Summary
Frank Mallory, an indicted gambling syndicate operator, plans to flee rather than face trial, spurred by evidence from his wife, Martha. As he prepares to escape with his girlfriend, Vivian, he encounters a hitchhiker named Chuck, who bears a striking resemblance to him. This resemblance sparks a sinister idea in Frank's mind: if he can make it appear that he is dead, he and Vivian can escape without being pursued.
After a series of manipulative conversations, Frank convinces Chuck to join them, all while plotting to use Chuck's identity to fake his own death. Frank's plan culminates in a tragic turn when he murders Chuck and stages the scene to look like an accident, ensuring that Martha will believe she sent him to his death by turning him in to authorities.
However, Frank's scheme unravels when Vivian betrays him, taking the money and leaving him vulnerable. The police, having identified Chuck's body through a tattoo, close in on Frank, revealing the extent of his deception. The story concludes with Frank's fate hanging in the balance as he faces the consequences of his actions.
Show Notes
Old Time Retro Radio presents The Whistler, “You Can’t Trust a Stranger,” originally broadcast July 27, 1952. This CBS Pacific network crime drama, sponsored by Signal Oil, is episode 530.
Indicted gambling-syndicate operator Frank Mallory is out on bail and desperate to avoid trial when a chance roadside encounter introduces a stranger with an unsettling resemblance to him. Gerald Mohr, Betty Lou Gerson, and Shepard Menken are featured in this tense melodrama of identity, desperation, and dangerous opportunity.
Old Time Retro Radio presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned/mastered audio for a more consistent listening experience.
Chapters: 00:00 Victor Sterling Introduction 00:41 Original Broadcast 30:25 Closing
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