 The signal oil program The whistler at 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 The back door it had been a sensational trial also a very strange one If the men in the press room agreed on nothing else They were unanimous in the opinion that the case of the people versus Edward Crane Was the most amazing courtroom drama Hartley County had ever seen The mere fact that now after 51 days in court After 16 hours of waiting for the jury to bring in the verdict these men in the press room were still fascinated Still discussing the pros and cons that was testimony enough Okay, okay, but I tell you what I got a feeling. Yeah, what Edward Crane's gonna lose this case We'll make yourself some dough. They bet Nate the five he gets himself acquitted I know my heart sounds crazy But the whole thing was crazy from the first Edward Crane the biggest criminal lawyer in the business hooked on a motor charge And on top of that acting as his own defense. Yeah, that part don't make sense. Does it that never did But that doesn't mean they'll convict him plenty of guys who work in the street today only because Crane pulled a rabbit out of The hat at the right turn there weren't any rabbits in this one ward Funny, but it almost looked as if the guy weren't trying as if he wanted to be convicted Yes, it had been a strange one this story that was coming to its climax after 51 days in the court And although the reporters Remembering Edward Crane's past triumphs had freely predicted surprising developments not one of them could guess even a fraction of the truth The truth was that on that October night some weeks before the opening of the trial Edward Crane had walked into his wife's attic studio with a plan a plan that had to be tried on for size Good evening Ruth. Well, now don't bother me Edward. I'm very busy. I want to talk to you now Just a minute Edward, you know very well that my I said I wanted to talk to you Alright What is it? Perhaps we'd better sit down perhaps we'd better not I have a painting to finish dear and I see by the wall Begone expression that I've come to know so well during the past few months that you're about to ask me again to consider a divorce Now just a minute so I'll save us both a lot of time by giving you the usual answer. No That's not quite all of it this time Oh, I I don't believe I've made it clear why I wanted divorce must we go into that you see I think I know that vanity of yours Ruth, and I'm pretty sure you wouldn't want to see it hurt Go on. I'm hanging on every word Ruth I'm in love with another woman. Oh For heaven's sake Edward that what what do you mean if you're going to tell me about Louise Sallander forget it You know about of course darling Don't be a little boy. How could you expect to keep a thing like that quiet in a town like this? But I thought I'd give you a case history You met her last June at the Jenkins trial took her out for the first time on the 8th of July to the shadows over in Brook Ridge of out of town of course, but not quite far enough Since then you've been meeting her at least once a week at Leonardo's on conference nights How long have you known about this? Almost as long as you have why I don't know I well then let's drop it Now I've been a good girl and listen to you dear suppose you run downstairs to your evening paper and let me work Why are you doing this? Oh Maybe I'm thinking of Louise She's young and pretty There's a happy life ahead of her with someone Maybe I just don't want to see her make a mistake And you are a mistake Edward a frightful mistake. Thank you nothing at all Rude hmm. You still want to take that trip to Canada. Yes, certainly I've been telling you for ages how I've wanted to do some landscapes But I didn't want you to go until I had a chance to discuss this thing with you now that we understand one another Of course now you'll be happy to see me leave exactly. I've begun for seven or eight months. You know I know Hiding out at Renee's Lodge in Manitoba for three months and then West to lose yourself in the glories of the Canadian Rockies You've been reading my mind. I know you pretty well Perhaps but you know Louise as well, Edward She's apt to change her mind Take away the secret meetings in the glamorous restaurants and you're just as monotonous as the next one You know, maybe I ought to visit you'll do nothing of the kind Just a thought when When can you be ready to leave on your trip tomorrow night? All right, but there's one thing I insist on You must tell no one that you're leaving what well, that's the most ridiculous thing. I've ever heard of why I'll have to cancel all my Appointments. I'm addressing me. I'm sorry, but I have a very good reason for insisting That's very strange. Why? I'm afraid people might misinterpret the reason for your going They know we aren't getting along too well and there's your precious reputation Very well, Edward now do run downstairs and let me finish my work Yes, Edward you tried the plan for size and it fits and somehow you're relieved Your experience as a trial lawyer has made you a master at talking