
This week on Relic Radio Thrillers, The Whistler brings us his story from December 30, 1946, Murder On Rourke Island. Listen to more from The Whistler https://traffic.libsyn.com/forcedn/e55e1c7a-e213-4a20-8701-21862bdf1f8a/Thriller866.mp3 Download Thriller866 | Subscribe | Spotify | Support Relic Radio Thrillers Relic Radio Thrillers is made possible by your support. If you’d like to help this show keep coming every week, visit donate.relicradio.com for more [...]
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Keith Brandon
Foreign.
Host
This is relic radio thrillers new shows every Friday@ Relicradio.com. thanks for joining me. This Friday we're going to hear from the whistler this Week, a CBS series of almost 700 episodes. It aired from May 16, 1942 to September 25 of 1955. Our story this week is Murder on Rourke Island. This episode aired December 30, 1946.
Announcer
Oil program. That whistle is your signal for the signal. Oil program, the Whistler.
The Whistler
I am the Whistler, and I know many things, for I walk by night. I know many strange tales hidden in the hearts of men and women who have stepped into the shadow. Yes, I know the nameless terrors of which they dare not speak.
Announcer
Yes, friends, it's time for the signal Oil program, the Whistler, rated by independent research the most popular west coast program in gasoline. You know, it takes extra quality to go farther. And signal is the famous go farther gasoline. So look for the signal circle sign in yellow and black that identifies signal service stations from Canada to Mexico. And now, the Whistler. Strange story. Murder on Rourke Island.
The Whistler
The murder on Rourke island had a curious beginning. There was no hatred in Keith Brandon's mind. No anger, no malice. In the beginning, there was only relief and freedom and love for a girl named Kathy Dunn. At each small private club, he could see her across the floor standing near the piano, the blue light working magic on the white satin of her evening gown. He smiled as he walked towards her.
Kathy Dunn
Hello, Kathy.
Uncle Matt
I'm waiting for the man on.
Kathy Dunn
Aren't you? Aren't you glad to see me?
Uncle Matt
Please, Keith, not now.
Kathy Dunn
What kind of welcome is this?
Uncle Matt
We settled everything a year ago. Now, if you don't mind.
Kathy Dunn
Wait a minute. You gotta let me talk to you.
Uncle Matt
There's nothing to talk about, Kathy. They're all watching it.
Kathy Dunn
Where's your dressing room?
The Whistler
Please, Keith, I tell you, I've got to talk to you.
Kathy Dunn
That's all there is to it. If you want it in the middle of the floor, it's all right with me.
Uncle Matt
All right.
Kathy Dunn
Go ahead.
Uncle Matt
Now you've got something to tell me. I suppose your father's changed his mind. Put the seal of approval on nightclub singers.
Kathy Dunn
Haven't changed a bit, have you? The old friendly approach.
Uncle Matt
Well, let me tell you something, sir. You had a choice to make between me and your father. And you, mate. As far as I'm concerned, it stands.
Kathy Dunn
Pretty bitter, aren't you?
Uncle Matt
I think I've a right to be.
Kathy Dunn
Kathy, I told you then that I loved you.
Keith Brandon
I always would. I'm livid.
Uncle Matt
True until father put his half million dollar estate up against me. It was different after that, wasn't it? Me or the money. Didn't take you long to decide. Go right ahead.
Kathy Dunn
Father died last night.
Keith Brandon
That's why I'm here.
Uncle Matt
You're free now.
Keith Brandon
Yeah. I want you, Kathy. I love you.
Uncle Matt
I wish I could believe.
Keith Brandon
Oh, Kathy.
Uncle Matt
Please. Please, Keith, let me.
Kathy Dunn
You know you love me, Kathy. Tell me.
Uncle Matt
Oh, I. I do. Keith, darling.
The Whistler
It was worth waiting for after all, wasn't it, Keith? The dominating, smothering influence of your father. His insistence that you live under his roof and eat at his table. That you jump every time he cracked the five hundred thousand dollar whip he held over your head for that long, terrible year after you made your decision to see it through to the end. But it was worth it. And they're both yours now. Kathy and the money. Or rather the money and Kathy. Because you know in your heart that the money will always come first. There's a wonderful feeling of freedom inside you as you drive up the tree lined drive of your Uncle Matt's estate the next morning. It seems there was something about the will.
