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. And now, the Whistler's strange story, Fatal Fraud. The questioning by the Hong Kong police was brief. The suspect's guilt was clear. But even though conviction was a certainty, the motive and circumstances behind the crime were considerably more complex. It had started more than a week ago at a fashionable gathering across the city, a swank social affair with smartly dressed ladies and evening gowns and jewels and gentlemen in dinner jackets. And the precise moment might have been when most of the guests adjourned to the library and listened to a well-known voice and stared at the man who spoke. In my life has already been long and eventful. I have seen many changes, political, geographical and social. I have seen tyrants who rise and fall, traitors live and die. And through it all, I've seen the British Empire, they remain the British Empire. England, they remain England. Wonderful, wonderful, Chris. A perfect impersonator. That's Churchill all right. You could sure fool me. Oh, that's what he's famous for. Isn't it, Chris? Thank you, but not quite famous. You should be young man. All those voices are fantastic. It's practice, that's all, and a living. Is it a good living, Mr. Holmes? Oh, Catherine, you haven't met our clever young man, Chris Holmes, Catherine Dawn. How do you do, Miss Dawn? Fine, thank you. I'm a young man. I'm a young man. I'm a young man. I'm a young man. I'm a young man. I'm a young man. I'm a young man. I'm a young man. I'm a young man. Fine, thank you. And you do very well, Mr. Holmes. Oh, you like the impersonation? Very much. That routine of yours must be quite tiring, though. Don't you think you've earned yourself a cocktail? He certainly has. Run along, you two. Will you join me, Miss Dawn? You know, Mr. Holmes, that's exactly why I came over. I hate to drink alone. Alone? You? Don't tell me. I'm not really an invited guest. Just part of the help. A secretary. I'm here with my employer, Albert von Moven. Oh, the importer. Know him? The very nice little Dutchman. The rosy cheeks, bald head, eyes that sparkle. He holds his head to one side like this when he talks. Oh. Not impressed, Miss Dawn? You don't think I did him rather well? You were excellent, Mr. Holmes. Excellent. Come along before the martinis get too wet. Chris, you dance as well as you impersonate. Sure. I've been copying Fred Astaire. Oh, no, I mean it. You mean a lot of things, Katherine. Or is it the cocktails? How many of you had? Well, I did become a bit impatient waiting while you were talking to your boss, Van Luvin. You shouldn't have. I was acting in your behalf. Oh? You're invited out to his home for a few days. What? Well, whose idea? Mine. I thought it might lead to something for you. Lead to something? I think your talents are wasted on nightclubs. Well, thanks, but the importing business isn't something one picks up overnight. Oh, Katherine, I'm afraid. Oh, now relax. You're not going to turn Mr. Van Luvin down. He wouldn't like that. Katherine is an interesting girl, isn't she, Chris? And you're pleased with her interest in you. Pleased and a little flattered because she's easily the most attractive girl you've seen since you left America. And the following weekend at Van Luvin's, you're even more impressed. Her friendliness puts you perfectly at ease, and you feel almost a part of this way of living. It's a very pleasant way, too, isn't it, Chris? Dinner is on the terrace, brandy in the drawing room, excellent company. And later in the evening in Van Luvin's private office, Katherine again, she's standing by a recording machine this time. What's this going to be, darling? The Hong Kong lullaby? You'll see, Chris. Manila office, attention, Carter. Regarding back orders on shipments of oriental rugs, cancel and hold in warehouse until further instructions. Please notify us immediately regarding jade and artwork. Regards, Van Luvin. Katherine, why did you have Mr. Van Luvin ask me here? I'm just a guy kicking around. I know. Maybe better than you think. I'm not so sure you do. Oh, I'll admit, I might have been in a few deals that were a little shady. Sure. That's what I said. Two odds make an even match. You still haven't told me why you asked me here. I want you to help me do something. It's simple. He's bringing in some money in a few