May 8, 2024 • 32 mins
Gene and Vlasta seek to rescue Gene's father while exposing the KGB's largest Cold War operation.
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Speaker 1 (00:07):
As important as choosing the right destination when traveling is
choosing the right travel partner. Much of the joy you
will find on the road comes from the person you
share it with. There is nothing better than to have
someone to appreciate the view with, enjoy a meal, discuss
the history, and navigate the world. But be careful and
(00:28):
choose your travel partner well and set correct expectations, because
the worst trips result when two partners have two different
agendas and don't leave room for compromise. Not everything has
to be perfect. You can have different tastes, beliefs, and habits,
and it's healthy to go off and venture alone. As
long as your needs are communicated and your partner's needs
(00:51):
are respected, every trip should be a joyous and harmonious occasion.
Speaker 2 (00:56):
Jean was bud it would you please stop zoning out?
Are you even listening to me?
Speaker 1 (01:02):
Of course I am, but it's been a long night.
I'm tired.
Speaker 2 (01:06):
Yes, you must be exhausted keeping this double life a
secret from your wife.
Speaker 1 (01:11):
That's not what I meant.
Speaker 2 (01:12):
Well, I'm tired too, tired of traveling city to city
to support our business while you run around playing spy
with Rebecca. Also that you can track down the father
who you thought was dead and haven't seen for fifteen years.
Did you stop to think that perhaps he doesn't want
to be found.
Speaker 1 (01:29):
I did many times. But I need to know the truth.
Speaker 2 (01:33):
But at what cost our marriage, your life.
Speaker 1 (01:38):
I'm not a spy, but Martin wasn't wrong. The skills
of a travel writer come in handy, and since the war,
I've forgotten I'm kind of good at this, and I
kind of like helping the good guys. If I can
save my father while helping prevent World War III and
sell a few books in the process, Maybe it's more.
Speaker 2 (02:04):
I know what it is like to live under the
tyranny of Soviet rule, so of course I value freedom
above all else, and I understand what you say about
your father. I would want to know the same. I
suppose I am just being selfish. I thought this was
finally our chance to build the business and maybe our family.
(02:25):
But if all you say is true, we have to
do our part.
Speaker 1 (02:28):
It is true, and I'll never keep anything from you again,
no matter the risks.
Speaker 2 (02:35):
Well, then I guess if Martin can help us grow
our company while keeping the world free for democracy, who
am I to stand in the way.
Speaker 1 (02:44):
You don't have to get involved, though it can stay
as it has been.
Speaker 2 (02:48):
No now that I know, I want to help, but
first I want to speak with Martin. It's time we
renegotiate a few.
Speaker 3 (02:56):
Things, permandex industries. How my director call.
Speaker 2 (03:09):
Lust a photo for Martin blending, Tell him it's urgent.
Speaker 3 (03:12):
One moment, please.
Speaker 4 (03:17):
Bluster. How are you doing enjoying Paris?
Speaker 2 (03:20):
Let's cut the crab, Martin. I know what's going on
with you and Jean. Are we on a secure line?
Speaker 4 (03:26):
One moment? We are now good?
Speaker 2 (03:31):
You should know Jean told me everything, and I don't
know who to be more angry with you or Yem.
I trusted you, Martin, and you put my husband in
danger and encouraged him to hide it from me while
lying to me every step of the way. But well,
I do not approve of your methods. I do understand
(03:53):
the importance of the work being done, although it seems
that for such a high level agency, these operations are
often sloppy and put GENE at unnecessary risk.
Speaker 4 (04:03):
Flaster. I'm sorry you're upset, but I hope you understand.
We try to take every precaution and Gene has always
been able to stop at any time.
Speaker 2 (04:11):
Oh and you know very well you'll never do that.
It isn't in his nature. But I'm sure you've known
which buttons to press all along, which is why I'm
here to tell you there will be some changes moving forward.
Speaker 4 (04:26):
What kind of changes?
Speaker 2 (04:28):
From now on, Each destination and all intended objectives for
that location will be run through my office. All information
will pass by my desk, and any country Gene steps
foot in will have the proper security and agenda plan
for a safe, pleasant and productive journey. No longer we'll
(04:49):
have baked schemes and ill thought that plans be the
basis for these missions that.
Speaker 4 (04:54):
Can be arranged. You will be completely informed, though I
hope you understand, and we won't always be able to
accommodate every request.
Speaker 2 (05:04):
Good now to business, as this revelation on Gen makes
me realize why all the writing samples you've been sending
have been barely literate. So in the future, if you
are going to try to populate our company with spies
like Rebecca, please start recruiting from journalism schools and literature
departments instead of civil engineers. These people might be able
(05:28):
to disarm a bomb, but they can barely complete a sentence.
Speaker 4 (05:32):
Understood, I'll speak to hr and provide you with new
writing samples and new candidates of your choice.
Speaker 2 (05:38):
How does that sound fine? And one last thing, Our
next travel guide destination is Pragg, Czechoslovakia, so start making
the reservations. We're going to find the pathfinder.
Speaker 4 (05:51):
You'll be on a flight first thing tomorrow.
Speaker 2 (05:54):
Thank you, Martin. I think this is going to be
a beautiful new chapter in our working relationship.
Speaker 1 (06:01):
Sounds like you laid down the law. Did he take it? Okay?
Speaker 2 (06:05):
Fine enough? Why don't you pack? He's sending us to Prague?
Speaker 1 (06:09):
Are you sure you want to go back there?
Speaker 2 (06:12):
If everything you said is true, then your father could
be in real danger, and who knows how long he'll
be there before they move him again. So the faster
the better, and you will certainly find him faster with
my help and my brothers.
Speaker 1 (06:25):
You're going to call Gustave.
Speaker 2 (06:28):
To let him know that we're arriving and see what
he can find out. If anyone can find something in Prag,
it's Gustave.
Speaker 1 (06:35):
Then I better pack my bag and get some sleep.
You are a remarkable woman.
Speaker 2 (06:40):
That's right, and you are a very lucky man. Now
off the pruge we Go.
Speaker 1 (06:57):
As one of the city's most revered residence. Franz Kofko
once said, Prague never lets you go. This dear little
mother has sharp claws. Mozart even named a symphony after it.
The city is a political, cultural and economic hub of
Central Europe, with a rich history of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance
(07:21):
and Baroque architectures. It was the capital of the Kingdom
of Bohemia and residents of several Holy Roman emperors, most
notably Charles the Fourth. Prague is also home to a
number of well known cultural attractions, an astounding number of
which survived much of the destruction Europe has faced over
the decades. The main attractions include Prague Castle, Charles Bridge,
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and the Old Town Square with its famous astronomical clock,
to name just a few. The city has more than
ten major museums, along with numerous theaters, galleries, cinemas and
other historic exhibits. But to simply walk around Prague is
to get lost in time.
Speaker 2 (08:06):
Jean, there's my brother Alrooi Gustav.
Speaker 5 (08:09):
Wait a second, he's a cop.
Speaker 1 (08:10):
A firm hand runs in the family bluster. Jean, welcome,
great to see you.
Speaker 2 (08:17):
Gustave, and this is only a photographer and assistant.
Speaker 6 (08:21):
Rebecca Ai, Rebecca new assistant. That's this Capitalism has been
good to you.
Speaker 1 (08:27):
He've hit the big time. Look at us now, our
very own police escort.
Speaker 7 (08:32):
Whatever it takes to bring on my little sister.
Speaker 2 (08:35):
It is good to see you, and I'm sorry for
the short notice. But this isn't a social visit.
Speaker 7 (08:40):
You said there was something important. How can I help.
