April 24, 2024 • 33 mins
Trapped behind the newly built "Berlin Wall," Gene and his team must find a way to escape to freedom before being captured by the KGB.
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Speaker 1 (00:05):
The seasoned traveler knows that even the best laid plans
often go astray. If you travel long enough, delays and
disruptions are inevitable. Inclement weather can cancel a flight, cars
and buses break down, trains are delayed, and workers go
on strike. Your luggage may be lost, and you might
(00:25):
need to get yourself somewhere quickly and be unable. All
this may lead you to find yourself stranded in a
foreign land, not speaking the language, with no means of escape.
You might feel lost, trapped, even helpless. But with the
right perspective, these delays can become opportunities to this savvy traveler,
(00:47):
a chance to discover a new corner, make a new friend,
try a new meal, get to understand something deeper about
yourself or your travel companions. Delays might keep you from
your desk, but the true joy of travel is in
the journey, not the destination, And with the right attitude
and preparation, everyone can turn a lost day into a
(01:11):
found adventure.
Speaker 2 (01:13):
Jeane, are you just gonna stare out the window all morning?
Or help us come up with a plan to escape?
Speaker 1 (01:19):
I just can't believe I've locked down all of East Berlin.
Speaker 3 (01:21):
That I have no trouble believing, but building a wall
to cage us in like animals, shameful.
Speaker 1 (01:29):
Flost is gonna be worried sick.
Speaker 2 (01:30):
News of the lockdown must have already reached her, so
at least she knows why you haven't returned.
Speaker 1 (01:36):
That won't be good enough for my wife. I won't
be surprised if she tries to tear down the wall herself.
If I don't get word to her soon, Martin.
Speaker 2 (01:43):
Will be all over this. He'll make sure she's taken
care of.
Speaker 1 (01:46):
But for how long?
Speaker 2 (01:47):
Hopefully not long?
Speaker 3 (01:49):
This is all my fault. Perhaps I should try to
head home.
Speaker 1 (01:53):
We came here to help you and your nephew escape.
We will still find a way out for all of us.
Speaker 2 (01:58):
That's right. No more sitting around here feeling sorry for ourselves.
Speaker 1 (02:01):
The city is shut down, roads and checkpoints closed, trains
have stopped running. They are literally building a wall.
Speaker 2 (02:08):
And the National People's Army and combat groups of the
working class soldiers are guarding the construction, with orders to
shoot anyone who attempts to defect. So we need a
new plan.
Speaker 3 (02:19):
How long are we savi you?
Speaker 2 (02:21):
This safe house won't be compromised, But the longer we're here,
the harder it will be to cross the border. Every
hour that passes means more walls, more land mines, and
more guards.
Speaker 1 (02:31):
Would it be foolish to assume there was a plan B?
Speaker 2 (02:33):
Well, there was a plan BC and D, but this
wall has thrown out the whole alphabet.
Speaker 3 (02:38):
Are there any papers you can think of that could help?
I could make whatever needed.
Speaker 2 (02:43):
I'm not sure of it. Huh. That does make me
think I have a contact here in the east, a
black marketer who we've used before to help move things.
Speaker 1 (02:54):
Is he good enough to help move us?
Speaker 2 (02:55):
I'm gonna find him and find out where does he live?
Prince Lauerberg, I'll go check it out and be back
in half an hour.
Speaker 1 (03:02):
We'll go with you.
Speaker 2 (03:03):
With Javago being hunted, it's best I go alone. I
don't want to draw any attention with a group.
Speaker 1 (03:10):
If you insist, be safe, I'm sure she'll be back soon.
We'll just sit tight.
Speaker 4 (03:22):
Do you know Elvis?
Speaker 1 (03:23):
Her photo be Elvis?
Speaker 3 (03:26):
Yes?
Speaker 5 (03:27):
The King My uncle said you were famous, have your
own books with your name on it. I thought you
might know Elvis, since he's famous too.
Speaker 1 (03:35):
I never met the man, but I've been to Memphis,
where he's from. Great barbecue and blues music.