Kathy Dunn
Uncle Matt.
Keith Brandon
Oh, Keith, my boy. Glad you're on time. This is Mr. Bradbury, your father's lawyer, executor of the estate.
The Whistler
I.
Keith Brandon
How do you do? Sit down, Keith.
Kathy Dunn
Thanks.
Keith Brandon
Mr. Bradbury and I have been talking over your father's will.
Kathy Dunn
Doesn't seem a little soon.
Mr. Bradbury
24 hours. That's the way he wanted it.
Kathy Dunn
24 hours. What do you mean?
Mr. Bradbury
It was part of his arrangement with me that the provisions of the will go into effect 24 hours after his death. The probate will come later, of course.
Keith Brandon
That's why I called you in this morning. You see.
Kathy Dunn
Know why he didn't say anything to me about it?
Keith Brandon
There are a lot of things he didn't talk to you about, Keith.
Kathy Dunn
What, for instance?
Keith Brandon
His estate, for one thing.
Kathy Dunn
Now wait a minute. You're not telling me there was a change?
The Whistler
No, no change.
Kathy Dunn
He promised me that when he died I'd have to.
Keith Brandon
Relax, Keith. The estate is yours.
The Whistler
All right then.
Kathy Dunn
Suppose we get it over with. There must be some papers assigned.
Keith Brandon
Just a minute. The estate is yours, Keith. But as your father's request that I hold it in trust for you.
Kathy Dunn
What kind of double talk is that? Take it easy, mister.
Keith Brandon
Listen, uncle, you better let me finish, Keith. According to the will, I'm to hold the estate in trust. But there'll be monthly allotments to you out of the income and you will be eligible to receive them as Long as.
Kathy Dunn
Go on.
Keith Brandon
As long as you live with me under this roof.
The Whistler
You can't do this to me.
Kathy Dunn
He's dead. That money's mine. He tortured me, kept me prisoner in this house for years.
The Whistler
He can't do it anymore.
Kathy Dunn
You hear me?
The Whistler
Stand.
Announcer
He can't reach up out of his.
Kathy Dunn
Keith, get a hold of yourself.
Keith Brandon
I don't care.
Kathy Dunn
I don't care. Sorry I had to slap you, Keith.
Keith Brandon
Just had to do it.
Kathy Dunn
Sit down, Uncle Man.
Keith Brandon
Sit down, I said. Now, whether you're aware of it or not, your father was very fond of you. He felt you still need someone to.
Announcer
Look out for you.
The Whistler
I agree with him. I'm of age.
Kathy Dunn
I take care of myself.
Keith Brandon
You're a highly emotional young man, Keith. Not as stable as you might be.
Kathy Dunn
What do you mean, not stable?
Keith Brandon
You did attempt suicide once over a girl.
Kathy Dunn
Oh, when I was a kid in high school.
Keith Brandon
Well, maybe so.
The Whistler
I remember.
Keith Brandon
It seemed pretty important to your father at the time, though.
Kathy Dunn
I do a crazy thing in high school and he decides I need a guardian for the rest of my life. Why are you trying to make excuses for him, Matt? You know what's behind it all as well as I do. He was a bitter, selfish old man who had to have things his own way, even after he was dead.
Keith Brandon
Well, this isn't getting us anywhere, Keith. Let's get the thing settled.
Kathy Dunn
Nothing I can do.
Keith Brandon
Then tell him, Bradfree.
Mr. Bradbury
The will takes effect tonight, Mr. Brandon. According to its terms, you must live with your uncle six days out of every week.
Kathy Dunn
Suppose I refuse?
Mr. Bradbury
The estate goes to the public hospital fund.
Kathy Dunn
I see. How long does this go on?
Mr. Bradbury
As long as your uncle is alive. After that, I guess you're on your own.
Kathy Dunn
Bradbury. There's nothing in there about marriage, is there?
