 And now stay tuned for the mystery program that is unique among all mystery programs because even when you know who is guilty You always receive a startling surprise at the final curtain in the signal oil program the Whistler Signal the famous go farther gasoline invite you to sit back and enjoy another strange story by the Whistler I'm a 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 And now for the signal oil company the Whistler strange story man in a corner It began with little things didn't advance Yes, little bits of conversation that were cut short abruptly changed whenever you appear Telephone calls that made you think of the old joke if a man answers hang up Only it isn't any joke. Is it bad? Not when you find yourself in a corner Wondering about your beautiful beautiful wife Lydia and your business partner Frank Paris The big trouble is they've been so clever about it You're forced to wonder whether there really is anything between them or whether it's all a mistake a product of your own Overactive imagination Because outwardly they've given you no sure sign no conclusive evidence and at an informal get-together at your home in Malibu Frank's actions are as natural and casual as a friend and business partner should be While Lydia conducts herself with a calm and reserved that leave you completely confused Your friends also enjoy your company look upon her as the perfect wife and upon you as luckiest man in the world That's what you are Vance. I guess I am pretty lucky at that I've been telling him that for years ever since we've been in business together. I envy you Vance Well, I like that Lydia may be my dearest friend, but I don't exactly crack a whip over you Jim Vanton Not exactly Ruth, but oh now that wait a minute. This is becoming embarrassing at all for my money You boys are both lucky Now you see why I picked Frank as a business partner. He's not only smart He's a diplomat too. Oh, that's smart enough to find me a wife like Ruth. Oh, Lydia. You see what I mean diplomat Conversations getting too serious Besides, I'll admit. I'm a lucky woman to have Vance. Now you see why don't I get answers like that? Because it's time to go home and if I start treating you too perfectly you'll want to stay for one for the road But it's still early. Oh seriously Jim's got an important meeting in the morning. We wouldn't have come at all except that Well, who turns down Vance and Lydia Lawrence? Why sure most wonderful little couple in the world successful Beautiful but your coat on. Oh, yeah. Yeah, I'll pay no attention to me There you ugly oh You're a doll Well, good night you two and thanks. Good night. Good night. I'm gonna run to good night, Lydia. Good night, Frank I'll see you at the office in the morning. That's right Frank. Good night nice couple the Benton's Lydia Yes Are we that perfect couple they spoke about? What do you ask? Oh, I don't know. I Skip it, huh? I think so I'm tired. Did you mind if I don't know go ahead? and Think I'll go out for a breath of air Good night. Good night It's there and it isn't you wonder what to do about it Don't you that how to make sure how to satisfy in your own mind what it's all about if it's about anything at all Walking along the beach alone with only the roar of the surf for company you get an idea and the next time Lydia is in town away from the beach out You begin to carry out your plan. Where do you want the extension for mr. Lawrence here in the workshop? Yes It's been a terrible inconvenience running up into the house every time I get a call It seems like people always want you just when you're getting started at something seems so all right This workshop doesn't look as if you use it much though. Oh No, I haven't lately, but I'll be getting going on my hobby again things are easing up the office Wish I could say the same Right here on the work bench. Okay for the phone mr. Lawrence No, it'll be in the way perhaps inside one of these cabinets anywhere you say Now just how does this work? I won't get a ring down here. Will I know not if we hook a cutout switch on this phone You'll hear it on the phone in the living room anyway, and you can just pick it up here fine It'll be handy for you. All right. Oh, yes, it's going to be very handy Going out again then these nightly strolls seem to be becoming a habit. I won't be long Lydia about 12 minutes You almost had a schedule Really? I wasn't aware of it. I Guess that's about how long it does take me. I always walk down to the inlet and back Oh Strange that she'd know exactly how long you take each night isn't it? Because so far you haven't caught anything out of line No calls from Frank since you have the extension put in Your certain Lydia doesn't suspect that you've been in your workshop these past four nights instead of out walking Yes in the workshop waiting listening for her to get a call Four nights and no luck or maybe you're in luck Perhaps you've been entirely wrong about Frank and Lydia Stare at the phone wonder if it will ever ring if Frank will ever call And then it hits you Perhaps he won't have to call Lydia. Yes, then now that Lydia thinks you're safely out of the house She might call him your hand jerks out compulsively to the phone Quietly you lift the receiver and I just this minute remember the party darling. I'm terribly sorry I'm sure I'm not glad that you just forgot about it shameless I know roof actually Vance seemed a little tired when he got home from the office this evening and I Guess my concern over him just about pushed everything else