Currently Reading: Green Eyes

I'm currently reading The Shadow story "Green Eyes."  It was originally published on October 1, 1932 and was the 15th Shadow story.  I'm reading the Pyramid paperback edition.  I'm only a few chapters in and it is awesome!  So far, The Shadow has traveled to San Francisco using the disguise of Henry Arnaud.  He is there to uncover the mystery behind the murder of a man on an East bound train.  

The paperback cover was illustrated by Jim Steranko and it is a beautiful illustration.  I like the paperback cover better than the original pulp magazine cover!  Here are a few pictures of the book.

I have been reading The Shadow stories in the order they were printed and have been taking notes to write about them here on the blog.  But I'm reading Green Eyes for entertainment - just for the thrill of reading a page-turning, action packed adventure of The Shadow.  I know eventually I'll re-read the story and write about it, but for now, I'm just enjoying the adventure!

The Shadow Electronic Video Game

I wasn't aware there was a hand-held video game made for the 1994 Shadow movie until recently while I was doing some research on the movie.  I found a few pictures of the game, but couldn't find much else about it.  Finally I was able to track down one of the games still in the package and got it in the mail this past weekend.  Boy, was I excited to open it up and start playing!

Obviously the game was a tie-in for the movie and was made by Tiger Electronics.  Remember, this was in the early 90's before PlayStations and X Boxes were around.  (There was a SNES Shadow game though!)  Here are some pictures of the packaging.

When you play the game, you always play as The Shadow!  On the right hand side of the game you have a punch and kick button to fight the villains with, and you also have a Shadow button that allows you to become invisible to the bad guys.  It's pretty cool because just like in the movie, if the villain has a flashlight, you can be seen!  (Using the Shadow button also drains your energy supply, so use it wisely!)  On the left hand side is your directional buttons so you can move The Shadow to the left and right and jump up in the air.

There are 5 stages to the game.  You are always fighting either Farley Claymore or Shiwan Khan's Mongol villains.  They are armed with guns, knives, flashlights and crossbows.  In levels 4 and 5, you can have help from the lovely Margo Lane!  The game instructions say, "Your powers of telepathy are also felt by her.  When you move over to the far left or far right of the screen, you are able to touch hands with her, which restores your energy level to full."  Also in levels 4 and 5 you face the deadly phurba - the knife Shiwan Khan has power over to make it attack you.

In the final level, you face the invincible Shiwan Khan.  There is a timer counting down to the detonation of an atomic bomb so you must beat Khan before time runs out!  To defeat Shiwan Khan, you must dodge the deadly phurba 10 times.  The game instructions tell us, "If you are able to dodge the phurba 10 times, the phurba will turn on Khan instead of you!  It will plunge itself into Khan and you will WIN the game!"

For such a simple hand-held game it incorporated a lot of the movie into the game play and plot!  I really like the inclusion of Margo Lane and how she can help restore your energy level.  I could imagine a kid loving this game after watching the movie!  I've been having lots of fun playing the game.  I'm not that great at video games, but I finally beat Shiwan Khan - twice!  

Besides the action figure movie tie-ins, there was also this little handheld game.  I hope you've enjoyed this brief look at it!  

Death to The Shadow!

A man bent on revenge accidentally learns the true identity of The Shadow and now he's offering to sell that information to gangdom!  Will his nefarious plan fail?  That's what we have to learn in The Shadow radio episode of "Death to The Shadow!"  This episode originally aired on March 12, 1944.

The story begins with Professor Petro showing of his latest invention to Howard Crane.  Crane leads us to believe he represents a group of wealthy investors who might want to purchase this invention.  Professor Petro's invention is a television-like apparatus that enables him to see things by dialing in street addresses or coordinates.  Wherever there is a tiny bit of light, he can look at that location and watch what is happening there on a small screen.  Crane gives Professor Petro the address to one of his so-called business associates, Dan Gordon.  Petro's invention allows them to look and listen in on Dan Gordon as he gives the combination of his safe to his personal secretary.  In the safe they have just locked up half a million dollars!

Howard Crane seems to pick an address at random and Professor Petro adjusts the dials and they look in on gangster Finger Fenton.  They see another man in the room but Finger doesn't see him!  They listen in as The Shadow warns Finger Fenton that he must stay on the straight and narrow since he just got out of jail and so he doesn't end up in the electric chair like his brother, Killer Fenton.  Crane and Petro are astonished that Finger can't see the other man in the room (The Shadow) and come to the conclusion that Fenton must be hypnotized!  Crane recognizes Lamont Cranston, and hears him talk as The Shadow - now Crane knows the true identity of The Shadow!!!

