 The signal oil program The whistler that whistel is your signal for the signal oil program The whistler I am 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 tops in popularity for a longer period of time than any other 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 human catalyst in the field of chemistry. There are curious substances known as catalysts Curious in that their mere presence together with other substances Causes a violent reaction in which the catalyst themselves don't take part In a way, they simply stand on the sidelines Untouched by the reaction they cause Unaware what they've done when it's all over There are catalysts to among human beings and on the night of February 3rd and the terrace of a resort hotel in Miami Beach a 17-year-old girl named Arlene Foster was about to become one She didn't know it of course and like catalysts in chemistry. She never would but there in the terrace in a simple conversation with her teenage date Arlene was preparing to step into the road Orville, yeah, there's there's something I better tell you I want to be fair or look Arlene if it's another confession. I'm just not interested Crazy about you is y'all That's why I have to tell you no Vicks coming back orville. It's only a few weeks off Vick who? Vick Stanfield the orchestra leader that was here last year. He's bringing his van here to the hotel Just as he promised me. Well, what's so important about that? I Don't want to deceive you See Vick and I love each other. Huh? What are you talking about? Why he's an old man. He must be 30 Sometimes love doesn't pay any attention to age See before he left last season Vick and I had an understanding At that time Vick Stanfield was many miles from Miami Beach Many miles away from the Catalyst Vick was in Cleveland, Ohio attending a funeral service Moving up when it was over to console the widow of a dear friend of yours. Mrs. Westover I hope you know how I feel. Oh, you're mr. Stanfield aren't you? Yes, Vick Stanfield I was one of Carl's best friends. Oh, yes, of course, Mr. Stanfield If there's anything I can do perhaps drive you home. That's very nice of you mr. Stanfield my car is right out front Here we are, right? Yes How was I? Wonderful Wasn't easy. You don't think any of them. No, nobody suspects a thing. No Well, what now? Be married in a month will go south with a band and spin our honeymoon in Miami. Oh, that seems awfully fan Look sweetheart, let's not get into that again. We could hold a ceremony right in that church ten minutes from now Let him talk all he wants. But Vicki, don't you think it's clean, baby? There's not a trace not a scrap of evidence Relax, baby. Relax. You left your husband's fatal accident up to me Now do me another favor. Let me take care of the future, too With the prologue of the human catalyst the signal oil company is bringing you another strange story by the Whistler For friends since this is St. Patrick's Day, you've no doubt been getting your share of Killarney with your radio program. I Had thought of describing how your friends would turn green with envy when you power your car with signal gasoline Because today signal drives the pings and sluggishness out of a motor like st. Patrick drove the snakes out of Ireland Or I thought of reminding you that your wallet would feel lucky as a four-leaf clover because of signals good mileage But sure and big order when you buy gasoline, there's really just one thing that matters You want to be sure that you're getting the tops in quality the gasoline that gets top efficiency from your motor and That's something your own speedometer can tell you because when your motor runs more efficiently You not only enjoy quicker starting faster pickup and smoother knock-free power, but also more mileage Good reason why we're so proud of signals famous mileage and why we say to be sure of the tops in gasoline quality There are just two things to remember One it takes extra quality to go farther and Two Signal is the famous go farther gasoline big order And now back to the quistler Yes, it was clean big so clean that you and failure could flaunt your love at them throw it in their faces Let them think and talk all they wanted Because you're sure that in killing Carl Westover big you committed the perfect murder It's a month almost to the day when you and failure Drive up the Lakeshore Highway to the little town of Fairport to be married by a justice of the peace And that night you're on your way to Miami Beach in the new life that lies ahead for both of them And in your complete happiness together There's certainly no thought that each mile on the train brings you closer and closer to the catalyst He's on his way Orville fix on his way back to me. Well, you cut it out Arlene. You're just being silly What's the matter Vicki? Yeah. Well, you're so quiet. Oh, I don't know. I'm so tired. I guess I'm tired too Happy Vicki you bet you you know, I You're not worried