 The signal oil program The whistler whistle is your signal for the signal oil program The whistler and 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 shadows Yes, I know the nameless terrors of which they dare not speak Yes friends, it's time for the signal oil program the whistler Rated by independent research the most popular West Coast program in radio history and Signal gasoline is tops to tops in quality It takes extra quality, you know to give you extra mileage and signal is the famous go farther gasoline So look for the signal circle sign in yellow and black that identifies friendly dealer-owned signal stations from Canada to Mexico And now the whistler strange story Dark moon It was a miracle the kind of miracle peculiar to a piece of southern California acreage Where only a few years ago a handful of men in putties and riding breaches put their caps on backwards Grabbed their megaphones firmly and set their cameras to grinding out an industry Yes, it was the kind of a miracle that happens to someone almost every day in Hollywood Russell Benton told himself all this as he walked into the oak paneled office of Matthew Ellsworth movie producer Cast an eye on the artificially young secretary behind the artificially old desk and introduced himself I have an appointment with mr. Ellsworth is i'm Russell Benton. Oh, yes, mr. Benton. Mr. Ellsworth is expecting you This way mr. Benton. I don't bother. I know the way Am I on time matt? You're early. Sit down. Yeah, this uh, this is one appointment I didn't want to miss nervous Yeah, a little relax. It's not gonna hurt a bit You know, I've got a lot of confidence in you russ. I hope you're right. Funny, isn't it? Only a week ago you adjust another name the face that dropped in once a week at the casting offices around town Now I've got every movie columnist in the country on my back trying to get your life story A little premature isn't it? I don't know. I think this screen test will be everything I want it to be I hope so and if you make it russ you'll be right at the top It's a smash vehicle this one. We're testing you for I think you're right for it It needs a leading man with a touch of character and in my opinion, you can't miss Dark moon three years on Broadway and still going we spent a half a million for the picture rights of dark moon, you know Tell me matt. There was uh, there was another guy don bradford. Yeah He's up for the part two, isn't he? He made a great test, but I think you'll top him The new york people seem to think he's terrific. I'm not so sure Uh-huh What about my test? When does it happen soon as they're ready on the set? It's a little like waiting to be hanged relax. I said By the way, uh, what do you think of the part? It's a natural for me Shame I didn't find you when I was casting the play in the york It wouldn't have been hard. I was there at the time. Oh, I made you leave Circumstances matt theatrical matrimonial Oh I didn't know you were married. I'm not been divorced for two years couldn't make a go of it, huh? Or uh, am I on a touchy subject? No, no, no, no. It was simple She liked mink my pocketbook didn't an actress Yeah, she's probably still back there. I haven't seen her since we split. Oh, that's too bad I've only been married for about a year now, but I think I have a pretty wonderful girl an actress too. I met uh, excuse me Ellsworth Yeah, she's in my office Good. We'll be right down. Let's go boy. They're ready to shoot. We'll do on the set in 10 minutes And in 10 minutes the miracle begins to happen As soon as you face the camera the second matt gives you the cue to begin You forget about everything except the scene you're doing Forget about kathy and the marriage that failed Forget the struggle the futile hopes and even the miracle that placed this opportunity in your lap As you get into the scene all you know is that you're giving the greatest performance of your life And when the cameras finally stop grinding you can tell from the look on matt's face that you made it That the name of russell benton Is as good as on a thousand theater marquees over the magic title dark moon Cut all right printed How was i matt what do you think terrific as far as i'm concerned it's settled who else is there a handful of new york backers I'm flying back there tonight with the prince. Call you as soon as it's happening It's happening right before your eyes russ the wonderful night before christmas feeling is real Not a dream anymore and now with a big hurdle behind you. You know you can't miss it's too good to keep russ And early that evening you drive over to laura's home in beverly hill She'll be proud of you now and that's important you want laura to be proud Russ darling, I heard i'm so happy for you me too. Have they said anything definite matt's gone to new york with the prince Oh, you mean about don bradford. Uh, yeah Well, the new york people have held out for him all along But don't worry darling matt'll make him see the light come on now the party's out by the pool. Let's join them shall we Wait a minute laura. I thought you said a small party come on. They won't bite. I'll introduce you to some of the nicer ones well if you Say isn't that francis connor's the columnist queen francis herself. I want you to meet her How do you do it laura? Now be nice to a darling. She can make or break any actual Do I kneel down and kiss her hand? Just give her a captivating smile a 26 darling the impressive one francis Francis, I'd like you to meet rustle venton francis connor's rust Mr. Lucky himself How do you do russ? I've been waiting to meet you. How do you do? I've heard the good news Congratulations. It's a great story and a