days. Lots of money. The kind we can keep up with. What are you talking about? My boss, Van Luvin, and his Manila office. The details don't matter. All that I'm interested in is the money. And me. And you. You know I'm interested in you, Chris. Draw the pictures, honey. The bright boy's a little dazed right now. We're going to get that money. Oh, Chris, it'll be easy. Oh? Simonow will help us. Simonow? Who's he? He operates the radio shack here. Don't you want money? Sure. There's plenty, Chris. And it's all coming in by plane. Van Luvin's plane in currency. It will land only where he directs. Simonow? Mr. Van Luvin. He's going to direct his pilot over the radio. You could change those directions, Chris. You're good at it. Hey, now, wait a minute. Chris. There's $100,000 in cash. $100,000? A third of it can be yours. Oh, Chris, tell me you'll do it. Take this record. Practice Mr. Van Luvin's voice. Oh, it's a breeze, that part of it. Radio office, regarding back orders, oriental rugs, cancel... Oh, Chris, telling you marvelous. You... You really think we can get away with it, Katherine? We can and we will, Chris. We will. You'll do it? Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, I guess so. The money, Chris. It's real, not an imitation. You'll see. You've made a decision, haven't you, Chris? Yes, you've decided you're going to help Katherine with her plan to hijack her employer's plane arriving from Manila with almost $100,000 aboard. And your part in it is all so simple. You've only to impersonate Albert Van Luvin's voice. Order the pilot to land his plane at another field where Katherine wants it to land. It seems the opportunity of a lifetime, doesn't it, Chris? And the future grows brighter and brighter as you think about it the following day. Then that evening, Katherine takes you across the back gardens to a low rambling building, a good distance away from the house. You'll find yourself entering the radio room where you meet René Simonon. René, this is Chris Holmes. So this is the famous one, eh? The one with the voices. Hi, Simonon. He's going to help us, René. Is he? Oh, you don't seem enthused, old boy. I am not. He's afraid our little scheme won't work, Chris. There are other ways, better ways of doing this, Katherine, if you would only listen to me. René, must we go through all that again? With Chris to help us, we can't fail. I do not like it, that's all. There are other ways. There are other ways. There are other ways. There are other ways. There are other ways. There are other ways. Uh, maybe it's the money that bothers him, Katherine, getting only a third of the loot instead of half. A third? Katherine, did you tell him? Yes, I think he's entitled to a third. Uh, I see. Don't look so glum. Third chair will buy you a lot of scented hair oil, Simonon. Oh, by the way, what's that you have on now, eau de wilette. Listen, smart boy, if you know what it is good for you... Stop it, René. You're acting like a child. Let him go. That's better. More important things to do than quarrel. What time do you expect the plane to arrive here in Hong Kong? Around eleven tomorrow night. We'll be ready? We will be ready, Katrina, my dear. You see, Renée, he is good, isn't he? Excuse me, Katherine. I have things to do. Excuse me, Katherine, I have things to do. Darling, you sound just like Renée. Well, at least we get along, don't we? Come along, darling. Katherine, can you trust him? Si, mon dieu? Yes, yes, I can trust him. What makes you so sure? Oh, I've known him a long time. He, uh, he's in love with you, isn't he? He'd do anything for you. I suppose. Were you in love with him once? What difference does that make? I just asked. He, uh, could make trouble for us later. You leave him to me. I know how to handle him. And I love you, Chris. Remember that. I love you. You sure? I'm sure. Now come along. The guests are on the terrace. We don't want them to miss us. Particularly Van Luwen's. Check. You must talk to him, Chris. Keep studying him. Our Mr. Holmes is a very, very clever young man, is he not, my friend? Oh, nice to meet you. I dare say there isn't one of us here in this room he could not impersonate. You, uh, made your return, for example. What's that? Me? Oh, my daughter. Oh, I say that, really? You think so? Yeah, but that would be perhaps too simple for our young friend. Perhaps