or anything. I mean about cars Sweetheart forget Carl. He's gone. He's off the books. There's just you And that's why it's so perfect Because we're the only two people who know The only ones will ever have to worry about and with us forgetting it right right It's all over your life and Cleveland everything just like it never happened, baby. Oh Baby, we got a lot of living to do a long way to go together First stop Miami Beach So there it is Vic the aftermath of a murder you're certain is perfect Happily ever after part of the story It's like a chemical solution with two ingredients quiet inert in a stage of precarious peace awaiting the catalyst Naturally, you don't know it big but as you and failure arrive at Miami Beach and check into your hotel suite The little human catalyst Arlene Foster very close to you now is suffering from some very shocking news Arlene what in the world of a matter with you? I'm sorry mother. You haven't eaten a decent meal for a week You wouldn't understand. Well, I have a pretty good idea what it is the same thing happened last year about this time Didn't it? It's never happened before anything like this that is Well, if I'd have known him been like this when your father told me who's gonna manage this hotel I'd have stayed up north Who is it this time base player tenor saxophone or is it Victor Stanfield himself? Wait a minute, Arlene Wonder boys are any easier Arlene walks slowly down the hall stops at the telephone begins to think Mary big Mary Couldn't love her somebody ought to tell her what she's doing to me He has no right to be his wife. He doesn't love her. He can't possibly love her But he ought to call her on the telephone. Excuse me big. I'll get it sure Yeah Something you should know About your husband. Who is this? I'd rather not say just a minute Here if you think I'm going to listen to you You ought to know whoever you are. I like that big a lot of shots. Have you hadn't genie? Oh, it's so good to see you. It seems like a year since we Said darling, this is genie long. I've mentioned her to you used to sing with a band How do you do? Yeah Genie's back with us for this engagement darling Been a long time a genie. You know I'll tell you we two practically start out together That right? Well, I'd better be getting down to my room. I got done packing. You know how it is Take care Vicki. See you in an hour or so. Yeah. Yeah, you bet He's a lovely girl. Yeah, yeah swell Well, let me see where was I Yeah, yeah here we are What's that? This is a property assignment darling. I meant to bring it up before this but I just didn't get around to it Look, I think we'd better put your property all your assets in fact in my name What? Don't look at me like that darling. I'm not after your money It's a legal thing dear a way of protecting your sheriff Carl's estate from any stray creditors that you happen to leave kicking around You know I had the papers drawn up yesterday afternoon, and I what's the matter there? Vic Give me a cigarette will you? Sure. Thanks now Tell me how long have you been thinking about this thinking about it? Why? I'm just curious. I think I have a right to be there's $180,000 roughly and property in Cleveland. I Don't like the way you said that Then I'm sorry But I think you better explain it more Carefully I was about to my darling when that phone call. Who was that call from they? It was nothing important. No, I think it was Look, who do you know in town failure who'd be calling you on the telephone worried? maybe Because I've decided I won't tell you who it was and as far as those papers go I Just don't think I'll sign them Any particular reason I Don't know Into wishing I think it's something else There's no point going into that now I'm due downstairs in ten minutes. Good night The reaction's well underway now big something's wrong, you know it You can feel it gnawing away inside you the rest of the evening But you get hold of yourself when the job's over Yes, it's ridiculous letting your imagination run away like that Failure is all right. She's got to be all right. She has your life in her hands It's almost two in the morning when you let yourself into the dark apartment on the 10th floor hoping she's thought it over too The strange way she turned on you when you mentioned the assignment papers Didn't mean what you were afraid of me Glad you are no no skip the life Look, thank you. There's a few things. We've got to get straight you Sound very determined. I am We can't afford to have any secrets between us. Have we I think we have that phone call for instance Why won't you talk about it? What are you doing to me? Maybe I should ask you the same question What are you doing to me? Why is it suddenly necessary to sign everything over to you that? Properties mine. I intend to leave it that way So that's it that's what's eating nothing's eating me big But you never really understood me. I can be practical too. Oh sure sure Of