The Adventures of Superman

Batman's Great Mystery
Chapter 8 of 11 - February 11, 1948

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Dated Death

Narrator

A mysterious man who calls himself Jones, and who is fanatically opposed to our aiding the unfortunate peoples of Europe, developed a vicious and cunning plot to further his selfish cause, and at the same time enrich himself. Learning that the famous Batman was really the wealthy Bruce Wayne, Jones persuaded Superman's friend to go away with him. Then, Jones sent an impersonator to Metropolis, who, impersonating Batman, made speeches against American aid to Europe and led Robin, Batman's young companion, into an ambush. Then, chaining the dynamic duo in an old Revolutionary prison barracks far upstate, Jones and the impersonator return to Metropolis to take possession of Batman's large fortune. Superman, who suspects the truth, has contacted all Metropolis banks, and as we continue now, he has streaked to the Metropolis Trust Company in response to a phone call. There, in his guise as reporter Clark Kent, he hurries to the desk of Frank Anders, the bank's manager.

The impostor should have impersonated Bruce Wayne, not Batman, for Batman would have no need to keep a bank account under his own name. The exigencies of children's radio. Kent
Anders

Hello, Mr. Anders. Where's Batman?

(a reedy, fussy voice) Hello, Mr. Kent.

Kent

Where's Batman, I don't see him?

Anders

Well, he's gone.

Kent

Gone! But you said....!

Anders

Yes, when he came up from the safety deposit vaults I tried to detain him, but he said he was in a great hurry.

Kent

Where did he go? Which way?

Anders

Well, I... I...I don't know. He left, just after I called you. With his friend, Mr. Jones.

Kent

Jones! Then it was Bru...I mean, Batman's impersonator, just as I thought.

Anders

Impersonator? What do you mean?

Kent

Look, Mr. Anders, please call Inspector Henderson and tell him the phony Batman just left here.

Anders

But...I...I..I don't understand.

Kent

Please do as I say. Right away! I'll explain later.

MUSIC

This alley is deserted. So out of these clothes. This is a job for SUPERMAN. AND A TOUGH JOB. THE PHONY BATMAN AND JONES COULD HAVE TAKEN A SUBWAY OR A BUS OR A TAXI OR GOT AWAY IN THEIR OWN CAR. HOWEVER THEY'VE GONE I MUST FIND THEM. THERE WE ARE. ALL SET. UP, UP AND AWAY.

FLYING

MUSIC

Lois

Yes, Inspector. I'll tell him as soon as he comes in. No, I have no idea where he is. Right, goodbye.

REPLACES RECEIVER

SOUND OF SUPERMAN LANDING

Oh, Clark! Where have you been?

Kent

Where haven't I been, Lois. Listen, has there been any word from Inspector Henderson?

Lois

Yes, he just called.

Kent

Did he pick up the phony Batman?

Lois

No, he's still looking. There was...

Kent

Oh, I was afraid of that. I couldn't find him either There were too many ways he could escape. Subway, bus, taxi, private car.

Lois

Why are you so sure it was the phony Batman who came to the bank, Clark?

Kent

Because that Jones character was with him!

Lois

He was?

Kent

Sure! They forged Batman's signature, opened his safe deposit boxes and took his whole fortune.

Lois

Good heavens!

Kent

I'm sure we'll never see the real Batman and Robin again because Jones can't let them live, now.

Lois

Oh, Clark, what do we do?

Kent

I don't know, Lois. I don't know. Look, what about the recording of Jones' voice? Any luck with that?

Lois

No, not yet.

Kent

Oh, that's bad.

Lois

The Daily Planet radio station has been broadcasting the record every hour, and repeating our offer of ten thousand dollars for anyone who can identify Jones' voice and tell us who he really is.

Kent

Still no takers?

Lois

No, not a single once. I've checked with the other stations all over the country who have been playing the recording too.

Kent

No soap there, either?

Lois

Just several false leads. Jones has been identified as a famous movie actor, a cabinet official, a champion prizefighter, you know.

