism.

[Ethel Watson]

Have some coffee.

[Phil Putnam]

Yes.

[Henry Drake]

Yes, I believe I will.

[Ethel Watson]

There you are. Oh, good heavens. All over the floor.

[Phil Putnam]

Oh, I'm sorry.

[Henry Drake]

I just seem to have no grip.

[Phil Putnam]

Getting bad.

[Henry Drake]

I can't even hold onto a cup. Rita. Rita, what have you decided about that trip? I wish you'd take a few days vacation.

[Ethel Watson]

You sound as though you Want to get rid of me?

[Henry Drake]

I'm only thinking of you.

[Ethel Watson]

Very well, if you insist, I'll go up to the mountain place. Maybe it'll do us both some good.

[Phil Putnam]

Mrs. Drake.

[Ethel Watson]

Mrs. Drake. Jackson, what on earth are you so excited about?

[Henry Drake]

Something terrible has happened.

[Ethel Watson]

Terrible? What do you mean?

[Phil Putnam]

I don't know how to tell you.

[Henry Drake]

It's awful.

[Ethel Watson]

What are you trying to say?

[Phil Putnam]

It's Duke.

[Rita Drake]

You're Airedale.

[Ethel Watson]

What's happened to him?

[Phil Putnam]

He's dead.

[Rita Drake]

I just went out to the kennel to unhook his chain and there he was, ma'.

[Phil Putnam]

Am.

[Ethel Watson]

Oh, good heavens. Well, what happened to him?

[Phil Putnam]

He's been strangled.

[Rita Drake]

There he was, beside his house and.

[Phil Putnam]

His tongue sticking way out.

[Henry Drake]

It's awful, ma'. Am.

[Ethel Watson]

But why?

[Phil Putnam]

Well, maybe he got tangled up in his chain. But it didn't appear so, ma'. Am. But somebody did it deliberately.

[Ethel Watson]

Oh, the poor fellow. I. I can't imagine such a thing.

[Henry Drake]

Wait a minute, Rita. I wouldn't go out there.

[Ethel Watson]

Oh, but I must.

[Henry Drake]

Please don't. It'll just upset you.

[Phil Putnam]

Please don't go.

[Ethel Watson]

Very well. Oh, I'm. I'm just sick all over.

[Phil Putnam]

Now, now, Rita, I know how you.

[Henry Drake]

Feel, and it's a shame. Jackson, tell the maid to pack Mrs. Drake's things. She's going to the mountains for a.

[Phil Putnam]

Henry.

[The Whistler]

Drake sits staring at his hands for a few moments, opening and closing them, opening and closing them. Then suddenly he leaves the house and rushes to Dr. Schultz's office.

[Phil Putnam]

What is wrong with you, Drake?

[Dr. Schultz]

You were to come here today after tomorrow.

[Henry Drake]

I had to see you. Doctor, something terrible has happened.

[Dr. Schultz]

Now, now, now, now, just calm down.

[Phil Putnam]

Calm down.

[Dr. Schultz]

Take it easy. Sit down, Drake.

[Phil Putnam]

It happened in the night. What happened? You.

[Henry Drake]

My life's dog. He was killed last night. Killed?

[Dr. Schultz]

How did that happen?

[Henry Drake]

He was strangled. Choked to death.

[Dr. Schultz]

Well, who did it?

[Henry Drake]

I must have done it.

[Phil Putnam]

You?

[Dr. Schultz]

Oh, come now. What makes you think that?

[Henry Drake]

I can't remember a thing about it. I can remember nothing of last night, but I must have done it because of my hands.

[Dr. Schultz]

What's wrong with your hands?

[Henry Drake]

They hurt. The muscles are terribly sore, as though I'd been doing something strenuous.

[Phil Putnam]

I see.

[Henry Drake]

And look at this mark on my thumb. It's a long cut, as though something.

[The Whistler]

Sharp dragged across it.

