Margo Lane Trivia #2

While Margo Lane was part of the cast of The Shadow radio show from the very first episode (September 26, 1937), it would be four years until she appeared in the pages of The Shadow magazine.  Margo first appeared in the story, "The Thunder King" which was the June 15, 1941 issue.  

Help! Recommendations For The Shadow Halloween Episodes

I'm looking for some help from my fellow Shadow fans for an upcoming article!  I want to put together a list of The Shadow radio episodes that would be great to listen to for Halloween.  I'm compiling a list of my own, and have had some recommendations come in on Twitter.  For example, I have "The Black Abbott" and "Mansion of Madness."   I will also list "Halloween in Vermont" although it is a lost episode.

Do you have any suggestions?  If so, please add them in the comments below!  Thank you!!!

Lamont Cranston Trivia #2

In The Shadow radio episode "Death Shows the Way" (aired on December 3, 1939), we learn that Allan is the name of Lamont Cranston's butler!  The beginning of this episode is comical as Lamont and Allan argue over what Allan is packing for Lamont's weekend trip.  Lamont tells Allan that he's only going away for the weekend, not for a trip around the world!  Allan says he won't send Lamont anywhere "without the proper appointments."  It turns out Allan is trying to impress the butler of the family Lamont will be visiting!

Shadow Comics Presents The Shadow Radio!

Shadow Comics #23 (on sale December 24, 1942*) had an interesting addition to the comic book!  Not only did it have Shadow stories, it also had a four page look at The Shadow radio program.  It offered readers "the exclusive story behind...the cast of radio's The Shadow!"

First, we are given a one-page biography of William Johnstone who played Lamont Cranston/The Shadow beginning with the second season (replacing Orson Welles).

Then we have a brief bio of Marjorie Anderson who portrayed the lovely Margo Lane in seasons 3 and 7.

Finally, we are given insight into The Shadow's impact on society and how it truly teaches listeners that crime does not pay!

Here is a picture of William Johnstone and Marjorie Anderson from the New York Public Library digital collection.

I don't have a lot of information on Shadow Comics, but what research I've done indicates that The Shadow in the comics closely mirrors the character from the radio show.  This four page article seems to keep that connection going!

*According to Mike's Amazing World of Comics

Lamont Cranston Trivia #1

In the radio episode "The Shadow Returns" (aired November 19, 1939) we discover that Lamont Cranston has some medical training.  In the episode, he has to perform surgery - even after he's been wounded!  It isn't disclosed where he was trained, but it is an interesting piece of trivia!

The Shadow's Powers and Abilities

The Shadow on the radio show displays quite a few powers and abilities.  I wanted to catalog them in one article, and this is the start!  As I hear of new ones, I will add them.  I've included the radio episode in which the power/ability is displayed!

Powers

• He can cloud men's minds so that they cannot see him (making him invisible)!  This power is a part of every Shadow episode, but we learn some background information in Death House Rescue and The Temple Bells of Neban.
• He can see the thoughts of others as if he were watching a TV show.  (Death House Rescue)
• He can make others see things that are not really there.  (The Three Ghosts)
• He can place himself in suspended animation so as to appear dead.  (Can The Dead Talk)

Abilities

• Lamont Cranston can fly an airplane.  (Black Rock)
• He has medical training and can perform operations. (The Shadow Returns)
• He has extensive knowledge of African animals. (The Leopard Strikes)

The Shadow Radio Show Trivia #1

The opening music for The Shadow radio show is from Opus 31 of Le Rouet d'Omphale (Omphale's Spinning Wheel) by composer Camille Saint-Saëns.  Only a portion of the song is used.

You can hear the opening in this short clip:

You can listen to Le Rouet d'Omphale in its entirety here: