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!!!
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 #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
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 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 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:
Here's a brief synopsis and notes of The Shadow radio episode, "The Little Man That Wasn't There" that originally aired on April 8, 1945. An invisible little man has made three daring robberies and leaves behind a note at each one. He robs a lady of a priceless diamond, a gentleman of thousands in bonds, and an actress of costly jewelry. Lamont Cranston and Margo Lane get involved and Commissioner Weston believes the invisible thief is non other than The Shadow! I think it was a great touch for Margo to recite the poem that inspired the crime! The name of the poem is "Antigonish" and was written by William Hughes Means in 1899 but was later made into a popular song in 1939 by Glen Miller. Here's the part that Margo recites in the show: "Last night I saw upon the stair, A little man who wasn't there, He wasn't there again today Oh, how I wish he'd go away..."
All three victims had insured their items through the same insurance agent, so Lamont and Margo pay him a visit. While talking with him, he is shot and killed! Lamont does some investigating and pays a visit to each of the victims as The Shadow. He invites them to come to the theater just before midnight and the little invisible man will return their stolen goods! It turns out The Shadow has already deduced the three "victims" are in league to commit insurance fraud as the items were not stolen! Each one pretended to wrestle with an invisible little man and claimed he stole their items so they could not only keep the items but claim the insurance for them being stolen. All three are arrested by Commissioner Weston and The Shadow proves his innocence! This was the first Shadow episode I've listened to that starred John Archer as Lamont Cranston/The Shadow. I must say that I don't particularly care for his portrayal. To me, his voice doesn't seem to match the character and The Shadow's laugh just seems too forced. It was a good story, but I just don't like Archer's voice for The Shadow. Maybe as I listen to more of his shows I'll get a better feel for him as The Shadow! John Archer portrayed The Shadow in the 8th season of the radio show (1944-1945). Cast/Crew: Lamont Cranston/The Shadow: John Archer Margo Lane: Judith Allen Commissioner Weston: Ted de Corsia Sponsor: Lin-X
