THE WHISTLER SIGNAL "THE NECKLACE WAS INCIDENTAL" JUNE, PROGRAM # The Whistler -- June, Page 1 =========================================================== CAST: WHISTLER ANNCR JOE REPORTER (SMALL) MCBRICE POLICE DETECTIVE (SMALL) GEORGE DESPERATE BUSINESS ASSOCIATE (BIT) DON CONTROLLED HUSBAND, READY FOR DIVORCE (LEAD) JEFF COMPANY LAWYER (BIT) LISA THE OTHER WOMAN (LEAD) FRANCES CONTROLLING WIFE (LEAD) =========================================================== 1
0 1 WHISTLER: The Whistler -- June, Page Yesterday's news, however startling, is soon forgotten. Seven years ago the headlines of every newspaper in California featured one big story -- the mysterious and apparently unrelated disappearance of three people - Don Kirby -- his wife Frances - and an unknown motion picture actress named Lisa Hillman. Today, still unsolved, the Kirby- Hillman mystery is a forgotten incident in the mind of the reading public. But Joe Crofton, reporter for the Morning Globe, hasn't forgotten -- and even now as the Globe's presses roll out the latest headlines, Joe is walking into the office of Lieutenant McBride at police headquarters -- DOOR CLOSE...FOOTSTEPS IN Hello, Thin Man. Don't you ever knock? Sorry. Tender knuckles. Busy, Lieutenant? Very. What's on your mind? A beach cabin. It s being torn down. What do you want me to do -- find you an apartment? Lisa Hillman was living in that cabin at the time she disappeared seven years ago -- the same day Don Kirby and his wife Frances vanished into thin air. Seems like I remember something about the case. You should. You worked on it long enough without solving it.
The Whistler -- June, Page You spent a little time on it yourself, didn't you newsboy? I sure did, Mac, but I didn't have the entree to the facts that you did. For instance? Well, what was missing from the company safe, their safety deposit box, the little wall safe at home, all that stuff. You're way off newsboy. Everything was in perfect order. Company funds all okay. Bank deposits, everything. Nothing missing? Nothing -- well, there was one thing we looked for -- A diamond necklace. Seems Mrs. Kirby inherited a hundred year old diamond necklace from a distant relative a long time ago. Anyway, we couldn't find it. She may have taken it apart and sold it in pieces, for all I know. Too bad -- maybe that necklace was the missing link connecting Don Kirby and his wife with Lisa Hillman. Look -- you still harping on that? What makes you think there is a link between -- Three people just don't disappear on the same day without being connected in some way. Kirby disappear from his office his wife from a train to San Diego - and Hillman from a beach cabin --
0 1 The Whistler -- June, Page Look, I worked on the case myself for months. We could never prove that Kirby and his wife ever knew the Hillman girl. I have a hunch they did. Mebbe. Mebbe not. Anyway, it's all washed up -- forgotten about-- You mean it was forgotten about. That whole story will be in every paper on the coast tomorrow. The police department is going to look swell when the public realizes three people disappeared more than seven years ago and you boys never even dug up a lead as tip what happened to them. You mean you've uncovered something? Nobody ever uncovered anything -- but they'll all be legally dead tomorrow and the wills will be executed. All the papers will carry the story, Mac, don't worry about that. In the meantime, I think I'll run up to San Francisco. What's in San Francisco? Joe DiMaggio's place. Ever been there? I asked you a question. Okay.. Frances Kirby was born in San Francisco. So? So it's a thought. Think I'll fly up and have a look around. If I could crack that Hillman-Kirby disappearance on the day they're all declared legally dead You're wasting your time, newsboy.
The Whistler -- June, Page Maybe so, but I've got a hunch -- and I'm off to Frisco. When I get back I'll dump the solution to what happened to Mr. And Mrs. Don Kirby and Lisa Hillman right in your lap, Thin man. Hah! Take my word for it, newsboy. The Kirby Hillman mystery will never be solved. (IN AND UNDER) WHISTLER: When the Morning Globe's Joe Crofton - GEORGE: arrived in San Francisco -- he covered every possible angle -- but the events added to, rather than simplified the unsolved mystery of the Kirby-Hillman disappearance. Yes, he was more certain than ever that there was a link between Don Kirby, his wife Frances, and Lisa Hillman, the unknown motion picture extra, and that once that link could be established, there was a great story -- and he was right. There was a story and it began some seven years ago -- in the private office of Don Kirby -- Vice President of Pacific Enterprises -- Well, George - it sounds all right to me. Let me think about -- (FILTER) Don, you've got to swing that Fallstrom deal for me. You've got to. I'll see what I can do, George.