Announcer
What do you mean?
Kathy Dunn
Just a minute, Mayor Bradbury. Supposing I decide to get married and bring my bride here to live, Would I be fulfilling the terms of the will?
Keith Brandon
You're not considering marriage, Keith?
Kathy Dunn
Answer my question, Mr. Bradbury.
The Whistler
Why, no.
Mr. Bradbury
There's nothing that would prevent it.
Keith Brandon
Great.
Kathy Dunn
How'd you like to have another steady Border? Uncle Matt?
Keith Brandon
Who is it?
The Whistler
Kathy Dunn.
Keith Brandon
You broke up with her a year ago.
Kathy Dunn
I saw her last night. Going to be married when? Tomorrow maybe.
The Whistler
Any objection?
Keith Brandon
You. You know how your father felt.
Kathy Dunn
I don't think that makes any difference now. Nice of the old boy to leave me a loophole.
Keith Brandon
Suppose I refuse to allow her to come here?
The Whistler
What about that, Mr. Bradbury?
Mr. Bradbury
I'm afraid you can't, Matt. He has a legal right to Marry and live with his wife. If you refuse to let her come here, you're preventing him from complying with the terms of the will.
Keith Brandon
I see.
Kathy Dunn
Uncle Matt, you better set an extra place for dinner. I'm bringing Kathy with me.
The Whistler
Well, Keith, you're feeling a little better. As you drive away from the house toward Kathy's apartment on the other side of town. You're on top now for the first time since the whole maddening thing started 15 months ago. When your father suddenly decided he wanted you with him for the rest of his life. From then on, nothing made sense. There were no explanations, no reasons for anything. He knew when the cards were down, you'd do anything for that half million. He was right, wasn't he? You walk up to Kathy's doorway a half hour later, hoping she'll understand.
Uncle Matt
Hello, Keith.
Kathy Dunn
How are you, darling?
Uncle Matt
All right, I guess.
Kathy Dunn
Something wrong?
Uncle Matt
No, I guess not.
Kathy Dunn
I just talked with Uncle Matt. It's. It's not quite the way I told you last night. He was appointed trustee of the estate, and I'm gonna have to live at the Cedars.
Uncle Matt
I know.
Keith Brandon
Huh?
Uncle Matt
I just talked to your uncle on the phone.
Kathy Dunn
What did he call you about?
Uncle Matt
To tell me about the will.
Kathy Dunn
He had no right to call you.
Uncle Matt
I'm glad he did. You. You belong there with him. Keith.
Kathy Dunn
What do you mean?
Uncle Matt
Please don't make it hard for me, dear. I've decided not to marry.
Kathy Dunn
Oh, wait a minute. He didn't tell you everything. We're going to be married. You're coming there with me to live. There's no way he can stop it. Don't you see? I love you, Kathy. I want you there with me. Please.
Uncle Matt
Please, Keith, I. I've made up my mind. I'm not going to change it. That's all.
Kathy Dunn
What else did he say? Tell me, Kathy.
Uncle Matt
Nothing. Nothing.
Kathy Dunn
What made you change then? You wanted to marry me last night. What made you change your mind? There was something else. He told you something else. Some vicious, underhanded lie.
Uncle Matt
Oh, no, Katie.
Keith Brandon
I'll kill him.
Kathy Dunn
That's what I'll do.
The Whistler
Keith. Sorry I said that.
Keith Brandon
Gaddy.
Uncle Matt
You'D better go now.
Kathy Dunn
Yeah, I guess you're right. Um, Kathy?
Uncle Matt
Yes, Keith?
Kathy Dunn
Don't. Don't tell anyone what I just said, will you?
Uncle Matt
Of course not.
Keith Brandon
I'm sorry I said that.
The Whistler
I said I'd kill him.
Announcer
With the prologue of Murder on Rourke island, the Signal Oil Company brings you another strange tale by the Whistler. Just think, by the time next week's Whistler rolls around, it'll be 1947 and your car will be another year older. More than ever, it's going to need the more conscientious service that cars get at dealer owned Signal service Station. And when I say more conscientious, let.