from my mind. We is an ill I hope virus or anything Lydia. Oh, no, it isn't anything like that. I'm sure in fact right now He's taking his constitutional walking along the beach and you're not with him. I didn't think you two could stand to be separated even that long I Permit him a few minutes to himself every once in a while. How's the party going down there now? It's taking on form. Oh, I am sorry. You couldn't make it. I am too really and do please forgive me for not calling sooner I don't quite understand it myself, but I want you to of course We'll make it another time soon. I hope my best thank you dear. Good night. Good night You're embarrassed aren't you van almost ashamed that you eavesdropped on an innocent conversation between Lydia and Ruth Benton And you wonder again if you just imagine that a romantic attachment existed between your business partner Frank in your wife, Lydia You think about it through the next day Can't get the idea out of your mind So once again the following night to leave Lydia for your nightly a walk along the beach and take up your vigil instead by the extension phone in your workshop You haven't been there long when There it is. Yes, Frank. Oh funny. I just want you alone He's out walking on the beach. I told you it'd be safe. I'll just hang up as he comes back What have you found out? I still haven't got anything we could use on him. I've gone over all our back record tax statements No way you can find out about that deal in Miami. I know it was questionable It's been unfortunately he pulled that one before we became partners if I could dig up something Conclusive on that day you could tell him you're through and I could tell him that his share of the business is mine Or he'd go to jail chef Frank how long do we have to wait like this? Oh, Lydia? I'm as impatient as you are. I hate Vance every bit as much We've nothing to nail. Well, maybe I could help people to other crooked deals, too Yeah, but all before I was in business with him. There's got to be proof Lydia We'll come out of this with nothing that we can't really threaten nothing but for each other Yeah, I know I know Lydia. I don't like this way. You're right Frank. We must be practical We should have many years together We both like money Let's not wait too long. We're just long enough to get what we want We need evidence that will force fans to give you your freedom me Well, it's all ownership of the business You're cruel darling But you know from you, I like it Good night Lydia. I won't call like this anymore. It's too risky. I hope you won't have to very long darling Is that why? Good bye. You're right both of you It is going to be Goodbye Engineware it's one of the principal reasons drivers have to spend big sums of money having their motors overhaul Engineware it's one of the principal reasons motors lose pep and power get fewer miles per gallon of gas Engineware it's one of the principal reasons cars gradually use more and more oil until eventually they become oil eaters No wonder automotive and petroleum engineers for years have sought ways to reduce engineware And now at last signal reports startling success with an amazing new motor oil that reduces by 50 percent Engineware due to lubrication That means your car can now keep its like new pep and power twice as long It means you can now enjoy low oil consumption twice as long if your car isn't already an oil eater So if you want to be good to your car and your pocketbook, too Drain out that lazy old motor oil have a signal dealer refill your crankcase this week with signal premium The amazing new signal oil that reduces engineware due to lubrication 50 percent Engineware engineware engineware Well then you're in a terrible corner aren't you? The phone extension you had installed has served its purpose You finally discover the truth about your wife lydia and your partner frank paris And it's even worse than you'd imagine Frank suspects about some of your past shady deals, particularly one in miami florida If he can learn the facts, he'll be able to take more than lydia away from you, won't he? Yes, he'll be able to force you to sign over your share of your mutual holding Only he hasn't any facts and if you move fast enough, he'll never uncover them Walking along the ocean front that very same evening you get another inspiration This one from a chance conversation with lieutenant matt engel of the sheriff's squad Hello, lieutenant Oh, it's you mr. Lawrence. What's trouble? Sorry, mr. Lawrence. We've just been edgy lately You know since that killer's been reported seen in the beach area killer seen around here Oh, it seems like I did read something about it You didn't think that I'm no harm in jacking say how've you been? fine fine lieutenant busy, you know, but um Lieutenant, you don't suppose there's anything to this report. Oh could be I didn't mean to worry you though I was thinking about my wife Really, I shouldn't leave her alone in the house. Well, no, it isn't the best idea And I've got to run up to san francisco soon I wouldn't want to think now look we patrol pretty carefully and I know you do But if anything happened to her, I'm sorry even brought it up mr. Lawrence gosh I heard all you folks feel about each other, but this prowler If you hear any more you'll let me know won't you certainly I appreciate your concern But you can count on us the boys are careful. Oh, I'm sure of it lieutenant I know I can count on you You've put my mind at ease already It's done isn't it Ben? You've made the lieutenant well