Crane kills Professor Petro and steals his invention.  He sets up a meeting with Finger Fenton and lays out his plan for profiting off of Petro's invention.  He will give Fenton information on where to steal and rob, and they will split the profits.  And, for a nice sum of money, Crane will tell Fenton who is The Shadow!  Fenton wants to know so he can avenge the death of his brother who was sent to the chair by The Shadow.  The felon Fenton agrees to the plan and the first job is to remove the half million dollars from Dan Gordon's safe as well as exact revenge on men that Crane wants to make pay for ruining him!

With Professor Petro's device, Crane eavesdrops on the police and stymies The Shadow's every move.  Lamont Cranston laments to Margo Lane while visiting her apartment.  Margo opines, "It's like they're able to watch everything you do!"  Margo's comment jogs Lamont's memory  - Professor Petro had talked with Lamont about his device before!  Lamont then figures out he's probably being watched right then and there and so he sets a trap.  He tells Margo that he will be going to an apartment at 10:30 that night to meet an informant with information on the crime wave.  If he is being watched, he expects someone will show up at the apartment and The Shadow will be waiting!

At 10:30 The Shadow finds Lefty waiting for someone in the apartment.  The Shadow unarms him and gets Lefty to rat out the plans.  Meanwhile, Crane has sent henchman to pick up Margo Lane and bring her to him!  After dealing with Lefty, Cranston returns to Margo's apartment to find a scuffle has taken place.  Watching on the television device, Crane calls him and gives him specific instructions on where to go if he wants to see Margo Lane alive again!  Crane watches the television device and sees Cranston obeying his orders!

Crane's plan is quickly foiled as The Shadow suddenly shows up and confronts him and Finger Fenton!  The Shadow is able to smash the television device while Finger Fenton uses his machine gun to try and shoot The Shadow.  Fenton sprays the room with bullets and ends up killing Crane, the man who knew The Shadow's true identity!  

After the police mop up matters at Crane's, Lamont and Margo talk.  Margo asks how Lamont could be seen on the television device and yet show up at Crane's as The Shadow.  It turns out that Cranston had just enough time to contact Commissioner Weston and have a detective that strongly resembled him to act as a decoy - that's who Crane was watching!  This allowed Cranston, as The Shadow, to rescue Margo and destroy the television device.

This was a great radio episode and even I was trying to figure out how Cranston could be watched and yet show up to rescue Margo.  This is an action packed episode and I highly recommend you give it a listen!

In this radio episode, according to the radio logs I was able to find, The Shadow/Lamont Cranston was played by Brett Morrison and Margo Lane was played by Marjorie Anderson.

The Shadow's Appearance

The Shadow's appearance as illustrated on the pulp magazine covers remained consistent throughout it's history.  Let's read some of the ways The Shadow was described in his stories and compare them with his appearance on some of the pulp magazine covers.

This first description comes from The Living Shadow and was the very first Shadow story published.  Here's the first ever description of The Shadow:  "...a tall, black-cloaked figure that might have represented death itself...The stranger's face was entirely obscured by a broad-brimmed felt hat bent downward over his features; and the long, black cloak looked almost like part of the thickening fog."  (pp 7-8)  This is classic Shadow - long black cloak, broad-brimmed hat!

The next description comes from the pages of The Shadow Laughs.  "There stood The Shadow, his face obscured in the raised collar of his cloak; his broad-brimmed hat turned down below his eyes." (p 97)  Notice here that both The Shadow's hat and cloak collar cover portions of his face!

The final description is from Gangdom's Doom.  "A man was standing in the corner.  A black cloak, with lining of crimson, enveloped him.  He wore a large slouch hat, and the turned-down brim obscured his features.  The man's arms were folded in front of his body; his hands were covered with thin black gloves.  He laughed again, softly, but mirthlessly.  The sinister tone of his laugh seemed taunting."  (p107)  This description reveals the lining of The Shadow's cloak is crimson and he wears thin black gloves.  (Note:  Gloves weren't always worn by The Shadow.)

Now the descriptions of The Shadow typically just mention his cloak and hat but I've yet to read a description of what the rest of The Shadow's clothes look like.  But I haven't read all of The Shadow stories yet, so they just might be there!  The pulp magazine covers present The Shadow as wearing a suite and tie underneath his cloak.

I sometimes wonder why The Shadow is always dressed so dapper to face danger.  But then I remember that back in those days, men always dressed up.  Even in the 1950s you wouldn't see a gentleman leaving home without a coat and tie!  If you watch an episode or two of the classic 1950s TV show Leave It To Beaver you'll see what I mean!