The Whistler
Me show you what I mean.
Announcer
When Signal dealers lubricate your car, for instance, they don't take chances on memory. No, sir. Instead they check against Signal's factory recommended lubrication chart. Which shows every lubrication point on your car. And they use nine Specialized signal oils and greases. So each part will have the exact type of protection it needs for long trouble free service. But do they stop there? No, sir. Just to make doubly sure not a single part has been overlooked. They check each point again. Which is why it's called Signal Double Check Lubrication. Now that's the kind of lube service you want when today's aging cars have the last. Until there are enough new ones to go around. And that's the kind of lubrication you get from your friendly dealer owned Signal service station. And now back to the Whistler.
The Whistler
Well, Keith, it came to a climax that morning in Kathy's apartment. All the hatred, the frustration, the rage against the idiotic demands of your father welled up inside you and exploded in a single remark. I said I'd kill him. And though you don't know it, the elements are all there. And a pattern is beginning to take shape for the murder on Rourke Island. Your life in prison is beginning all over again. With Uncle Matt as the jailer instead of your father. Six days out of every seven, Keith, you're free to come and go as you wish. But six days out of every seven, you must live with Uncle Matt at the Cedar.
Keith Brandon
There you are, Keith.
Kathy Dunn
Thanks.
Keith Brandon
I thought you'd like this room best. Nice view of Lake Washington out of the window here.
The Whistler
Yeah, great.
Kathy Dunn
Hardly contain myself.
Keith Brandon
We want you to be happy here.
Kathy Dunn
That in the will too. What to say? I have to be happy.
Keith Brandon
You don't have to stay here, Keith. You're of age. You can leave any time you want to.
Kathy Dunn
Let's not get into that again. Selling my soul for half a million dollars. And I know it. You leave me alone.
Keith Brandon
Of course we'll have dinner at 6.
The Whistler
Don't worry. And so it begins again, Keith. And during the weeks that follow, your life falls into a rigid pattern. Breakfast at 8, dinner at 6. Evenings in the library with Uncle Matt poring over his stamp collection. Can you know it will last as long as he lives that only his death can bring you at last to the thing you suffered for. Before long you remember, realize the will to murder is somewhere inside you. But it's not until a night in early spring that it finally crystallizes into a plan. In many ways, it was like all the other nights. You and Uncle Matt in the library. The dull novel, the stamp collection.
Keith Brandon
That Halfpenny Black. I wasn't such a typewriter. Just saying. If I wasn't such a tight wad, I'd buy that half. Penny Black. Stamp dealer in town's got a fine used copy, but he wants $40 for it. Kind of quiet tonight. Wouldn't be surprised if we had a little rain when the winds from the southwest. Rain sure to follow. Do I always say that?
Kathy Dunn
Every night at 8:55 you never miss going to bed? I got a headache. Any aspirin upstairs?
Keith Brandon
Ought to be some in the medicine cabinet.
Kathy Dunn
Oh, thanks.
Keith Brandon
Take a look.
The Whistler
But there isn't any aspirin in your medicine chest. So you try the one in Uncle Matt's bathroom. Find the aspirin on the lower shelf. Start to close the cabinet door. When your eye lights on a bottle, a prescription bottle half hidden by the others, your hand shakes as you pick it up. Examine it closely and it's at that precise moment that all the elements come together to form the plan for a murder three months in the future on a tiny tree covered.in the middle of Puget Sound called Roark Island. You are not much interested in your breakfast the next morning.
Keith Brandon
These darn strikes. Wonder where it'll all end up.
Kathy Dunn
Excuse me. Uncle Matt.
Keith Brandon
Samantha. Aren't you going to finish your breakfast?
Kathy Dunn
I'm not very hungry. Thought I'd run down to the library. Do you mind?
The Whistler
The library?
Keith Brandon
Yeah.
Kathy Dunn
I heard about a book the other day and I.
Keith Brandon
Sure. Go ahead. Just bowled me over. I guess the public library is the last place in the world I'd expect to find.
Kathy Dunn
Yes, I. I know I haven't a card, but I don't want to take the book out. I. I just want to look at it. Here.