Speaker 2 (08:43):
We have reason to believe Jean's father is being held
against his will somewhere in the city, and.
Speaker 1 (08:49):
We don't have much more information than that to go on,
so any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Speaker 7 (08:54):
If your father is here, we'll find him.
Speaker 2 (08:57):
Thank you, Gustav, Jean, Rebecca, why don't you wait with
the bags, Gustav and I will bring the car around.
Speaker 1 (09:03):
Great a cop Gene.
Speaker 5 (09:08):
They are notoriously pro Soviet around here.
Speaker 1 (09:10):
Gustav's no idealist. He's remained loyal to the Soviets because
they were the ones to push out the Nazis, but
he knows the stalinization has been slow and the country's
economy is struggling. Their parents died working twelve hour shifts
with nothing to show for it.
Speaker 5 (09:25):
But are you sure we can trust him?
Speaker 1 (09:27):
He's family and Velosta trusts him.
Speaker 5 (09:30):
Well, I guess we need all the help we can get.
Speaker 1 (09:36):
The Hotel International Prague is a four star hotel located
in the Davitz quarter of Prague. The hotel was the
idea of Alexi Chipichka, the Czechoslovakian Minister of Defense, who
envisioned a monument to the newly formed Fourth Czechoslovak Republic
that would reinforce ties with the Soviet Union due to
the socialist realism style. It is the largest stalin this
(10:00):
architecture building in Prague at eighty eight meters tall, and
was inspired by the Seven Sisters in Moscow. The hotel
is divided into two symmetrical wings, with a large tower
at the center. The entrance hall and the main staircase
include a stucco and painted ceiling, marble columns and artworks
on its walls to create a palatial atmosphere. It was
(10:23):
completed in nineteen fifty six and quickly became a Czech
cultural monument and has the largest capacity in the entire country.
Speaker 6 (10:33):
Here we are the Hotel Intercontinental. You get checked in
and I will see what I can learn book at
the station discreetly, of course.
Speaker 1 (10:41):
De kuyu, Gusti, Yes, thank you, Gustav.
Speaker 5 (10:50):
Before we go inside the hotel, just remember it is
still government controlled. All rooms are guaranteed to be booked.
We should be careful not to threaten our.
Speaker 2 (10:59):
Cover, right, we understand, Gene, Why don't you go check
us in. I want to have a word with Rebecca.
Speaker 3 (11:09):
For a moment.
Speaker 1 (11:11):
Sure, I'll be right back.
Speaker 2 (11:16):
Rebecca, while we still have our privacy. I want to say,
I know you've been lying to me, but I also
know you are just following orders, so I don't blame
you for your deception. I know how hard it is
to be a woman working in a man's world. Okay,
thank you, But I want to make it clear to
you right now that I don't care if we are
(11:38):
rescuing Jean's father or even saving the world from nuclear annihilation.
All I really care about is Gene, and his safety
is more important to.
Speaker 1 (11:48):
Me than any mission.
Speaker 5 (11:50):
Funny, Jean said the same thing about protecting you when
we first started. But don't worry, my objectives are aligned
with yours to protect Gene and co fleet the mission.
Speaker 2 (12:01):
As long as it is in that order without.
Speaker 5 (12:04):
Jane, there is no mission.
Speaker 2 (12:06):
Good, just wanted to make sure we're on the same page.
Speaker 1 (12:10):
Ladies hate to interrupt, but the bags are being sent
to our rooms, and Gustav just called saying to meet
him at the Charles Bridge in an hour.
Speaker 5 (12:17):
Good spot, nice and public.
Speaker 2 (12:20):
Excellent. Then let's drop our things and go meet him.
Speaker 1 (12:26):
Charles Bridge is a medieval stone arch bridge decorated by
a continuous alley of Baroque styles, statues and statuaries that
crosses the Voltava River in the center of Prague. Its
construction started in thirteen fifty seven under the auspices of
King Charles the Fourth, a very superstitious man who believed
(12:46):
deeply in astrology and numerology. That's why the official inauguration
of the bridge was made at five thirty one am
on July ninth, thirteen fifty seven. The time and date
a palindrome a numerical seque you can read the same
way from both ends one three five seven nine seven
five three one year, day month time. As the only
(13:12):
means of crossing the Voltava River until eighteen forty one,
Charles Bridge was the most important connection between Prague Castle
and the city's old town and adjacent areas. This land
connection made Prague important as a trade route between Eastern
and Western Europe throughout its history. Charles Bridge has suffered
several disasters and witnessed many historic events, but has always
(13:35):
been dutifully restored and remains a crown jewel of Prague's architecture.
Speaker 2 (13:41):
Jean, I siecle stuff up ahead.
Speaker 1 (13:45):
Hello again, that was a quick turnaround. Did you learn
anything at the station?
Speaker 7 (13:49):
Yes?
Speaker 6 (13:49):
I learned not to ask too many questions. The moment
I mentioned the missing person held by the KGB, I
get called into the captain's office. I want to help you,
but it's not safe to talk there. Do you have
any clue besides the photo?
Speaker 2 (14:01):
Just this postcard from his father. It's the reason we
think he's here in Prague.
Speaker 1 (14:05):
There's a Kafka quote on the back.
Speaker 6 (14:08):
From a certain point onward, there is no longer any
turning back. That is the point that must be reached.
Speaker 1 (14:14):
It's from his book The Trial, about a man arrested
and prosecuted by a remote, inaccessible authority, with the nature
of his crime never revealed to him or the reader.
Speaker 2 (14:23):
It feels like a clear cry for help.
Speaker 6 (14:26):
I see well. Kofka lived in the Jewish Quarter. Perhaps
that is where we should start looking good idea, but
be careful though you are being watched. Your presence raised
a red flag, and the captain instructed me to escort
you on your sight seeing to make sure you only
see what the government wants, and that is all that
makes it into your book.
Speaker 2 (14:44):
But of course we would never want you to do this
or our orders. We are just friend let tourists with
a guidebook business. Who better to show us around than
my brother?
Speaker 5 (14:53):
Precisely, I have an idea, Gustav. How about I go
with you to photograph the major sites and establish the
shark cover, while Gene and Vlost to search for clues
in the Jewish Quarter.
Speaker 7 (15:04):
That would help.
Speaker 2 (15:05):
We'll be careful in staut of travel.
Speaker 1 (15:07):
And if we learn anything, we'll leave word for you
at the hotel or meet you back there later.
Speaker 7 (15:11):
That'll affect me, Rebecca, where would you like to go first?
Speaker 1 (15:18):
The Jewish Quarter in Prague is located between the old
town square and Voltava River. Jews are believed to have
first settled in Prague as early as the tenth century,
soon followed by the first pogram in ten ninety six,
which eventually led to the community being concentrated within a
walled ghetto. In the thirteenth century, when Jewish people were
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ordered to vacate their disparate homes and settle in this
one area, the ghetto grew in size, but it also
grew in prosperity. The ghetto was most prosperous towards the
end of the sixteenth century, when the Jewish mayor Mordecai
Masel became the Minister of Finance and a very wealthy man.
His money helped develop the ghetto. Over the centuries, With
(16:03):
Jews banned from living elsewhere in Prague, and with new
arrivals expelled from Moravia, Germany, Austria and Spain joining them,
even more people crowded into the quarter. To add to this,
inhabitants of the ghetto were forced to endure structural changes
at the whim of the Emperor or whichever ruler exercised
control over them. Most of the quarter was demolished between
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eighteen ninety three and nineteen thirteen as part of an
initiative to model the city on Paris. What was left
were only six synagogues, the old cemetery, and the old
Jewish town hall. Despite the horrors of World War II.
