 The signal oil program the whistler at whistle is your signal for the signal oil program The whistler 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 radio program Remember that every traffic signal remind you with new signal gasoline You do go farther than ever look for the familiar big yellow and black circle sign That identifies those popular signal service stations in seven western states from Canada to Mexico And now the whistler strange story Boomerang It's been three months now since the career of the doorbell killer ended in a blaze of newspaper headlines announcing the execution The case was a strange one. Some thought his motive was robbery. Some thought otherwise, but no one ever knew for sure But the most important feature of the case wasn't mentioned in the headlines It doesn't even appear in the police record during the accounts of the trial It will never appear anywhere Because the only two people who know that aren't in a position to testify It's the story of Amy Clark and the husband named Ralph who grated on her nerves at first He merely bored her but after a while her boredom subtly changed into something more Dangerous she found herself trying to find a way to leave Ralph Without leaving the comfortable home the healthy bank account and the insurance policy and oddly enough The rise to prominence of an unfortunate individual labeled the doorbell killer by the tabloids had a direct effect on Amy and her problem It started one morning as Ralph sat at breakfast going through his usual routine with a newspaper Give me a little more coffee. Will you honeyvine? Look at those headlines Wonder if they got that guy yet That's enough Holy smoke. He's done it again. Second time. Listen fleeing from the scene of his second murder a man alleged to be the so-called doorbell killer Fired two shots at a patrolman in the Twin Oaks district last night at 11 o'clock Then eluded the police dragon that around the area Well, good Lord Amy Twin Oaks. Well, that's just over the hill Patrolman Joseph Grimes had seen the man acting suspiciously on the porch of a house at 320 Green Street He was unaware that within the doorway lay the body of Mrs. Mildred Norris Slayer second victim Evidence indicates Mrs. Norris like her predecessor answered the door only to meet a similar fate Amy You've got to be careful who knows what this guy's gonna do next So you tell him you'll be careful Amy and he gives you the usual dutiful peck on the cheek Turns in the hallway at the exact spot. He always turns and you wait for it Well, so long honey bun. Don't take any wooden nickels. See you in the funny paper How many times have you heard that one Amy and how many times must you hear it again? You think about it all day as you go through your routine and finally in the afternoon You get a chance to relax by the radio Patrolman Grimes reported that all he could see of the killer was a dim shape a heavy-set man about six feet tall Walding over a low stone wall in the distance a small metal tie class bearing the initial R found near the scene is a possible Clue to the criminal's identity Chief of police Henderson suspects the killer is a familiar figure possibly a resident of the Twin Oaks neighborhood Since in both cases he was apparently recognized and accepted by the victim who opened the door It's more than just an unpleasant news item with Twin Oaks just over the hill isn't it Amy? That night Ralph comes home a little early before dark and you notice he's carrying his 38 pistol There's an unhealthy suspicion through the neighborhood a feeling that perhaps your next-door neighbor might be the guilty man Ralph is tense and worried through dinner and afterwards during the usual routine with the evening paper He skips his customary comments on the stock market Well according to this they couldn't find the bullet but in the size of the nick of the patrolman's leg They figured was a 38 I Don't care what you say Amy I'm still gonna pack this little pistol of mine and if that bird ever shows up around here I'll have the welcome all ready for Stay where you are Amy. I'll go to the door I'll give this guy the surprise of his life What do you want? Well, I'm Haley evening bulletin working with Chief Police Anderson on the doorbell case Just checking the neighborhood. Oh, it's good to know the police are on the job You seem to be on the job too. Hmm? About 38. Oh, yeah, I'm not taking chances. Yes, I understand Got a permit I suppose sure What's your name Ralph Clark? How long you've been in this neighborhood for three years? Why yeah, Amy. She's back in the kitchen Okay Look, have you seen anyone acting suspicious around here last night of tonight? No Well, were you at nine o'clock last night? Now wait a minute. Mr. Haley. Did you say you were a reporter or a police investigator? I told you I'm working with Anderson. Isn't that good enough? No, you better run along Haley I've answered enough questions The chief of police has any more in mind tell him to send one of these men in uniform any particular reason, mr. Clark Yeah, one reason and a good one I have no intention of standing at the front door telling my life history to any reporter who happens to come along Okay, mr. Clark keep your door locked and be careful when you open it. That's all That's when you began to think about it Amy as you stood back at the kitchen door and watched Ralph talking to Haley The man from the evening bulletin Ralph was jittery almost suspiciously jittery. Wasn't he standing there answering