0 1 GEORGE: GEORGE: GEORGE: GEORGE: GEORGE: JEFF: JEFF: JEFF: JEFF: The Whistler -- June, Page (FILTER) I just need a little temporary help to tide me over a bad spot. I'm afraid if this doesn't go through - well - you can write the George Collins Investments off the books. I'll be licked. Wiped out, completely. Don't worry about it. (FILTER) I'm counting on, you, Don. I know. Of course, I ll have to speak to Mrs. Kirby about it again. She -- well -- she has the last word about -- (FILTER) Mrs. Kirby? Oh! --- I see. Couldn't couldn t you -- you -- DOOR OPEN AND,CLOSE, OFF I think I can make her see your side of it, George. All -- alright. I'll get on it right away. Bye. (FILTER) Bye. RECEIVER DOWN. Morning, Don. How are you, Jeff. Sit down. Get that matter of the Oak View properties settled? Uh huh. Good. What's on your mind? I -- uh -- brought this in for your signature. Mrs. Kirby asked me to draw it up. The financial agreement -- yours and the company. Alright. I ll sign it. Aren't you going to read it?
0 The Whistler -- June, Page Mrs. Kirby okayed it, didn't she? JEFF: Well, yes. But -- JEFF: JEFF: JEFF: JEFF: Hand it over. Don, look. It isn't at all fair. You're entitled to more than - this. (SLAPS PAPER) The business belongs to Mrs. Kirby, Jeff. She holds the whip hand -- has ever since she inherited the company from her father. What can I -- The company! And where do you think the company would be now if it hadn't been for you? Don, look -- I was the company lawyer long before you came. The outfit was headed for the rocks until you took over. You're the brains behind this outfit. Why do you have to sign an agreement like this? You do the work and she has complete control of everything! That's the way Frances wants it, Jeff. But why are you letting her get by with this sort of thing? What kind of a life is this for you anyway? I -- I have a life, Jeff. A life of my own. It doesn't include Mrs. Kirby. W-what? Never mind. Hand over the papers. I'll sign 'em. (IN AND UNDER)
0 1 WHISTLER: The Whistler -- June, Page Yes, Don, you do have a life of your own, haven't you? And that life includes Lisa Hillman. And warm spring afternoons such as this one, sitting on the sun deck at Lisa's beach cabin, looking out over the ocean. (SURF B.G.) And what else did he say, Don? Oh that's about it. Jeff worries too much. Thinks I'm getting a raw deal from Francis. Aren't you? What difference does it make? Darling, is this all we want? - a life like this - something that doesn't belong to us? (CHUCKLE) Is that a line out of a movie? Sounds familiar. Perhaps. (PAUSE) I had a bit part once - the other woman - you know. There were some very beautiful speeches. It s no use, Lisa. She won t divorce me. What are we going to do, Don? Give it all up? Sure. I just won't see you any more. I'll forget I ever knew you. It's that simple. There's enough work for me at the office to forget all this.. I've been thinking I'd like to go back to New York. I have some contacts there. I'm sure I could do a play. Frances wants to go to Mexico this summer. It might be fun. I've never been to Mexico. I've always wanted to do a play.
0 1 (PAUSE) The Whistler -- June, Page (IN) Why did you have to have red hair --- and green eyes -- and be like you are? (PAUSE) (SIGH) Darling...what are we going to do? I'm afraid there's nothing we can do, Lisa. Don, perhaps if I talked with her it - (STOP SHORT) what was that? What was what, darling? I thought I heard a noise... (CHUCKLE) Probably some of our pack rat friends, scurrying around under the cabin. (SHIVERS) I do wish Mr. Hodges hadn't told me about them. Gives me, the creeps. One of them actually got into the cabin the other night - I - (CHUCKLE) They won't hurt you, darling.. Let's go inside, shall we? Okay. But I thought we were going to go for a ride in Mr. Sloan's motor boat before dinner. Mr. Sloan? Your secret admirer. Remember? Oh! Dear Mr. Sloan. The gentlemen who gave me the motorboat. Yes. You know something? And this is my own little secret -- There really isn't any Mr. Sloan. A nice man I know gave that name when the boat was registered -- just to sort of well, fool people. How about a kiss for that nice man?