Much of Prague's architecture managed to survive the conflict and
encroaching Nazi rule. How did the buildings of the Jewish
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Quarriter in the heart of one of Hitler's most desired
cities manage to survive. It is believed that Hitler wanted
to establish a museum of an extinct race here once
the war was over, and hundreds of thousands of Jewish
artifacts were transported to Prague from all over Europe in preparation.
Speaker 2 (17:11):
It is such a beautiful neighborhood. Where do we start looking?
Speaker 1 (17:16):
I think I know a good place, and I could
sure use a cup of coffee. Where is that Cafe Louver,
where Kafka wrote many of his novels. It's just around
the corner.
Speaker 2 (17:26):
Seems like the perfect place to start.
Speaker 1 (17:29):
Cafe Louver, opened in nineteen oh two, may be filled
with tourists now, but it was once the favorite haunt
of the Prague cultural elite, including Franz Kofka, who had
come here to write, discuss philosophy, and meet with his
friend Max Brode. Broade was Kafka's best friend and closest confidant,
and would eventually go on to publish much of Kafka's
(17:51):
work after the writer's death. Other famous visitors to the
cafe throughout the years include Albert Einstein and Check play right,
Karel Chopic.
Speaker 2 (18:05):
Ohoi, what can I get for you to espressos? Please
keep the change, TAKHOI, I'll bring them to your table.
Speaker 1 (18:12):
Excuse me. I'm a writer and I've heard this cafe
is famous for all the writers who have worked here.
Do you happen to know which table Kafka used to
sit at to write?
Speaker 5 (18:21):
Oh?
Speaker 2 (18:22):
Yes, that's one in the back corner.
Speaker 1 (18:24):
Thank you, I'm a big fan.
Speaker 2 (18:31):
Did you think there would be a clue taped under
the table?
Speaker 1 (18:34):
I don't know what I thought, but I don't see
anything helpful yet. It's a nice table, though. You can
see the whole cafe from here.
Speaker 2 (18:43):
Here you are to espressos, JIKOI do you feel inspired
to write?
Speaker 4 (18:48):
Yet?
Speaker 1 (18:49):
Still working on it? But I guess Kafka was a
people watcher. I can enjoy my espresso and observe the
whole place from here.
Speaker 2 (18:56):
Not Kofka. He hated to be bothered.
Speaker 3 (18:58):
That's why he always sat in that chair facing the
wall so he wouldn't be disturbed or distracted the ball
he worked.
Speaker 1 (19:06):
Facing the wall. Huh, let's see.
Speaker 5 (19:11):
Hmm.
Speaker 2 (19:13):
Certainly not as nice a view, but definitely less distractions
unless you like the west gribblings of a child.
Speaker 1 (19:21):
Wait a second, what's that in the corner there? The drawing?
Speaker 2 (19:26):
This thing here? It looks like some kind of monster.
Speaker 1 (19:30):
Oh, that's not just a monster. That's a gollum. I
remember it from when I was a kid. My father
used to draw that. What it looks exactly the same,
and look on his chest, my father's secret signature. It's
a clue.
Speaker 2 (19:48):
Oh, you're actually serious. Why does it of what kind
of monster?
Speaker 1 (19:53):
It's a gollumn, a mystical creature from the Jewish religion,
created to protect the Jews in a time of need.
My father used to tell me the story of the
gollum of Prague when I was a boy. That's probably
where Mary Shelley got her idea for Frankenstein.
Speaker 2 (20:06):
But what does it mean?
Speaker 1 (20:08):
The most famous gallum narrative involves Judah Low, the late
sixteenth century rabbi of Prague, who, legend has it, created
a gollumn out of clay from the banks of the
Latava River and brought it to life. Through Hebrew rituals
to defend the proge Ghetto from antisemitic attacks and pograms.
At that time, the Jews in Prague were to be
either expelled or massacred under the rule of Rudolph the second,
(20:30):
the Holy Roman Emperor. The gollum was called Joseph and
was said to be able to make himself invisible and
summon spirits from the dead. But Rabbi Low deactivated the
Gollum on Friday evenings by removing the shem before the
Sabbath began so as to let it rest. But one
Friday evening Rabbi Low forgot to remove the shem, and
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the Gollum went on a murderous rampage until the rabbi
was able to remove the shem and the collumn fell
to pieces. The Gollum's body was stored in the attic
nisa of the old New Synagogue, where it would be
restored to life if ever needed, but kept locked away
so it wouldn't cause harm ever again. According to legend,
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the body of the column still lies there and the
attic is closed to the public.
Speaker 2 (21:15):
Where is the synagogue.
Speaker 1 (21:17):
Just around the corner from here.
Speaker 2 (21:19):
Let me guess finish.
Speaker 1 (21:21):
Your espresso, darling, we're going to temple. The Old New Synagogue,
also called the Altnushul, is Europe's oldest active synagogue, completed
(21:43):
in twelve seventy in Gothic style and known as the
Old Synagogue, It was one of Prague's first Gothic buildings.
This synagogue was demolished in eighteen sixty seven and replaced
by the New Spanish Synagogue. Hence the name, or another explanation,
derives the name from the Hebrew Altnae, which means on
condition and sounds identical to the Yiddish Altnae or Old New.
(22:08):
According to that legend, angels brought stones from the Temple
of Jerusalem to build the Synagogue in Prague on the
condition that they be returned when the Messiah comes. The Nazis,
wanting to use the synagogue as a museum, did not
destroy the building, and forbid any soldier enter the attic,
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where it is said the body of the Gollum is
still hidden.
Speaker 2 (22:35):
Where should we look first? And don't tell me the attic,
because there is no way I'm going up there.
Speaker 1 (22:41):
Let's check for closer symbols on the walls. That's what
my father did best.
Speaker 2 (22:46):
But there are symbols everywhere.
Speaker 1 (22:48):
M I'm gonna go check by the Bema, Eugene.
Speaker 4 (23:00):
Is that you?
Speaker 1 (23:02):
Oh?
Speaker 8 (23:02):
Pooh, my god, it is you, son.
Speaker 4 (23:08):
Father.
Speaker 1 (23:11):
I can't believe you found me. I thought you were dead.
Speaker 8 (23:15):
I know if anyone could find me, it would be you.
I left those clues like a message in a bottle.
Speaker 1 (23:22):
But here you are, Bosta, Come here, father, this is
my wife, Floster.
Speaker 8 (23:31):
Your wife is so wonderful to meet you.
Speaker 2 (23:34):
I heard so much.
Speaker 1 (23:37):
I can't believe this. What are you doing here?
Speaker 8 (23:41):
This synagogue is the one place the Soviets let me
come alone. I tell them I come to pray, even
though I'm not Jewish. It gives me space and time
to think and read. And I know if anyone ever
did track me down, it's the one place they wouldn't
be looking. And look, my prayers have answered.
Speaker 1 (24:01):
I'm floss at Darling. Go contact Rebecca. Let her know
we found him. We can't take him back to the hotel,
but she should know a secure place we can meet.
Speaker 2 (24:09):
By the way, stay here and stay safe until I return.
Speaker 8 (24:15):
She's beautiful, like your mother.
Speaker 1 (24:18):
I would have invited you to the wedding if I
known you were alive. What the hell happened to you?
Why didn't you ever contact me? What the hell are
you doing working for the Soviet Slow down, son.
Speaker 8 (24:31):
I know you have questions, but what you need to
understand is that I never had a choice.
Speaker 1 (24:38):
After the war, the.