Kent

Uh, huh.

Lois

But I guess we have to expect those things.

Kent

Yes, I know we do. But I was hoping someone would identify him correctly because it's obvious from the way he works that he's no small-time operator. Lots of people must know him.

Lois

But then I'm sure someone will definitely identify him soon, Clark.

Kent

They'd better hurry, Lois. Otherwise I'm afraid we've seen the last of Batman and Robin.

Narrator

MUSIC

As the afternoon darkens towards evening Clark Kent and Lois Lane continue to wait anxiously for someone to identify the mysterious and evil Mr. Jones, Batman and Robin in their ancient prison barracks have been trying desperately to try to free themselves from the heavy rusted shackles. In the long, low dimly lit room, where their ankles are chained to iron staples embedded in the wall beams, the dynamic duo have been bracing their feet against the wall , then throwing themselves back violently against their chains, hoping to snap them, or to pull the heavy staples from the beams. Each time they lock their teeth tightly to keep from crying out as the cruel chains cut into the flesh of their ankles.

Robin

Ow...it's no use Batman, these chains won't break and oh...these staples won't come out.

Batman

Afraid you're right, Robin. Whew! My leg is as raw as fresh beef.

Robin

So's mine. What are we going to do, Batman? Jones and his phony Batman will be back soon with your bankroll, and you know what happens then.

Batman

All I know is what Jones said would happen.

Robin

That's bad because he wasn't kidding.

Batman

I know, but take it easy, chum. We're not cooked geese yet.

Robin

Maybe not yet, we're all trussed up and ready for the oven, though. Oh, boy, I never thought we'd go out this way, chained up like a couple of dogs.

Batman

Look, cut it out, will ya? I said we're not finished yet.

Robin

You wanna bet?

Batman

Well, not too much, but a small wager.

Robin

Stop trying to cheer me up, pappy. You know as well I do that we're done for, unless our fairy godmother sneaks a cake in here with a nice big file inside.

Batman

Yeah. How I'd love to have a nice big file right now.

Robin

I wouldn't even mind seeing a cake. Exercising with those chains works up an appetite.

Batman

Remind me of that later. I'll run out and buy you a steak.

Robin

Hey, when is the last time you ate, Batman?

Batman

Yester....Holy smokes!

Robin

Hey, never shout like that at a man when he's hungry.

Batman

Cut the comedy, Robin. I just thought of something.

Robin

A way to get out of here, I hope?

Batman

Nothing else but. Your talking about food gave me an idea.

Robin

Go on, spill it. I'm all ears.

Batman

Up until today when they brought you in I've been fed fairly regularly by two of Jones playmates. Ugly gorillas with guns been bringing me a tray. One of them would keep me covered while the other one set the tray down where I could reach it. You get the picture?

Robin

Sure, but what are you driving at?

Batman

Well, there are two of us here now, see. So if we can get the gorillas to bring us some food before Jones comes back, and coax them within reach of our chains...

Robin

We grab them, give 'em a quick going over and suggest they remove are leg braces.

Batman

Surprising how quickly you catch on, son. C'mon, let's yell and see if we can raise the chef. Hey!!

Robin

Hey, fellow.. Where's the waiter with the water for my daughter?

Batman

Waiter!

Robin

Hey.

Batman

Sheriff! Somebody!

Robin

Come on!

Thug

Shaddup! Whaddyou guys want?

Batman

We want something to eat!

Robin

Yeah, we're starving. How about a ham sandwich a piece, buddy.

Thug

Forget it. Mr. Jones didn't say nuthin' about feedin' ya.

Batman

Look, you've been bringing me food every day haven't you?

Thug

Well, yeah, but Mr. Jones...

Batman

Well, he must have forgotten to tell ya. So be a good guy, will ya, and bring us something to eat. Anything.

Robin

Even a glass of water will do. Just a glass of water.

Thug

Well, I guess I can do that.

Batman

Attaboy.

SOUND OF CAR DRAWING UP

Thug

Hey, waitaminnit. Car just pulled up. Must be Mr. Jones now.