0 (PAUSE) The Whistler -- June, Page How could a lady refuse...? (SLIGHT OFF) My, my! What a touching scene! Frances! (FEW FOOTSTEPS IN) So this is the reason for all that divorce talk, is it? Frances, what are you doing here? Oh now really, Don. Aren't you a bit confused? Shouldn't I be the one to ask that question? My, she is pretty, isn't she? Yes -- quite pretty in a common sort of way. Lisa, you'd better go into the cabin. Oh no. Don't hurry away on my account, dear. I didn't mean to interrupt. Mrs. Kirby...I think we'd better settle this once and for all. I -- You're quite right, Lisa. It is Lisa, isn't it? Yes, we should settle this little matter once and for all. I have no intention of giving him up. Is that understood? But, surely...knowing how. Don feels about it, how can And let me give you a warning. Stay away from my husband. Because if you don't... (LOW...DEADLY) I'll kill you, redhead. I ll kill you. (CURTAIN) OPENING
0 1 ANNCR: ANNCR: The Whistler -- June, Page With the prologue of The Necklace Was Incidental, the Signal Oil Company brings you another strange story by The Whistler... But now - for those of you who missed last week's Whistler - I want to repeat the special news about tires. That new type tire by Lee of Conshohocken - which is being announced this month in the Saturday Evening Post - is already at your Signal Dealers. Don't confuse this new eight rib Super Deluxe Lee - with so-called new models. This is a completely new type tire. The handsome eight rib tread is broader - flatter - contains more rubber. That you can see. But it's the things you can't see - which are even more important. Their quicker stopping - and greater anti-skid protection. Their easier turning and steering. The way they absorb road shocks. And their phenomenally long life --which makes these new Lees actually cost less per mile, (PAUSE) You'd expect to pay extra for such premium quality. Yet. eight rib Lee Super Deluxe Tires cost no more. And if you act now - you'll get an extra-generous trade-in for your old tires. Get your Signal Dealer's estimate! Let facts and figures prove - that for value and quality - today's best tire buy - is the new eight rib Super Deluxe Lee Tire - at Signal Service Stations. Now...back to the Whistler..:
0 1 WHISTLER: (THEME) The Whistler -- June, Page Yes, the events behind the mysterious disappearance of Mr. and Mrs. Don Kirby...and the unknown motion picture actress Lisa Hillman...began to take shape on that warm, spring afternoon at the beach cabin when Frances Kirby threatened to kill Lisa if she ever saw the girl with her husband again. In the weeks that followed, Don Kirby tried to put Lisa out of his life. The picture of the girl with the flaming red hair and green eyes was always on his mind. Then one evening.. Don sat in the living room ofhe Kirby home. Frances was at the piano... (PIANO SOFTLY IN B.G ) FRAIZES: Don? (SLIGHT PAUSE) hon? (COMING OUT OF IT) Huh?..0h yes, Frances? You're not being a very good audience. Sorry.. I... I was thinking about...something. It wouldn't be hard to guess what you're thinking of. Perhaps not. (CONTINUES BRIEFLY) What ever became of your little red head, Don? Let's talk about something else, shall we? I haven't seen her since the afternoon you made your dramatic appearance at the beach cabin.