Speaker 8 (24:38):
Soviets controlled Hungry and most of Eastern Europe. The KGB
came to me and promised as long as I cooperated,
my family would be safe, including.
Speaker 1 (24:49):
You, and they forced you to work as Pathfinder.
Speaker 8 (24:53):
I figured drawing a few maps was worth your safety.
I never know what they had planned, But how did
you know about all of this?
Speaker 1 (25:03):
Martin Blanding from the OSS during the war, now works
for the CIA. He told me that you were alive
and promised if I helped find you and bring you in,
he'd be given a fair trial. I'm sure if you
cooperate and tell them what you know about the Soviet operations,
they will be lenient.
Speaker 8 (25:20):
Martin always was the smartest of the Americans, but be
careful trusting him. Everyone in his spy world makes compromises
and betrayal is part of the game. Fortunately, I've got
something Martin and the Americans will want.
Speaker 1 (25:36):
What's that?
Speaker 8 (25:37):
Copies of the Pathfinder operations, including the most important top
secret mission I ever created.
Speaker 4 (25:45):
Here.
Speaker 8 (25:46):
Take these maps. They can stop the Soviets from igniting
this Cold War into a nuclear annihilation.
Speaker 1 (25:53):
You keep them on you.
Speaker 8 (25:55):
I recreated the maps in miniature for memory. That is
what I do with the synagogue. I've been working on
it over many months. It should have all the details
the Americans need to stop the Soviet operations.
Speaker 1 (26:08):
Ha pooh. These maps are your ticket to freedom, Jean.
Speaker 8 (26:12):
Please keep them safe for me so they won't be found.
Speaker 1 (26:16):
I will make sure that these maps get into the
right hands and help clear your name.
Speaker 8 (26:20):
I trust you will do the right thing. I still
can't believe you are here, my boy. Is this a
dream come true?
Speaker 1 (26:30):
I have something for you as well, from a friend.
Speaker 4 (26:34):
What is this?
Speaker 1 (26:35):
It's a forged passport from Jivago. He was holding on
to it in the lining of his jacket all this time,
waiting to give it to you.
Speaker 8 (26:43):
He always was a great forger, but a better friend.
Horrible taste than art, though we would spend hours arguing
over it. He loved the Moderness crap, but I knew
sending him that postcard was the best chance I had
at being found.
Speaker 1 (27:00):
We got him out of East Berlin with his nephew.
They should be in America by now. You can argue
about Art again when you see him there. How wonderful.
Speaker 2 (27:11):
I contacted Rebecca and Gustav. They said, there's a train
leaving for West Germany in thirty minutes, and she'll meet
you both at the station.
Speaker 1 (27:19):
What about you.
Speaker 2 (27:20):
I'll go back to the hotel with my brother to
keep up appearances. Check us out and say we're going
to stay with family instead. If we are being followed,
better to create the version. Then I'll meet you at
the station. Martin is already making arrangements.
Speaker 1 (27:34):
All right, we'll head there now.
Speaker 2 (27:36):
And I'm moved to the hotel. See you soon.
Speaker 1 (27:40):
We should get going too.
Speaker 8 (27:42):
Yes, we can slip out the beck and take the alley.
They'll come looking for me before long.
Speaker 1 (27:47):
Then we better be quick. This way, Jed. But if
we head down this street we can stay more hidden. Yes,
but this street is faster. We're looking for a short
We should take another road altogether, down this alley.
Speaker 8 (28:03):
Fernando Trdofka, the narrowest road in Brogue. It's only twenty
and she's quiet. We'll have to go one at a time.
Speaker 1 (28:10):
Good thing. I've been on the road and not had
much time to eat lately.
Speaker 8 (28:14):
You remember your geography, I had a good teacher and
your book business.
Speaker 4 (28:20):
How is that?
Speaker 8 (28:21):
I saw a copy at the cafe once. I was
only sad I could brag about it.
Speaker 1 (28:26):
Do anyone? It's going well. Flosta is the real brains
behind the operation, and we're in the midst of expanding.
We love what we do, but we see an opportunity
for more and the family that's part of the plan too.
Speaker 8 (28:41):
I'm so proud of the man you have become, my boy.
I'm just sorry I wasn't there to witness it.
Speaker 1 (28:47):
Well, you're here now, but only if we make this train.
We should hurry.
Speaker 8 (28:55):
I've got an old gene. My legs are moving as
fast as they can.
Speaker 1 (29:01):
It's not much farther. Station's right there.
Speaker 9 (29:06):
You go on ahead, I'll catch up. No, no, we
are doing this together. There's Vosta.
Speaker 8 (29:18):
It's the police.
Speaker 1 (29:20):
No, no, no, don't worry. That's her brother. He's just
dropping her off. We'll meet them on the platform. Go
the train's about to leave. Pardon me, excuse me, please me, please? Sorry?
There she is just two more cars.
Speaker 9 (29:37):
Vosta here, Hell shun call the doctor.
Speaker 1 (29:46):
Just wreath, We love the Everything's gonna be okay.
Speaker 8 (29:49):
They can't find you here with me, they can't find
the maps.
Speaker 1 (29:54):
I'm leaving you.
Speaker 8 (29:58):
There's no time get the maps to Martin. If they
find them on you, it will have all been for nothing.
Help me rid my wrongs, my boy.
Speaker 4 (30:11):
I love you.
Speaker 2 (30:17):
Oh no, jee, Jean, we have to go.
Speaker 1 (30:20):
The train is leaving. I won't leave him.
Speaker 5 (30:23):
He's gone, Gina.
Speaker 2 (30:24):
I'm so sorry.
Speaker 1 (30:24):
You have to go, Jean. You must go now. They're
coming and the train is going.
Speaker 6 (30:31):
I'll make sure your father is taken care of, but
now you must take care of my sister.
Speaker 1 (30:35):
Jean.
Speaker 5 (30:36):
It's time.
Speaker 1 (30:41):
He's lab all right, Let's go on, Harry, he's speaking up.
Speed here, take.
Speaker 2 (31:03):
Oh je I'm so sorry.
Speaker 5 (31:07):
Did you see who shot him?
Speaker 1 (31:10):
That all happened so fast.
Speaker 5 (31:12):
Someone must have been following you.
Speaker 2 (31:14):
I thought they needed him. Why would they shoot him?
Speaker 5 (31:17):
He was too valuable to let him leave alive. It
was a desperate move. They knew if we got him,
he could destroy all of their plans. And now we've got.
Speaker 9 (31:26):
Nothing, no, not nothing. We've got his maps, and we're
going to use these maps to end this once.
Speaker 3 (31:35):
And for all.
Speaker 10 (31:43):
Phodor's Guide to Espionage is created by Lars Jacobson, written
by Lars Jacobson and Sabrina Jagulain, and directed by Sabrina Jagulin,
Produced by Lars Jacobson and Sabrina Jagulin, and executive produced
by Noel Brown or iHeartRadio. Fodor's Guide to Espionage stars
Ethan Korn as Eugene Fodor, Lelia Symington as Volosta Fodor,
(32:05):
and Jackie Emerson as Rebecca Ralston, with additional performances by
Chase Mullins, George Rivera, Matt Linton, Dylan McCollum, Gabe Greenspan,
Chris Cappel, Duncan Kaladine Dana Melanie, Alex Gombadi, Noam Thomaschoff,
Katrina Aaron and Simon Jagulain. Sound design and editing by
(32:26):
Chris Childs. Original theme song by Jack Blavelt and Chris Childs,
with additional scoring by Chris Childs. Sound engineering by Chris Seck.
Fodor's Guide to Espionage is an iHeartRadio production. For more
podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or
wherever you get your podcasts.