Speaker 3 (03:42):
Listening to Elvis was al Mattia's firstly in English. Now
he reads and listens to anything he can get his
hands on. He even fixed his transistor at home to
buy it Western Radio.
Speaker 1 (03:52):
It's a great way to learn. I used to pretend
to be sick so I could read all the magazines
in the doctor's office.
Speaker 4 (03:59):
My uncle is to me about how you get to
travel as the world for work. This is what I
wish to do.
Speaker 5 (04:04):
I want to see end on everything, not be trapped
in a country behind a.
Speaker 3 (04:09):
Vall after he goes to university.
Speaker 5 (04:12):
Of course, of course, please tell me more about America,
hairfo door. What to expect in America.
Speaker 1 (04:19):
For an avid learner like yourself, Just be prepared for
the multitude of choice. I was almost overwhelmed when I
first arrived. Public libraries, outdoor performances of music, movies, theater,
all derived from the beauty of free speech.
Speaker 5 (04:37):
Incredible, and you can criticize the government openly.
Speaker 1 (04:41):
If you so choose. But most importantly, if you have
a dream, you can make it happen. If you work
hard enough, you can realize it. Anything can be possible.
Speaker 4 (04:53):
This is what my uncle told me. But it's great
to hear it's true.
Speaker 1 (04:57):
And I know better than most. I was born in Hungary,
but have made America my home by choice. Really how
I first left my home country for France to study
in Paris at the Sorbonne. That's when I first saw
a small piece of the world and knew I wanted more.
And the more I saw, the more I wanted to
tell people about it. People who travel, yes, but also
(05:20):
people like me and you who grew up in our
corners of the world yearning for more.
Speaker 3 (05:25):
That's very admirable, gene and naive.
Speaker 1 (05:29):
I thought that when you meet people from different cultures,
it's extremely hard to start a war. That I could
help change things.
Speaker 3 (05:35):
But of course woy is what always happens.
Speaker 1 (05:39):
Yes, I was in the United States promoting my guide
book when I learned of the Munich Pact. I was
so outraged that I cabled the magazine office in London,
where I was employed, and told him I was staying put.
I vowed to never return to Europe except in uniform,
a promise I made good on when I joined the
U S Army in nineteen forty two.
Speaker 4 (06:00):
Was it difficult to fight for countries? Is it not
to own?
Speaker 3 (06:03):
Ah?
Speaker 1 (06:04):
But that's exactly how it became mine. It wasn't because
of birth. It was a choice. I believed in what
the US stood for, what it was fighting for. It
was a marriage of sorts, and much like my marriage
to my wife, it is a decision I've never regretted.
Speaker 4 (06:21):
I hope one day to make the same choice.
Speaker 1 (06:24):
I hope we give you the opportunity.
Speaker 3 (06:27):
Thank you, Jean, thank you.
Speaker 1 (06:33):
That must be Rebecca Good and tag youngs. You startled us.
Speaker 2 (06:38):
That's the vibe of the whole city. Nervous citizens are
filling the streets, and the checkpoints are heavily guarded. I
feared as much, but I was able to reach my contact, Ziggy,
and he's going to help.
Speaker 1 (06:50):
Oh that's great news.
Speaker 2 (06:52):
He runs a small car repair shop in Mitta. We're
going to relocate there and he'll smuggle us out.
Speaker 1 (06:57):
You're sure it's safe.
Speaker 2 (06:58):
Well, it's the best option we have. Everyone, grab your things,
we won't be returning here, Ziggy. I returned. Hello, Rebecca,
(07:21):
come to the back, Siggy. This is my colleague Jeene
and our friends.
Speaker 6 (07:29):
Pleased to meet you. Crazy day, no Soviet it's always
liked to build falls and destroy bridges.
Speaker 1 (07:36):
Bad for business. Thank you for helping us, ah, but.
Speaker 3 (07:39):
We all help each other.
Speaker 6 (07:41):
I get sings in, I get sings out.
Speaker 3 (07:43):
I do not ask what.