0 1 The Whistler -- June, Page I'm sure you haven't. -- and I'm equally sure you know I meant exactly what I said. (PIANO STOPS) Aren't you, darling? Yes. Yes. Anything else on your mind? Uh huh. Something that will make you very sad. (SOFT PIANO RUN) AND OUT I'm going away for a few days. Oh? I'll be quite lonely. But I suppose I can manage. Do try to bear up under it, won't you, darling? When are you leaving? (PIANO RESUMES UNDER) Tomorrow morning. I'm going to San Diego...to visit Madge. You ll drive me down to the station in the morning? I'm leaving on the ten o'clock. Sorry. I won't be able to make it. Better take a cab. Oh? Business appointment. An appointment. (PAUSE) I'm going to a...funeral. Don't try to be funny. I'm not. A funeral? Really? How depressing. Anyone I know? George Collins. Collins Investments --- remember? (HESITATES SLIGHTLY. CONTINUES)
George..Collins. Yes. The Whistler -- June, Page I spoke to you about him a couple of weeks ago. He called me about the Fallstrom deal.. I remember. Sudden, was it? - his death, I mean? Quite sudden. (PAUSE) Suicide. (PAUSE) I see. Lost every cent he had. I suppose he felt he was too old to start all over again. That's... that 's too bad. Yes, isn't it? If we'd handled the Fallstrom deal, George Collins would probably still be alive. (SHE POUNDS A CHORD.. THEN OUT) (FLARES) Oh now really, Don! Are we going to go through all that again? I told you I didn't consider it a sound investment. Alright, Alright,. Frances... If you 're going to say it's my fault that George Collins -- I said alright! I don't want to talk about it anymore. I'm going up to bed. Goodnight, Frances. (IN AND UNDER)
0 1 WHISTLER: The Whistler -- June, Page The day following your wife's departure for San Diego you know you ve just about reached the end, don't you, Don? You've had enough of Pacific Enterprises.. of Frances.. and the whole dull routine. You'll simply leave. Frances can have the business you built from nothing --the money --the house - - the cars --- everything. You'll gladly trade all of it for freedom... and Lisa. However you'll need some money,.. Just enough for a new start. And all you have is a few hundred dollars in your personal checking account. Before you plan your first move you decide to have a talk with Lisa. In the event that Frances is having you watched, you take a taxi --- then a streetcar --- and finally a bus to reach Lisa's beach cabin that night. A cold gray mist is settling down on the coast and you can hear the dismal wail of the fog horn at Point Bruner as you hurry up the front walk to the cabin --- and ring the bell.. (SURF AND FOG HORN IN B.G.) (DOOR OPENS) Darling! Hello, Lisa... Come in.. Come in. This is a surprise. I wasn't expecting you till Saturday. (FOOTSTEPS AND DOOR CLOSE UNDER) Saturday? Why yes -- that's what your note said, -- the one you sent with the necklace..
0 Necklace? What necklace? (IN) Really, Don. No, wait a minute, Lisa --- (IN) Darling, it's beautiful... Lisa, let me see that necklace. The Whistler -- June, Page Are -- are you serious? -- You mean you didn't -- No. No, I didn't. (FOOTSTEPS UNDER) (FADING) I'll get it. It's right over here.. (OFF) You're... you're not teasing me, are you? No, Lisa. I'm not. (COMING ON) Here it is. I think it's quite beaut - (STOP SHORT) Don, what is it? Lisa, when did you get this? The package came this afternoon -- with the note...just a plain typewritten note saying you d be here Saturday. It wasn't signed but I thought you -- The note - where is it? Why.. I burned it.. with the wrapping paper.. like you.. like the note said. Don, what's the matter? This necklace belongs to Frances! Your wife? -- It's her necklace?? Yes...Yes. She inherited it a long time ago from some distant relative. She didn t like it. Never wore it. Kept in the library safe.
