The Shadow not only kept millions of radio listeners glued to their radios for over 25 years, but became a hero to most.
Hidden away in a sanctum in the heart of New York City, a being in black ponders beneath a blue light and chuckles slyly to himself as he peruses reports of his secret agents.
For The Shadow knows!
One of the most popular radio shows in history debuted in August 1930 when "The Shadow" went on the air.
"Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows!" The opening lines of the "Detective Story" program captivated listeners and are instantly recognizable even today. Originally the narrator of the series of macabre tales, the eerie voice known as The Shadow became so popular to listeners that "Detective Story" was soon renamed "The Shadow," and the narrator became the star of the old-time mystery radio series, which ran until 1954.
A figure who never was seen, but only heard.
The Shadow was an invincible crime fighter. He possessed many gifts which enabled him to overcome any enemy. Besides his tremendous strength, he could defy gravity, speak any language, unravel any code, and become invisible with his famous ability to "cloud men's minds."
The Shadow takes on the personality and the identity of Lamont Cranston, big-game hunter and explorer. There is a real Lamont Cranston, but he spends most of his time in far-flung corners of the world; and it is with his permission that The Shadow adopts his identity.
Thus does The Shadow go forth to battle crime - to vanquish his foe of the underworld and make justice triumph. Trailing his actions is his weird, chilling laugh - the signal for the law to attack; the omen that makes crooks cringe in fear.
No matter what the crime, no matter how diabolical the plan, justice will triumph. Crime does not pay! The Shadow knows!
The Shadow's exploits were also avidly followed by readers in The Shadow magazine, which began in 1931 following the huge success of the old-time mystery radio program. Whenever asked about his identity, the uncanny voice he answered with, "The Shadow knows!" and started laughing a nightmarish laugh. A laugh so unusual that no one was able duplicate, although many imitators had tried. .
The Shadow's final fate and current activities remain unknown. He apparently vanished from public view several decades ago. So what happened to him? Where is he now? Only The Shadow Knows! And maybe I do as well....