Speaker 6 (07:44):
I only tell you. The cost, which they must tell you,
has just sent up much likes of all that is
being built.
Speaker 2 (07:50):
Of course, See, we don't have a lot of money
on us, but I promise to keep you fully supplied
with denim jeans and rock fine.
Speaker 4 (08:00):
Oh, I do love the Levi's.
Speaker 6 (08:03):
And they fetch a pretty penny with the coms.
Speaker 1 (08:06):
And like you said, prices just went up.
Speaker 6 (08:09):
True, true, okay, so as long as the delivery is big,
you have a deal.
Speaker 1 (08:14):
But I've on you.
Speaker 6 (08:16):
All my usual routes have been closed. The only one
left open is checkpoint Charlie.
Speaker 1 (08:20):
Can you get us through it?
Speaker 6 (08:22):
This this new high security. A normal smuggler would say
it is madness. But Ziggy is best smuggler in the world,
and Ziggy has an idea.
Speaker 1 (08:32):
Some might say crazy.
Speaker 3 (08:33):
I say genius.
Speaker 6 (08:35):
You see this family automobile right here, A traby that
says Schweinschlager family volks band on the side.
Speaker 1 (08:43):
Yeah.
Speaker 6 (08:43):
So last month I help a folk music band escape
to the Vest. They saw a brighter future there for
their music. But to escape they could only bring what
they could carry, so they sold the rest to me
at the fair price, of course, instruments, costumes, even their
trusty tour of.
Speaker 7 (09:00):
The uncle here.
Speaker 2 (09:01):
Nothing trusty about it, Trovi.
Speaker 1 (09:03):
I'm leaning toward crazy here.
Speaker 3 (09:04):
No, it's genius.
Speaker 6 (09:06):
I tell you, sees this flyer here. A Volks music festival,
the biggest in Germany, happened yesterday here in the east,
in Margdeburg.
Speaker 2 (09:15):
I was going to.
Speaker 6 (09:15):
Sell my new acquisitions, but I had a little too
much to drink the night before and overslept. Whoopsie, only
my hangover is your benefit?
Speaker 1 (09:25):
Yep, definitely crazy.
Speaker 6 (09:26):
No, don't you see these bands from the Vest. There
are many, and they all want to get home. I
sell you instruments, costumes, everything, and you travel to the
Vest as a family band.
Speaker 1 (09:40):
That's absurd, Rebecca, We're wasting time here.
Speaker 8 (09:43):
It is absurd.
Speaker 2 (09:45):
But they aren't looking for a family, and hiding in
a crowd does make sense.
Speaker 4 (09:49):
I even have papers for you.
Speaker 3 (09:51):
Let me see those, these passports, as Heiser. But I
can fix them. It won't take long, and I can.
Speaker 5 (10:00):
I think it's fallen through a party in the county jail.
Speaker 2 (10:03):
Like Elvis, It's actually not so crazy. We can all
speak German enough to get by, and if the checkpoint
is overwhelmed, I doubt they have time to ask us
to audition. Frankly, it's the best option we have. And
the clock is.
Speaker 1 (10:17):
Ticking all right, I guess if the later Hosen fits
wear it. Though much of Germany can resemble the modern world,
they have their own distinct tastes in music, food, and fashion,
(10:40):
all of which they take great pride in. For example,
in fashion, there is the male outfit of led Josen
that may defy logic but remain the life of the party.
Imagine leather shorts with suspenders, accompanied by a blouse, knee
high frielly socks, and topped with a feathered hat. Combine
(11:02):
this with plenty of beer, pretzels and broughtwurst at the
local beer garden, and you'll have no choice but to
sing along in chorus with the rest of the crowd
as the ump pumppa ump pumppa of the Volks music
starts to play.
Speaker 2 (11:20):
Whoa nice legs, Jean?
Speaker 1 (11:23):
Don't objectify me in my later hosan at least your
derndal seems to fit.
Speaker 2 (11:28):
Unfortunately, I'm not quite as booksome as this wardrobe requires.