questions? The gun in his hand Later that evening when the doorbell rings again I'll go Mrs. Gibson that gun. What are you? Well anything wrong with the gun? No, but I all right Maybe if more people had guns these things wouldn't happen What are you doing out this time of the night? Well, I just came to borrow a cup of sugar from Amy Come on in We're just a minute George, it's all right George. I have mr. Gibson watch from the window Funny time to be borrowing sugar if you ask me is Amy. She's in the kitchen. Oh Well Aren't you gonna get your sugar? Oh Of course, mr. Clark. I'll only be a minute. I'm sorry. I it's all right get your sugar It struck you again as he stood talking to mrs. Gibson didn't it Amy nervous jumpy rude to her of course It's fantastic. You admit that But it's something to think about anyway and perhaps a remark or two to mrs. Gibson the next day is Both of you go outside to hang up the washing just a suggestion a remark that slips out accidentally Mrs. Gibson after all is always interested in her neighbors She might see fit to pass it on Here's your mail mrs. Gibson couple of magazines to thank you post Sorry, I jumped you rang the doorbell. Oh, I'm getting it from everyone these days I swear my husband George is gonna break down if this business keeps up much longer That awful man still at large Hello, mr. Clark. How are you mrs. Gibson? Very well. Thank you. I say yeah I wanted to apologize for the way I acted last night that I was sort of on edge and I see worried about Amy and all and you know how it is with this doorbell man running around the neighborhood well, I Better be getting home to Amy See you later home early 80. Yes Yesterday too very jumpy Do you think so you seem to be You know, I think the worst part of the whole affair is what the paper said about the man being a resident around here About him being recognized by the victims just before yeah Can't trust anybody you're right at that for example That tie clip with the R on it, huh? And even be him Ah for Ralph. Oh, well, I don't know he couldn't it Six feet tall heavy set lots of people are six feet tall heavy set and carry guns Same kind of gun the killer carries. Huh? He has one. He was carrying it right now I could see the bulge in his pocket. Oh now mrs. Gibson. It might have been something else. It's a gun Amy told me this morning. You don't say a 30. Yes Says he's carrying it on the count of the night first Mmm Oh, no, no, you can trust me Amy said he began acting queer just before the first one happened Says that lately it's gotten so he scares Told me so just this morning You couldn't miss it could you Amy a heavy set man six feet tall the initial are the 38 pistol The announcement by the police that they would shoot on sight But even so it's still an experiment. There's nothing solid enough to count on yet But three nights later after the gossip has had a chance to circulate around the neighborhood Something happens that is solid That's the night you and Ralph go over the hills to Twin Oaks to the walkers for bridge The 10 o'clock Harry Walker comes in from the kitchen. Sorry folks. The bartenders up a stump Yeah out of ice The old refrigerator ain't what she used to be and guess we'll have to take more home. Oh, gosh, that's a darn shame Harry Supposing I go home and get some huh? You mean they got refrigerators in your neck of the woods. Why not? No, no, no forget it Ralph old boy and another. Oh, you won't care whether they're hot or cold, right Amy? Hey, wait a minute Harry. Isn't there a nice machine down the street a couple of blocks? There isn't that forget all about it. I'll get down. No, no, let me Harry. I've been wanting to get some air So Ralph leaves for the ice machine and because it's warm in the house you walk out on the porch and stand in the shadows Yes, it's still an experiment You'd notice the kind of forced cordiality toward Ralph at the party a subtle undercurrent that would never penetrate that thick skin of his Nothing subtle ever did then as you stand there thinking You notice a man walk up the stairs to the porch of a house a few doors up the street There's a pause the door opens. There's a sudden movement the flash of a knife Wait a minute everybody wait You may as well sit down. Did you see it Harry? Just over there. Yeah, but did you yes? I saw her She's right where he left her the police are in there now That don't know they can Looks like a party who's the host I am I'm Haley evening bulletin What's your name Harry Walker? Well, is it a party? Yeah, I had a few in for bridge Well friend, I'd sent him home if I were you and tell him to stay there the rest of the night not that doors They all here yeah, I think so Hello, Harry. Oh boy. Well, here's your ice man 25 pounds Darn machines haywire slam the ice on my finger. I got a little blood on it. What's the matter with everybody? With the prologue of boomerang the signal oil company brings you another strange story by the whistler But first I want to thank all you friends who helped make January the biggest month in all of signals 14 years of growth Bigger even than pre-war mid-summer months when travel sent gasoline sales soaring Yes, the recent swing to signal has been terrific And I think I can tell you two reasons why the first is that great new signal gasoline in which chemists Actually rearrange the atoms in gasoline molecules to create amazing new power Power that makes today's vintage model cars feel young again with quicker starting faster pickup Smooth anti-knock performance