[Dr. Schultz]

You mean like a tooth?

[Henry Drake]

Yes. Why not the dog's tooth?

[Phil Putnam]

Hmm?

[Dr. Schultz]

Certainly. Does you really think you killed the dog?

[Phil Putnam]

What do you think, doctor?

[Dr. Schultz]

Well, I suppose it's possible, but there's no proof. Could be coincidental.

[Henry Drake]

I don't think so. I Must have done it. He never disturbed the neighbors that I know of.

[Dr. Schultz]

Did you like the dog?

[Phil Putnam]

Of course.

[Henry Drake]

I was very fond of him. Don't you see what this means? I've been afraid of something like this. Heaven knows what else I've done when I've been in these lapses. You've got to do something for me, Drake.

[Dr. Schultz]

I'm going to have to put you through all the tests. It'll take some time, but I think we can get at the root of your trouble.

[Phil Putnam]

Don't do anything.

[Henry Drake]

Anything you say.

[Dr. Schultz]

We'll start right now. Ms. Burden, get Dr. Fenton. I want him to assist me in a complete examination.

[Ethel Watson]

Yes, Dr. Schultz.

[Dr. Schultz]

Now, Drake, just relax and continue staring into this little beam of light. We want you to answer these questions as quickly as possible.

[Phil Putnam]

Yes.

[Dr. Schultz]

You're crossing a street. An automobile suddenly bears down upon you. You see?

[Phil Putnam]

Yes.

[Dr. Schultz]

In an effort to save yourself, you jump out of the way.

[Phil Putnam]

Yes.

[Dr. Schultz]

Do you jump forward or backward?

[Henry Drake]

Why, backward. Why, I can jump backward quicker than I can forward.

[Dr. Schultz]

Repeat after me as rapidly as possible. 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9.

[Phil Putnam]

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9.

[Dr. Schultz]

You have no children?

[Henry Drake]

No.

[Dr. Schultz]

But you are married?

[Phil Putnam]

Yes.

[Dr. Schultz]

Suppose you had a child. You come home at night and discover your house is on fire. Your wife and child are alone asleep on the second floor. Will you try to rescue them first or call the fire department?

[Henry Drake]

I call the fire department.

[Dr. Schultz]

I see. Get all that for the timing, Ms. Burton.

[Ethel Watson]

Yes, Doctor.

[Dr. Schultz]

Now, Drake, keep your eyes on the black dot. Follow it closely.

[Phil Putnam]

That moves.

[Dr. Schultz]

I'm going to call out a series of words. As I call them. You will answer the word or phrase suggested by what I say.

[Phil Putnam]

Yes.

[Rita Drake]

Green.

[Phil Putnam]

Grass.

[Dr. Schultz]

Roses.

[Phil Putnam]

Funeral. Orange.

[Henry Drake]

Sunset.

[Dr. Schultz]

Honeysuckle.

[Phil Putnam]

Home.

[Dr. Schultz]

Violets.

[Phil Putnam]

White.

[Dr. Schultz]

Red.

[Phil Putnam]

Blood.

[Dr. Schultz]

Dog.

[Henry Drake]

Hands.

[Phil Putnam]

Auto.

[Henry Drake]

Wreck.

[Dr. Schultz]

Rain.

[Henry Drake]

Mud.

[Phil Putnam]

Love. Hate.

[Dr. Schultz]

Very well, drake. Rest for 10 minutes and we'll proceed.

[Phil Putnam]

To the next test.

[Dr. Schultz]

How do your hands feel?

[Phil Putnam]

Huh?

[Henry Drake]

Oh, why, about the same.

[Dr. Schultz]

All right. Come with me, Ms. Burton.

[The Whistler]

So on through the day, at various intervals, the psychiatrist concludes, continues his examination. And finally, Drake goes home completely exhausted. For an hour or two, he dozes in the library. And about 9:30, Jackson, the butler, steps into the room.

