The Shadow - The Bride of Death March 6, 1938

"The Bride of Death," an episode of the radio drama The Shadow aired on March 6, 1938, follows the mysterious crime-fighter, The Shadow, as he unravels a sinister plot. In this episode, The Shadow, using his ability to "cloud men’s minds," investigates a series of eerie events tied to a young woman seemingly doomed to a deadly fate. The narrative involves a cult-like group led by a charismatic yet malevolent figure, who manipulates victims through fear and superstition. With his companion Margo Lane, The Shadow navigates a web of deception, confronting the mastermind in a tense climax to save the innocent and bring justice. The episode, typical of the series, blends suspense, psychological intrigue, and action, emphasizing The Shadow’s dual identity as Lamont Cranston.
Cast and Roles
Orson Welles as The Shadow (Lamont Cranston): The vigilante hero with hypnotic powers to become invisible and manipulate minds.

Agnes Moorehead as Margo Lane: The Shadow’s companion, aiding in investigations with sharp intuition.

John Archer as Various Characters: Supporting roles, likely including villains or victims (common for radio actors of the era).

Dwight Weist as Announcer/Various Characters: Delivered the show’s introduction and voiced minor roles.

Ken Roberts as Announcer: Provided opening and closing narration, setting the tone for the episode.

Note: Exact cast details for this specific episode are based on typical The Shadow performers in 1938, as individual episode credits are often incomplete.
News in the USA - Week of March 6, 1938
Economic Recovery Efforts: The U.S. was grappling with the "Roosevelt Recession" of 1937-1938. President Franklin D. Roosevelt pushed for increased New Deal spending to combat unemployment, which hovered around 19%. Debates raged in Congress over public works funding versus budget cuts.

Labor Unrest: Strikes intensified, particularly in the auto and steel industries. The Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) gained traction, organizing workers in Detroit and Pittsburgh, sparking tensions with management and local authorities.

Hollywood News: The Academy Awards, held on March 10, 1938, saw The Life of Emile Zola win Best Picture. Spencer Tracy and Luise Rainer took top acting honors, reflecting Hollywood’s growing cultural influence.

Supreme Court Developments: The Supreme Court, still reeling from FDR’s 1937 court-packing plan, upheld key New Deal legislation, including the Wagner Act, strengthening labor rights.

News in the World - Week of March 6, 1938
Anschluss Imminent: In Austria, Nazi pressure intensified as Chancellor Kurt Schuschnigg faced demands from Adolf Hitler for concessions. On March 9, Schuschnigg announced a plebiscite to preserve Austrian independence, a move that would soon lead to the Nazi annexation (Anschluss) on March 12.

Spanish Civil War: The Nationalist forces, led by Francisco Franco, launched a major offensive in Aragon, Spain, overwhelming Republican defenses. The conflict drew global attention, with volunteers and supplies flowing to both sides.

Japanese Aggression in China: Japan’s invasion of China escalated, with brutal campaigns in Nanjing and Shanghai. The League of Nations condemned Japan’s actions but imposed no significant sanctions, highlighting its ineffectiveness.

British Appeasement: In the UK, Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain pursued appeasement with Germany, downplaying Hitler’s aggression in hopes of avoiding war. This policy faced growing criticism from figures like Winston Churchill.