Summary
Enrico, a former tightrope walker, returns to the circus after a decade away, haunted by the death of his son, Tony, who died in a trapeze accident. He blames Marie Savini, the daughter of the trapeze artist involved, for his son's death and seeks revenge. Enrico takes a job at the circus, where he becomes fixated on Marie, who is preparing for a dangerous high-wire act.
As Marie practices a backward somersault without a net, Enrico manipulates the situation to ensure her performance goes awry. Despite warnings from others, Marie is determined to prove her courage. Enrico's sinister intentions culminate in a tragic accident that leads to her death, revealing the depths of his hatred and the lengths he will go for revenge. In a shocking twist, it is revealed that Marie Savini never existed; Enrico's vendetta was based on a false identity, leaving him to grapple with the consequences of his actions.
Show Notes
The Whistler presents “Death Walks a Tightwire,” episode 131, originally broadcast November 27, 1944. Written by Hal Wexler and produced and directed by George W. Allen, this CBS Pacific network broadcast was sponsored by Signal Oil Company.
At a traveling circus, former tightwire artist Enrico returns after a decade away, carrying memories of a tragedy beneath the big top. As young performer Marie Savini rehearses a perilous high-wire act with Michael, old grief and long-held resentment gather in the shadows.
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 00:46 Original Broadcast 30:36 Closing
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-whistler-old-time-radio--7222654/support.
Support Old Time Retro Radio at https://www.patreon.com/oldtimeretroradio
More from The Whistler | Old Time Radio
The Whistler, “Dark Moon,” originally broadcast November 19, 1947, is episode 286. This CBS Pacific network crime anthology installment was sponsored by Signal Oil and features Frank Lovejoy.
The Whistler presents “Poison Is Quicker,” episode 184, originally broadcast December 3, 1945. This CBS Pacific network drama was sponsored by Signal Oil and written by Lesley Edgely, with Hans Conried featured in the cast.
The Whistler presents “What Makes a Murderer,” originally broadcast on August 13, 1945. This is episode 168 of the CBS Pacific Network mystery series, sponsored by Signal Oil, with Marvin Miller as The Whistler and featuring Joseph Kearns, Jay Novello, and Earle Ross.
The Whistler presents “Death Wears a White Robe,” episode 175, originally broadcast on October 1, 1945. This roughly 30-minute CBS Pacific network drama was sponsored by Signal Oil Company.
The Whistler presents “A Friendly Case of Blackmail,” originally broadcast on November 12, 1950. This CBS Pacific Network mystery, sponsored by Signal Oil, is episode 441.