I just stuff my bra to get all this cleavage.
Speaker 3 (11:35):
Oh wow, don't you both look fantastic. Hear the completed
West German passports. I must say I'm proud of my
own handiwork. Please note the German names and commits him
to memory. Where's Mattias? He's working on Zika with Ziggy.
Come this way, Oh go, I think I fixed it.
(11:58):
Give it a try.
Speaker 6 (12:09):
It might not be roomy or reliable, but it will
get you across the finish line. I assure you.
Speaker 2 (12:16):
Where will we put the instruments? They won't fit on
our laps.
Speaker 1 (12:20):
Stuff them in the trunk.
Speaker 2 (12:21):
Whatever you say, I'll drive in case we get stopped
the ab sheet Ziggy, thank you for the help. Good luck.
Speaker 6 (12:35):
I look forward to my airlift of Levice.
Speaker 8 (12:38):
You have my word.
Speaker 1 (12:56):
If you are renting a car on vacation, try to
avoid the Trabant. One of the shittiest cars in automotive history,
the Trabant was first produced in nineteen fifty seven by
an East German car manufacturer. It features a duroplast body
on a one piece steel chassis, front wheel drive, a
transverse two stroke engine, and independent suspension. For those who
(13:20):
don't speak car, none of these elements make for a
very road worthy vehicle, hence its well earned reputation as
a spark plug with a roof. The name was inspired
by the Soviet Sputnik satellite, and the cars are often
referred to as Traby. But all you really need to
know is the build quality was poor, the reliability was terrible,
(13:40):
and it was loud, slow, and poorly designed.
Speaker 2 (13:45):
Gene, watch out, Stasi police car up ahead?
Speaker 1 (13:48):
Shit, everyone, get down on the floor. What do I do?
Speaker 2 (13:54):
Just keep your hands on the wheel and look straight ahead.
Speaker 1 (13:57):
I know, I know, we're passing them.
Speaker 2 (14:03):
What's the police car driver doing?
Speaker 1 (14:06):
Shit? He's pulling out and following us. What should I do?
Speaker 2 (14:10):
Keep calm? We don't know if he's onto us yet.
Don't want to tip him off.
Speaker 1 (14:14):
What if your friend, Zuki you got a better offer
to sell us out?
Speaker 2 (14:17):
He wouldn't risk it.
Speaker 1 (14:19):
I don't know. His only loyalty seemed to be to cash.
Speaker 3 (14:22):
I'm sure as the Soviets have put a pretty big
bounty on my.
Speaker 2 (14:25):
Head, then make sure you keep your head down.
Speaker 1 (14:28):
There's a stop light coming up ahead as he's still following. Yes,
they're pulling up beside us. Keep very still.
Speaker 2 (14:36):
Okay, I'm going to ask you a few questions.
Speaker 9 (14:40):
Hum.
Speaker 2 (14:40):
If the answer is yes, stay silent. If no, do
not look like you were talking to yourself. Is there
just one police car? Is he looking at you?
Speaker 3 (14:54):
Hm?
Speaker 2 (14:55):
Does he have both hands on the wheel just one
hand on the wheel?
Speaker 1 (15:01):
Hmm?
Speaker 2 (15:02):
Okay? What are you doing making sure we're prepared?
Speaker 3 (15:07):
Why did you get that gun?
Speaker 2 (15:09):
Sickie really loves his leviys gene. When you hear a gunshot,
drive like hell.
Speaker 7 (15:16):
Hold on, everyone, okay, just drive, I'm done.
Speaker 2 (15:29):
What are you doing? I said, drive? I'm dating on
a phone.
Speaker 7 (15:32):
I am is as fast as it goes.
Speaker 3 (15:35):
Hold on, are you going?
Speaker 1 (15:37):
You can't outrun them in this piece of crap, but
maybe we can lose them. Damn it, they made the turn.
It's one way down this alley because.
Speaker 2 (15:48):
I've only got one bullet left. Hold it steady. I
shut their tire.
Speaker 3 (16:00):
Wow, that was like John Vayne.
