Telegrams (Printable Props)

Cut each along the dashed line. Fold. Hand to the appropriate character at the appropriate time. The host's copy of this document tells you when.

Host: Not all telegrams are "in the clear." Some are meant to be left on the table where a curious detective can read them.

Telegram 1 — To Eddie, during Intro

Handed to Eddie by the host after the Hindenburg broadcast. Eddie reads aloud if he wishes.

POST OFFICE TELEGRAMS
URGENT                                       MAY 6 1937

TO:  CAPT E. WINDSOR, LONDON
FROM: HOSPITAL LAKEHURST NEW JERSEY

EMILIA SURVIVED STOP
INJURIES NON LIFE THREATENING STOP
BURNS AND SMOKE INHALATION STOP
WILL CABLE FURTHER ONCE STABLE STOP

--- ---

Telegram 2 — To George, during Intro

Quietly handed to George. He reads in private, pockets it.

POST OFFICE TELEGRAMS
URGENT CONFIDENTIAL                          MAY 7 1937

TO:  G PUTNAM NEW YORK
FROM: REUTERS FIELD OFFICE LAKEHURST

REGARDING PAX MANIFEST STOP
PRIVILEGED LUGGAGE BAY SUSPECTED ORIGIN STOP
INVESTIGATORS REQUESTING DETAILED INTERVIEWS
WITH ALL SURVIVORS STOP
RECOMMEND EMILIA DECLINE PRESS ACCESS
UNTIL LEGAL COUNSEL STOP

--- ---

Telegram 3 — Anonymous, to Josephine, during Act 2

Handed to Josephine by Thomas. No return address. The photograph prop is in the same envelope — or, alternatively, delivered separately but same beat.

POST OFFICE TELEGRAMS
NO ORIGIN                                    JUNE 8 1937

TO:  J SPAH HOTEL ALFONSO SEVILLE
FROM: UNKNOWN

BESSIE LEFT HER SUITE AT DAWN STOP
CAMERA CAUGHT IT STOP
PHOTOGRAPH ENCLOSED STOP
USE HOW YOU WILL STOP

--- ---

Telegram 4 — To Bessie, during Act 3

Handed to Bessie. She reads silently; expression tells the tale.

POST OFFICE TELEGRAMS
URGENT                                       JULY 2 1937

TO:  B W WARFIELD LAE NEW GUINEA
FROM: HOTEL ALFONSO SEVILLE

MAID FOUND SECOND COPY OF PHOTOGRAPH STOP
IN YOUR VANITY DRAWER STOP
DO YOU WISH IT FORWARDED STOP

--- ---

Telegram 5 — To the table, during Act 3 (breaking news)

Thomas reads aloud.

POST OFFICE TELEGRAMS
URGENT ALL STATIONS                          JULY 4 1937

FROM: U S COAST GUARD CUTTER ITASCA HOWLAND

LAST VOICE CONTACT 0843 HRS STOP
AIRCRAFT REPORTED FUEL LOW STOP
ESTIMATED POSITION ON HEADING STOP
PAST 60 HOURS RADIO SILENT STOP
WIDE SEARCH COMMENCING STOP
PROBABILITY SURVIVAL DECREASING STOP

--- ---

Telegram 6 — Intercepted by Thomas, for host discretion

Thomas may reveal this telegram for $5 during Act 3 to any detective.

POST OFFICE TELEGRAMS
INTERCEPTED                                  JULY 1 1937

TO:  T WOODROFFE BBC NEW GUINEA
FROM: G PUTNAM NEW YORK

SECOND PAYMENT ON ARRIVAL STOP
REMINDER ABOUT FUEL STOP
THIRTY FIVE ADDITIONAL FOR DISCRETION STOP

--- ---

How to print

Print on slightly yellowed paper if you have any. Otherwise print on white and age the edges with a tea bag. Fold in thirds. Insert into small envelopes marked "TELEGRAM" if you have them.


Newspaper Clippings (Printable Props)

Cut out. Tape to the host's radio station, or fold and leave on the dinner table.


The London Gazette — May 7, 1937

ZEPPELIN DISASTER AT LAKEHURST 36 Dead. Survivors Recount "A Sea of Fire."

LAKEHURST, N.J. — The German airship Hindenburg, inbound from Frankfurt, was destroyed in a catastrophic fire while mooring last evening. Of the 97 aboard, 36 are reported dead. Survivors described a sudden rupture at the stern, followed within thirty seconds by a "sea of fire" that consumed the ship.

Among the survivors is the American acrobat Miss J. Spah, who reportedly smashed a porthole with a camera and leapt to the ground. "It was the landing of her career," said an eyewitness.

Notably, Miss Amelia Earhart — referred to in some passenger manifests as simply "E." — has also been confirmed among survivors, sustaining only minor injuries. Her husband, the publisher George P. Putnam, was reached for comment at his office in New York.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.


The Times — May 21, 1937

"THE FLEET'S LIT UP" — REPORTER RELIEVED OF MICROPHONE

SPITHEAD — BBC radio announcer Thomas Woodroffe, broadcasting the Royal Navy's Coronation Fleet Review, was relieved of his microphone mid-broadcast last evening after an appraisal of his condition. Woodroffe, invited to describe the illuminated ships from the deck of the HMS Victory, was heard repeating the phrase "the fleet's lit up" at irregular intervals.

The BBC declined to comment on Mr. Woodroffe's state. Mr. Woodroffe was not available for interview.


Le Figaro — June 4, 1937

WINDSORS WED AT CHÂTEAU DE CANDÉ

TOURS — The former King Edward VIII, now styled the Duke of Windsor, married Mrs. Wallis Simpson at Château de Candé yesterday afternoon. The ceremony was attended by fewer than twenty guests. No member of the British Royal Family was present.

The Duke is reported to be in good spirits. His Duchess declined to answer questions about her previous marriages.


El Sol — June 9, 1937

NINE NATIONS AGREE TO PROTECT WHALES

SEVILLA — The International Agreement for the Regulation of Whaling, signed yesterday, commits nine nations to limits on the harvest of Blue, Fin, Humpback, and Sperm whales. Mothers and calves are to be protected. A minimum size limit is established. The agreement comes after years of lobbying from the British Admiralty, notably from the recently-retired Capt. E. Windsor, who was in attendance.

Conservationists have praised the agreement as "the most consequential marine treaty of our generation."


The San Francisco Chronicle — July 4, 1937

EARHART MISSING AT SEA Radio Silent 60 Hours. Widest Air-Sea Search in History.

OAKLAND — Amelia Earhart and her navigator are missing somewhere over the Pacific, authorities confirmed today. Last voice contact was made at 08:43 near Howland Island. Coast Guard cutters, Navy aircraft, and civilian volunteers have mounted what is said to be the widest air-sea search in history.

Asked for comment, her husband, publisher George P. Putnam, said: "A story sells itself. Pray for her return."


How to print

Print all five side-by-side, or one per page. Age with tea. Crumple, then flatten. Place around the host's seat for maximum old-timey-radio effect.