 And now stay tuned for the mystery program that is unique among all mystery programs Because even when you know who's guilty you always receive a startling surprise at the final curtain in the Whistler I'm 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 Whistler rated by independent research the most popular West Coast program in radio history All the Whistler strange story triple play On the morning that a cool distinguished-looking gentleman stepped from his limousine and made his way to the mayor's office at City Hall Casual onlookers would scarcely have suspected that an era in city government was drawing to a close The gentleman was Daniel Cobbs Known to insiders as the city's political boss To the average person as owner and publisher of the city's largest newspaper the star and the future looks unusually bright to you Doesn't it Dan as you stop at the desk of the mayor's attractive and gracious secretary Patricia Wilkett. Well, Patricia the mayor in yes, Dan. Shall I tell him you're here? Well, I can wait a few minutes You know, I shouldn't come up here at all. Oh, why not? Your beauty is simply overwhelming. I won't get a stitch of work done all day Stupid of me. I know to fall in love with a woman half the city is pursuing not if she's the right woman Yes, she Doesn't know yet for sure. When do you suppose she will know in the fullness of time Now I have work to do. All right, but don't forget who you're having dinner with tonight How could I should we take in that new play at the globe after it wonderful? I'll expect you to stick some I better tell Leslie you're waiting Mr. Cobbs is here to see you send him in Then you're gonna tell him. Yes, but don't worry about Leslie. You'll take it all right Later darling as I may have this fine morning never felt better. What can I do for you, Dan? I'll get right to the point Don't have much time I'm meeting my editors this morning at 11 shoot. It's this way I'm announcing your retirement from public office this evening in the last edition of the star. Well, you You can't be serious. I am you're not running in the next election because you're tired of public life Leslie And I really get to get back to some real living on your farm Oh, but I I don't understand. I've played ball with you. Have a night. That's not the point No complaints, but frankly there is a man. I'd prefer to see his mayor Who's that? myself I see well I'll step aside naturally. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you, but Well, you thought this over carefully Dan, of course I have stump Reynolds is going to be running against you I don't like to say this, but you won't have much of a chance against stump I'll take care of stump Reynolds Leslie. All you have to do is get out there and give me your support without any hedging I'll welcome the opportunity. I'll do everything I can for you Daniel. I trust you But by the way, I wish you'd see to that reception room before election. It's as cheerful as a tomb Like David redecorated before I move in You'd cover those atrocious wire glass windows with some deep red drapes and Soft gray would do nicely for the walls Anything else? Yes I'd like to have the floor done in aquamarine aquamarine. That's right. Aquamarine a little unusual, but I like it Okay, I'll place the contract. I admire your self-confidence Daniel Bet you do But whether you like it or not I go after what I want and I get it The moment of decision is past isn't a damn you're moving into the limelight on your own Yes, the puppet master is stepping out on the stage But as you break the news that you're running for mayor to your editorial board later that evening You're seized with fear and wonder it. What would happen if you lost That's the one thing you could never face isn't a damn defeat But you managed to thrust aside your fears and bark out instructions to your staff Quincy, you're in charge of publicity. I want stories in every edition Parkman, you will handle the business end of this campaign and by heaven's sake. Don't count pennies Harrison mark this carefully. Yes, sir. I have to beat stump Reynolds No one else matters. I want you to take three of your best reporters and go out and get me the dirt on Reynolds No scandal is too big or too small understand perfectly. Mr. Cobbs. Good. Well, that's all for today gentlemen. Let's get started The campaign is underway There's no turning back now is there damn the headlines stories and pictures announcing your candidacy Are all over the evening edition of the star and you're a little jittery when you first pick up Patricia Take her to dinner at your club Gradually her beauty and warmth reassure you and as the evening wears on you become more confident After the theater you stop by her apartment for a drink. I've heard about stump Reynolds And what about this other man that's running? What's his name Coleman John Coleman? Yes Don't worry about what John he's always running. No, I gather he's not much competition. They're very poor third Simple honors John they call him. I believe he teaches political science at the college Patricia not to change the subject. I'd Like to ask you something You're being very serious suddenly. I mean to be no Dan, please Then you shouldn't have done that why not I Said in the fullness of time remember I'm in love with you. You know that yes, but I want you to wait I'm not sure that I can Patricia Then we'd better not see each other for a while when will you know Can I take a rain check until after the election? You're going to be busy campaigning So that's what you're waiting for to see if I'm the next mayor. I think you ought to know Dan I don't like myself for it, but I'm a very ambitious woman. Don't worry. I'll win Are you very angry with me? Yes, I am But I can't blame you I Play to win. Why shouldn't you I'm glad you see it that way Dan because that's what I'm doing playing to win Now you're more anxious than ever to be elected mayor aren't you Dan Because you're certain that your election will also mean your marriage to Patricia. Welcome And Patricia means more than anything in the world to you. Doesn't she Dan? The more you think about