we should have him try someone else. Perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you would care to impersonate me? Oh, no. Uh, sorry. I make it a rule never to subject my host to that sort of punishment. Oh, I see. Then I am most disappointed. I was certain you were planning a little surprise for me. A surprise, Mr. Van Luwen? Oh, come on, my boy. Don't try to get out of this one. My records, Mr. Holmes. I overheard you playing several of them. I thought you were studying my voice. Well, I, uh, I do have a confession to make, Mr. Van Luwen. I did try to imitate you, but I have to admit defeat. Afraid I couldn't quite come up to it. No, no, really, I'd rather not. But how about someone else? Oh, Mr. Holmes, you could try to impersonate my husband, Edgar. His voice is rather unusual, you know. Say something for the man, Edgar. Go on, say something. Go on, what's the matter, darling? You oblige her, don't you, Chris? And your impersonation of her husband goes over very well. Then you're called on to do others to the delight of the assembled guests. But through it all, you're a little on edge. You haven't forgotten Van Luwen's request that you try to impersonate him. And the rather strange expression on his face, when he mentioned having overheard you playing his records. Finally, you manage to break away and look for Katherine. But she's not in the house. And so you wander outside into the garden for a quiet smoke. And then near the radio building, you hear voices. I'm sure this is a mistake. And seeming old. I don't like it, Katherine. I do not like it one bit. Rene, darling, I told you not to worry. But what do we know about this Chris Holmes? How can we trust him? Please, let's not argue. I know what I'm doing. Believe me, Rene, I know what I'm doing. He's important to us now. Without him, we haven't a chance. All right, all right, Katherine. We will do it your way. But once this is over... Yes, darling, once this is over, then we'll see. We'll see. One moment. Oh, Katherine. I want to talk to you, Chris. Inside. Certainly. Chris, last night I... I know you overheard us. Overheard? Well, I don't know. I don't know what you're talking about. I don't know what you're talking about. I don't know what you're talking about. I know you overheard us. When I was talking to Simon, I saw you walk away. I've got to handle him in my own way. You do believe me. Was there any reason why I shouldn't? I wanted to talk to you at breakfast. I didn't know of Unleaven's plans for his guests. Oh, it was fun. Motorboating, lunch at the Hotel Royale, the races. I get quite used to this life, Katherine. You might as well. You're going to have it. And soon, now. There's been a slight change in plans. The plane has already left Manila. Already left? Yes. Simon just told me. It's scheduled to arrive here shortly before nine. Nine? We'll be right in the middle of dinner. I'll tell Unleaven that you're not feeling well. You won't be down. Oh, all right. Now, here's the message. Study it. Be at the radio room in an hour. I'll meet you out there. Right. The radio room. In an hour. Oh, Chris. Thank goodness. Hurry. We've established contact with the plane. You know the message? Yeah, perfectly. Jig the microphone. Oh, thanks. Good. W-6-8-2-R-C. This is Albert Van Leeuwen. You will disregard previous instructions to land. Proceed to the emergency field on Perlang Road for landing. Repeat, please. Disregard previous instructions to land. Proceed to emergency field on Perlang Road for landing. Got it, Mr. Van Leeuwen. This is the place. We ought to be able to hear the plane's motor soon. That's it. Right on schedule. Let's get out there for the landing. You wait here for us, Chris. Renee and I will meet the pilot. Yeah, okay, but go easy on him. I won't hold still for murder. Don't worry. He won't be harmed. We'll just tie him up. Chris. Oh, everything go all right, Katherine? Perfect. Here, Simon, I'll take the briefcase. Feels nice and full. Better let me take care of the briefcase, gentlemen. Oh, it's okay with me. Simon? What can I say but yes. I'll take good care of it. Get in, Renee. Well, now what? Back to town. I've made arrangements for us to leave by boat tonight. I'll drive you back to Van Leeuwen's, Chris. What about you, Renee? I would rather not go back. Drop me off at the little cafe near the