[Phil Putnam]

Beg pardon, sir.

[Henry Drake]

Huh? Oh. Where have you been, Jackson?

[Phil Putnam]

Why, no one was here, sir. I went over to visit my brother for a few hours.

[Henry Drake]

Where's Mrs. Drake?

[Phil Putnam]

Why, she's going to Miami for a few days, sir. Said to tell you she thought she'd better go today. Took the six o' clock train this evening.

[Henry Drake]

Oh, I see.

[Phil Putnam]

Anything you want, sir?

[Henry Drake]

No. No, you can turn in if you like.

[Phil Putnam]

Yes, thank you, sir. Good night. Good night.

[The Whistler]

Henry sits staring into the dark for almost an hour. Then slowly he rises as if in a daze, puts on his hat and.

[Phil Putnam]

Coat, slips out of the house and.

[The Whistler]

Starts to walk about in the night. Finally he comes to an apartment house, climbs to the top floor and knocks on the door.

[Phil Putnam]

Henry, what are you doing here? I want to talk to you, Phil.

[Dr. Schultz]

Oh, come in.

[Rita Drake]

What's the matter with you? Sit down.

[Henry Drake]

I don't want to sit down.

[Rita Drake]

Just as you like.

[Phil Putnam]

What do you want to talk about?

[Henry Drake]

You have your bags packed? Are you going someplace?

[Rita Drake]

Why, yes. I'm driving down to Boston for a week. On business.

[Henry Drake]

On business?

[Rita Drake]

Yes, on business. I tried to reach you today but was unable to. What on earth's wrong with you? What are you staring at?

[Henry Drake]

Are you sure you're going to Boston?

[Rita Drake]

Certainly I'm sure.

[Henry Drake]

What are you laughing about? You aren't going to Boston. I know where you're going.

[Phil Putnam]

I tell you.

[Rita Drake]

I'm going to Boston.

[Henry Drake]

I don't believe you.

[Rita Drake]

What are you talking about?

[Henry Drake]

Rita's gone to Miami. Why don't you go to Miami, too? Wouldn't you like that better? I think that'd be very jolly.

[Rita Drake]

For heaven's sake, stop this nonsense.

[Henry Drake]

Is Rita here?

[Rita Drake]

Certainly not.

[Henry Drake]

Why should she be here, I wonder. Couldn't you think of any reason?

[Dr. Schultz]

I think you're out of your mind.

[Henry Drake]

Do you really?

[Rita Drake]

You certainly act like it.

[Henry Drake]

Oh, but I'm not. I'm perfectly sane.

[Rita Drake]

Oh, crazy people think they're sane.

[Henry Drake]

Maybe I am crazy, but I don't feel crazy. I'm perfectly normal.

[Phil Putnam]

You better go home.

[Rita Drake]

You're in no condition to be wandering around.

[Henry Drake]

Where's Rita?

[Rita Drake]

I don't know where Rita is.

[Henry Drake]

She hasn't been here?

[Phil Putnam]

No.

[Henry Drake]

You're lying, Phil. She has been here.

[Rita Drake]

That's ridiculous.

[Henry Drake]

Look here in the ashtray. One of Rita's special made cigarettes.

[Rita Drake]

Why, I put that there.

[Phil Putnam]

I thought I'd try them.

[Henry Drake]

Really? When did you take to using lipstick, Phil?

[Rita Drake]

All right, she was here. But she left to catch a train at 6 o'.

[Dr. Schultz]

Clock.

[Henry Drake]

And you'll catch the next one, is that it?

[Rita Drake]

She came here to talk about you. She's terribly upset about your condition. She thinks.

[Phil Putnam]

Well.

[Henry Drake]

Well, what does she think?

[Rita Drake]

She's become afraid of you.

[Phil Putnam]

Oh, has she?

[Henry Drake]

And what caused that?