As important as choosing the right destination when traveling is
choosing the right travel partner. Much of the joy you
will find on the road comes from the person you
share it with. There is nothing better than to have
someone to appreciate the view with, enjoy a meal, discuss
the history, and navigate the world. But be careful and
(00:28):
choose your travel partner well and set correct expectations, because
the worst trips result when two partners have two different
agendas and don't leave room for compromise. Not everything has
to be perfect. You can have different tastes, beliefs, and habits,
and it's healthy to go off and venture alone. As
long as your needs are communicated and your partner's needs
(00:51):
are respected, every trip should be a joyous and harmonious occasion.
Speaker 2 (00:56):
Jean was bud it would you please stop zoning out?
Are you even listening to me?
Speaker 1 (01:02):
Of course I am, but it's been a long night.
I'm tired.
Speaker 2 (01:06):
Yes, you must be exhausted keeping this double life a
secret from your wife.
Speaker 1 (01:11):
That's not what I meant.
Speaker 2 (01:12):
Well, I'm tired too, tired of traveling city to city
to support our business while you run around playing spy
with Rebecca. Also that you can track down the father
who you thought was dead and haven't seen for fifteen years.
Did you stop to think that perhaps he doesn't want
to be found.
Speaker 1 (01:29):
I did many times. But I need to know the truth.
Speaker 2 (01:33):
But at what cost our marriage, your life.
Speaker 1 (01:38):
I'm not a spy, but Martin wasn't wrong. The skills
of a travel writer come in handy, and since the war,
I've forgotten I'm kind of good at this, and I
kind of like helping the good guys. If I can
save my father while helping prevent World War III and
sell a few books in the process, Maybe it's more.
Speaker 2 (02:04):
I know what it is like to live under the
tyranny of Soviet rule, so of course I value freedom
above all else, and I understand what you say about
your father. I would want to know the same. I
suppose I am just being selfish. I thought this was
finally our chance to build the business and maybe our family.
(02:25):
But if all you say is true, we have to
do our part.
Speaker 1 (02:28):
It is true, and I'll never keep anything from you again,
no matter the risks.
Speaker 2 (02:35):
Well, then I guess if Martin can help us grow
our company while keeping the world free for democracy, who
am I to stand in the way.
Speaker 1 (02:44):
You don't have to get involved, though it can stay
as it has been.
Speaker 2 (02:48):
No now that I know, I want to help, but
first I want to speak with Martin. It's time we
renegotiate a few.
Speaker 3 (02:56):
Things, permandex industries. How my director call.
Speaker 2 (03:09):
Lust a photo for Martin blending, Tell him it's urgent.
Speaker 3 (03:12):
One moment, please.
Speaker 4 (03:17):
Bluster. How are you doing enjoying Paris?
Speaker 2 (03:20):
Let's cut the crab, Martin. I know what's going on
with you and Jean. Are we on a secure line?
Speaker 4 (03:26):
One moment? We are now good?
Speaker 2 (03:31):
You should know Jean told me everything, and I don't
know who to be more angry with you or Yem.
I trusted you, Martin, and you put my husband in
danger and encouraged him to hide it from me while
lying to me every step of the way. But well,
I do not approve of your methods. I do understand
(03:53):
the importance of the work being done, although it seems
that for such a high level agency, these operations are
often sloppy and put GENE at unnecessary risk.
Speaker 4 (04:03):
Flaster. I'm sorry you're upset, but I hope you understand.
We try to take every precaution and Gene has always
been able to stop at any time.
Speaker 2 (04:11):
Oh and you know very well you'll never do that.
It isn't in his nature. But I'm sure you've known
which buttons to press all along, which is why I'm
here to tell you there will be some changes moving forward.
Speaker 4 (04:26):
What kind of changes?
Speaker 2 (04:28):
From now on, Each destination and all intended objectives for
that location will be run through my office. All information
will pass by my desk, and any country Gene steps
foot in will have the proper security and agenda plan
for a safe, pleasant and productive journey. No longer we'll
(04:49):
have baked schemes and ill thought that plans be the
basis for these missions that.
Speaker 4 (04:54):
Can be arranged. You will be completely informed, though I
hope you understand, and we won't always be able to
accommodate every request.
Speaker 2 (05:04):
Good now to business, as this revelation on Gen makes
me realize why all the writing samples you've been sending
have been barely literate. So in the future, if you
are going to try to populate our company with spies
like Rebecca, please start recruiting from journalism schools and literature
departments instead of civil engineers. These people might be able
(05:28):
to disarm a bomb, but they can barely complete a sentence.
Speaker 4 (05:32):
Understood, I'll speak to hr and provide you with new
writing samples and new candidates of your choice.
Speaker 2 (05:38):
How does that sound fine? And one last thing, Our
next travel guide destination is Pragg, Czechoslovakia, so start making
the reservations. We're going to find the pathfinder.
Speaker 4 (05:51):
You'll be on a flight first thing tomorrow.
Speaker 2 (05:54):
Thank you, Martin. I think this is going to be
a beautiful new chapter in our working relationship.
Speaker 1 (06:01):
Sounds like you laid down the law. Did he take it? Okay?
Speaker 2 (06:05):
Fine enough? Why don't you pack? He's sending us to Prague?
Speaker 1 (06:09):
Are you sure you want to go back there?
Speaker 2 (06:12):
If everything you said is true, then your father could
be in real danger, and who knows how long he'll
be there before they move him again. So the faster
the better, and you will certainly find him faster with
my help and my brothers.
Speaker 1 (06:25):
You're going to call Gustave.
Speaker 2 (06:28):
To let him know that we're arriving and see what
he can find out. If anyone can find something in Prag,
it's Gustave.
Speaker 1 (06:35):
Then I better pack my bag and get some sleep.
You are a remarkable woman.
Speaker 2 (06:40):
That's right, and you are a very lucky man. Now
off the pruge we Go.
Speaker 1 (06:57):
As one of the city's most revered residence. Franz Kofko
once said, Prague never lets you go. This dear little
mother has sharp claws. Mozart even named a symphony after it.
The city is a political, cultural and economic hub of
Central Europe, with a rich history of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance
(07:21):
and Baroque architectures. It was the capital of the Kingdom
of Bohemia and residents of several Holy Roman emperors, most
notably Charles the Fourth. Prague is also home to a
number of well known cultural attractions, an astounding number of
which survived much of the destruction Europe has faced over
the decades. The main attractions include Prague Castle, Charles Bridge,
(07:46):
and the Old Town Square with its famous astronomical clock,
to name just a few. The city has more than
ten major museums, along with numerous theaters, galleries, cinemas and
other historic exhibits. But to simply walk around Prague is
to get lost in time.
Speaker 2 (08:06):
Jean, there's my brother Alrooi Gustav.
Speaker 5 (08:09):
Wait a second, he's a cop.
Speaker 1 (08:10):
A firm hand runs in the family bluster. Jean, welcome,
great to see you.
Speaker 2 (08:17):
Gustave, and this is only a photographer and assistant.
Speaker 6 (08:21):
Rebecca Ai, Rebecca new assistant. That's this Capitalism has been
good to you.
Speaker 1 (08:27):
He've hit the big time. Look at us now, our
very own police escort.
Speaker 7 (08:32):
Whatever it takes to bring on my little sister.
Speaker 2 (08:35):
It is good to see you, and I'm sorry for
the short notice. But this isn't a social visit.
Speaker 7 (08:40):
You said there was something important. How can I help.
Speaker 2 (08:43):
We have reason to believe Jean's father is being held
against his will somewhere in the city, and.