The black wide-brimmed slouch hat and black crimson-lined cloak added to the mystery of The Shadow whenever he appeared.  They truly added to the terror and fear felt by gangdom whenever they encountered the Dark Avenger!

The Shadow Movie (1994) Sequels

I've been reading the 1994 official magazine for The Shadow movie lately.  I was excited and saddened to read that there were hopes for sequels to the movie.  I was excited because I would really love to see a sequel.  However, I was saddened because there have been no sequels because, sadly, the movie wasn't very well received.

In the magazine article "Beside the Light," there is some insight from The Shadow movie producer Martin Bregman.  The article states, "And if Martin Bregman has made the right choices, and The Shadow is a movie blockbuster, will sequels be in the offing?  'If this film is successful,' Bregman says, flatly, 'then absolutely.'"

The second indication that there were hopes for Shadow sequels comes from an interview with screenwriter David Koepp.  In the article "Through the Heart" Koepp says, "'The thing that made me want (Shiwan) Khan was that I knew in the first film - and God willing, there will be more - it would give a chance to tie the villain to The Shadow's past...'"  David Koepp was obviously looking forward to sequels for The Shadow movie!

Had the 1994 Shadow movie had been a blockbuster, I'm sure - based on these interviews - we would have seen a sequel or two.  But sadly there have been no sequels, and at this point, I wouldn't want a remake of this movie but would prefer a totally new one.  I strongly believe that any one of the over 300 Shadow pulp stories would make a fantastic movie!

Excerpts from The Shadow Laughs

The Shadow Laughs was the third Shadow story published.  It was featured in the October 1, 1931 edition of The Shadow magazine.  This was my second time reading the story and I wanted to share some great excerpts from parts of the adventure.  The issue that I read was the 1969 Bantam paperback edition.  

One thing I've noticed is how both the presence of The Shadow and just the mere mention of his name can strike terror into the hearts of gangsters and villains.  Here are just a few excerpts to show this:

"Spotter trembled as he crouched behind the boxes.  He gulped and repressed a terrified gasp....he was awed by a shadowy Phantom...Stark fear ruled the cunning gangster...It was half an hour before the terrorized crook dared to crawl from his hiding place." (page 80)

"The old man hesitated before pronouncing the name.  Birdie Crull listened intently.  "The Shadow!"  At these words from the lips of Isaac Coffran, Birdie Crull half rose from his chair.  The murderer, with all his nerve, felt the pangs of terror when he heard that name." (page 50)

"But now they saw a tall, black-clad figure at the other side of the room.  The sable form stood motionless.  It loomed like a specter from the world beyond. It had come like a messenger of vengeance.  "The Shadow!" The words burst from Tiger Bronson's twitching lips.  The figure in black did not move....The low, hollow laugh came from beneath the brim of the turned-down hat.  Tiger Bronson shuddered inwardly...."Tiger Bronson," said The Shadow, in a voice that seemed the pronunciation of a judgment, "you sought to lure me to this place.  I am here...You have twice sought to injure me," said The Shadow in his solemn, horrifying voice.  "Twice before.  This is the third time.  Your efforts are impotent.  Those who have thrice sought to injure me invariably suffer."  (page 123)

Just reading these brings some awesome imagery into mind of The Shadow suddenly appearing and causing fear, panic and disorder.  This is truly great writing by Walter Gibson! 

Shadow Beware

Front Cover

Shadow Beware was the third Shadow paperback published by Belmont Books.  It was published on January 1, 1965.  Dennis Lynds authored the book and used the Maxwell Grant pen-name on the cover.

Back Cover

Compared with The Shadow Strikes, this was a much better story.  It's story-line was full of great twists, and it was written in a similar style to the pulp stories.  When I got to the last 60 pages or so, I couldn't put it down until I finished it.

Let me give a spoiler alert before I get into a brief review of the story.  I'm going to reveal information about the characters and the ending, so if you don't want to know them until after you read the book yourself, you may want to skip the next section!

The story begins in London - a bad part of London - and the murder of an American Peace Corps worker. George Paulson was a field supervisor with the Peace Corps stationed in New Guinea, so why was he murdered in an alley in the east end of London? And why would NY Police Commissioner Weston, Lamont Cranston and The Shadow be involved?  The murdered Peace Corps worker is George Paulson.  We soon learn that he was one of Commissioner Weston's homicide detectives, so Scotland Yard asks Weston to come and assist in the investigation.  Weston invites his friend and amateur criminologist, Lamont Cranston, to assist as well.

When Paulson was murdered, he was carrying a briefcase that had been stolen from his body.  He was found in an alley, smelling of booze, armed with a pistol in a waist holster, and had been shot once at point-blank range.  Paulson's Peace Corps supervisors knew nothing of his trip to London, and the US Embassy gets involved in the investigation as well when Embassy worker Jeff Byrd meets with Weston, Cranston and the investigators from Scotland Yard.