waterfront. I like their food. All right. Wait there until you hear from me. I think I'll try Simon's waterfront cafe, too. It's all right with him. Maybe it would be better for you to go with Simon, Chris. Let him come along. It makes no difference to me. Good. Let's get started. Come on, relax, Simon. Relax. I enjoy the piano music. I do not like this waiting. Catherine should have been cold by now. We have been here nearly three hours. Forget it. Enjoy yourself. This brandy is wonderful. Where are you going, Simon? To get another drink. Our waiter seems to have too many tables to take care of. After Simon leaves the table, you're suddenly aware of someone staring at you. An old man, standing a few feet away, a look of uncertainty on his face, indecision. Then swiftly he moves towards you, hands you a slip of paper and darts into the crowd. You unfold the paper and read. We will leave on the 2 a.m. plane for Singapore. The two of us, darling. It's been just the two of us from the beginning. Come at once. I'll have the briefcase. Catherine. You stare at the paper in your hand. The carefully drawn diagram of the meeting place. The rendezvous where Catherine will be waiting. A quiet side street. Then suddenly it hits you. The original plan had been for you to go back to Ben Luvin's home. Simon to come to the cafe. You're sure the old man made a mistake, aren't you, Chris? That the note he gave you was intended for Simon. You're certain that it's been Simon and Catherine all along. That they've been just using you. You should have suspected that after what you overheard in the garden last night. You slip the paper back into your pocket as Simon approaches. Did I miss anything? Huh? Oh, no. Not a thing, pal. Hey, you got a cigarette? Here, here. Help yourself. Oh, thanks. Oh, is this all you got? You do not like our local brands? Sorry, I always like the best. There is a tobacco shop down the street on the other side. Do not get lost. I'll try not to. Shall I draw you a diagram? Diagram? No, thanks. I already have a diagram. Waiting here in the shadows for Catherine. You feel a little foolish about the way you've been used, don't you, Chris? Only the money matters to you now. Then you're sure you'll be able to take it for yourself and leave them. Catherine and Simonel. That's the way it is, isn't it? The way it's been from the beginning. You're certain of it. You were just a puppet who could help you. The man with the many voices. Especially the one that sounded exactly like Albert van Leeuwen. Well, it's all over now. You're foolish dream that there was anything more to it than a coldly calculated hijacking job. As you stand in the darkness waiting for Catherine, it becomes annoying. The way her words come drifting back, mixing you up, challenging your judgment. Two odds make an even match, don't they, Chris? I love you, Chris. Remember that. I love you. Yeah, sure. Sure you'll love me. You tighten, draw back into the shadows at the sound of a twig snapping. Then you see her, Catherine, approaching slowly toward you. Your eye catches something else, too. The glint of moonlight on the gun in her hand. Suddenly your blood runs cold. As you realize the real reason for that note, it was sent to lure either you or Simonel here to his death. And you were certain the note was meant for Renée Simonel. Now you wonder, maybe it wasn't Catherine and Simonel all the time. Who is it? Who's there? As Catherine's voice comes through the darkness, you know you've got to decide. You can answer with either voice, your own or Simonel's. And your decision will mean life or death. Then as suddenly as it came, the panic leaves you. Instantly the whole thing seems clear to you. You were a fool to think otherwise. You are certain that the old man who gave you the note did not make a mistake. That the note was meant for you. And that the bullet in Catherine's gun is also meant for you. But you're sure there's still a way out, aren't you, Chris? Yes. You'll speak to her as Renée Simonel. She'll come to you. Disarming her and taking the briefcase will be easy. You wait for her to speak again. Answer me. Who's there? Do not be afraid, Catherine. It is I, Renée Simonel. The Whistler. Listen next week when once again the United States Air Forces in Europe present The Whistler. The Whistler has come to you through the world.