even when you're taking the steepest hills and high Power that gets so much extra efficiency from your motor you actually go farther than ever with each gallon of new signal gasoline That'd be reason enough. Wouldn't you say for today's swing to signal? But there's another equally important reason If you're already trading with a signal dealer, you know it. If not, I'll be back later to tell you about it but for now Back to the whistler. Well, Amy that did the trick didn't it? Changed it from a vague idea in the back of your head from an experiment and creating Suspicion to a solid plan to end your marriage in such a way that you'll manage to hold on to Ralph's house His bank account and the insurance policy Somehow Ralph manages to explain it to the police shows them the defective ice machine Convinces them. He actually did cut his finger when the ice dropped down But the suspicion remains Much stronger than before in the town is aroused to such a pitch by the third killing in Twin Oaks But the police and the people are ready for anything The next day after Ralph has left you visit chief of police Henderson and a few minutes later See her chief. Yeah, I saw her. She's out there now. What about it? I don't know sometimes. I think she knows what she's talking about Sometimes I think she's just a dizzy dame who's got the jitters like everybody else. What are you gonna do? I don't know. I checked the neighbors. They seem to think she's on the beam The papers are screaming for an arrest mayor called me this morning. I think you've got a case. I don't You know, it's funny. I had a feeling Mrs. Clark was holding something out on me. Yeah Something she was afraid to spill Like what? Well, that's just it. I don't know She told me after they got home last night She saw her husband go into the kitchen and boil a knife in caustic soda after he thought she'd gone to bed. Huh? What do you mean? That's it. So help me You think the guy could be that stupid? He leaves a party and a house full of witnesses kills a lady three doors away Comes back with blood in his hands and a nutty story about a nice machine Takes his wife home and goes into the kitchen to boil out the knife What's wrong with that? Well, would you do it that way Haley? No, either with the killer. I still think Clark is your man. Oh, you've been right before the guy's jumpy as a cat I thought he was gonna pull a trigger the other night. So help me Well, you're going to get a chance to find out tonight. You're gonna run him in yeah Just for questioning, but if his wife is right, he'll come out fighting. He's still carrying that gun, you know Yes, yes, I checked the license for some reason. She's afraid he'll try to kill her tonight. Oh Yeah, now here's the plot Sergeant ransom's taking her home letting her out a block away from the house She'll go in and try to get his gun if she gets it if you raise the front window shade But if she doesn't she'll open the front door. That's pretty game over. She says it'll be easier that way I think she's right. What if she can't get the gun then ransom goes in shooting There's a story on that for me. I think I better be out there chief. That's fine with me We need all the help we can get on this case All right, all right Amy I'll sharpen the carving knife anything to get dinner on the table I'm just saying there's no excuse for you staying at a hen party till after dark, especially now Check that front door Amy be sure it's locked and then come back here. I don't want you fooling around the front end of the house Aren't women no wonder they get What's that Amy Amy are you all right? Amy I'm coming. I'm coming The drawer I'm coming Amy Okay, brother, right? Oh All right, Mrs. Clark. Did I get him Haley? You sure did sergeant. I'd better call the coroner You think we can close this case Haley? I don't know why not chief the guy came out shooting just like she said he would There were the knife and the sharpening stone on the floor of the kitchen. Yes He was sharpening it when she got there Every set man dark suit initial are the gun knife and sharpening stone it all adds up Yeah, that's the trouble. Huh? It adds up too. Well comes out even I've never been on a case in my life It came out exactly even for now wait a minute she was holding something out of me Haley What makes you so sure? Are you sure she isn't I? Think so. I hope you're right Reporting reporter ladies and gentlemen with another last-minute news round up According to the latest statement from the office of chief of police Henderson the case of the doorbell killer is not quite ready for the closed file According to Henderson the case against the late Ralph Clark was entirely Circumstantial and had the man gone to trial the state case against him would have been very rickety The fact that there is no living witness to any of the killings is the biggest point in favor of Clark Henderson statement naturally raised a furor amongst the city hall boys Well, Amy it came off almost perfectly the house is yours now and the bank account and the insurance policy You're proud of yourself, aren't you you chuckle at mrs. Gibson's sympathetic understanding and chuckle harder at mrs. Gray down the street who snubs you as the wife of a murderer It won't make any difference in a week or two will it Amy you'll be relaxing in Miami Forgetting all about the dull little city in the dull little people in it Meanwhile the case is still a little unsettled and you decide to settle it once and for all So you make another visit to