The Shadow - The Silent Avenger March 13, 1938

"The Silent Avenger," aired on March 13, 1938, is an episode of the radio drama The Shadow. A convicted murderer, Joe Brecker, facing execution, manipulates his war-veteran brother, Danny Brecker, into seeking revenge on those responsible for his death sentence. Joe swears that each day he remains in prison, one member of the jury, the judge, or others involved will die. As the predicted victims begin to perish under mysterious circumstances, The Shadow, using his hypnotic powers to cloud minds, intervenes to uncover the plot. With Margo Lane’s assistance, The Shadow tracks Danny, a shell-shocked former sniper, and confronts the psychological and criminal forces at play. The episode blends suspense, moral complexity, and supernatural intrigue, culminating in a dramatic resolution where justice prevails.

Cast and Roles
Orson Welles as The Shadow (Lamont Cranston): The vigilante hero who uses mental powers to become invisible and thwart crime.

Agnes Moorehead as Margo Lane: The Shadow’s companion, aiding with insight and courage in the investigation.

John Archer as Danny Brecker (speculative): Likely voiced the manipulated brother, a key figure in the revenge plot.

Dwight Weist as Joe Brecker/Supporting Characters: Versatile actor, possibly played the death-row convict or minor roles like jurors.

Ken Roberts as Announcer/Commissioner Weston: Provided narration and likely voiced the police commissioner, a recurring character.

Note: Exact cast details for this episode are inferred from typical The Shadow performers in 1938, as specific credits are incomplete. Roles like Danny and Joe Brecker are assigned based on plot details and actor versatility.

News in the USA - Week of March 13, 1938
Roosevelt Recession: The U.S. economy struggled with high unemployment (around 19%) during the 1937–1938 recession. President Franklin D. Roosevelt proposed increased New Deal spending, clashing with conservative calls for budget cuts.

Labor Tensions: Strikes continued in the auto and steel industries, with the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) organizing workers. Violent clashes between strikers and police were reported in Midwest factory towns.

Cultural Events: The film Jezebel, starring Bette Davis, premiered, boosting Hollywood’s influence. Radio dramas like The Shadow remained a popular escape for Americans facing economic hardship.

Political Debates: Congressional hearings focused on antitrust laws, targeting monopolies in railroads and utilities, reflecting public frustration with corporate power.

News in the World - Week of March 13, 1938
Anschluss in Austria: On March 12, Nazi Germany annexed Austria (the Anschluss), following Chancellor Kurt Schuschnigg’s resignation under Hitler’s pressure. The move shocked the world, escalating fears of German aggression.

Spanish Civil War: Francisco Franco’s Nationalist forces gained ground in Aragon, overpowering Republican troops. The war’s brutality, including aerial bombings, drew condemnation but little intervention from Western powers.

Sino-Japanese War: Japan’s invasion of China intensified, with Japanese forces advancing in Shandong. Reports of atrocities, including the Nanjing Massacre’s aftermath, stirred global outrage.

British Appeasement: Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain resisted calls for confrontation with Germany, prioritizing diplomacy. Critics, including Winston Churchill, warned of Hitler’s growing threat.