aware of your concern about the danger which lurks close by And now you're ready for the next step The very next night you arrange for your partner frank peris to stop by the house at malibu for cocktail and small talk Talk which they believe they're carrying off very well. Oh, it's a wonderful story frank. Really? Well, so help me it's true that they tell me it's that old man simpson back $5,000 Oh, no frank come come really that's so help me You mean to tell me a man like simpson would fall for an old gag like that Good heavens that spanish prisoner routine is as old as the con game itself could be but but apparently it all sounded brand new to simpson And I thought he was one of the smart men in town Well, it just goes to show vance. Sometimes the smarter they are the easier their fool, huh? I don't know frank I don't know about that um Darling, we're running out of martini But Oh, yes, of course Excuse me As lydia and frank go on chatting you stroll back to the kitchen Then quickly you slip out into the hall hurry to the closet You find what you're looking for in the pocket of frank's overcoat. Yes One of his gloves Exhibit a vance A few minutes later you're back in the living room with more cocktails sipping your drink And then an idea occurs to you as frank opens his cigarette case Offers it to lydia. Oh, thank you. Thanks. Oh, yeah. Now as I was saying this cocky chap turns to the sailor Um, may I what? One of your cigarettes frank. I've heard so much about that special brand of yours You smoking a cigarette vance. I just thought I'd like to try one. That's all of course There you are. Oh, man. Thanks But go on with your story frank. I didn't mean to interrupt. Oh, yeah. Well, anyway Now this cockney chap wheels around and faces the sailor. Here here, my lad. He says You like the cigarette take a few puffs and leave it in the ashtray Exhibit be that The evidence against frank paris is building isn't and there's more Yes, the glass he holds in his hand the cocktail glass with his fingerprints on it You'll want that too. Won't you van? After frank leaves you go to your workshop open a cabinet look at the evidence it contains Evidence against your partner frank paris A half smoke cigarette his special brand vance And a glove his glove And a cocktail glass with his fingerprints on it Yes, it's all the evidence you'll need isn't it? You close the cabinet and lock it Now you're ready for the next step the next move You make it the following day with a call to the airline's office And then late the same afternoon you hurry back to the house You're in the bedroom when you hear the front door close And shortly after that lydia makes her appearance. What darling you're home early Oh packing. Yes. I've got to run up to san francisco Got a call a while ago on the clock account. I think I can save it if I see clocked personally Phone frank and tell him will you? Oh, sure. My plane leaves in 45 minutes Drive me on go Um, how long will you be gone? Oh several days Going to miss me dreadfully Oh, but I will darling of course lydia Of course You board the plane at burbank unscheduled and then your airborne Arriving at the san francisco airport a few minutes before six There you immediately arrange for a reservation aboard the eight o'clock plane back to los angeles Then ride into town and register at the willows hotel I'll have the boy take your bags up mr. Lawrence. Thank you Oh, I want to leave a call for the morning 10 o'clock very well, sir I don't want to be disturbed until then. Yes, sir You wait in your room a few minutes then slip downstairs Hurry across the lobby unseen by the desk clerk take a taxi back to the airport You board the eight o'clock plane and you're on your way back to los angeles You take a taxi to a restaurant about two miles from your house at malibu pay the driver And watch till he drives out of sight Then you walk to your house. It's tedious, but it's safer isn't it van? As you approach the house you see a light burning in the living room Lydia is home isn't she van as you knew she would be You slip into the house to the workshop I've tried to reach you since early evening frank I wondered if you'd call my business with a client and pasadena today ended up by letting him buy my tenor tonight But what's the idea of calling me all evening? Lydia isn't that a little risky? Not when vance is in san francisco darling San francisco when why he left on the late afternoon plane What funny didn't talk it over with me. Are you sure? Of course i am frank I drove him out to the airport myself. So i saw him get aboard the plane even stayed to waze him out of sight. What's strange? This isn't quite the reaction. I expected you to have darling. Oh, what do you mean? Well Aren't you coming over? Oh Was sure Sure, I am of course I'll be there in about half an hour. That's better and do stop worrying. I told you vance is in san francisco Okay, okay, but still seems funny. He didn't talk it over with me Apparently it came suddenly a call from some client up there. I can't remember the name He said you weren't at the office. Oh, that's right. I was in pasadena most of the afternoon. Well, then it couldn't have talked to him You've heard enough. Haven't you vance the time has come You hurry quietly to the living room Wait outside the door and the lady has completed her call. All right, then you step into the room Vance surprise lidion What are you doing here? I thought that you It's all a trick wasn't it? You've known all along You've heard everything I said. Yes I've known for