Uncle Matt
What was the title again?
Kathy Dunn
Materia Medica. It's a textbook on drugs.
Announcer
That's a very interesting question.
Kathy Dunn
I. I don't mean to be stupid, Doctor, but.
Announcer
Oh, not at all.
The Whistler
The drug is habit forming.
Announcer
Oh, more than that. To a victim of certain forms of heart disease, it's like eating or breathing.
The Whistler
It's the difference between life and death. How often do they take it? Once a day, usually.
Keith Brandon
Have they stopped heart failure? Of course.
Kathy Dunn
How soon?
The Whistler
Two days. Possibly more.
Keith Brandon
It depends.
Kathy Dunn
Thanks very much.
Keith Brandon
Doctor.
The Whistler
Oh, forget it.
Announcer
Always glad to help out a detective story writer.
The Whistler
You know, I'm quite a mystery fan myself. 11825. That's our number.
Kathy Dunn
I just wanted to double check.
Mr. Bradbury
I probably filled that prescription myself.
Kathy Dunn
What did the card say?
Mr. Bradbury
First pilled February 14, Dr. Talbot for patient Matthew Brandon.
Keith Brandon
I see.
The Whistler
That's all. Except for the name of the prescription, of course. Extract of Digitalis.
Kathy Dunn
Hello, Uncle Matt.
Keith Brandon
Well, you must have done a lot of reading. Been gone all day.
Kathy Dunn
Oh, I had a few other things to do. Oh, yeah? You know what today is? Saturday, April 16th. Big day, isn't it, Keith?
Keith Brandon
How did you know?
Kathy Dunn
Never forget a birthday.
Keith Brandon
An envelope.
Kathy Dunn
Be careful how you open that.
The Whistler
Yes.
Kathy Dunn
Let's see.
Keith Brandon
It's empty, isn't it?
Kathy Dunn
Look down in the corner there.
Keith Brandon
Oh, a half penny black.
The Whistler
That's right.
Kathy Dunn
Stash you've been wanting.
Keith Brandon
Okay, I. I don't know what to say, Keith.
Kathy Dunn
Let me say it, will you? I took a long walk today, Uncle Matt. I did a lot of thinking. But you and me, I've been awfully wrong. I want things to be different now.
Keith Brandon
I really believe you mean that, Keith.
Kathy Dunn
I do.
Keith Brandon
Don't worry. Boy, I. I always thought you had a great heart. Things will be different now.
The Whistler
Yes, Keith. Things will be different now. And you didn't lie to him. You did take a walk. And you did do a lot of thinking about how you were going to kill him this summer on Roark Island. Murder him with a perfect, ingenious plan that had no possible chance of going wrong. The first thing, of course, is to get his confidence. And as spring changes into summer, you develop an interest in his stamp collection. Go for walks with him along the lake, spend evenings together at the theater. And finally, on a day in early June, you decide he's ready.
Kathy Dunn
Just look at the lake out there.
Keith Brandon
You know, long as I've lived here, I never tire of it. I don't think I could ever live away from water.
Kathy Dunn
You know, it makes me think of the summers you and Father and I used to spend on Roark Island.
Keith Brandon
I haven't been there for years.
Kathy Dunn
We still own it, don't we?
Keith Brandon
Yes.
Kathy Dunn
Lodge is still there.
The Whistler
Wharf a dory.
Keith Brandon
I suppose so.
Kathy Dunn
Let's go, huh? Just you and I. We could do a little fishing, loaf around.
Keith Brandon
Do you really want to?
Kathy Dunn
Of course I do. Look, you need a change, too. We could hire a boat to take us out there.
Announcer
Bring.
Kathy Dunn
Bring food with us and spend a week or 10 days.
Keith Brandon
George.
Kathy Dunn
What about it?
Keith Brandon
It's a deal.
