Eddie Smith tracks down Barkley Wells, literary agent for the mysterious author J.C. Raven, in Havana, but Wells is killed on a quiet street before they can talk further. Eddie takes Raven's unpublished story and travels to Hollywood, presenting himself to Imperial Studios as J.C. Raven. He hires Veronica Corby as his secretary, and the two build a working relationship while he writes the new script. Veronica becomes suspicious, and Eddie begins to suspect what she knows about Wells. The Whistler program, a radio mystery series, presents this episode, first broadcast on March 31, 1948, with the story told by the announcer and cast.
Characters: Eddie Smith, Barkley Wells, J.C. Raven, Marcus Rosenman, Veronica Corby, Mrs. Ellison, Lieutenant Driscoll
The transcript of “Bird of Prey”, an episode of The Whistler first broadcast March 31, 1948. Press a time to play from that line (a 60-second preview; Potato Plus plays it all). The Whistler plays The Whistler free, live around the clock. Search inside this transcript.
Transcript
The Whistler. Whistle is your signal for the signal oil program. The Whistler. And the Whistler. And I know many things before 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 too, 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. Bird of Prey.
Eddie Smith was pleased, very pleased, and he congratulated himself for the long trip from St. Louis to Havana was about to pay off. It had been quite a task tracking down the elusive mysterious J.C. Raven, the big question mark of the literary world.
Author of a half a dozen best-sellers, the man's true identity had remained a secret over a period of years. A secret that was shared by two men, Raven and his literary agent, Barkley Wells, who was as mysterious as his famous client.
Of course, Eddie hadn't caught up with JC Raven, not yet. But he'd done the next best thing. He'd finally located Barkley Wells. Who at the moment sat in a small smoke-filled cafe, on one of Havana's side streets sipping coffee.
His eyes fastened on a slender, dark-haired beauty. Now look, Mr. Wells, the story means a lot to me. It'll make a great magazine feature. Now I'm willing to play along with your client's man of Mystery Routine and I'll write the story anyway you wish.
…
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 accessories.
Signal has asked me to remind you, to get the most driving pleasure, drive at sensible speeds, be courteous, and obey traffic regulations, it may save a life, possibly your own. Featured in tonight's story were Wally Mayer and Sarah Selby.
The Whistler was produced by George W. Allen with story by George and Gertrude Fass and music by Wilbur Hatch and 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 Saint as well as the Whistler. This is Marvin Miller speaking. This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System.
Read the full transcript with Potato Plus
87 more paragraphs, about 1 more minutes of the episode. Potato Plus is every episode on demand from any moment, every transcript in full and unlimited transcript search, for $5 a month.
Stupid Potato
Join Potato Plus