1948-1-18 Death and the Black Fedora

Broadcast January 18th 1948 on Mutual at 5:00 p.m. EST sponsored by D.L. & W. Coal Company "Blue Coal"

This episode is included in Radio Spirits CD Set The Shadow: Silent Avenger

Written by: Peter Barry

Announcer: Andre Baruch

Cast: Bret Morrison (Lamont Cranston/The Shadow) & Grace Matthews (Margot Lane)

Music: Elsie Thompson

Synopsis:

Lamont and Margot visit the residence of Dr. Landsdowne, only to find the doctor shot to death in his upstairs library. Janet and Robert Gardiner arrive at the mansion, also by invitation. Robert was being treated for a nervous illness and the doctor invited the Gardiners because he had something important to tell them. Having suffered from a case of amnesia, Robert suspects he is the murderer. Earlier that day, Robert was blackmailed by Mr. Squires of the Gaiety Costume Company, claiming he had Robert’s black fedora as proof that he was responsible for the murder of his wealthy uncle the night before. After investigation, The Shadow uncovers the truth: Robert’s uncle Theodore was never murdered. The plot was conceived by Theodore to play on Robert’s illness and persuade him that his mind had failed. To get rid of her husband and a share of his fortune, Janet went along with the ploy. The doctor had discovered the uncle’s plan and attempted to expose it to Robert but Theodore silenced the doctor. He also shot Squires from the same vantage point to cover his tracks. Theodore and Janet attempt to flee, but they walk into the hands of the police at the door.

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