of one thing and thinking of another And at the moment you were proposing Ruth's trip to Canada your mind was on something else Somewhere in the huge imposing edifice known as criminal law Big and terrifying from the front, but with backdoors here and they are open to escape One backdoor one loophole in particular That will allow you to murder your wife and go free on the night after Ruth leaves for Canada You decide it's time to call Louise to set her mind at rest We simply have to be patient Of course, but I'm gonna take care of it Louise. There's a way out. Just trust me. That's all no matter what happened Oh, I do trust you, but I don't understand Edward. I don't please don't worry anymore Louise Just leave everything to me With the prologue of the back door The signal oil company is bringing you another strange story By the Whistler, but now a message to drivers To get the tops in performance from your car You naturally want the gasoline that stops in quality and to be sure you're getting 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 You see mileage. Yes, mileage is the best yardstick of gasoline quality After all the only way any gasoline can put more thrilling performance into your car is by helping your motor run more efficiently and When your motor runs more efficiently Naturally, you see proof of it on your speedometer in mileage the very thing signal gasoline is famous for That's why we're so proud of signals good mileage which has made signal gasoline known from Canada to Mexico as the go farther gasoline And it's why we say to be sure of the tops in gasoline quality. Just remember two things 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 So you've made up your mind Edward and murder is the only answer a new kind of murder of course an Ingenious audacious variety that can't fail Because it assumes that the outset that there'll be an arrest a trial that the law will run its course Yes, Edward, you know that when the time comes that backdoor will be open behind you That secret backdoor to freedom and a new life with the woman you love You begin the next morning with a call to the neighborhood plumber a curious Gossipy little man named Potter you purposely seem nervous now a little wild-eyed as you go to the front door a few minutes later to admit him Oh, oh, yes, mr. Potter Right this way, but you say you smelled gas just noticed it this morning Where we're going the kitchen. No, but I take a look at the basin first the basement Sure, why not? Oh, no, no, no not the basement. I Think it's in the kitchen. Oh, well, okay. We'll check it after I look at the pipes down. I tell you why What's happened to you anywhere? Nothing Is nothing at all? It looks a pale? You're covered with ashes. Oh, I I Was down at the furnace Burning some more rubbish looks like you were inside it. I needed a little cleaning. Oh come Your wife just had me clean the week ago She by the way, mr. Crane Where is the missus? Oh? Well, she Mrs. Crane is off on a long trip. She left the other night Well, we're going downstairs. No, I'd rather not might be dangerous. I said we're not going into the cellar Is that clear? Well, I don't know maybe Maybe not Come on. I'll look at the kitchen stove I Didn't see you yesterday darling. I'd like to make it up to you tonight That's just the point let him talk I'm tired of dodging the issue Meeting you in back alleys and out of town restaurants. It's high time. We brought it out in the open darling I mean it. We're not going to brookridge tonight Louise. We're having dinner right downtown at pierce I'll pick you up at seven now. That's all there is to it now Louise. I insist What's the matter darling? I don't know you haven't touched your steak. I guess I'm not hungry Is that the only reason look at the meddwood? Daring at us like a flock of vultures. No, it's your imagination. I wish it were I know what they're saying to be all over town tomorrow. So what maybe a little gospel convince Ruth Please I don't want to talk about I don't want to hear her name again ever. I'm sorry Louise So am I Come on now. Let's go but Louise. Don't you see darling? I can't stand this another minute. I'm sorry. All right, Louise Let's go You wish you could tell Louise how it's going to be Edward, but you know you must be practical There's only one time for that after it's over After the hue and the cry and the drama of the trial and the retreat through the back door So you take her arm now as the two of you leave the restaurant note with satisfaction the smug faces the staring eyes The heads together over tables in the far corners of the room You don't have to hear to know what they're saying It's moving now Edward a last glance at Henry the bartender tells you that even he's part of it, too Yeah, yeah, that's him now Sampata says crane there has a case of jitters that make new years morning look like a sass brother hangover. Oh Well, maybe there's another reason look crane had been down in the cellar fussing with the furnace Wait a minute Bill you mean that I don't know Maybe his wife is away on a trip. Who knows? Did