0 1 The Whistler -- June, Page Don -- I -- I don't understand. What does all this mean? I don't know. But it's pretty obvious she mailed this necklace.. Here, give it to me. What are you going to do? Get it back to the library safe as fast as I can. (FOOTSTEPS CROSS.. DOOR OPEN) I'll call you in the morn- (STOP SHORT) Hello, Don. (PAUSE) Frances! Aren't you going to ask me in? (FOOTSTEPS IN -- DOOR CLOSE) Well... here we are again. So. You didn't go to San Diego... Oh, but I did. That is, I started to.. and then I suddenly got an inspiration. I came back... quietly, shall we say. What are you up to, Frances? My necklace -- May I have it, please? -- Thank you. It's a pity, really.. that my plan had to go wrong. It's all your fault, Don. My fault? Yes -- showing up here so soon. It ruined everything. I'd counted on you staying away until I'd had time to report a stolen necklace to the police. I already had a red haired suspect in mind, you see, and --- So that's it! You'd pull a stunt like that just to --
0 The Whistler -- June, Page I thought it was rather clever. So much better than shooting her. A nice long prison term would have been -- I should have expected something like that from you, Frances! I ought to - Don! Wait -- don't -- Let him go on, Lisa dear... I had an idea in mind this morning, Frances -- about leaving you. Bowing out for good. Now after this little frame you tried to cook up I'm sold on the idea - completely! Don't be silly. You can have Pacific Enterprises and everything that goes with it. I'm walking out on you, Frances. I've had enough! I'm sick of you! You can hire another stooge! (PAUSE) You really mean that, don't you, Don? That's right! I'm through... Through! So you'll run away with the little red head.. after all I've done for you! Save it, Frances. You can get yourself another vice-president. And now you're running out on me... I've always wanted to see Mexico.. remember? Yes... I know. (ALARMED). Don! What's the matter, Lisa? Does this gun frighten you?
0 1 WHISTLER: The Whistler -- June, Page Frances! Don't be a fool. That gun won't solve anything. Perhaps not. But at least when you go to Mexico -- you'll go alone. Frances! Give me the gun No! (SHOT) (STING AND UNDER) For a full minute after the shot you stand there, staring down at her --- at the bright red splash on her blouse. The cabin is still. The only sound you hear is the foghorn at Point Bruner. Then slowly you bend over the body on the floor. (FEW FOOTSTEPS IN) Don. Don. Is -- is she? She's dead. Oh Don! Did you have to kill her? No, I could have let her kill you. Would you have liked that better? No. I guess not. I had to shoot, Lisa. She would have killed you! I know. Anyway, it's done now. What are we going to do, Don? What can we do? Call the police, I suppose. No. They'd never believe us. They'd never believe it was self defense. But, Lisa -- what --- Don't you see? If if they should find out about -- about us --
0 1 WHISTLER: The Whistler -- June, Page No. No I don't suppose they would believe us. Don, let's get away from here. We can't leave her like this. We -- we've got to get rid of her someway. But how? (FOG HORN SEEPS IN.. VERY DISTANT) Lisa Yes? Point Bruner... The shoals off Point Bruner. We could take her out there. No one would ever know. Now? But, Don, it's five miles out! And the fog. How-- We've got to take the chance, Lisa. (PAUSE) Don, do we -- do we have to take her -- out there...? Yes, yes we -- We have to, Lisa. (IN AND UNDER) And so, your wife - Frances - is buried on the fog shrouded shoals off Point Bruner that night. The ceremony is brief hurried --and silent --except for the low wail of the distant fog horn and the sound of the waves against the rocks. Then a few minutes before nine you ease the motorboat up alongside the pier on the mainland -- and with Lisa you race up the path back to the beach house. (HURRIED FOOTSTEPS ON PORCH...DOOR OPEN AND CLOSE)
0 The Whistler -- June, Page All right, Lisa. Get your things packed. The sooner we get out of here the better. I won't be long. I - (STOP SHORT) What are you looking for? The necklace. It must be around here someplace. Well --- WHISTLER: Don, do -- do we have to take it with us? Lisa, it's worth thousand dollars. I don't intend to leave it behind. It'll be a new start for us. Hurry up! Hurry up! Get your things. I'll find it. (IN AND UNDER) But the necklace isn't anywhere to be found, it is, Don? Frantically you turn the living room upside down. The necklace is missing. And you're certain you saw it fall to the floor during the struggle with Frances -- or are you? She might have dropped it into her coat pocket. Yes -- and you know what that means. The necklace is buried with Frances out there on the shoals. Ten thousand dollars, Don. No, you can't leave that behind, can you? (MOTOR BOAT...FOG HORN..SURF B.G.) Don, please let's turn back. It's suicide trying to reach the shoals again. We're miles away. And the fog is getting thicker every minute.
