The Shadow: Guest of Death 12/18/1938

SPEAKER_1 (0:00)

Welcome to Choice Classic Radio, where we bring to the greatest old time radio shows. Like us on Facebook, subscribe to us on YouTube, and thank you for donating at choiceclassicradio.com.

SPEAKER_2 (0:26)

Who knows what jewel lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows.

Ken Roberts (0:43)

Your local Blue Coal dealer presents The Shadow.

These half-hour dramatizations are designed to forcibly demonstrate to old and young alike that crime does not pay. Today at the close of our Shadow Adventure, we have a distinguished guest whom we are very anxious to present to our audience. Our guest is a very charming young lady who spends her time preventing crimes. I know you will all be interested to hear what she has to say, so be sure to listen.

Before today's exciting adventure with The Shadow, a word with you, homeowner. Wouldn't you welcome steadier, more healthful heat throughout your home this winter? Wouldn't you like to put a stop to colds in your family brought on by on and off variations of heat? Then be sure to order Blue Coal next time you need to supply a fuel. It's America's finest emphasize. Your family will enjoy Blue Coal's dependable, even warmth. You will welcome its greater health protection and all around economy. Ask for Blue Coal by name. It's the solid fuel for solid comfort.

The Shadow, mysterious character who aids those in distress and helps the forces of law and order, is in reality Lamont Cranston, wealthy young man about town. Cranston's friend and companion, the lovely Margot Lane, is the only person who knows to whom the unseen voice belongs, the only one who knows the true identity of that master of other people's minds, The Shadow. Today's story, Guest of Death.

SPEAKER_4 (2:32)

Guard, this is certainly a tremendous prison, isn't it? I had no idea it was so big.

Ken Roberts (2:38)

And this is your first visit here?

SPEAKER_4 (2:40)

Yes, Mr. Keesey, I'm in town on a convention. One of the boys gave me the pass to the prisoner.

I was afraid he might be playing a joke on me that might be a fake.

SPEAKER_5 (2:50)

Oh, the pass is quite good, quite good. Titled you to a complete tour of the prison.

SPEAKER_4 (2:53)

All right, Willis, be something to tell the folks back home. Oh, excuse me, Guard, do you mind if I ask you a question?

Ken Roberts (3:01)

Not at all, what is it?

SPEAKER_4 (3:03)

That little gray building down there across the courtyard, what is that?

SPEAKER_5 (3:07)

That's the death house.

SPEAKER_4 (3:11)

Oh, I don't suppose you take visitors in there too, do you?

SPEAKER_5 (3:15)

Oh yes, yes, certainly. You want to see it, of course.

SPEAKER_4 (3:18)

Well, Mr. Kesey, well, I guess it would be a thrill.

Ken Roberts (3:23)

Thrill?

SPEAKER_5 (3:24)

Yes, yes, it would be the greatest thrill you've ever experienced. And now, here's the last site on your tour.

Ken Roberts (3:41)

Step right in, please.

SPEAKER_4 (3:42)

Thank you. What place is this, Mr. Kesey?

Ken Roberts (3:45)

The building you saw across the courtyard, the death house.

SPEAKER_4 (3:48)

Oh, oh, I see.

SPEAKER_2 (3:51)

Don't be afraid.

SPEAKER_4 (3:52)

Step right in. Thank you.

SPEAKER_2 (3:57)

There you see.

Ken Roberts (3:58)

It's not an unpleasant room at all, is it?

SPEAKER_4 (4:00)

Well, not in the parents, no, but... Mr. Kesey, when you start to think of the men that have died here, what would you...

Ken Roberts (4:07)

Oh, nonsense.

SPEAKER_5 (4:08)

Death has nothing to fear. There's a majesty, a nobility about it that makes people's revulsion stupid.

SPEAKER_6 (4:13)

Those benches there are the observancy.

SPEAKER_5 (4:16)

The pre-execution cells are just beyond that door.

SPEAKER_4 (4:19)

And this, as you see, is the electric chair. Say, it's quite warm in here, isn't it?

SPEAKER_5 (4:27)

I suppose, a bit. This panel here is where the executioner stands. He holds his hand on the switch and has a signal from the ward, and he throws it in, like this.

Oh, now, don't be alarmed.

SPEAKER_7 (4:40)

Shouldn't we leave now?

SPEAKER_5 (4:42)

First, of course, you will want to sit in the chair?

SPEAKER_4 (4:44)

No, no, I hadn't thought of anything like that at all.

Ken Roberts (4:48)

Oh, my, my, you're a timid soul.

SPEAKER_2 (4:51)

Why, this is an experience you'll never have again.

Ken Roberts (4:54)

Here, let me help you.

SPEAKER_4 (4:56)

Just sit right down. Well, if it's a customary thing, why...

SPEAKER_5 (5:01)

Of course, there you are. You see, nothing to it at all, is there?

SPEAKER_4 (5:07)

Imagine, men who died just like this.

SPEAKER_5 (5:11)

Yes, men have died just like that. Here, I'll show you how it feels to be strapped in.