The Signal Oil Program, yes the Signal Oil Program, the Whistler. That whistle is your signal for the Signal Oil Program, the Whistler. I am the Whistler and I know many things for 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 independently operated signal stations from Canada to Mexico. And now the Whistler's strange story, a mask for Kinsella. Jim Kinsella couldn't seem to fix the beginning in his mind. If there was a beginning, it was all too confused. Like impressions out of a dream, patches of thought and action bouncing back at him. The excitement, the shouted warning and then the explosion that rocked a small chemical laboratory and sent the world crashing down on him. They were dim at first, the voices, very faint, but growing stronger, growing stronger and coming closer all the time. Is he coming around, doctor? Yes, he'll be all right. I still do not understand how the laboratory blew up that way. Gradually through it all, something was coming back, clearing in his mind. It had to do with his friend Ted, Ted Brewster, the laboratory deep in the Mexican wilderness where the two of them worked. Yes, Jim Kinsella remembered now how he'd gone back again into the lab after Ted, who shouldn't have been there at all that night. How he had risked the flames as Ted shouted hopelessly for help. This is Jim, Ted. Where are you? Easy, easy, my boy. Don't try to talk. What are you trying to say? What happened? Now it's all right. You're perfectly safe. Where am I? They brought you here to the hospital yesterday after the accident out at your laboratory. Yesterday? Dr. Bowman, he's been doing everything for you. Dr. Bowman. That's right, my boy. Now try to get to sleep for a while. Quiet now. I don't seem to remember exactly what happened. Of course. You're the bad shark. It'll be a while before you recover fully. Your memory will be hazy for some time. But these bandages, I can't see. Now, now, you'd better get some sleep. Before too long, we'll remove these bandages. See what sort of a job I've done, man. Job? On your face. It was a bit cut up, but don't worry. I've taken care of it. Just get some rest now. Here. Here, get some rest. You can't sleep, can you, Jim? Thinking about Ted. Without asking, you know that Ted Brewster is dead. You remember now, finding him in the wreckage of the laboratory. It's all you can think about in the days that follow. That and how fortunate you are to be alive. Then the day finally comes when Dr. Bowman decides it's time to remove your bandages. All right, now. We shall see, eh? We will cut the bandages, nurse. Yes, doctor. Here, help me unwind this. That's it. Gently, gently. It's like coming up for air, doctor. A new life. I'm certain you will be pleased with what we've done. I'm alive. That's enough for me. Good. That's the way to feel about it. Oh, nurse, just cut this adhesive here. Yes, doctor. That's it. That's it. And look. Oh. Don't I get a look too? Get me that mirror, nurse. Yes. Here you are. Thank you. That'll be all for now. You may go, nurse. Yes, doctor. Well, doctor. There are some scars, but I'm sure we can take care of them later. Just so I got a face, doctor. You have, and a very good one, my boy. Here, the mirror. See for yourself. Thanks. No, no. Don't worry about those scars. I want you about them, but they'll clear up. Oh, no. No, it isn't. What is it? What's the matter, Mr. Brewster? Mr. Brewster. He's calling you Mr. Brewster, isn't he, Jim? Yes. Because that's who he thinks you are. The realization races through your mind. He's made a mistake, Jim. A terrible mistake. And you're certain you know how it happened. In accomplishing his plastic surgery on your face, he must have worked from photographs of your friend, Ted Brewster, who was killed in the explosion. And the doctor's result is a well-fashioned replica of Ted's face. Mr. Brewster, have you forgotten what you look like? No. No, Dr. Baumann. Then what is wrong? He's asking you what's wrong, Jim. The man who's given you a new identity, a new face. And suddenly, something makes you decide that it isn't wrong after all. It might be the kind of thing you've been waiting for all your life. Yes. Suddenly the thought hits you. With his explanation that there might be blank spots in your memory, your mind might fog out on occasion. It could make it simple, couldn't it? Simple to pass yourself off as the wealthy Ted Brewster. Mr. Brewster, you haven't answered me. You certainly remember what you look like, don't you? Is your mind blanking out? No, no, Doctor. I'm all right. You're satisfied then, Mr. Brewster? Yes. I think you've done a perfect job for me. Perfect. With the prologue of A Mask for Kinsella, the Signal Oil Company brings you another strange story by The Whistler. It was just two weeks ago tonight that we first announced Signal's new super motor fuel, New Signal Ethel. But during these past two weeks, thousands of drivers throughout the West have discovered new driving pleasure that they hadn't dreamed was in their cars. For New Signal Ethel is so superior, so vastly improved, you can actually feel the difference. Yes, drivers are