Robin

Oh, what a break.

Batman

Never mind him. Bring us the water. Hurry!

Thug

Wait'll I see. Yeah, it is Mr. Jones. I'll ask him about something for you guys.

Robin

(Low voice) Oh, I'll know what Jones will say.

Batman

(Low voice) Yeah, he'll say it with a bullet.

Robin

Well, I guess it was a good idea, Batman.

Batman

Yes, Robin, it was. But it came a little too late. And there goes our last chance.

Narrator

MUSIC

Their last hope gone, as Batman and Robin in the prison barracks upstate see Mr. Jones enter the room in which they are chained, Lois Lane in Metropolis has just rushed in to Clark Kent's office at the Daily Planet.

Lois

Clark! Oh, Clark, hurry!

Kent

What's the matter, Lois? What's up?

Lois

They just called down from our radio station to say that a man showed up there who says he knows who Mr. Jones is!

Kent

No kidding!

Lois

Yes, he's upstairs now, waiting for us. Hurry, Clark, he may really...

Kent

Out of my way, Lois, I'm practically up there now!

Narrator

Racing past Lois Lane like an arrow shot from a bow, Clark Kent sprints through the city room into the corridor and then, out of sight, leaves his feet and zooms up the eight flights of steps to the radio as only Superman can.

Does the unknown man in the radio studio really know who the mysterious Mr. Jones is, or is this another false lead? And if he does know, can he direct Clark Kent who is Superman, to the upstate prison barracks in time to save the lives of Batman and Robin? Whatever you do, don't miss tomorrow's thrilling episode, fellows and girls, as the unexpected happens, and the suspense grows! Tune in same time, same station, for CHAPTER 9 OF BATMAN'S GREAT MYSTERY ON THE ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN.

Superman is a copyrighted feature appearing in Superman DC Comics Magazine, and is brought to you Monday through Friday at this same time.

This page last updated on February 21, 2002.