course, you don't want to overlook a couple of other little considerations like marriage like love. Yeah, I love Sound like you doubt that Tell you maybe you ought to add things up again. I plan the whole thing. I lie. I commit murder for you I see it straight through then suddenly it isn't enough. You're not satisfied. I didn't say that Understand your position quite clearly then it's worse How can you talk this way when I'm out on a limb alone not a chance to tie you into any part of it? You try to tell me nothing has changed that you just being practical. What kind of understanding is that failure? Is it any good for me? Is it? a good thing Convincing very sincere Through it all I can hear only one thing the money. I want that but there's a very good reason for you. So I've discovered Good night. We're gonna take away. Good night Mr. When you hire a private detective you at least have to tell him what the job's all about look I've told you all you need to know mr. Shannon. What's wrong with your wife? You were afraid she's thinking of suicide or something. I don't know. I don't look if you want the job Simply do as I ask follow her wherever she goes follow her and keep me informed Okay, mr. She'll never leave that hotel without me tagging right along It's a stalemate now both of you quiet feeling the tenseness in the air waiting for something to happen Then about a week later on a downtown street. Shand gets careless. What do you want? Why are you following me? How now look lady don't try to deny it. I saw you yesterday, too and the day before that I don't know What you're talking about they're doing it for him. Aren't you my husband? Listen lady. You're talking crazy. Why would your husband have someone following you? There's a good reason like what? Money makes you do things like this money my money If what? If Anything happened to me. Why didn't you do it now? Here's me lady. I'd better go see a guy Be reasonable why didn't you level with me? Where do you get off dragging me in on a dirty deal like this? But what's wrong everything the whole setup? I like money as much as the next guy see and I need jobs, but I'm stepping out of this one mr. Right now. I'm getting out of here You don't even have to pay me look. I don't get you shan. What could you hurt me? I'm getting out It's almost out in the open now isn't it big but not quite because you're not even sure what's happening Not able to talk it all out with the one person you should go to with a problem because right now She is that problem and you're alone That's what's so terrifying isn't it big your complete helplessness and you have no way of knowing of course But now tonight the band assembles on the platform as you check quickly through the evening's dance program Failures facing genie long in her dressing room. That's a very strange question Thank you under the circumstances. I don't think it is in any case How I feel about Vic is my own business. You can't expect me to believe you've never been in love with him I think so I think you're still in love with it. Maybe But why do this the hard way? Why not ask Vic how he feels? I know how he feels well You leave me speechless darling. I'm not surprised genie, but Vic might be I'm going to settle a few things for him tonight. Could I talk to you a minute and that right now genie, please? Okay, boys, let's take it one two It's a struggle isn't it big just the job begins as you try to concentrate on the music and the piano in front of you While your mind is on other things Those are the raw materials aren't they big something for a man's mind to work on Particularly a mind like yours with murder lying underneath everything else Yes, you can close your eyes there at the piano and hear things like this No No, she won't get away with it You're trembling aren't you big sitting there terrified by your own thoughts Almost afraid to think of what you might have to do to escape intermission big Oh, oh, yeah, yeah sure and now you're going to listen to me. It's say you tell you what about that yeah Well, she said the artist thing something about settling things for you tonight. I knew it what that little big what is it settle things? Huh, I'll see about that You know now you've got to kill her and it has to happen fast In the lobby outside the ballroom you stop remember something that private detective said about suicide You can make it look like suicide big just by taking the time to set it up getting yourself a witness Yes, the telephone girl will do Ethel My wife is she in her room? I think she went up just a little while ago. Ethel. Was she all right? Did she say anything about not disturbing her? I don't know. Is there something wrong? I don't know. I don't know. She's been very upset lately. I don't know what it is But the way she's acting I'm afraid she might do something to herself. I I'd better get up there right away I Yeah You step back remembering somehow that you have your