you see them Richard sneaking out? They know they've attracted attention. Oh forget it Myra I've seen crane around the city hall. He seems to be all right It's all right thing to be running around another woman and where's his wife? How do you know that? Stop dreaming Myra and eat your soup It's building solidly isn't it Edward with each passing day You can almost feel the wall of criticism and suspicion Rising around you closing in almost hear the words of your accusers like the people at the art center I can't understand Ruth crane going away without telling us I should promise to conduct a special lecture on landscapes. Do you suppose that something's happened to her happened? Like what? Oh, I I don't know but she's always been so reliable So punctual with her appointments. It makes one wonder I When I call the plumber Sam I came down to ask you about Mrs. Crane. Oh I've been making a dress for her and she was coming in for the second fitting. I haven't heard a word I don't figure she'll ever be in. What a couple of weeks ago. I was over at the crane place talk to mr. Crane She wasn't home. Well, I didn't talk to her. Let's put it that way And you say I had to have a look at the furnace during the call Mr. Crane acted off For what reason but when I tell you you'll probably say ought to stick to my plumb and mrs. Has But I think mrs. Crane is in that house right now. You do only she She's dead. She's buried in the cellar something You really believe that I certainly do well then this should be an investigation a police investigation Investigation Sam, I'm going to see about it right away Yes Edward the tongues are wagging all over town But you're far from the usual frightened suspect as you learn about it watch the snowball begin to roll It's exactly as you figured it isn't it Edward first the muttering ripening into suspicion The two thriving weeks of suspicion finally materializing into something more concrete Louise come in darling Oh Edward, it's terrible the whole town's against against us Louis for just being together I guess for being in love Edward There's a man on his way here From the district attorney's office really they They don't believe Ruth went away. Now. There's nothing to be afraid of it doesn't matter what they think What will you tell them the truth? Edwin now Louise stop worry Darling Edward did someone I told you not to worry. It's all right You'd better answer it. Yes, of course Hello, Ben. Mr. Crane. This is an official call. I was sent over to have a look around it. What's it all about? I'm sorry. I can't discuss it with you Yeah Yeah, you better use it the ladies lipstick is all over your face. I'll see here Ben. It's you can't come bust again. Skip it I've got a warrant I Like to have a look in your cellar. What are you talking about? There's no I'll decide that crane Come on. Let's go down there Well Just what are these what? They're buttons They're from an old painter smart your wife's. Yes, you see I cleaned up her studio just after she went away Afterwards I've burned the rubbish in here What about this crane is this some rubbish too, but Well, yes That's a piece of bone and where did it come from? Mrs. Crane is of the realist school. She used it in the painting of still life. You can show us that painting, but I Know if she didn't like it when she finished I'm afraid it's been destroyed. I see This is going to be a little difficult mr. Crane You probably know the talk that's been going on around town Well, I'm afraid we can't ignore it any longer. What kind of people around here seem pretty convinced you murdered your wife Why why that's that and a report from a man? I've had checking on you for the past week makes me think they're right I'm going to have to place you both under arrest both you and Louise Selander and There it is Edward the final official accusation The answer to the weeks of suspicion The gossip and the weeks that follow move even more swiftly from the indictment by the grand jury to the return of a true bill The clamor for a quick trial and the one startling announcement You make the statement that stuns your colleagues brings one of them hurrying to your side Well, hello Waverly Edward what's it all about this ridiculous decision to handle your own case? Can you think of a better criminal lawyer, but it's suicide look we'd like to help you I'll save you some time Waverly my mind's made up I'm handling the defense myself as a matter of fact. They're letting me talk to my co-defendant miss Selander in just a few minutes So if you'll excuse me, all right, Edward have it your way Louise Edward it's also I was the reason you what does that matter? I didn't kill Ruth You believe that don't you? Of course You're not certain All I know is That I love you It's going to be all right remember that No matter what happens. It's going to be all right Mr. Foreman and gentlemen of the jury The state will prove that on or about the 15th day of December of last year The defendants Edward Crane and Louise Selander With malice a forethought did affect the brutal death of his wife Ruth our