RUSC MAILING

Written by Ned Norris

On July 31st, 1930, American radio listeners first heard that chilling voice from the shadows — and one of radio’s greatest legends was born.

At first, The Shadow was not the mysterious crime-fighter we remember today. He began as the sinister narrator of The Detective Story Magazine Hour, a program created to promote Street & Smith’s popular pulp magazine. But that eerie voice, mocking laugh, and unforgettable line — “Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men?” — captured the public imagination almost immediately.

Before long, The Shadow stepped out from behind the narrator’s role and became a star in his own right. By 1937, he was the central figure in a full radio drama as Lamont Cranston, wealthy man-about-town and amateur criminologist, who had learned in the Orient “the hypnotic power to cloud men’s minds so that they cannot see him.”

Invisible to criminals, but always present, The Shadow moved through a world of murderers, mad scientists, ghosts, werewolves, and all manner of villains — with the loyal and lovely Margo Lane at his side.

Over the years, several fine actors gave voice to The Shadow. Orson Welles brought rich theatrical power to the role in 1937, followed by Bill Johnstone, John Archer, Steve Courtleigh, and, most famously for many listeners, Bret Morrison, who returned to the part in 1945 and remained The Shadow until the series ended in 1954.

And we mustn’t forget the Margos! Agnes Moorehead was the earliest and best-known Margo opposite Welles, while later performers such as Marjorie Anderson, Lesley Woods, and Grace Matthews each left their mark. Grace Matthews, in particular, is fondly remembered by many old time radio fans.

There’s also a real treat on RUSC for Shadow enthusiasts: an episode of Richard Lamparski Interviews titled Whatever Became of The Shadow and Margo Lane, featuring Bret Morrison and Grace Matthews. It’s a wonderful chance to hear from two people closely connected with the classic post-war years of the series.

We currently have 238 episodes live on RUSC and a further six episodes not currently on RUSC, which I will be adding throughout the week and, which I have improved the sound quality of.

The Shadow endured because he was made for radio. A laugh in the darkness. A voice from nowhere. A presence you could not see, but could certainly feel.

Even now, all these years after that first broadcast, The Shadow remains one of radio’s most haunting creations.

After all…

Crime does not pay — The Shadow knows!

Happy listening,

RUSC Old Time Radiowww.rusc.com

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