own key fumble nervously opening the door Yeah, you cross swiftly to the bedroom glance in wonder where she could be Yeah, turning you catch sight of the doors to the terrace. They're both standing open a slight breeze wrestling the draperies Tell you I just want to talk What's the matter Fedya? What are you doing out there on the terrace? But we're gonna talk Fedya don't back away from me The whistler will return in just a moment with a strange ending to tonight's story Meantime another word about those Oscars which the movie industry is going to award next Saturday on Last week's whistler. I mentioned that if they gave Oscars for gasoline signal would no doubt Win the honors for outstanding performance Well by the same token the Oscar for best supporting role would surely go to signal oil dealers for the many valuable safety Services which they offer free For instance this month all signal service stations throughout the west from Canada to Mexico will check your fan belt and radiator hose without charge The chances are it's been a long time since your radiator hose and fan belt would check Because most drivers and most service station operators to never give a thought to these two little items Until they break down completely and leave you in real trouble Moreover if the inspection shows your fan belt or radiator hose to be in dangerous condition Signal dealers can in most cases replace them while you wait So for your own peace of mind and carefree miles during the months ahead Drop into a signal station this week for this free signal safety service Your friendly signal dealer will enjoy this opportunity to demonstrate to you the more thorough more conscientious service cars get at dealer owned signal service station And now back to the whistler It's all over Vic in one terrible moment Is Thalia falls back over the terrace rail and your mind whirls with a thought that here is the end product of your perfect murder You don't know it of course, but the human catalyst has done her work well And all it's left as you draw back from the rail with a shutter Is the realization that your own life is at stake if you don't get out of these rooms before anyone comes up You're sure there's time, but you cross swiftly toward the door Thankful that you left the idea of suicide with a switchboard girl. She's got to back you up. They It's the only hope you have now It's a standfield But I ran into you. I'm lieutenant Harrison Miami police. I Don't understand great. I don't either standfield your wife inside. I don't know. I just stepped in the door myself Oh, well have a look will you you see she called us tonight? She what called her she was quite upset. Oh, oh, I know she's been acting strange lately But I did what she had to say was quite strange standfield Maybe I better step inside Yeah, sure, but I Lieutenant what's this all about? I can't understand what me to get it Yes What? That must have just happened No, it's all right. I'm with her husband Well standfield maybe you already know this just for the record that call was to let us know that your wife's body is out on a pavement Ten floors down. Oh No, that's the terrace over there Pushed her right over the rail. Oh, no, please. It was an accident. I can prove it was an action You can standfield. I don't know you'll have your chance of course when she called us just 20 minutes ago She said she was certain you were going to kill it G. Arlene, I can't get over it. What are the papers today about Big Stanfield being convicted a murder the Miami police And that private detective both tell him the jury missus Stanfield said she was afraid he was gonna kill her. Oh Yes, I wonder why he did such a thing Oh, I don't know only Gosh, the whole thing must have hit you pretty hard Arlene. I mean the way you felt about Stanfield Well, you know orville it was terrible as far as anything personal between Vic and me I Guess I was just silly See all of it There's something you should know you mean about are going steady again. No Rodney Maynard and his men of music are coming here next week. Yeah, I know that yes, but Orville there's something I've never told you about me and Rodney Let that whistle be your signal for the signal oil program the whistler each Wednesday night at the same time Brought to you by the signal oil company marketers of signal gasoline and motor oil and fine quality automotive accessory Signal has asked me to remind you to get the most driving pleasure drive its sensible speed be courteous and obey traffic regulations It may save a life possibly your own Featured in tonight's story where Betty Lou gerson and Tony Barrett Whistler was produced by George W. Allen with story by Joel Malone and Harold Swanton and 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 over most of these stations tune in a half hour earlier Enjoy the same as well as the whistler This is Marvin Miller speaking. This is CBS the Columbia Broadcasting System