Reynolds the more worried you become you must head him off And a few days later you arrange to meet him at a small cafe close to the city hall Anything more sir. No, that's fine. Thank you. Stop. I'm satisfied No, what do you want Dan? I'm a blunt man myself, and I like a We can dispense with the poses. All right, stop. Why don't you take the pull out of the race for mayor? Well, I've never been mayor. I wouldn't know what it's worth Suppose you tell me shall we say an appointment as political editor of the star? $15,000 a year a 10-year contract Mm-hmm Four years ago Dan you double crossed me and switched to Leslie Brian you remember that nothing personal stuff Politics is a rough game that cuts two ways this time I'm gonna get the personal satisfaction of beating the head man myself. You're making a mistake Let's see what happens at the finish line. You're going to have a fight on your hand stump And I don't play Marcus at Queensbury rules. It'll be a dirty campaign and before I'm through you'll be smeared right out of the state Okay, man But don't forget to pick up the tab this lunch is on you Back to the whistler the campaign is in full swing now isn't it Dan? But beneath all your claims of a landslide victory at the polls the cold fear of defeat is gnawing at you Stump Reynolds refusal to be bought off is the big worry and you're increasingly aware of his threat to your success Then the all-important speech before the Northside Community Club occurs John Coleman makes the opening speech. You get some scattered polite applause and stump Reynolds steps to the speaker's rostrum You scarcely listen to Reynolds as you watch the audience see their reactions as he sums up his stand in a daring Shocking statement. Let me promise you that if I am elected mayor the first thing I'll do is run boss cobs in his crooked organization right out of the city hall and into the city jail And then then I'm going to sweep this town clean of the gangsters and the grafters and the gamblers a Vote for me is a vote for honest Following your introduction which is received with a mere ripple of applause You step to the speaker's rostrum with fist clenched in ready to fight back Ladies and gentlemen honored guests. It is a pleasure to be here this evening among my many friends and readers Most of you have known me for many years and know how I have always fought for good government And the best interests of our city You do your best, but the rest of your speech doesn't go well does it Dan? As you leave your sure defeat is staring you in the face The next morning, you know, it's even worse as you face the leaders of your own organization at an emergency meeting Do you still figure on beating Reynolds Dan? I'll beat him yet, Charlie I know I will you can make yourself a chunk of money Dan the book is a given five to one you lose I know I know bookies and polls have been wrong before man. You're the boss Dan What you say goes we all think you ought to pull out and run Leslie Brian for reelection I want a little more time boys. I'll get something on Reynolds some dirt. I promise you I'll find a way to beat him You don't sleep at all well that night do you Dan and as much as you bully your reporters during the next few days They can pin nothing of consequence on stump Reynolds Then one evening as you're nervously pacing back and forth in your downtown apartment the doorbell rings Patricia. Hello, Dan. I know to stay a minute. Oh sit down Drink. Yes. Thanks. Scotch and water. I'll fix it right out You know, I've missed you. I've missed you too. I suppose you're up to date on the campaign Yes, that's why I'm here No scotch Did Leslie Brian send you with a gentle hint that I quit No, good news I'd like to hear some Leslie's got a tip on stump Reynolds. What? He's found his weak spot It seems Reynolds can't keep away from the poker and ice table Once or twice a week he sneaks away to a small spot on the outskirts of town called the 611 Club. Are you sure? Quite sure. Thank you, Patricia. Don't thank me. Thank Leslie Brian. Do that for me. Will you he's been a real friend Let me get to the phone. I'll talk to you later, darling It's only a week later that the 611 Club is raided with stump Reynolds trapped inside and you wait outside with a full Complement of reporters and photographers Police raid all entrances are colored Everybody inside remain where you are Doesn't stop look dapper in handcuffs Harrison get to work. Yes, sir Joe get some shots of him in the cops Pete train your lens on the patrol wagon get some pictures of the cops shoving them in then follow them down to the city jail Be sure to get a big one of Reynolds Behind bars very good Harrison very good. Well, the police are bringing him this way Hello Reynolds good to see you. I'll get you for this cops. I swear it All spare in love war and politics, mr. Reynolds And the next afternoon you receive the best news of all don't you damn It happens while you're celebrating stump Reynolds arrest with a few Political cronies around the radio at a bar in the lobby of the star building waiting for the announcement. You know is coming ladies and gentlemen a late bulletin from our newsroom Mr. Stump Reynolds announced just a few moments ago from his campaign headquarters That he is retiring from the race for mayor Mr. Reynolds who was released from jail this morning following his arrest during a gambling raid Was running on a clean government platform For the first time in months you begin to breathe easy Don't you damn because everything is coming along fine And you can daydream of being introduced to cheering crowds as mayor Daniel cops With Patricia at your side the beautiful charming first lady of the city Then on Monday afternoon Harrison bursts into your office and look at these headlines and the telegram and the ledger what? Daniel Cubs exposed his wife and child is there. Yeah, but listen to this a suit was filed against Daniel cops today in Superior court by dancer Thelma Evans for a hundred thousand dollars Miss Evans charges that the leading candidate in the race for mayor Married her under the name of Paul Evans 10 years ago in Mexico City