Speaker 1 (08:49):
We don't have much more information than that to go on,
so any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Speaker 7 (08:54):
If your father is here, we'll find him.
Speaker 2 (08:57):
Thank you, Gustav, Jean, Rebecca, why don't you wait with
the bags, Gustav and I will bring the car around.
Speaker 1 (09:03):
Great a cop Gene.
Speaker 5 (09:08):
They are notoriously pro Soviet around here.
Speaker 1 (09:10):
Gustav's no idealist. He's remained loyal to the Soviets because
they were the ones to push out the Nazis, but
he knows the stalinization has been slow and the country's
economy is struggling. Their parents died working twelve hour shifts
with nothing to show for it.
Speaker 5 (09:25):
But are you sure we can trust him?
Speaker 1 (09:27):
He's family and Velosta trusts him.
Speaker 5 (09:30):
Well, I guess we need all the help we can get.
Speaker 1 (09:36):
The Hotel International Prague is a four star hotel located
in the Davitz quarter of Prague. The hotel was the
idea of Alexi Chipichka, the Czechoslovakian Minister of Defense, who
envisioned a monument to the newly formed Fourth Czechoslovak Republic
that would reinforce ties with the Soviet Union due to
the socialist realism style. It is the largest stalin this
(10:00):
architecture building in Prague at eighty eight meters tall, and
was inspired by the Seven Sisters in Moscow. The hotel
is divided into two symmetrical wings, with a large tower
at the center. The entrance hall and the main staircase
include a stucco and painted ceiling, marble columns and artworks
on its walls to create a palatial atmosphere. It was
(10:23):
completed in nineteen fifty six and quickly became a Czech
cultural monument and has the largest capacity in the entire country.
Speaker 6 (10:33):
Here we are the Hotel Intercontinental. You get checked in
and I will see what I can learn book at
the station discreetly, of course.
Speaker 1 (10:41):
De kuyu, Gusti, Yes, thank you, Gustav.
Speaker 5 (10:50):
Before we go inside the hotel, just remember it is
still government controlled. All rooms are guaranteed to be booked.
We should be careful not to threaten our.
Speaker 2 (10:59):
Cover, right, we understand, Gene, Why don't you go check
us in. I want to have a word with Rebecca.
Speaker 3 (11:09):
For a moment.
Speaker 1 (11:11):
Sure, I'll be right back.
Speaker 2 (11:16):
Rebecca, while we still have our privacy. I want to say,
I know you've been lying to me, but I also
know you are just following orders, so I don't blame
you for your deception. I know how hard it is
to be a woman working in a man's world. Okay,
thank you, But I want to make it clear to
you right now that I don't care if we are
(11:38):
rescuing Jean's father or even saving the world from nuclear annihilation.
All I really care about is Gene, and his safety
is more important to.
Speaker 1 (11:48):
Me than any mission.
Speaker 5 (11:50):
Funny, Jean said the same thing about protecting you when
we first started. But don't worry, my objectives are aligned
with yours to protect Gene and co fleet the mission.
Speaker 2 (12:01):
As long as it is in that order without.
Speaker 5 (12:04):
Jane, there is no mission.
Speaker 2 (12:06):
Good, just wanted to make sure we're on the same page.
Speaker 1 (12:10):
Ladies hate to interrupt, but the bags are being sent
to our rooms, and Gustav just called saying to meet
him at the Charles Bridge in an hour.
Speaker 5 (12:17):
Good spot, nice and public.
Speaker 2 (12:20):
Excellent. Then let's drop our things and go meet him.
Speaker 1 (12:26):
Charles Bridge is a medieval stone arch bridge decorated by
a continuous alley of Baroque styles, statues and statuaries that
crosses the Voltava River in the center of Prague. Its
construction started in thirteen fifty seven under the auspices of
King Charles the Fourth, a very superstitious man who believed
(12:46):
deeply in astrology and numerology. That's why the official inauguration
of the bridge was made at five thirty one am
on July ninth, thirteen fifty seven. The time and date
a palindrome a numerical seque you can read the same
way from both ends one three five seven nine seven
five three one year, day month time. As the only
(13:12):
means of crossing the Voltava River until eighteen forty one,
Charles Bridge was the most important connection between Prague Castle
and the city's old town and adjacent areas. This land
connection made Prague important as a trade route between Eastern
and Western Europe throughout its history. Charles Bridge has suffered
several disasters and witnessed many historic events, but has always
(13:35):
been dutifully restored and remains a crown jewel of Prague's architecture.
Speaker 2 (13:41):
Jean, I siecle stuff up ahead.
Speaker 1 (13:45):
Hello again, that was a quick turnaround. Did you learn
anything at the station?
Speaker 7 (13:49):
Yes?
Speaker 6 (13:49):
I learned not to ask too many questions. The moment
I mentioned the missing person held by the KGB, I
get called into the captain's office. I want to help you,
but it's not safe to talk there. Do you have
any clue besides the photo?
Speaker 2 (14:01):
Just this postcard from his father. It's the reason we
think he's here in Prague.
Speaker 1 (14:05):
There's a Kafka quote on the back.
Speaker 6 (14:08):
From a certain point onward, there is no longer any
turning back. That is the point that must be reached.
Speaker 1 (14:14):
It's from his book The Trial, about a man arrested
and prosecuted by a remote, inaccessible authority, with the nature
of his crime never revealed to him or the reader.
Speaker 2 (14:23):
It feels like a clear cry for help.
Speaker 6 (14:26):
I see well. Kofka lived in the Jewish Quarter. Perhaps
that is where we should start looking good idea, but
be careful though you are being watched. Your presence raised
a red flag, and the captain instructed me to escort
you on your sight seeing to make sure you only
see what the government wants, and that is all that
makes it into your book.
Speaker 2 (14:44):
But of course we would never want you to do this
or our orders. We are just friend let tourists with
a guidebook business. Who better to show us around than
my brother?
Speaker 5 (14:53):
Precisely, I have an idea, Gustav. How about I go
with you to photograph the major sites and establish the
shark cover, while Gene and Vlost to search for clues
in the Jewish Quarter.
Speaker 7 (15:04):
That would help.
Speaker 2 (15:05):
We'll be careful in staut of travel.
Speaker 1 (15:07):
And if we learn anything, we'll leave word for you
at the hotel or meet you back there later.
Speaker 7 (15:11):
That'll affect me, Rebecca, where would you like to go first?
Speaker 1 (15:18):
The Jewish Quarter in Prague is located between the old
town square and Voltava River. Jews are believed to have
first settled in Prague as early as the tenth century,
soon followed by the first pogram in ten ninety six,
which eventually led to the community being concentrated within a
walled ghetto. In the thirteenth century, when Jewish people were
(15:39):
ordered to vacate their disparate homes and settle in this
one area, the ghetto grew in size, but it also
grew in prosperity. The ghetto was most prosperous towards the
end of the sixteenth century, when the Jewish mayor Mordecai
Masel became the Minister of Finance and a very wealthy man.
His money helped develop the ghetto. Over the centuries, With
(16:03):
Jews banned from living elsewhere in Prague, and with new
arrivals expelled from Moravia, Germany, Austria and Spain joining them,
even more people crowded into the quarter. To add to this,
inhabitants of the ghetto were forced to endure structural changes
at the whim of the Emperor or whichever ruler exercised
control over them. Most of the quarter was demolished between
(16:27):
eighteen ninety three and nineteen thirteen as part of an
initiative to model the city on Paris. What was left
were only six synagogues, the old cemetery, and the old
Jewish town hall. Despite the horrors of World War II.