Speaker 1 (16:03):
Nice work. But now what are covers more blow than
their tire?
Speaker 2 (16:06):
We need a new place to hide in a new
plan fast.
Speaker 10 (16:09):
I know a place by Zarriva, very close an old
abandoned Soviet shipyard would be safe point the way.
Speaker 1 (16:29):
The river Spree might sound small, especially as it is
often viewed in comparison to the enormous Rhine River of Germont,
but the Spree is nothing to be sniffed. At approximately
four hundred kilometers in length, it flows through the Saxony,
Brandenburg and Berlin states of Germany before cutting into the
Czech Republic. In Berlin, the Spree was where the original
(16:52):
center of Berlin was built and now holds many of
its greatest attractions, such as Museum Island, where one can
find the Ergemann Museum and National Gallery. To capture the
beauty and history of Berlin, I suggest a riverboat cruise
along the Spree, where you can catch dozens of sites
from a rather different perspective as the river winds between them.
(17:16):
You can choose your time too for something really lovely
go over the evening tour. During the summer months, the
more energetic can rent a bicycle to follow the river,
stopping off to visit attractions as they go, and the
languid can simply relax in one of the many fine
bars that can be found on the banks of the Spree.
But more recently, the Sprie has also become a border
(17:39):
between East and West, dividing the districts of Kreutzberg and
West Berlin and Friedrichsheim in East Berlin, which run along
the river's banks. East Berlin controls the entire width of
the Spree at these points, with walls occupying the river's
eastern bank. Armed patrol boats cruise the waters above, while
(18:01):
below underwater, chain link fences, submersible mines and barricades create
a water border with the West, preventing boaters, swimmers, and
scuba divers from reaching freedom through the Spree.
Speaker 3 (18:18):
You know, Jane, you stare at a river like I
used to as a boy. Back then, this time of year,
the Spree would be filled with swimmers. Now it's illegal
and you'd only get shot.
Speaker 1 (18:30):
Hopefully it's not that way forever.
Speaker 3 (18:33):
A riven never stays the Sames they say.
Speaker 1 (18:35):
Nope, can never step into the same river twice.
Speaker 3 (18:39):
I want to thank you, Jean for risking your life
to save us. You are more like your father than
justin looks. He would be very very proud.
Speaker 1 (18:51):
Honestly, I don't know what to think about my father
right now. Humh For so long I thought he was dead.
I grieved him and made my peace with it. But
now not only do I learn he's alive, but that
he's been helping the Soviets for years. If it's true,
it betrays everything I believed for so long.
Speaker 3 (19:12):
I can tell you from experience, many men are forced
to make opromises. Only they can know the whole truth.
I suppose, but I know this, he is still the
man that you think he is.
Speaker 1 (19:24):
How can you be sure?
Speaker 3 (19:27):
Because I know he tried to escape to the Vest.
He had me make him a passport.
Speaker 1 (19:34):
What are you doing?
Speaker 3 (19:37):
I've kept it in the lining of my coat to
give to you when we crossed. But there's no need
to wait.
Speaker 1 (19:44):
Here. My God, it's really him. I haven't seen him
in so many years.
Speaker 3 (19:55):
That photo is a few years old now, but I'm
sure he hasn't changed.
Speaker 1 (20:00):
Happened to him?
Speaker 3 (20:01):
Za KGB took him in the night before I could
give it to him, No Chavai. Maybe they had heard
of his plans, Maybe they just needed him for theirs.
When Martin told me you would be my escort across,
I thought I'd give it to you. Hopefully you'll meet
him again before I do. For me, most likely in
(20:23):
the next life, but please keep it for him and,
with luck, one day put it to use.
Speaker 1 (20:33):
Thank you. Hopefully one day we're all together toasting to
Mattais's graduation. What is this in the passport? A postcard?
Speaker 3 (20:47):
It's the last message I received from your father.
Speaker 1 (20:50):
There's no message or address, only a quote from a
certain point onward. There's no longer any turning back. That
is the point that must be reached.