discovering that when it comes to pickup, New Signal Ethel puts new meaning into the word go. They're discovering that out on the highway, New Signal Ethel puts a smoother, more effortless kind of power under your throttle. And when they soar up steep hills with the New Signal Ethel, they've discovered that pings are a thing of the past. Does that sound like the kind of performance you'd enjoy from your car? Then here's a suggestion. Wait until your present gasoline runs fairly low. Then fill up with New Signal Ethel. See if you don't feel a wonderful difference with Signal's new super motor fuel, New Signal Ethel. It's perfect, isn't it Jim? This thing that's happened to you, the mistake Dr. Bauman has made. He's created a mask for you, a mask for Kinsella. And you're sure you know just how it happened. In repairing the damage to your face, Dr. Bauman, working from photographs of Ted, fashioned an almost perfect replica of Ted Brewster. And in a moment of terrible decision, you decided to leave it that way. Ted was killed in the explosion, but he had money back in the States. And a wealthy aunt in San Diego who hasn't seen him for years. It's a gamble, isn't it Jim, posing as Ted Brewster. But knowing what you do of his past, what he's told you, you're certain there's a good chance you'll get by with it. The slow motor trip to the airport gives you time to think it through, consider everything, including Mrs. Kinsella, your own wife in Mexico City. But your mind is made up. Somehow it was from the very first. And at the airport you bid Dr. Bauman goodbye. Well Dr. Bauman, it's the end of the line. I can't thank you enough. End of the line? Well don't say that my boy. All this may be the beginning for you. Yes, it may be at that doctor. Flight 24 for the west, El Paso Amarillo, San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco. Passengers will board the plane at gate number three please. That's me, points west. Goodbye doctor. Goodbye Mr. Brewster. Ted? Something in his tone Jim. The way he said the name makes you wonder doesn't it? Wonder if Dr. Bauman realizes he's made a mistake. That you're not Ted Brewster after all. You dismissed the thought long before the flight ends. Because if he knew anything was wrong he would surely have said something, at least to you. Yes Jim, any fears or doubts you might have had are wiped away by the joyous greeting you receive at San Diego airport from Ted Brewster's aging aunt. Oh Ted, Ted my boy, so many years and now to see you. You're not disappointed Aunt Louise? No, no of course not. My face isn't too pretty. Oh stop that talk right now do you hear? It's you and your alive and back. That's all that matters to us. Us? Oh, you've forgotten? Aunt Louise, the doctor, he said that I'd have trouble for a while, my memory. He said there'd be occasional lapses, blank spots. I understand. But I still have a surprise for you even if you don't remember. Judy Adams. Judy? Oh yes, I always thought a lot of her. Judy, Judy? Yes Miss Brewster? Over here dear. Oh Ted, Ted. Dear, Ted's just explained something you should know about. He's going to have, what is it Ted, blank spots? Yeah, temporary amnesia kind of. Hello Judy. Ted, oh Ted. Do I look all right to you? You look wonderful. Blank spots and all? Oh Ted, it's so good to have you back. Come on now children, we're going home, the three of us, together. The worst is over isn't it Ted? You've been accepted. It's a lucky thing you said you remembered Judy. And her attitude makes your position stronger than ever. Only you have to be careful. Always on guard. Like the afternoon when you're walking with her in the garden at Aunt Louise's home. Oh it's pleasant here isn't it Judy? I've always wanted a place like this. I mean I've always enjoyed this garden. Ted? Yes? You don't really remember this garden do you? No I, I guess not. Well before you went away we went walking here. But, well that's close to ten years ago isn't it? Yeah I guess it is Judy. Oh gosh Judy this must be kind of rough on you. I mean the way my mind does these flip flops remembering one day for getting the next. Oh it's alright. Only. What? Nothing Ted. Nothing at all. Her attitude worries you doesn't it? You wonder if something you've done or said has made her suspicious. But a few evenings later it seems to be alright. Well Ted, how does it feel to be back in the night club again? Oh okay. Feels fine. I'd forgotten what it was like. You don't remember this place do you? Vaguely. I'm afraid I've forgotten a lot of things Judy. My mind's still pretty much blank. I know. The accident must have been a terrible shock. Yeah you just have to bear with me I'm afraid. Of course. I understand Ted. Ted. Yeah? I thought you were taking me to Tony's for dinner. Oh sure I was. But you just drove right past him. Oh I'm sorry Judy I just wasn't thinking I'm in that fog again. It's alright Ted. I know. It's been a convenient excuse hasn't it Jim? Those moments, all too many of them when your mind becomes clouded. It helps you cover up when you make a mistake. And you're certain now that Judy isn't suspicious at all. Everything