great part darling. I'm all for you. Thanks. Don't let us spoil you russ Go on francis. I love it. Well, let's have the story What did you do up to now russ? Oh the usual stock Several years of theater work in new york. That's about all ever been married divorced kidnapped shot at Married and divorced. Yes russ. You never told me you never asked angel. Why should I mr. Benton? Excuse me, please. Yes, you're wanted on the phone. So said it was important. Oh, uh, you'll excuse me Of course darling. I'll think up some questions while you're gone. Be right back Hello, this is kathy Kathy Don't sound so happy darling Where are you in front of my fireplace in hollywood? But I thought you were in new york How did you know I? What made you call here it wasn't too hard to find you dear What do you want? I just want to talk to you if it isn't asking too much Well, you better forget it. I told you once I was through and I meant it You're being very foolish, you know This is business business You're part in dark moon Maybe I didn't make myself clear I don't want to talk to you about that or anything else. I think you will russ It's so nice. You're a success now Matt Ellsworth seems to think so Does he anything odd about that? No, I just wonder sometimes whether mr. Ellsworth knows you as well as I do Perhaps I ought to have a talk with him. What makes you think you could talk to Ellsworth? Well, that shouldn't be hard darling. You see, I'm his wife With the prologue of dark moon the signal oil company is bringing you another strange story By the whistler But now let's tune in on another strange story. Listen That's strange I just bought that battery a short time ago and it's dead already nothing so strange about that lady Chill nights and mornings put quite a strain on batteries and some batteries hold up better than others You mean all batteries are not alive indeed. They're not That's why when you're investing money in a new battery, it's not good business to take a chance on new or unknown brands Make sure that you're choosing a real quality article such as a genuine signal battery Every rugged signal battery is made from the very finest materials according to exacting specifications laid down by signal oil company And signal batteries are guaranteed for long trouble-free service Who stands back of that guarantee signal oil company? Which supplies the products for almost 2000 dealer owned signal stations is proud to stand back of every signal battery One more question. Where can I get a signal battery from your neighborhood signal dealer? The same man who checks your battery when you get gasoline and recharges it when it's low Just another good reason for making your next battery a genuine guaranteed signal battery And now back to the whistler Yes, Russ. Kathy is Matt Ellsworth's wife You stand dumbly at the telephone her words still reverberating in your ears Putting it together now Matt's remarked this morning about marrying some actress the most wonderful girl in the world He'd said yes, Russ. It's true. Kathy is mrs. Matt Ellsworth. She can ruin you with a word You make a hurried excuse to Laura hasten down to your car Drive to the number Kathy gave you high on the hills overlooking Hollywood And as you walk up the steep stairs to her front door, you make a decision, Russ That if Kathy tries in any way to keep you from getting that part, you'll do anything to stop her even killer Sit down darling Thanks. Nice of you to come I thought you'd change your mind. I simply wanted to find out what was on yours Well, aren't you even going to say you're happy to see me? I'm not a hypocrite Kathy Just as sweet as ever aren't you suppose you get to the point Point I don't want to stay here any longer than I have to Well, as I told you It's about dark moon naturally My husband doesn't often make mistakes for us However, I think he's making one on this picture and I've told him so What kind of a mistake? There's a charming young actor. I've come to know very well in the past year I think he's made the order for the lead and the new york backers seem to agree with me Don Bradford. Yes I want him to have that part. Why I told you he's charming He's competent. I like him. I see I might mention that Matt doesn't seem to agree with you at least not after my screen test this morning. Yes, that's right So I'm afraid there's only one way to convince him Oh You're going to tell him you don't want the part Russ. You've decided not to take it. What? You think I'm crazy? No, that's why I'm talking to you I put some high cards in front of Matt Russ But I haven't played the ace. What do you mean? He doesn't know we were married There are some things I could tell him You wouldn't do that. I don't think I'll have to Because you're going to gracefully decline in favor of don Bradford I think I know why you're doing this. I told you I like don Bradford. No, no, it isn't that You know as well as Matt that I'm right for this one and this part will make me overnight and you'll resent that Don't you Kathy? Nothing could hurt you more than seeing me successful. It's not a boost for Bradford. It's a kick at me All right, call it anything you want But Matt gets back from new york tomorrow night at 9 30 I'll give you until nine to make up your mind Where can I get in touch with you right here? I'll be waiting Oh You won't disappoint me Now will you darling? No, Kathy I won't disappoint you. You know, she's deadly serious as you leave the house Know that this woman will stop at nothing to ruin you and calmly without emotion now As you guide the car through the dark streets back to your house. You decide to kill her It will involve a risk a terrible risk