Thank you
so much

Dated Death	Narrator	A mysterious man who calls himself Jones, and who is fanatically opposed to our aiding the unfortunate peoples of Europe, developed a vicious and cunning plot to further his selfish cause, and at the same time enrich himself. Learning that the famous Batman was really the wealthy Bruce Wayne, Jones persuaded Superman's friend to go away with him. Then, Jones sent an impersonator to Metropolis, who, impersonating Batman, made speeches against American aid to Europe and led Robin, Batman's young companion, into an ambush. Then, chaining the dynamic duo in an old Revolutionary prison barracks far upstate, Jones and the impersonator return to Metropolis to take possession of Batman's large fortune. Superman, who suspects the truth, has contacted all Metropolis banks, and as we continue now, he has streaked to the Metropolis Trust Company in response to a phone call. There, in his guise as reporter Clark Kent, he hurries to the desk of Frank Anders, the bank's manager.
The impostor should have impersonated Bruce Wayne, not Batman, for Batman would have no need to keep a bank account under his own name. The exigencies of children's radio.	Kent Anders	Hello, Mr. Anders. Where's Batman? (a reedy, fussy voice) Hello, Mr. Kent.
	Kent	Where's Batman, I don't see him?
	Anders	Well, he's gone.
	Kent	Gone! But you said....!
	Anders	Yes, when he came up from the safety deposit vaults I tried to detain him, but he said he was in a great hurry.
	Kent	Where did he go? Which way?
	Anders	Well, I... I...I don't know. He left, just after I called you. With his friend, Mr. Jones.
	Kent	Jones! Then it was Bru...I mean, Batman's impersonator, just as I thought.
	Anders	Impersonator? What do you mean?
	Kent	Look, Mr. Anders, please call Inspector Henderson and tell him the phony Batman just left here.
	Anders	But...I...I..I don't understand.
	Kent	Please do as I say. Right away! I'll explain later. MUSIC This alley is deserted. So out of these clothes. This is a job for SUPERMAN. AND A TOUGH JOB. THE PHONY BATMAN AND JONES COULD HAVE TAKEN A SUBWAY OR A BUS OR A TAXI OR GOT AWAY IN THEIR OWN CAR. HOWEVER THEY'VE GONE I MUST FIND THEM. THERE WE ARE. ALL SET. UP, UP AND AWAY. FLYING MUSIC
	Lois	Yes, Inspector. I'll tell him as soon as he comes in. No, I have no idea where he is. Right, goodbye. REPLACES RECEIVER SOUND OF SUPERMAN LANDING Oh, Clark! Where have you been?
	Kent	Where haven't I been, Lois. Listen, has there been any word from Inspector Henderson?
	Lois	Yes, he just called.
	Kent	Did he pick up the phony Batman?
	Lois	No, he's still looking. There was...
	Kent	Oh, I was afraid of that. I couldn't find him either There were too many ways he could escape. Subway, bus, taxi, private car.
	Lois	Why are you so sure it was the phony Batman who came to the bank, Clark?
	Kent	Because that Jones character was with him!
	Lois	He was?
	Kent	Sure! They forged Batman's signature, opened his safe deposit boxes and took his whole fortune.
	Lois	Good heavens!
	Kent	I'm sure we'll never see the real Batman and Robin again because Jones can't let them live, now.
	Lois	Oh, Clark, what do we do?
	Kent	I don't know, Lois. I don't know. Look, what about the recording of Jones' voice? Any luck with that?
	Lois	No, not yet.
	Kent	Oh, that's bad.
	Lois	The Daily Planet radio station has been broadcasting the record every hour, and repeating our offer of ten thousand dollars for anyone who can identify Jones' voice and tell us who he really is.
	Kent	Still no takers?
	Lois	No, not a single once. I've checked with the other stations all over the country who have been playing the recording too.
	Kent	No soap there, either?
	Lois	Just several false leads. Jones has been identified as a famous movie actor, a cabinet official, a champion prizefighter, you know.
	Kent	Uh, huh.
	Lois	But I guess we have to expect those things.
	Kent	Yes, I know we do. But I was hoping someone would identify him correctly because it's obvious from the way he works that he's no small-time operator. Lots of people must know him.
	Lois	But then I'm sure someone will definitely identify him soon, Clark.
	Kent	They'd better hurry, Lois. Otherwise I'm afraid we've seen the last of Batman and Robin.
	Narrator	MUSIC As the afternoon darkens towards evening Clark Kent and Lois Lane continue to wait anxiously for someone to identify the mysterious and evil Mr. Jones, Batman and Robin in their ancient prison barracks have been trying desperately to try to free themselves from the heavy rusted shackles. In the long, low dimly lit room, where their ankles are chained to iron staples embedded in the wall beams, the dynamic duo have been bracing their feet against the wall , then throwing themselves back violently against their chains, hoping to snap them, or to pull the heavy staples from the beams. Each time they lock their teeth tightly to keep from crying out as the cruel chains cut into the flesh of their ankles.