The Shadow's investigation leads him to travel to New Guinea, Australia, and Paris (disguised as Kent Allard).  And as Lamont Cranston/The Shadow he travels to Scotland where the mystery is solved and untangled.

We discover that George Paulson was actually working for the CIA undercover as a Peace Corps worker.  He uncovered a hi-jacking ring that substituted real drugs for watered down or fake drugs.  These were huge pallets of medicinal supplies used by the Peace Corps to help the people in New Guinea and various countries.  The fake/watered down drugs had caused the death of many people.  Paulson had found a clew on one of the last pallets and that is what lead him to London.  He was murdered by US Embassy worker Jeff Byrd, who was also a CIA agent working undercover in the Embassy.  Byrd murdered Paulson because he was in on the hi-jacking ring.  The mastermind behind the hi-jacking ring was Jasper Lorring, a Scottish businessman who once had a business deal with Lamont Cranston when he met him in the Cobalt Club in the past.

The Shadow deals death to the gang - using his bare hands and borrowed weapons.  In the end, The Shadow triumphs.  The Shadow says, "Evil begets evil and dies of its own horror."

In this book we learn that Lamont Cranston has an apartment and business office in London located on the top floor of a private hotel named The Lancaster.  It is in Kensington (west London).  In this office, in a secret room, is The Shadow's London sanctum.  It is described as "a room where a deep bluish light glowed from an unseen source..." (page 51).  In this sanctum he communicates with Burbank via a communication device activated by his girasol ring.  We also learn that when disguised as Kent Allard, he has an apartment in Paris on St. Germaine-Des-Pres.  It's also revealed that Lamont Cranston always takes a daily swim and he also smokes cigarettes (which was quite fashionable for James Bond type spies in the 60s!).

Locations:
Cobalt Club - mentioned as the place Lamont Cranston previously met the villain Jasper Lorring.
The Burgoyne Club - Lamont Cranston visits this club to take a steam bath and his daily swim.
The Lancaster - Cranston's apartment and business office in London.

Vehicles:
Lamont Cranston is chauffeured by Stanley in a Rolls Royce with a special engine.

1965 Rolls Royce

Lamont Cranston drives an Austin-Healy.

1965 Austin-Healy

Agents:

Margo Lane.  We learn that Margo has blue eyes.  She does some investigative work and is kidnapped by Jasper Lorring and rescued by The Shadow.

Burbank.  Burbank does his usual role of facilitating communication between The Shadow and his agents.  He also spearheads investigative work in New York while The Shadow is in London.

Stanley.  Stanley chauffers Lamont Cranston around London in his Rolls Royce.  We learn he carries a .45 automatic.  Interestingly, Stanley disguises himself as Lamont Cranston so The Shadow can continue his investigation outside of London!

Bombardier Bill Mace.  Bombardier is Shadow agent #109 and this is the first time he's mentioned.  He's a British army veteran and former English middle-weight boxing champion.  As The Shadow's agent, he portrays himself as a shady, punch-drunk former boxer.

Marcel Guyot.  Marcel is one of The Shadow's agents in Paris, this is his first appearance.  He is a taxi driver and his cab is equipped with a secret radio for communicating with The Shadow.

This story reveals that The Shadow has a network of agents worldwide.  Another interesting aspect of the story is his agents wear an opal ring that lights up and acts as a homing device to meet face to face with The Shadow.

The Shadow:
We learn a few new things about The Shadow.  We learn that he has the ability to see in darkness and through fog.  Even while sleeping he can detect the slightest disturbance in the air or hint of danger.  He can avoid detection from dogs.  He has extensive martial arts training and can kill with his bare hands.  He can use the power of his mind to open electronic locks, and to deaden the feelings of pain.  He uses his famous line, "The weed of crime bears bitter fruit" (page 154).  His voice and laugh are described as eerie, chilling and hard.  One of the best descriptions of The Shadow is on page 88, "Two burning eyes turned toward him and the girasol ring glowed red in the dark with enough light to show a sharp, hawk nose beneath the slouch hat of The Shadow."

In this story The Shadow uses the disguises of Lamont Cranston, Kent Allard and Phineas Twambly.  In his London sanctum, Cranston accesses a file on Kent Allard that tracks Allard's whereabouts!

Shadow Beware was an exciting adventure that I enjoyed reading.  It introduces us to some new Shadow agents and reveals a few new things about The Shadow and his alter-ego, Lamont Cranston.  I hope you've enjoyed this brief review of the book!