0 CLOSING The Whistler -- June, Page Don't worry, Lisa. We'll make it. Shut the motor off. What for? Please -- will you do as I say? (MOTOR OUT) (PAUSE) The buoy is over in this direction. Hear the bell? I think so... but it sounds like it's coming from the left. Can t we turn on any lights? We can t take a chance of being seen. The shoals are straight ahead. Don, please. Let's not risk it. We don't need the necklace! Lisa, that necklace is worth ten thousand dollars. If we're going to disappear and make a new start -- we'll need money. It's our one big break. (SHUDDERS) I -- know... But I'm afraid, darling. The rocks -- If we hit them we won't have a chance. The current off the shoals will take us out to sea. We'll drown. (IN) Darling, listen to me. That necklace out there means everything. It's a new start -- a new start for the two of us. We've always wanted that, haven't we? Don't be afraid. We'll make it -- together. (CURTAIN)
ANNCR: ANNCR: The Whistler -- June, Page The Whistler will return in just a moment, with the strange ending to tonight's story. Right now - however - since vacation time is here - I'd like to say a word about an item - that will have a lot to do with your drving pleasure: gasoline. (PAUSE) No matter where you travel throughout the Pacific Coast States - from Canada to Mexico - you'll find Signal -the famous "Go Farther" gasoline. Almost two thousand friendly Signal Dealers stand ready to serve you - and to honor your Signal Credit Card. And remember: when you power your car with Signal - the famous "go-farther" Gasoline - you not only enjoy Signal's good mileage - but also the thing which makes that mileage possible: Extra engine efficiency. And of course - extra engine efficiency - means more thrilling performance for your car. So - on your vacation trip - and always - to be sure of the "tops" in gasoline quality - just remember these two points. One - in gasoline - it takes extra quality to go farther.. And two - Signal is the famous go- farther gasoline. Now... back to the Whistler. (THEME.)
0 WHISTLER: The Whistler -- June, Page The events behind the mysterious and unsolved disappearance of Don Kirby - his wife Frances - and the little known movie extra, Lisa Hillman came to a climax that foggy night on the California coast, seven years ago. But Joe Crofton, reporter, and the readers of the Daily Globe, will never know the real story... for Joe's trip to San Francisco netted him absolutely nothing.. and the Kirby-Hillman case remained as much a mystery as ever. On the day after his return from San Francisco, Joe Crofton visited the office of Lieutenant McBride at police headquarters... (DOOR CLOSE.. FOOTSTEPS IN) Hello, Thin Man. Well, well, well! How's the boy reporter? Just fine, Lieutenant. Seems to me the last time you were in here - - you - uh -said something about coming back with the solution to the Kirby-Hillman mystery. You were going to dump it into my lap. Remember? Oh -- that. (CLEARS THROAT) Well, it's just one of those things, Lieutenant. Just one of those things. I'm afraid that s one mystery that will never be solved. You going to forget about it for good this time?
0 1 The Whistler -- June, Page Yeah, I guess so. For a while, though, I thought, I was on to something. Checked the pieces of that motor boat the Coast Guard picked up a couple hundred miles off the coast. About the time this ship disappeared you know --- Yeah. We checed it, too. Registered to a guy named Sloan. Uh huh. But nobody seems to know the guy Sloan. Well there goes my last lead. (SIGH) What a case! Well, I got a feature story out of it, anyway. A feature? That's right. I told you I d find the tie In between these three missing people. This morning I went down to the beach and talked to some of the boys with the County Rodent Control. Since the Hillman gal disappeared, the place has been vacant and it's been overrun with rats. The boys are tearing it down. (LAUGHS) Funny thing...they found that necklace you told me was missing from the Kirby home. Yeah. I've asked for a full report. I'll give it to you Thin Man. They found the Kirby necklace under Lisa Hillman's cabin in a cozy little nest with a bunch of other stuff. They figure a pack rat must have decided it would look good to his girl friend. (TYMP BEATS)
0 1 (CLOSING) ANNCR: ANNCR: The Whistler -- June, Page SNEAK IN UNDER ANNOUNCER FADE OUT UNDER "WHO HAVE ASKED ME TO REMIND YOU" Let that whistle be your signal - for the Signal Oil Program - The Whistler - each Wednesday night at this 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. HARP FLURRY AND UP IN FINAL THEM...FADES OUT UNDER: Featured in tonight's story were... The Whistler was produced and directed by George W. Allen with story by Nancy Cleveland 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 CBS...THE COLUMBIA...BROADCASTING SYSTEM.