Speaker 3 (21:00):
I wasn't sure what it meant, but I recognized his
pathfinder signature, so I knew it was your father. Thus
I knew it must mean something.
Speaker 1 (21:12):
It's a Franz Coffka quote, Ka ka kafka. He must
be in Prague.
Speaker 3 (21:24):
You two do think alike. You know I have more
passports in my coat lining. I was saving them to
use his leverage once we were in the West. But
in case something happens to me while we are trying
to escape, I want you to have them, Jeane. These
men are extremely dangerous.
Speaker 1 (21:45):
Then Rebecca is the safest choice to hang on to them.
Plus it earns you bonus points with the CIA.
Speaker 2 (21:51):
Rebecca, you boys have our plans se figured out yet.
Speaker 1 (21:56):
Still working on it. But in the meantime, I want.
Speaker 3 (22:00):
You to have zies.
Speaker 2 (22:04):
Three French passports for men. I doubt we can use them.
Speaker 3 (22:11):
No, they're for French radicals in a secret group called
Vier talmejour. They think they're being funded and supported by
the OAS, but it's really the KGB using them as
assassins for their own communist agenda.
Speaker 2 (22:26):
Assassins in France. Do you know the target?
Speaker 3 (22:31):
President Charles Dago?
Speaker 1 (22:33):
Shit?
Speaker 2 (22:35):
Shit? How long do we have?
Speaker 3 (22:37):
I made the original passports three weeks.
Speaker 1 (22:39):
Ago, which means they're probably safely in Paris and prepping
for the mission.
Speaker 2 (22:43):
It also means we have even more urgency to get
across and get these photos into the proper hands. We
need a plan and now the.
Speaker 1 (22:51):
Reality is after the shootout, the Stasse will be looking
for us and the car. The border will be on
even more high alert than it was. There's no slipping
through anymore, no matter how good the forged passports are.
Speaker 2 (23:02):
You're right, we need a direct approach.
Speaker 1 (23:05):
You said, Checkpoint Charlie is the only exit point. Do
you know how it's laid out?
Speaker 2 (23:10):
There is a gate and a guard station with multiple soldiers.
Speaker 1 (23:14):
What kind of gate?
Speaker 2 (23:15):
A raised arm?
Speaker 3 (23:16):
How tall?
Speaker 2 (23:17):
And I have no clue.
Speaker 3 (23:18):
Geane, what are you thinking.
Speaker 1 (23:20):
I'm thinking that if we can't get over or around
the gate, maybe we can go through it, or rather
under it.
Speaker 3 (23:28):
Hmm. The Trobby would never fit underneath the gate, not
as it is.
Speaker 1 (23:34):
But what about without our roof and windshield?
Speaker 2 (23:37):
You're serious?
Speaker 1 (23:38):
We'd have to wait until late when there's no traffic,
create a distraction, and hopefully zoom right under while the
guards aren't looking. Of course they'll notice soon enough, but
hopefully we'll be on western soil before they can do
anything about it.
Speaker 3 (23:51):
It's crazy, but it just might work.
Speaker 2 (23:54):
It's not like we have any other options, but it
is a risk.
Speaker 5 (23:59):
The tools in the ship I can alter the car,
take off the roofs of ndshield.
Speaker 4 (24:03):
I'm good with mechanics.
Speaker 1 (24:05):
That's great, Matisas.
Speaker 4 (24:06):
I can even use.
Speaker 5 (24:07):
Some of the scrap metal in the shipyard to reinforce
the trunk in case the soldiers shoot at us.
Speaker 3 (24:12):
Good thinking, my boy.
Speaker 2 (24:13):
Now we just need a good distraction.
Speaker 1 (24:15):
I've got an idea for that. See those pro pane tanks.
They're mostly empty, but put them all together and light
them up and they would make one hell of a distraction.
Speaker 3 (24:30):
I'll help you stack them.
Speaker 1 (24:31):
Great, let's get to work.
Speaker 2 (24:32):
You boys get started and I'll be back as soon
as possible.