	Robin	Ow...it's no use Batman, these chains won't break and oh...these staples won't come out.
	Batman	Afraid you're right, Robin. Whew! My leg is as raw as fresh beef.
	Robin	So's mine. What are we going to do, Batman? Jones and his phony Batman will be back soon with your bankroll, and you know what happens then.
	Batman	All I know is what Jones said would happen.
	Robin	That's bad because he wasn't kidding.
	Batman	I know, but take it easy, chum. We're not cooked geese yet.
	Robin	Maybe not yet, we're all trussed up and ready for the oven, though. Oh, boy, I never thought we'd go out this way, chained up like a couple of dogs.
	Batman	Look, cut it out, will ya? I said we're not finished yet.
	Robin	You wanna bet?
	Batman	Well, not too much, but a small wager.
	Robin	Stop trying to cheer me up, pappy. You know as well I do that we're done for, unless our fairy godmother sneaks a cake in here with a nice big file inside.
	Batman	Yeah. How I'd love to have a nice big file right now.
	Robin	I wouldn't even mind seeing a cake. Exercising with those chains works up an appetite.
	Batman	Remind me of that later. I'll run out and buy you a steak.
	Robin	Hey, when is the last time you ate, Batman?
	Batman	Yester....Holy smokes!
	Robin	Hey, never shout like that at a man when he's hungry.
	Batman	Cut the comedy, Robin. I just thought of something.
	Robin	A way to get out of here, I hope?
	Batman	Nothing else but. Your talking about food gave me an idea.
	Robin	Go on, spill it. I'm all ears.
	Batman	Up until today when they brought you in I've been fed fairly regularly by two of Jones playmates. Ugly gorillas with guns been bringing me a tray. One of them would keep me covered while the other one set the tray down where I could reach it. You get the picture?
	Robin	Sure, but what are you driving at?
	Batman	Well, there are two of us here now, see. So if we can get the gorillas to bring us some food before Jones comes back, and coax them within reach of our chains...
	Robin	We grab them, give 'em a quick going over and suggest they remove are leg braces.
	Batman	Surprising how quickly you catch on, son. C'mon, let's yell and see if we can raise the chef. Hey!!
	Robin	Hey, fellow.. Where's the waiter with the water for my daughter?
	Batman	Waiter!
	Robin	Hey.
	Batman	Sheriff! Somebody!
	Robin	Come on!
	Thug	Shaddup! Whaddyou guys want?
	Batman	We want something to eat!
	Robin	Yeah, we're starving. How about a ham sandwich a piece, buddy.
	Thug	Forget it. Mr. Jones didn't say nuthin' about feedin' ya.
	Batman	Look, you've been bringing me food every day haven't you?
	Thug	Well, yeah, but Mr. Jones...
	Batman	Well, he must have forgotten to tell ya. So be a good guy, will ya, and bring us something to eat. Anything.
	Robin	Even a glass of water will do. Just a glass of water.
	Thug	Well, I guess I can do that.
	Batman	Attaboy. SOUND OF CAR DRAWING UP
	Thug	Hey, waitaminnit. Car just pulled up. Must be Mr. Jones now.
	Robin	Oh, what a break.
	Batman	Never mind him. Bring us the water. Hurry!
	Thug	Wait'll I see. Yeah, it is Mr. Jones. I'll ask him about something for you guys.
	Robin	(Low voice) Oh, I'll know what Jones will say.
	Batman	(Low voice) Yeah, he'll say it with a bullet.
	Robin	Well, I guess it was a good idea, Batman.
	Batman	Yes, Robin, it was. But it came a little too late. And there goes our last chance.
	Narrator	MUSIC Their last hope gone, as Batman and Robin in the prison barracks upstate see Mr. Jones enter the room in which they are chained, Lois Lane in Metropolis has just rushed in to Clark Kent's office at the Daily Planet.
	Lois	Clark! Oh, Clark, hurry!
	Kent	What's the matter, Lois? What's up?
	Lois	They just called down from our radio station to say that a man showed up there who says he knows who Mr. Jones is!
	Kent	No kidding!
	Lois	Yes, he's upstairs now, waiting for us. Hurry, Clark, he may really...
	Kent	Out of my way, Lois, I'm practically up there now!
	Narrator	Racing past Lois Lane like an arrow shot from a bow, Clark Kent sprints through the city room into the corridor and then, out of sight, leaves his feet and zooms up the eight flights of steps to the radio as only Superman can. Does the unknown man in the radio studio really know who the mysterious Mr. Jones is, or is this another false lead? And if he does know, can he direct Clark Kent who is Superman, to the upstate prison barracks in time to save the lives of Batman and Robin? Whatever you do, don't miss tomorrow's thrilling episode, fellows and girls, as the unexpected happens, and the suspense grows! Tune in same time, same station, for CHAPTER 9 OF BATMAN'S GREAT MYSTERY ON THE ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN. Superman is a copyrighted feature appearing in Superman DC Comics Magazine, and is brought to you Monday through Friday at this same time.