The Whistler
Three days later, as you stand on the jetty on Rock island and watch the boat moving out into the sound on its way back to Seattle. You realize that there's no way you can fail now that by the time the boat returns, Uncle Matt will be dead of heart failure. And at long last, the legacy will be yours. The doctor told you he couldn't last two days without Digitalis. Nine should make it. After dinner, it seems an eternity before Matt yawns and finally suggests going to bed. You lie there, tense, until almost midnight. Be sound asleep now, breathing heavily as you quietly get out of bed and slip on your clothes. First the small boat moored down at the jetty.
Keith Brandon
Now this rope.
The Whistler
There.
Kathy Dunn
That ought to do it.
The Whistler
You cut it loose, stand there a minute, watching it drift out with the tide. Then you hurry back to the house. On the kitchen table is the portable radio telephone Matt brought along as a safety measure. You take out the rectifier tube, walk quietly to the rear of the house where he can't hear. But the most important thing of all is the bottle of Digitalis. You'd seen him slip into his luggage when he thought you weren't looking. You carefully feel through the suitcase at the foot of his bed, take it out, make certain it's all he has, and then walk to the sink, empty it. You fill it with water from the faucet. Five minutes later, it's back in place in the suitcase. There's nothing to do now but wait.
Keith Brandon
How'd you like your eggs, Keith?
Uncle Matt
How?
The Whistler
Easy, right?
Keith Brandon
Got the table set?
Kathy Dunn
Where the plate?
Keith Brandon
They're on the stove getting warm. Ah, smell that, boy. Nothing like the smell of bacon and eggs, is there?
Kathy Dunn
Here, let me help you dish up.
Keith Brandon
Take care of the coffee, will you? You know, Keith.
Kathy Dunn
Yeah?
Keith Brandon
We're going to have a great time together from now on, aren't we?
Kathy Dunn
Nothing. Let's sit down to breakfast, huh?
Announcer
The Whistler will return in just a moment with a strange ending of tonight's story. Tomorrow being New Year's Eve, most programs tonight are wishing you Happy New Year. And of course, we want to do the same. But just wishing doesn't always make a thing come true. That's why the Signal Oil Organization has asked me to go a step farther tonight and leave a thought with you which, if it saves just one life, will be well worth this moment of your time. New Year's Eve is one of the most hazardous nights of the year for drivers and pedestrians. Many people are at the wheel who shouldn't be. Cars are old, Driving conditions are not good. If you don't absolutely have to go out. Don't. But if you must drive, take it easy.
The Whistler
Keep the speed down.
Announcer
Keep a sharp eye on other drivers and pedestrians. I know these are somber words for an occasion like this, but if all you friends of the Whistler will just remember them tomorrow night, it'll go a long way toward keeping some unnecessary auto accident from marring the Happy New Year, which we of the Signal Organization hope will be yours. Now back to the Whistler.
The Whistler
Well, Keith, it's a little unusual to be sitting down to breakfast with a man you know is going to die in a day or two. Yes, it's all done now, isn't it? Your only chance of getting away from Roark island vanished when you cut the boat adrift down at the dock and smashed the rectifier tube of the radio telephone Uncle Matt brought along for safety reasons. Yes, the murder has been committed already, hasn't it, Keith? It happened the moment you emptied his bottle of digitalis down the sink and refilled it with plain water. He might last 48 hours, but it's a good nine days until the boat comes back from the mainland. You know it'll happen long before then. Halfway through breakfast, you look up from your plate to see him watching you, a quiet smile on his face.
Keith Brandon
Your father never would have believed you could eat like that. You know, Keith, you're a different boy now than the one he knew. Good or bad. It's wonderful. I'm going to do something I promised him I'd never do. I won't be with you forever. I think you can take it now. What do you mean? He was afraid you'd kill yourself if you ever found out about it. That's why he was so unreasonable about your staying home, why he refused to let you marry. That's why he wanted me to take care of you.
Kathy Dunn
What are you talking about?
Keith Brandon
See this? Did you tell us? I'm going to let you take care.
The Whistler
Of it now, man.
Keith Brandon
You'd better develop a lot of respect for it, Keith. You've been getting it secretly in your coffee for two years now. It's the only thing in the world.
The Whistler
That'S keeping you alive.