Much of Prague's architecture managed to survive the conflict and
encroaching Nazi rule. How did the buildings of the Jewish
(16:50):
Quarriter in the heart of one of Hitler's most desired
cities manage to survive. It is believed that Hitler wanted
to establish a museum of an extinct race here once
the war was over, and hundreds of thousands of Jewish
artifacts were transported to Prague from all over Europe in preparation.
Speaker 2 (17:11):
It is such a beautiful neighborhood. Where do we start looking?
Speaker 1 (17:16):
I think I know a good place, and I could
sure use a cup of coffee. Where is that Cafe Louver,
where Kafka wrote many of his novels. It's just around
the corner.
Speaker 2 (17:26):
Seems like the perfect place to start.
Speaker 1 (17:29):
Cafe Louver, opened in nineteen oh two, may be filled
with tourists now, but it was once the favorite haunt
of the Prague cultural elite, including Franz Kofka, who had
come here to write, discuss philosophy, and meet with his
friend Max Brode. Broade was Kafka's best friend and closest confidant,
and would eventually go on to publish much of Kafka's
(17:51):
work after the writer's death. Other famous visitors to the
cafe throughout the years include Albert Einstein and Check play right,
Karel Chopic.
Speaker 2 (18:05):
Ohoi, what can I get for you to espressos? Please
keep the change, TAKHOI, I'll bring them to your table.
Speaker 1 (18:12):
Excuse me. I'm a writer and I've heard this cafe
is famous for all the writers who have worked here.
Do you happen to know which table Kafka used to
sit at to write?
Speaker 5 (18:21):
Oh?
Speaker 2 (18:22):
Yes, that's one in the back corner.
Speaker 1 (18:24):
Thank you, I'm a big fan.
Speaker 2 (18:31):
Did you think there would be a clue taped under
the table?
Speaker 1 (18:34):
I don't know what I thought, but I don't see
anything helpful yet. It's a nice table, though. You can
see the whole cafe from here.
Speaker 2 (18:43):
Here you are to espressos, JIKOI do you feel inspired
to write?
Speaker 4 (18:48):
Yet?
Speaker 1 (18:49):
Still working on it? But I guess Kafka was a
people watcher. I can enjoy my espresso and observe the
whole place from here.
Speaker 2 (18:56):
Not Kofka. He hated to be bothered.
Speaker 3 (18:58):
That's why he always sat in that chair facing the
wall so he wouldn't be disturbed or distracted the ball
he worked.
Speaker 1 (19:06):
Facing the wall. Huh, let's see.
Speaker 5 (19:11):
Hmm.
Speaker 2 (19:13):
Certainly not as nice a view, but definitely less distractions
unless you like the west gribblings of a child.
Speaker 1 (19:21):
Wait a second, what's that in the corner there? The drawing?
Speaker 2 (19:26):
This thing here? It looks like some kind of monster.
Speaker 1 (19:30):
Oh, that's not just a monster. That's a gollum. I
remember it from when I was a kid. My father
used to draw that. What it looks exactly the same,
and look on his chest, my father's secret signature. It's
a clue.
Speaker 2 (19:48):
Oh, you're actually serious. Why does it of what kind
of monster?
Speaker 1 (19:53):
It's a gollumn, a mystical creature from the Jewish religion,
created to protect the Jews in a time of need.
My father used to tell me the story of the
gollum of Prague when I was a boy. That's probably
where Mary Shelley got her idea for Frankenstein.
Speaker 2 (20:06):
But what does it mean?
Speaker 1 (20:08):
The most famous gallum narrative involves Judah Low, the late
sixteenth century rabbi of Prague, who, legend has it, created
a gollumn out of clay from the banks of the
Latava River and brought it to life. Through Hebrew rituals
to defend the proge Ghetto from antisemitic attacks and pograms.
At that time, the Jews in Prague were to be
either expelled or massacred under the rule of Rudolph the second,
(20:30):
the Holy Roman Emperor. The gollum was called Joseph and
was said to be able to make himself invisible and
summon spirits from the dead. But Rabbi Low deactivated the
Gollum on Friday evenings by removing the shem before the
Sabbath began so as to let it rest. But one
Friday evening Rabbi Low forgot to remove the shem, and
(20:50):
the Gollum went on a murderous rampage until the rabbi
was able to remove the shem and the collumn fell
to pieces. The Gollum's body was stored in the attic
nisa of the old New Synagogue, where it would be
restored to life if ever needed, but kept locked away
so it wouldn't cause harm ever again. According to legend,
(21:10):
the body of the column still lies there and the
attic is closed to the public.
Speaker 2 (21:15):
Where is the synagogue.
Speaker 1 (21:17):
Just around the corner from here.
Speaker 2 (21:19):
Let me guess finish.
Speaker 1 (21:21):
Your espresso, darling, we're going to temple. The Old New Synagogue,
also called the Altnushul, is Europe's oldest active synagogue, completed
(21:43):
in twelve seventy in Gothic style and known as the
Old Synagogue, It was one of Prague's first Gothic buildings.
This synagogue was demolished in eighteen sixty seven and replaced
by the New Spanish Synagogue. Hence the name, or another explanation,
derives the name from the Hebrew Altnae, which means on
condition and sounds identical to the Yiddish Altnae or Old New.
(22:08):
According to that legend, angels brought stones from the Temple
of Jerusalem to build the Synagogue in Prague on the
condition that they be returned when the Messiah comes. The Nazis,
wanting to use the synagogue as a museum, did not
destroy the building, and forbid any soldier enter the attic,
(22:28):
where it is said the body of the Gollum is
still hidden.
Speaker 2 (22:35):
Where should we look first? And don't tell me the attic,
because there is no way I'm going up there.
Speaker 1 (22:41):
Let's check for closer symbols on the walls. That's what
my father did best.
Speaker 2 (22:46):
But there are symbols everywhere.
Speaker 1 (22:48):
M I'm gonna go check by the Bema, Eugene.
Speaker 4 (23:00):
Is that you?
Speaker 1 (23:02):
Oh?
Speaker 8 (23:02):
Pooh, my god, it is you, son.
Speaker 4 (23:08):
Father.
Speaker 1 (23:11):
I can't believe you found me. I thought you were dead.
Speaker 8 (23:15):
I know if anyone could find me, it would be you.
I left those clues like a message in a bottle.
Speaker 1 (23:22):
But here you are, Bosta, Come here, father, this is
my wife, Floster.
Speaker 8 (23:31):
Your wife is so wonderful to meet you.
Speaker 2 (23:34):
I heard so much.
Speaker 1 (23:37):
I can't believe this. What are you doing here?
Speaker 8 (23:41):
This synagogue is the one place the Soviets let me
come alone. I tell them I come to pray, even
though I'm not Jewish. It gives me space and time
to think and read. And I know if anyone ever
did track me down, it's the one place they wouldn't
be looking. And look, my prayers have answered.
Speaker 1 (24:01):
I'm floss at Darling. Go contact Rebecca. Let her know
we found him. We can't take him back to the hotel,
but she should know a secure place we can meet.
Speaker 2 (24:09):
By the way, stay here and stay safe until I return.
Speaker 8 (24:15):
She's beautiful, like your mother.
Speaker 1 (24:18):
I would have invited you to the wedding if I
known you were alive. What the hell happened to you?
Why didn't you ever contact me? What the hell are
you doing working for the Soviet Slow down, son.
Speaker 8 (24:31):
I know you have questions, but what you need to
understand is that I never had a choice.
Speaker 1 (24:38):
After the war, the.