is going well and you become more and more confident as days pass. Then one afternoon as you return to the house. Oh Ted, there was someone here to see you a little while ago. To see me Aunt Louise? Who was it? Didn't leave his name. Emily told him you'd be back before evening. What did he want? Didn't mention. Emily said he was tall, heavy set man. Said he looked like a shamus. What? Shamus, that's what Emily called him. A detective. Goodness I don't know where Emily picks up these strange phrases. What's the matter Ted? Nothing Aunt Louise, nothing. The news is more than a little disturbing isn't it Jim? And you wonder if Emily, Aunt Louise's housekeeper was right. Thinking the man who called at the house was a detective. That evening at dinner he's still on your mind isn't he? You're hardly listening to Ted's aunt as she chatters on gaily. And then something she says penetrates your thought. What did you say? I said how long do you think you can go on trying to fool me? I don't understand. I knew from the moment you stepped off that plane. You did? You knew? Of course. Anybody can see you're still in love with Judy aren't you? Judy? Oh. Of course you are. I knew somehow you'd never forget her. But there's something on your mind isn't there I've noticed? Well yes there is something on my mind. You want to go back to Mexico don't you? To build a new laboratory. But you don't think it would be right to ask Judy to go with you? Yeah yeah it's something like that. Why don't you ask her Ted? She's very much in love with you. Is she? Oh my goodness you men can't you see it? Does a building have to fall on you before you... Excuse me ma'am. Yes? What is it Emily? There's a phone call for Mr. Brewster. Probably Judy. No ma'am it's a gentleman. Didn't give his name. I'm thinking it's the same one who was here this afternoon. Excuse me. Oh don't be long dear. Hello. Mr. Brewster? Ted Brewster? Yes who's this? An old friend Ted. I would like to see you. Oh? I'm at the Carlton Apartments 607 Crescent Place. Let us say around ten o'clock Ted. Oh look what's this all about? Who the... 607 Crescent Place apartment three. It's very important. Especially to you. Hello. Hello. You stare at the telephone for a moment. Then slowly replace the receiver your hand trembling. There's something about the voice. A familiar ring to it but you can't place it. As you walk back to the dining room you search your mind for a clue that will reveal the owner of that voice. But it's no use. A couple of hours after dinner is over you make excuses to Aunt Louise and hurry out of the house. Quarter of an hour later you arrive at 607 Crescent Place. You're tense and nervous as you ring the bell at apartment three. Hello Ted. Bauman. Dr. Bauman. Surprised my boy? Come in. Come in. Sit down. Make yourself comfortable. Thanks. I was about to fix myself a drink. Will you join me? No I'll take a rain check. Anything you say. What's on your mind doctor? You said it was important. Sure you won't have a drink my boy? No, no thanks. Well here's to success. Yours and mine Jim. Jim I don't follow you. Now come, come Mr. Kinsella. Let us not play games. You're a little confused doctor. No I don't think so. After all this was my idea. I'm not going to do it. It wasn't a mistake. My giving you that face. I see. It was an inspiration, a challenge. I decided to gamble. You see several years ago I lost my license due to an unfortunate mistake. That's why I was in Mexico. Go on. I knew quite a bit about you Jim. You and Ted Brewster and quite a few other people. I was a little confused. I'm sorry. You and Ted Brewster and quite a few other people. It's a little hobby of mine let us say. So? So I was certain that you would see the opportunity I placed before you. The advantages of a new face, a new life, money. And now you want in. A ride on the gravy train. Exactly. I expect to be paid for my services. Suppose I refuse. Oh you would not be so stupid my boy. I could make things so very difficult for you. I could inform Mr Brewster's aunt and let me see if there is a girl too. Judy. And Mrs Kinsella, your wife in Mexico. I think she would like to know. I could tell them all this was your idea. And it was doctor. This I could deny. I could be properly horrified by the ghastly mistake I had made. My reason for coming here to the States you see. After making one mistake I wanted to be certain. How much do you want? Half. Half of Brewster's money. Half? Oh not all at once of course. I can be quite reasonable my boy. And patient. Let us say the first payment shall be five thousand dollars. Tomorrow night. Tomorrow night? Wait a minute. I can't get it that quickly. You will try my boy. You will try very hard. Listen if you will give me till the end of the week. That is out of the question. I have certain things to take care of. Expenses. I must have the money tomorrow night. Let us say around this same time. Alright. Alright doctor. You'll get it. As you leave Bowman's apartment a plan begins to take shape in your mind. If you can stall him off for a few days. Long enough for you to get a few thousand dollars. You can