Announcer
Let that whistle be your signal for the Signal Oil program. The Whistler. Each Monday at 9, brought to you by the Signal Oil Company, who have asked me to remind you to get the most driving pleasure in 1947. Drive at Sensible speeds, be courteous and obey traffic regulations. You'll go farther and have a happier New Year. Featured in tonight's story were David Ellis and Charles Seal. The Whistler was produced by George W. Allen with story by Harold Swanton, music by Wilbur Hatch, and was transmitted to our troops overseas by the Armed Forces Radio Service. This is Marvin Miller speaking for the Signal Oil Company. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.
Host
There's more from the Whistler, Relic Radio Thrillers and all of the podcasts@ RelicRadio.com our shoutcast stream is up and running there as well, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with even more old time radio lots to listen to keep you entertained all day. If you'd like to help support this and all of those shows, visit donate relicradio.com or click on one of the links on the website. Your support makes it all happen. Thanks to those who have helped out. Thanks for joining me this week. I'll be back tomorrow with the Horror and next Friday. Friday, another episode of Relic Radio Thrillers.
Episode Information:
“Murder on Rourke Island” is a gripping episode from the classic CBS series The Whistler, brought to modern audiences by RelicRadio.com’s Relic Radio Thrillers. This episode masterfully weaves a tale of inheritance, manipulation, and dark family secrets set against the backdrop of post-war America. Listeners are taken on an intricate journey through the strained relationship between Keith Brandon, his Uncle Matt, and the enigmatic Kathy Dunn, culminating in a suspenseful and unexpected conclusion.
The episode opens with Keith Brandon returning to Uncle Matt's estate following the death of his controlling father, Matthew Brandon. Keith is experiencing a sense of relief and newfound freedom, especially as he reunites with Kathy Dunn, the woman he loves. However, this joy is short-lived as Uncle Matt introduces Keith to Mr. Bradbury to discuss the provisions of his father’s will.
Notable Quote:
Mr. Bradbury elucidates that Keith has inherited the estate, but with strict conditions. Keith must live with Uncle Matt for six days a week to receive monthly allotments from the estate’s income. This arrangement triggers resentment in Keith, who views it as a continuation of his father's oppressive control.
Notable Quote:
As Keith resents the limitations imposed by Uncle Matt, he becomes increasingly fixated on securing full control over the inheritance. Conversations reveal Keith's troubled past, including a suicide attempt, which Uncle Matt uses to justify his guardianship. Kathy attempts to mediate, but the tension escalates as Keith threatens Uncle Matt.
Notable Quotes:
The Whistler narrates Keith’s descent into obsession as he devises a plan to murder Uncle Matt on Roark Island using Digitalis, a heart medication that can induce heart failure. Keith’s actions become more calculated as he manipulates situations to access the necessary drugs.
Notable Quote:
Keith finalizes his scheme by tampering with Uncle Matt’s Digitalis supply, ensuring that his uncle’s heart condition will culminate in death. On the designated day, Keith prepares a seemingly normal breakfast, hiding his true intentions. However, a twist reveals that Uncle Matt has been surreptitiously adding Digitalis to Keith's coffee over the past two years, manipulating him and prolonging his dependence.
Notable Quotes:
As Keith serves breakfast to Uncle Matt, believing he has successfully executed his plan, Uncle Matt confronts him with the truth. It is revealed that Uncle Matt has been controlling Keith’s life through the deliberate administration of Digitalis, ensuring Keith remains compliant and dependent. This revelation turns Keith’s vendetta on its head, showcasing Uncle Matt as the true manipulator.
Notable Quote:
Uncle Matt on the Will’s Conditions:
Keith's Threat:
Kathy’s Resolve:
The Whistler’s Narrative on Keith’s Plan:
Uncle Matt’s Revelation of Control:
“Murder on Rourke Island” stands out as a quintessential Whistler episode, blending suspense, psychological intrigue, and a masterful twist that redefines the narrative. Relic Radio Thrillers successfully preserves the essence of this old-time radio gem, offering both nostalgia and fresh engagement for contemporary audiences. The intricate character developments and unexpected revelation ensure that listeners are kept on the edge of their seats until the very end.
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