Speaker 8 (24:38):
Soviets controlled Hungry and most of Eastern Europe. The KGB
came to me and promised as long as I cooperated,
my family would be safe, including.
Speaker 1 (24:49):
You, and they forced you to work as Pathfinder.
Speaker 8 (24:53):
I figured drawing a few maps was worth your safety.
I never know what they had planned, But how did
you know about all of this?
Speaker 1 (25:03):
Martin Blanding from the OSS during the war, now works
for the CIA. He told me that you were alive
and promised if I helped find you and bring you in,
he'd be given a fair trial. I'm sure if you
cooperate and tell them what you know about the Soviet operations,
they will be lenient.
Speaker 8 (25:20):
Martin always was the smartest of the Americans, but be
careful trusting him. Everyone in his spy world makes compromises
and betrayal is part of the game. Fortunately, I've got
something Martin and the Americans will want.
Speaker 1 (25:36):
What's that?
Speaker 8 (25:37):
Copies of the Pathfinder operations, including the most important top
secret mission I ever created.
Speaker 4 (25:45):
Here.
Speaker 8 (25:46):
Take these maps. They can stop the Soviets from igniting
this Cold War into a nuclear annihilation.
Speaker 1 (25:53):
You keep them on you.
Speaker 8 (25:55):
I recreated the maps in miniature for memory. That is
what I do with the synagogue. I've been working on
it over many months. It should have all the details
the Americans need to stop the Soviet operations.
Speaker 1 (26:08):
Ha pooh. These maps are your ticket to freedom, Jean.
Speaker 8 (26:12):
Please keep them safe for me so they won't be found.
Speaker 1 (26:16):
I will make sure that these maps get into the
right hands and help clear your name.
Speaker 8 (26:20):
I trust you will do the right thing. I still
can't believe you are here, my boy. Is this a
dream come true?
Speaker 1 (26:30):
I have something for you as well, from a friend.
Speaker 4 (26:34):
What is this?
Speaker 1 (26:35):
It's a forged passport from Jivago. He was holding on
to it in the lining of his jacket all this time,
waiting to give it to you.
Speaker 8 (26:43):
He always was a great forger, but a better friend.
Horrible taste than art, though we would spend hours arguing
over it. He loved the Moderness crap, but I knew
sending him that postcard was the best chance I had
at being found.
Speaker 1 (27:00):
We got him out of East Berlin with his nephew.
They should be in America by now. You can argue
about Art again when you see him there. How wonderful.
Speaker 2 (27:11):
I contacted Rebecca and Gustav. They said, there's a train
leaving for West Germany in thirty minutes, and she'll meet
you both at the station.
Speaker 1 (27:19):
What about you.
Speaker 2 (27:20):
I'll go back to the hotel with my brother to
keep up appearances. Check us out and say we're going
to stay with family instead. If we are being followed,
better to create the version. Then I'll meet you at
the station. Martin is already making arrangements.
Speaker 1 (27:34):
All right, we'll head there now.
Speaker 2 (27:36):
And I'm moved to the hotel. See you soon.
Speaker 1 (27:40):
We should get going too.
Speaker 8 (27:42):
Yes, we can slip out the beck and take the alley.
They'll come looking for me before long.
Speaker 1 (27:47):
Then we better be quick. This way, Jed. But if
we head down this street we can stay more hidden. Yes,
but this street is faster. We're looking for a short
We should take another road altogether, down this alley.
Speaker 8 (28:03):
Fernando Trdofka, the narrowest road in Brogue. It's only twenty
and she's quiet. We'll have to go one at a time.
Speaker 1 (28:10):
Good thing. I've been on the road and not had
much time to eat lately.
Speaker 8 (28:14):
You remember your geography, I had a good teacher and
your book business.
Speaker 4 (28:20):
How is that?
Speaker 8 (28:21):
I saw a copy at the cafe once. I was
only sad I could brag about it.
Speaker 1 (28:26):
Do anyone? It's going well. Flosta is the real brains
behind the operation, and we're in the midst of expanding.
We love what we do, but we see an opportunity
for more and the family that's part of the plan too.
Speaker 8 (28:41):
I'm so proud of the man you have become, my boy.
I'm just sorry I wasn't there to witness it.
Speaker 1 (28:47):
Well, you're here now, but only if we make this train.
We should hurry.
Speaker 8 (28:55):
I've got an old gene. My legs are moving as
fast as they can.
Speaker 1 (29:01):
It's not much farther. Station's right there.
Speaker 9 (29:06):
You go on ahead, I'll catch up. No, no, we
are doing this together. There's Vosta.
Speaker 8 (29:18):
It's the police.
Speaker 1 (29:20):
No, no, no, don't worry. That's her brother. He's just
dropping her off. We'll meet them on the platform. Go
the train's about to leave. Pardon me, excuse me, please me, please? Sorry?
There she is just two more cars.
Speaker 9 (29:37):
Vosta here, Hell shun call the doctor.
Speaker 1 (29:46):
Just wreath, We love the Everything's gonna be okay.
Speaker 8 (29:49):
They can't find you here with me, they can't find
the maps.
Speaker 1 (29:54):
I'm leaving you.
Speaker 8 (29:58):
There's no time get the maps to Martin. If they
find them on you, it will have all been for nothing.
Help me rid my wrongs, my boy.
Speaker 4 (30:11):
I love you.
Speaker 2 (30:17):
Oh no, jee, Jean, we have to go.
Speaker 1 (30:20):
The train is leaving. I won't leave him.
Speaker 5 (30:23):
He's gone, Gina.
Speaker 2 (30:24):
I'm so sorry.
Speaker 1 (30:24):
You have to go, Jean. You must go now. They're
coming and the train is going.
Speaker 6 (30:31):
I'll make sure your father is taken care of, but
now you must take care of my sister.
Speaker 1 (30:35):
Jean.
Speaker 5 (30:36):
It's time.
Speaker 1 (30:41):
He's lab all right, Let's go on, Harry, he's speaking up.
Speed here, take.
Speaker 2 (31:03):
Oh je I'm so sorry.
Speaker 5 (31:07):
Did you see who shot him?
Speaker 1 (31:10):
That all happened so fast.
Speaker 5 (31:12):
Someone must have been following you.
Speaker 2 (31:14):
I thought they needed him. Why would they shoot him?
Speaker 5 (31:17):
He was too valuable to let him leave alive. It
was a desperate move. They knew if we got him,
he could destroy all of their plans. And now we've got.
Speaker 9 (31:26):
Nothing, no, not nothing. We've got his maps, and we're
going to use these maps to end this once.
Speaker 3 (31:35):
And for all.
Speaker 10 (31:43):
Phodor's Guide to Espionage is created by Lars Jacobson, written
by Lars Jacobson and Sabrina Jagulain, and directed by Sabrina Jagulin,
Produced by Lars Jacobson and Sabrina Jagulin, and executive produced
by Noel Brown or iHeartRadio. Fodor's Guide to Espionage stars
Ethan Korn as Eugene Fodor, Lelia Symington as Volosta Fodor,
(32:05):
and Jackie Emerson as Rebecca Ralston, with additional performances by
Chase Mullins, George Rivera, Matt Linton, Dylan McCollum, Gabe Greenspan,
Chris Cappel, Duncan Kaladine Dana Melanie, Alex Gombadi, Noam Thomaschoff,
Katrina Aaron and Simon Jagulain. Sound design and editing by
(32:26):
Chris Childs. Original theme song by Jack Blavelt and Chris Childs,
with additional scoring by Chris Childs. Sound engineering by Chris Seck.
Fodor's Guide to Espionage is an iHeartRadio production. For more
podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or
wherever you get your podcasts.
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