some time lidion. All right. What are you going to do about it? I'm going to kill you lidion Vance, don't be a fool. I have been a fool lidion. No vance. No It's all over very quickly isn't it vance lidion is dead and now you've got to move carefully Arrange everything just as you planned it to throw suspicion on your partner frank paris The sound of the front doorbell startled you doesn't advance. You wonder who could be Certainly not frank. He couldn't have arrived this soon You move down the hall to the front door and listen. Well ring again, sweetheart They must be home. There's a light out in the living room Well, they could have gone all forgotten. Oh go on go on rib buzz a buzzer You recognize the voices don't you vance? Yes the Benton friends of lidion They would have to pick this night to come calling. They went down to the grotto for dinner, huh? Vance usually likes to eat out on Friday. I hadn't thought of that. I suppose we could go down there Well, let's see. No, it's almost 10 o'clock and should be back soon. Well Let's wait a while. Okay, but let's wait in the car. It's cold out here. All right. Come on You step to the side window And watch the Benton's get back into their car parked in the driveway You stand on the darkened hallway and wait five minutes 10 and then finally They've gone Vance You hurry downstairs to the workshop unlock the cabinet remove the cocktail glass the cigarette and the glove Back in the living room. You push the glove in between the sofa pillows Drop the cigarette into an ashtray Place the glass on the end table Then you proceed to disarrange the furniture evidence of a struggle. That's important too. Isn't it Vance? It takes you some time to set the scene perfectly Finally you're satisfied That should do it lidion that should take care of your darling frank very well Very well indeed Engine wear engine wear engine wear Is engine wear causing your expensive motor to wear out twice as fast as necessary It is if you're still using lazy motor oils that merely lubricate. Here's what I mean In amazing new signal premium motor oils special properties are engineered into the oil through the marvels of modern chemistry As a result new signal premium not only reduces engine wear due to lubrication 50 percent But also protect your motor in all these important extra ways One keeps oil rings clean and free two controls and reduces harmful engine deposits such as carbon gum and varnish Three prevents sticking of hydraulic valve lifters four stops acid corrosion and rust Best of all new signal premium motor oil gives you all this extra protection at no increase in price Good reason to get your next oil change at a signal service station Signal service station change this week to the amazing new signal oil that reduces engine wear due to lubrication 50 percent Engine wear engine wear engine wear It's perfect isn't it Vance? Yes, you've carefully set the scene to trap your partner frank peris for the murder of your wife Now all you have to do is catch a plane back to san francisco flip back into your hotel You look over the living room once more to make certain that everything is just as you want it to be And as you do an idea occurs to you The cocktail glass vans It certainly would have been knocked over in the struggle You place it carefully on the floor near your wife's body Turn the end table over on its side Then as you step back. Hello, mr. Lawrence. Well Lieutenant But you were in san francisco. Well, I I was I We see lieutenant save your breath mr. Lawrence I've been watching you for the past five minutes Quite a little scene setter aren't you look if you'll let me explain like I said save it for your lawyer You'd better be a good one What are you doing here? Why did you come just keeping an eye on things you wanted me to remember You were so concerned about your wife's safety And I learned you were in san francisco. I decided I'd stop by and make sure everything was okay I called her on the phone a little while ago, but the line was busy you called yeah several times But the line was busy so long. I thought I better come out and investigate It's a deadly I came into the house through your workshop And I found out why I couldn't get through on the phone. Well What do you mean that extension phone you have in your workshop vans Someone left it off the hook Let that whistle be your signal for the signal oil program the whistler each sunday night at this same time Signal oil company has asked me to remind you that you get the most pleasure out of driving when you drive at sensible speeds Observe traffic regulations and don't take chances. You may even save a life Possibly your own Featured in tonight's story were bill foreman les Tremaine betty lou gerson elizabeth roof Hi ever back larry dobkin and herbert lytton The whistler was produced and directed by george w allen with story by joel malone music by wilbur hatch And was transmitted to our troops overseas by the armed forces radio service The whistler is entirely fictional and all characters portrayed on the whistler are also fictional Any similarity of names or resemblance to persons living or dead is purely coincidental Remember to tune in at the same time next sunday when the whistler will tell you how the strange things a young boy sees on his first train trip alone Help solve a murder Marvin miller speaking for the signal oil company Stay tuned now for our miss brook starring eve arden which follows immediately over most of these stations This is cbs the columbia broadcasting system