Speaker 1 (24:35):
Where are you going to.
Speaker 2 (24:36):
Do some recon at checkpoint? Charlie and check the height
of the gate. Seems pretty important for.
Speaker 1 (24:41):
Your plan by yourself in that dress.
Speaker 2 (24:44):
Might as well put this darndal to good use. Mattias,
pass me a piece of that charcoal?
Speaker 1 (24:48):
And what is that for?
Speaker 2 (24:50):
A lady never reveals her secrets. I'll be the saying.
Speaker 1 (25:10):
That's the last one. Should be enough to create an
explosion that gets everyone's attention.
Speaker 3 (25:15):
And at this distance no other buildings will get damaged
while people hurt.
Speaker 5 (25:20):
I've got over here too, Uncle, it's the cars ready.
Speaker 2 (25:26):
Looks like you boys have been busy. The car actually
looks better without the roof and windshield.
Speaker 3 (25:31):
You're back.
Speaker 1 (25:32):
What did you learn about the checkpoint?
Speaker 2 (25:33):
I learned that a girl in a dirndl can get
away with about anything in this place. See the black
line on the back of my leg, that's the height
of the bottom of the gate. I drew it on
there while I was asking the guard directions to Alexander Platz.
It was amazing to see how many guards wanted to
help impressive as always, but don't be fooled. It is
well guarded and heavily armed, and the shift changes at
(25:55):
the top of the hour.
Speaker 1 (25:56):
That's in twenty minutes.
Speaker 2 (25:58):
No time like the present.
Speaker 3 (25:59):
Then, Rebecca, come stand over here please so we can measure.
Speaker 1 (26:07):
Please tell me you've shrunk, because otherwise the car is
still too tall by a couple of inches.
Speaker 4 (26:11):
Shiser, this won't fit.
Speaker 2 (26:13):
What the hell are we going to do?
Speaker 1 (26:16):
I've got it. You didn't shrink, But we can shrink
the car. What do you mean. Watch if we release
some pressure in these tires, we can lower the height.
It'll be close.
Speaker 4 (26:30):
I can do this fun for me too.
Speaker 1 (26:35):
That's enough. Still needs to be drivable, Rebecca, measure again,
got it by a kneecap.
Speaker 3 (26:42):
We should just be able to make it under, hopefully.
Speaker 2 (26:44):
With our heads intact. Is the diversion ready to We.
Speaker 1 (26:47):
Stacked all the propane tanks and collected all the oily
rags and flammable materials. It will make a beautiful bonfire
with an explosion large enough to draw everyone's attention here
to the shipyard and away from the gate.
Speaker 2 (26:58):
Then let's pack it in and light it up. I'll
drive this time.
Speaker 1 (27:23):
Checkpoint Charlie is a crossing point in the Berlin Wall,
located at the junction of friedrich Strasse, Ziemerstrasse and Mauerstrasse,
which coincidentally means wall street. Checkpoint Charlie was originally designed
as the single crossing point on foot or by car
for all foreigners and members of the Allied forces between
(27:46):
East and West Germany. The name Charlie comes from the
letter C in the NATO phonetic alphabet. Other Allied checkpoints
on the Autobahn from the west were Checkpoint Alpha at
Hemstout and Checkpoint Bravo at Drei Linden, but the East
Germans officially referred to it as the grandsuber Gangstelle or
(28:06):
border crossing point. The single lane guard post is surrounded
by sandbags, barbed wire and a wooden shed used as
a guard house with a manual lifted arm gate to
let cars through. The East Germans never built any permanent
structures at the checkpoint, their reasoning being that they did
not consider the inner Berlin sector boundary in international border
(28:30):
and did not treat it as such. But with no
minefields or no man's land on the other side of
checkpoint Charlie, Freedom and the West is only a step away.
Speaker 2 (28:43):
Okay, everyone, stay on the floorboards, keep your heads down,
and the blankets and cushions over you for protection. Yes,
and almost time for the shift change. Why haven't the
tanks exploded yet?
Speaker 1 (28:57):
Maybe there wasn't enough gas left in them after all.