and deserted her in three months She demands support of their child. It's an outrageous libelous lie Reynolds how did you get in here? You know, it's not true I'll have this cheap little Thelma Evans in jail for blackmail. You can't stop anyone from suing your dad I'm beginning to see who's fine-handers behind all of this. Well, I'm willing to take part of the credit I'm warning you don't like it when the shoes on the other foot. Do you? No, no, no, no wait wait, I'll admit it you've got me You remember that offer I made you Political editor. I'll make it 20,000 a year. I wouldn't take it if you made it a hundred thousand Remember what you said mr. Cubs all fair and love war and politics The opposition newspapers won't let go of Thelma Evans charges will they Dan and in spite of all your denials the scandal takes Hold and grows even some of your own supporters begin to think that where there's smoke there's fire Finally at another emergency meeting. Well, we've gone along with you as far as we're going to Dan Oh Bosh the fornate charges of a stupid little dancer sent you all running for cover. I'll say this thing through Alone, well, you wouldn't dare dump me now. Oh, yes, we would we're drafting Leslie Brian to run for re-election As the people's choice we expect you to jump on the bandwagon So I have no choice All right All right, I'll go along You withdraw from the race the following day, don't you Dan giving ill health is the reason urging your supporters to reelect Leslie Brian and Almost immediately Patricia turns her attention toward him doesn't she she's seen everywhere with him One night you're having a drink at the bar of the precinct political club when don't you recognize old friends anymore dad Reynolds Keep away from me. Oh We both clobbered each other the score is tied one to one. I don't think so. Okay. Okay nurse your grudge But you know There's something I'd like to know Who tipped you off about the 6-11 club? Why don't you tell me you engineered that cheap lawsuit and dug up that Thelma Evans. All right, that's one. I don't trust you. What difference does it make now? We're both dead That's so Well, if you want to know Leslie Brian told me Leslie What's so funny Leslie Brian cooked up the Thelma Evans charges. I shelled out the money, but he hired her and had her flown in knees Leslie Brian didn't think had it in Brian Leslie Brian. He got us both The more you think about it the angrier you get and the more you hate Leslie Brian The way he made a fool of both you and stump Reynolds and making almost certain his own re-election An event which would greatly weaken if not destroy your chances of marrying Patricia Wilkett And now you want Patricia more than ever Suddenly it hits you if something happened to Leslie Brian the main obstacle to your marriage to Patricia would be removed And you love her enough to make certain something does happen to Leslie Brian Don't you dare? As the days pass you wonder more and more just how to bring this about and finally a plan begins to take form You know Leslie Brian's habits know that he completes the routine business of his office in the evening hours When the city hall is deserted and he can work without disturbance Following Monday evening you leave your downtown apartment And take a cab to within a few blocks of the city hall And you pay off the driver and walk the rest of the way Let yourself in through a rear door left open for janitors and char women Find your way to the mayor's office on the fourth floor without being seen And then you grope your way through the dark reception room Until you find the door to Leslie's private office Damn you idiot. What are you doing? What away that gun? Sorry Leslie, but your political career is over The whistler will return in just a moment with the strange ending to tonight's story Now back to the whistler Now that Leslie Brian is dead you feel better, don't you Dan? And you're sure you'll get away with it, aren't you? Mayors of large cities have been assassinated before and that's what you're counting on That the police will consider it the work of some fanatic You're at least certain that they will be slow in suspecting a man of your eminence And so Dan when a detective from headquarters comes to your apartment an hour later You're in an easy chair a drink in hand your feet resting comfortably on the asset You're a little surprised to see Patricia Walkett with the detective, but you don't let it disturb you You answer all his questions frankly and openly You're sure Brian had no enemies mr. Cobbs. You didn't politics everybody is your friend and your enemy You were an enemy of Leslie Brian's Politically yes, but not personally. No, I wouldn't say so What were you doing in his office this evening about the time he was killed your mistaken officer? Oh, no, I'm not I've been looking at the salt of your shoes for the last five minutes There's a lot of pain on him. I don't know a lot about colors, but I'd say it was aquamarine So what that doesn't mean I killed Leslie Brian does unless you can explain that paint a Painter's were there this evening after the city hall closed at five and they left around eight You must have gotten there about nine I'm afraid you let's come down to headquarters submit to a path and now just a minute stop it Dan You killed Leslie Brian and you know it Funny you should be caught for the aquamarine paint on the floor. It was you who gave the orders to have it done Too bad you killed Leslie. You see I would have stopped his reelection anyway. You yes me He was a crook like the rest of you I had the goods on him on at least a half a dozen crooked paving and building contracts I was going to give the story to the newspapers a week before the election. What's this? Oh, Dan, you don't really believe that Leslie thought of Thelma Evans or knew about stump Reynolds gambling habits It was you you're catching on Sorry Dan that you won't be able to attend my wedding your wedding. Yes, I'm going to marry the man I've been engaged to these past two years Simple honest John Coleman. I believe you called him the political science professor. Remember our next mayor