[Rita Drake]

Well, she. Why wouldn't she be upset? You've been acting like a lunatic. She thinks you killed her dog. Did you?

[Phil Putnam]

I don't remember. Maybe I did.

[Rita Drake]

I've got to hurry.

[Henry Drake]

My train leaves in half an hour. There's no train for Boston for three hours. But the train to Miami leaves in half an hour.

[Phil Putnam]

You'd better go home, Henry.

[Henry Drake]

Why don't you admit it? Why lie about it? You're meeting her in Miami.

[Dr. Schultz]

Get out of here.

[Henry Drake]

You and Rita are in love. I know it. I've known it for weeks and weeks. Last night I found out for sure. You're crazy. Maybe I am. But I heard you both talking on the phone.

[Phil Putnam]

She didn't know.

[Henry Drake]

I was listening in on the extension.

[Phil Putnam]

In the library, I heard you agree.

[Henry Drake]

To meet at a certain time. That's what I've been waiting for. Now I know.

[Dr. Schultz]

All right.

[Phil Putnam]

All right. What of it?

[Rita Drake]

Well, you've been acting as enough to make any woman dislike you.

[The Whistler]

Oh, so you admit it.

[Henry Drake]

Yes.

[Dr. Schultz]

Now get out of here.

[Rita Drake]

Henry, put away that gun.

[Phil Putnam]

All right, I'm gonna leave it right here. When I'm through with it, I'm going to kill you.

[Rita Drake]

You insane fool. You can't get away with a thing like this. You can't prove anything about Rita and me.

[Henry Drake]

They'll hang you.

[Phil Putnam]

I don't think so. Don't you remember? I'm crazy.

[Henry Drake]

I'll fix you.

[Rita Drake]

Police department.

[Henry Drake]

Go ahead, call them.

[Phil Putnam]

That's fine.

[Rita Drake]

Hello, this is Phil Putnam. Rex, the apartments. There's a madman in my room. She's trying to kill me straight.

[Phil Putnam]

What a shame, Phil, you've missed the train.

[The Whistler]

Well, it's all over, Henry. Sit down now and wait for the police. You won't have any more mental lapses.

[Phil Putnam]

Now, will you, Henry?

[The Whistler]

You won't need to. A slick job, Henry, and very beautifully planned. Everyone knows about your mental lapses, your illness, your desire to harm people. Rita knows about the dog. Your secretary knows about the contracts. And most important of all, Dr. Schultz knows that you been suffering from a mental disorder for weeks.

[Phil Putnam]

Oh, there'll be a trial.

[The Whistler]

Your plea will be insanity.

[Phil Putnam]

You go away for a while, and.

[The Whistler]

Then all of a sudden you'll be cured and walk out a free man.

[Phil Putnam]

Now we're in the courtroom.

[The Whistler]

Dr. Schultz, the psychiatrist, is speaking.

[Dr. Schultz]

Mr. Drake came to me with his trouble some weeks ago. Later, Dr. Fenton and I psychoanalyzed him thoroughly. Here is a signed statement of our findings at that time, attached to our findings as of yesterday. Henry Drake was then and is now absolutely sane. The whole thing was a plan to escape the death penalty for premeditated murder.

[Phil Putnam]

Well, there you go, Henry.

[The Whistler]

The whole thing blew up in your face. A beautiful plan gone haywire. You should have spent less time thinking about your revenge, Henry, and more time studying psychology. Too bad.

[Henry Drake]

Foreign.

[Dr. Schultz]

CBS has presented the Whistler. Original music for this production is composed.

[Henry Drake]

And conducted by Wilbur Hatch. The Whistler is written and directed by.

[Dr. Schultz]

J. Donald Wilson and originates from Columbia Square in Hollywood.

[The Whistler]

Next Sunday, 9:15, I, the Whistler, will return to tell you the strange story of death in the morning.

[Phil Putnam]

Good night.

[Dr. Schultz]

This is the Columbia Broadcasting System.