run away can't you? Change your name. Bowman or the police will never find you. But you know that would mean leaving Judy behind. And you don't want to do that. No you really want to stay on here as Ted Brewster. You want to keep all the money for yourself. And you realize you are really in love with Judy. As you drive back to the house you tell yourself there must be a way to prevent Bowman from ruining everything. You spend a sleepless night thinking about it. It stays with you the following day. And then that evening as you sit in the car with Judy looking out over the ocean. It's been a perfect evening Judy. Did you really mean what you said about Mexico and going back with me I mean? You know I did darling. You're wonderful Judy. What time is it? It's a few minutes to nine why? Do you mind if we go back now there's something I have to do. Tonight? Yes I might as well get it over as soon as possible. Alright darling whatever you say. I'll have to take care of this little matter before we can start making any plans Judy. It's something I've got to do. A half hour after you've left Judy you're entering the apartment building on Crescent Street. You hurry upstairs to Dr. Bowman's apartment. Ring the buzzer. And as you wait the hand in your coat pocket closes tightly around the gun. Well my boy right on time I see. Hello doctor. Come in. Do you have something for me Jim? Yeah I have something for you Dr. Bowman. But I don't think you're going to like it. Not one bit. The Whistler will return in just a moment with a strange ending to tonight's story. You know when Mother Nature created oil she provided a mighty fine lubricant for automobile motors. But doesn't it stand to reason that in this modern day and age a lubricant scientifically developed to protect motors should be even better? That's why more and more drivers are using the same lubricant. Naturally this improved type signal oil starts off with nature's finest lubricant, 100% pure paraffin base. But in addition signal premium oil contains scientific new compounds that do specific jobs which oil alone cannot do. For instance one compound in signal oil contains a very high concentration of polyester. And it can be used to produce new compounds that do specific jobs which oil alone cannot do. For instance one compound in signal premium keeps your motor clean free of carbon, gum and varnish. Another compound in signal premium oil prevents bearing corrosion. And still other compounds help in other ways to keep your motor young. No wonder signal premium oil makes motors sing. Look, make your next oil change a change to the improved type signal oil that does so much more than just lubricate. Signal premium compounded motor oil. Music It's over isn't it Jim? For what seems like hours you stare at the lifeless body of Dr. Bowman, dazed by what you've done. The one man who could strip the mask from your face, the only man who could reveal your true identity is dead. And so are you as Jim Kinsella. You have a new life before you now as Ted Brewster with money position a wealthy aunt and Judy the girl who was promised to marry you. And now with one last look at Dr. Bowman confident you're in the clear you turn and start for the door and then as you open it. Hello. What is it? Homicide. We're looking for Dr. Bowman. Bowman? This is his apartment. I'm sorry he isn't in. Oh isn't he? Well it's too bad. We wanted to talk to him about an explosion. What? Yeah, at a chemical laboratory. I know the doctor quite well. Could I help you? Can't you tell me what it's all about? The Mexican police asked us to check it for them. Few days back a woman confessed that she persuaded Bowman to do a nasty little job for her a couple of months ago. A woman? Mm hmm. Bowman's girlfriend. Seems she was tired of her husband and wanted him out of the way so she could marry Bowman. And last week Bowman ran out on her. She got sore and dipped off the police. Dipped off the police? Yeah, to the explosion. And that Bowman was responsible for it. I guess she was just like a lot of other scorned women. Apparently Mrs. Kinsella and the doctor. Mrs. Kinsella? That's right. Bowman's girlfriend. Mrs. Jim Kinsella. Now look friend, we're coming in. No, I told you Bowman wasn't in. We know he is. We saw him come in. Now come on, out of the way. We want a murderer and we're going to get him. Yeah, yeah I guess you are. Let that whistle be your signal for the Signal Oil program, The Whistler, each Sunday 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 Jeff Chandler, Francis Robinson and Paul McVeigh. The Whistler was produced and directed by George W. Allen, based on a story by Richard Creeden, with music by Wilbur Hatch, and was transmitted to our troops overseas by the Armed Forces Radio Service. The Whistler is entirely fictional and all characters portrayed on The Whistler are also fictional. Any similarity of names or resemblance to persons living or dead is purely coincidental. Remember at the same time next Sunday, another strange tale by The Whistler. Marvin Miller speaking. This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System.