But you're ready to take any kind of a chance now with destruction 24 hours away Yes, all you can do now is improvise Prepare in advance for the questions that are bound to come The next morning you call Laura Hello. Hello, Laura. This is Russ Uh, I wonder if you could give me a hand. Oh, why not anything planned for the night? Free as a bird good This this may sound a little premature angel, but I uh, I thought I'd drum up a little thing at my place You know for 10 or 20 or so a celebration. Oh sounds like fun. I'll be busy all day though I have to get a few things for the party. I might not get there until around uh Around nine Could you uh be a pal sort of get things started for me? Well, what time? 8 30 or so I'll leave the place open have everything ready for you And I suppose you could round up enough people to make it interesting Free party darling. They'll be standing in line at the door. Then I can count on you. Of course, dear Um, we won't be long though. No, Laura I won't be long Russ, uh, you mind if I admit I'm a little confused. It's very simple. Jeff is it You're not the biggest agent in the world, you know You were saying the other day you'd give anything to handle me after all 10% of my salary after this picture is shot. I know russ I I just don't understand why you you'll sign up with me now after you turn me down I can trust you jeff. That's why I want you to do a favor for me. Oh I'm having a little party tonight. I I can't get there until after nine and I want to tell them I was tied up with my agent say from eight 30 till nine o'clock. You want me to say Yeah, huh Look russ, I that's all you know That's all you have to say no matter what comes up and tomorrow I give you a seven-year contract as my manager Now what about it? What can I lose? It's a deal Yes, russ it'll be a straight story and you can stick with it A conference with your new agent jeff harris until nine A room full of witnesses ready to testify You arrived at the party a few minutes afterwards with your arms full of groceries That it's simply impossible that only a few minutes before you made the fatal visit to kathy ellsworth house High on the hill Yes, it's foolproof. Isn't it? At five minutes to nine you step out of your car Walk up the steep stone steps to kathy's door and press the bell Oh, yeah, I kept you waiting darling. I was on the phone Come on in. No hurry kathy Let's go into the living room. Shall we? Any way you like Sit down. I'll stand All right Now What about it? I want to make very sure of one thing kathy You are going through with this. Well, of course I am Matt will be here in half an hour russ. There's no way I can change your mind. I told you the way It's too bad kathy too bad Good evening, angelo Open a little late, aren't you every night to mr. Benton Take my advice of my friend never go into the delicatessen store business Work all the day work all the night too. I thought you closed at nine. It's 10 after isn't it 10 o'clock a week Oh, well, that's a break for me. I got a bunch of hungry friends on my hands tonight. What do you suggest? Or maybe some a salami a swiss of cheese a beer great great a pound of each of those Some kosher dills if you have any a couple of loaves arrived bread Take it easy and some champagne angelo champagne. Yeah, you're half a case After all angelo This is a celebration You try and shake the picture of her out of your mind as you leave the delicatessen and drive toward your house And the waiting guests It's a grim picture russ kathy slumped limply against the overstuffed chair near the fireplace Awaiting the arrival of her husband in a matter of minutes now A cold red creeps over you russ and the awful finality of what you've done makes you realize only now that Important as it seemed a few minutes ago Dark moon and the new career wasn't worth this No, russ it wasn't worth murder But there's no changing it now You steady yourself Take a firm grip on your nerves and the bundle of groceries and open the heavy front door of your house Hey, hey, hey take it easy. Oh, that's my boy. Give me your hand. Will you Dave? Oh, what do you do? Champagne? Will I give you a hand here let uncle Dave be gentle. Oh, man. I don't want to christen the floor Always always get this way when I hear that magic word. Where's laura? I'll stand the wilderness somewhere laura Hey, yard, Dave. Take care of the champagne. Will you you better? Oh russ You did a great job on the party. Thanks when you're a great man. I'll be your secretary Did you take care of everything darling? Huh? Your business the thing that tied you up. Oh Oh, yes. Yes, uh, everything is fine Did matt call yet? No, not yet When did you get in? You ought to be in now Nervous Yeah, uh a little I don't blame you. Well, it'll be over in an hour or so Was nights of frances conners to accept tonight? Is she here yet? No Let's see. There was something I oh, yes. I knew there was something I had to tell you Okay, I'll take it in the den excuse me a minute laura Yeah, russ. Yes, this is matt. I'm calling from the airport. What are they saying matt? Brother, did I have a fight on my hands? We went round and round for six straight hours with me talking russ benton while they talked down bradford How'd they like my test? Great. They thought you did a great job. It's all set then Now that's why I called you russ. I didn't want to keep you in suspense any longer. That's nice of you matt I uh, just wanted you to know I tried my best Tried your best. They were too much for me kid I'm afraid it's going to be bradford bradford as I said, they love the test and all that But they were set on bradford from bradford and after all they're putting up