chief of police Henderson's office Now that Ralph has gone it won't make any difference. I Saw her again today Haley. Oh, this is Clark. Yeah. Yeah Yeah, we can send the case to close file. Oh, how can't she? Oh, I'll give you a statement for your paper in ten minutes I'm satisfied now that we got the right man You see the case against Clark is no longer a circumstantial. What do you mean? There was an eyewitness to the third killing wait a minute an eyewitness. Yeah, I knew she was holding out on me She was standing on the porch of the Walker house during the bridge party She saw the killer walk up to the front door three houses away That is something Do you think she could identify him at night at that distance? She says so and I believe her She says it was her husband. Why did she hold out afraid? Oh Satisfied Maybe I Think you're making a wise decision Mrs. Clark the real estate market is tops right now and 15,000 cash is a good price for your house. We'll follow your instructions and have the draft sent to the Florida State Bank Hello, hello, Mrs. Clark Yes, we've done just as you requested Inverting the endowment insurance to cash will bring you slightly less than $20,000 All right, we'll have the check forwarded to the Florida State Bank That's 18560 one-way mainliner to Miami including excess baggage your plane leaves tonight at 11 o'clock Mrs. Clark Oh You're all ready to go aren't you Amy your bags are packed in the living room the house is sold the airline tickets are in your purse And there's over $35,000 in cash waiting for you in the Florida State Bank It was a neat job wasn't it? There wasn't a hole in it not a loose end You're waiting now for the taxi that will take you to the airport and then promptly half past 10 Mrs. Clark Haley evening bulletin There was a loose end wasn't there Amy and a million questions hit you at once as Haley comes in and closes the door smiling confidently Haley ace crime reporter the man who cracked the Jenkins case almost single-handed and He knows you can tell it by the look on his face You made a mistake Mrs. Clark a big mistake You never should have said you were on that porch watching the guy that night at Walker's Was that dumb trick Mrs. Clark? You should have been sitting pretty if you hadn't opened your mouth once too often Let's try to wrangle out of this one The whistler will return in just a moment with the strange ending of tonight's story Meantime here's that second reason for today's amazing swing to signal The first you'll recall is that great new signal gasoline But equally important is the more thorough more conscientious service your car gets at independently operated signal stations Typical of this is signals double-check lubrication service And why is it called double check? Because each part is checked not just once but twice against signals lubrication chart Which shows every lubrication point and specifies which of signals nine specialized oils and greases each part should have That signals way of making doubly sure that not a single lubrication point on your car is ever overlooked No wonder signal service cars stays so happy lasts so long Wouldn't you say these are two mighty good reasons for today's swing to signal more Conscientious signal service geared to keep today's aging cars in the running and a great new Signal gasoline it helps you enjoy peak performance from your car while you go farther than ever per gallon And now back to the whistler Well Amy the walls are tumbling down all around you you forget about the money in the Florida Bank forget about the 11 o'clock plane All you can think of is the slip you must have made somewhere the statement to chief Henderson That you were a witness to the third killing even though the man was nothing but a shadowy form to you three houses away Somehow it caught you up Amy Somehow it brought Haley to you just as you were about to leave you stand there petrified wondering and suddenly You see something in Haley's eyes. You never noticed before as he slowly walks toward you You were gonna leave town. You're gonna take a powder, aren't you? Well, that'd never do mrs. Clark Wouldn't do to have a loose witness floating around the contrary ready to spill the beans whenever she felt like it No, I wouldn't like that at all mrs. Clark There are just two people who know who the doorbell killer is you and me That's one too many. I Gotta fix that don't I? Chief Henderson of my newspaper wouldn't like it if they knew the guy with the knife was Me Yes It's been three months now since Richard Haley the doorbell killer was executed for the murder of Amy Clark But the most important feature of the case wasn't even mentioned in the headlines It's the story of a vicious conniving woman and a husband named Ralph who? grated on her nerve Next Monday at nine o'clock the whistler will bring you another strange tale The whistler is broadcast for your entertainment by the marketers of signal gasoline and motor oil and fine quality automotive Accessories and by your neighborhood signal dealer This program produced by George W. Allen based on a story by Nancy and Alfred seal music by Wilbur Hatch is Transmitted to our troops overseas by the armed forces radio service that whistle is your signal for the signal oil program the whistler This is Marvin Miller speaking Reminding you to look for those familiar yellow and black circle signs that identify those popular signal oil stations in seven western states From Canada to Mexico This is CBS the Columbia broadcasting system