witnesses will establish That's right. I was checking the plumbing and mr. Crane acted mighty peculiar the whole time I was there and that's what Supposed to come for a fitting. I never knew her to break an appointment. It wasn't like her at all Yes, Mr. Crane often gave her lectures for us at the art center She had one scheduled for early in January and then I heard someone say objection That's hearsay your honor Objection sustained proceed mr. Prosecutor To you ladies and gentlemen of the jury the state has not proved anything. It's all conjecture hearsay First and I'll clear the court Now mr. Crane will you conclude as quickly as possible? So you conclude Edward without pulling the rabbit out of the hat carefully evading the one vulnerable point in the prosecution's case The assumption that the bone fragments found in the furnace were all that remained of your wife Ruth Yes, Edward their whole case rests on that assumption and that's the way you want it Have you reached a verdict? Yes, your honor We find the defendants Edward Crane and Louise Selander Guilty on all counts. Oh, no Well, please will you ask the judge if I can have a few minutes with Miss Selander in private? All right Crane I'll make the request You tried so hard to convince easy darling don't worry. It's going to be all right Not here. I've asked for a few minutes together. I'll tell you in the judges chambers But they can't go through with it Louise. You'll see they can't go through with it The whistler will return in just a moment with the strange ending to tonight's story Meantime in the interest of public service signal oil company has asked me to bring you the words of the president of the United States On the subject of importance to every able-bodied man between the ages of 17 and 35. I Quote president Truman Today the new National Guard gives every man an opportunity to give that personal service to his country And at the same time to advance himself In National Guard units all over the country thousands of veterans and other ambitious young men are finding the Opportunity to study and learn the things that help them advance in their civilian jobs They are finding the fellowship that is part and parcel of America They are participating in a sports and recreation program that keeps them fit and they are receiving the training that helps keep America strong Those are the words of president Truman. I might add there are still many opportunities for ex-servicemen to enlist in grade Which means even higher pay for one night of training per week Get full information by contacting your local headquarters of the National Guard and remember when you join the National Guard You're benefiting not only your country, but also yourself And now back to the whistler Yes Edward you've reached it at last the back door the loophole and the law that will let you and Louise be together It's over now all the planning the long weeks of the trial and the guilty verdict against you and Louise You're trembling excitedly as the bailiff comes back to tell you that it's all right that you can have five minutes together alone You can tell her now. Can't you it? End her fright and grief with a simple explanation of your carefully conceived plan You turn take her in your arms as the bailiff withdraws from the room and the door closes It's all right Louise She isn't dead. She isn't dead at all Don't you see they've convicted us legally, but Ruth's alive. She's in Canada. I sent her there myself But no no wait, let me tell you the whole thing Louise. It's to bring us together She said she'd never give me a divorce and she wouldn't have but I got her to go away I wanted them to convict us. I don't understand you not at all Look Ruth's in the Canadian Rockies She went there after spending three months at a large in Manitoba run by a man named Renee I'm going to have Renee brought here Edward. Don't you see he'll swear. She was alive after the time We were supposed to have killed her with testimony like that. They'll be forced to set us free And then I'll find Ruth and really get rid of her That's what I've been working for all the time dear after once releasing us They'd never try to connect us with her disappearance again Why didn't you tell me I couldn't my dear it had to be this way, but it won't work Oh, I of course it can when my witness gets here. We'll have proof You won't have a witness Edward. You can't Ruth came to see me that night. She was leaving I Killed her at what I killed her So we could be together Let that whistle be your signal for the signal oil program the whistler each Wednesday night at the same time Brought to you by 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 at drive its sensible speeds be courteous and obey traffic regulations It may save a life Possibly your own featured in tonight's story where Willard Waterman and Virginia Greg Whistler was produced by George W. Allen with story by James Irvine music by Wilbur Hatch It 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 same as well as the whistler. It's a CBS for Columbia broadcasting system