both He couldn't have done it better with a sledgehammer russ the room swims before your eyes There's a buzzing in your ears wiping out the sounds of the party in the next room And you realize matt's voice is still coming out of the receiver on the table you pick it up Lay it in the cradle You've committed a murder russ You've killed kathy and for what? You stumble up to your room where you can be alone and sit smoking cigarette after cigarette While the party downstairs goes on without you You can almost see matt on his way now on his way to find kathy You picture his car cutting through the night winding along the treeline streets high over hollywood You can hear his steps as he walks up the brick path to the door the key in the lock You can see him as he walks into the living room calling for her puzzled And you can see the sudden stroke of terror in his eyes as he finds the answer You don't know how much later it is that the sound of your own doorbell downstairs snaps you out of it And as you hurry back down Dave is letting two men in one of them is matt the other a grim faced man in a gray suit is unquestionably a police officer Well matt welcome home. Hello, Dave Hello matt russ can I see you a minute sure Let's go in here You made it here in a hurry come straight from the airport. No, I didn't I thought you were so either way you hung up on me hung up on you. Yeah Right after you gave me the jolt about bradford And it was a jolt too, you know That's no reason to hang up on a guy. I guess we were disconnected. Oh, I'm sorry. I this is inspector harden rusk homicide detail Homicide that's right I'd like to ask you a few questions if you don't mind of course But I don't understand. I'd like to know where you were tonight, mr. Benton Why is something wrong? It's my wife rusk Kathy was Murdered tonight murdered Uh, why are you asking me? You didn't answer my question, mr. Benton Where were you all evening? Here uh, why practically Practically. Yeah, I was uh, I was tied up with jeff harris my agent until pretty late. You can check on that And I stopped on my way here and bought some things for the party Look, why are you asking me? We had to ask a few questions rusk My wife had written the name russell on a mammal pad after it Nine o'clock good lord matt. I don't even know your wife until this moment. I didn't even know her name What about it mr. Elzer? I'm sure her now than I was before What are you talking about matt? How could I I had to do it rusk? The inspector insisted we talked to you as a matter of routine Even though I knew it was ridiculous It wasn't rusk here inspector I think I can vouch for that Okay Sorry, we bothered you mr. Benton. Uh, uh matt You don't know how this makes me feel. I know rusk. Thanks Come on harden We better get down to headquarters The whistler will return in just a moment with a strange ending to tonight's story Meantime see if you can pick the winner in this discussion That's a smooth running motor you have there mary. What kind of gasoline do you use signal jim? I like the goatee puts into the old buggy. Hey, that's interesting. I use signal too because I like its good mileage Mileage or performance, which is the better yardstick of gasoline quality Well fact of the matter is it takes superior performance to give you extra mileage You see the only way any gasoline can give you quicker starting faster pickup and smoother knock-free power Is by helping your motor run more efficiently And when your motor runs more efficiently naturally you enjoy extra mileage the thing signal gasoline is famous for That's why we say to be sure of the tops in gasoline quality There are just two things to remember one in gasoline It takes extra quality to go farther and two signal is the famous go farther gasoline And now back to the whistler Well russ you've brought it off somehow somewhere you found the strength to face matt and the inspector And as you guide them back to the front door, you know the worst is over That in spite of that damning piece of paper with your name on it. There's still no reason for them to suspect you Still no known connection between you and kathy still no discovered motive And even though it was futile russ even though the reason for the whole terrible night vanished into thin air with matt's telephone call You're safe and with matt still on your side. There'll be a future for you somewhere As you open the door for them laura comes up to you looking a little worried What is it russ? It's say it's nothing laura matt aren't you going to stay? No laura What is this? What's the matter? It's it's nothing laura. There was just some question about where I was tonight at nine o'clock Oh, well you told him, of course. Yes, you uh, you know where he was miss Of course he was at kathy elsworth's front door. She told me so when I called to ask her why she hadn't arrived at russ's party Let that whistle be your signal for the signal oil program the whistler each wednesday night at this same time Throught to you by the signal oil company marketers of signal gasoline and motor oil And fine quality automotive accessories Signal has asked me to remind you to get the most driving pleasure drive at sensible speeds be courteous and obey traffic regulations It may save a life possibly your own Featured in tonight's story was frank love joy the whistler was produced by george w allen with story by john w heart Music by wilbur hatch and was transmitted to our troops overseas by the armed forces radio service Next wednesday for a full hour of mystery tune in a half hour earlier Enjoy the saint as well as the whistler marvin miller speaking This is cbs the columbia broadcasting system