Speaker 2 (29:02):
Damn it, they're changing shifts. It's now or never. What
do we do?
Speaker 1 (29:07):
Just go for it?
Speaker 2 (29:08):
All right, stay low and hold on. Here goes nothing.
Speaker 1 (29:17):
For it?
Speaker 2 (29:18):
I am. It's got like three horsepower?
Speaker 7 (29:21):
How far are we?
Speaker 2 (29:22):
Three hundred yards to the checkpoint? I'm killing the likes
so they don't see us two hundred yards? Shit, shit,
I think they've spotted us one hundred. Yeah, our diversion
is working. They don't see us.
Speaker 9 (29:42):
First saw horse up ahead, hold on, day ahead, Here
goes nothing good.
Speaker 2 (30:06):
We're through. We made it, is everyone okay?
Speaker 1 (30:12):
Besides a haircut from that gate arm, I think we're
all good.
Speaker 3 (30:15):
Why is they not shooting? Because they can't anymore? My boy,
Via in's a vest.
Speaker 1 (30:22):
That's right, Mattias. You're free to.
Speaker 4 (30:25):
Save whatever I want?
Speaker 3 (30:26):
Is that case? I love alb I love America.
Speaker 1 (30:33):
Great sit down, now that we have that settled, Rebecca,
can you please take me to the hotel. The stassy
may not have killed me, but Vlosta certainly will.
Speaker 2 (30:43):
Yes, sir, one last trabby tour.
Speaker 1 (30:56):
Jean.
Speaker 2 (30:58):
Is that you?
Speaker 1 (30:59):
Hi, darling. I'm so sorry. You must have been worried,
sick at.
Speaker 2 (31:04):
The phone to the embassy all day until Martin told
me you were safe. He said the East Germans canceled
your visas and he had to get new ones issued.
Speaker 1 (31:14):
It was one of the craziest twenty four hours of
my life. But this is one instance where I am
truly proud to be an American.
Speaker 4 (31:21):
Yes, what a waste with that wall. They sure won't
be getting many.
Speaker 1 (31:27):
Tourists and that's for certain. Go back to sleep. I'll
join you soon.
Speaker 2 (31:34):
Good night, my love.
Speaker 1 (31:41):
It's like cappuccino afforl though Doncazette.
Speaker 2 (31:46):
Woods in Morgan. Jean is one of those coffees for me.
Speaker 1 (31:49):
I'm bringing them up to Vlasta, so anything you have
to say better be quick before these get cold.
Speaker 2 (31:54):
I just wanted to let you know that Jevago and
Matteias made it safely to the US Embassy are in
good hands.
Speaker 1 (32:02):
I'm very happy to hear that. Thank you. Did you
also tell Martin about my father and Prague.
Speaker 2 (32:07):
I did, but he said that all of that is
going to have to wait. First. He needs us to
transport those passport photos of the French assassins from Jevago
to Paris immediately, of course he does. The murder of
Charles de Gaul would threaten peace in Algeria and the
very existence of NATO itself, which is exactly what the Soviets.
Speaker 1 (32:26):
Want, and we certainly can't let that happen. So when
do we leave?
Speaker 2 (32:30):
The plane departs at noon?
Speaker 1 (32:32):
Oh boy, then I guess I better tell Vlasta to
drink this fast.
Speaker 2 (32:36):
I'll see you at the airport.
Speaker 1 (32:38):
Alfas in Berlin.
Speaker 2 (32:40):
Bonjour, Pelli.
Speaker 11 (32:49):
Fodor's Guide to Espionage is created by Lars Jacobson, written
by Lars Jacobson and Sabrina Jaglain, and directed by Sabrina Jacklain,
produced by Lars Jacobson and Sabrina Jaguline, and executive produced
by Noel Brown or iHeart Radio. Fodor's Guide to Espionage
stars Ethan Korn as Eugene Fodor, Leliah Symington as Vlasta Fodor,
(33:11):
and Jackie Emerson as Rebecca Ralston, with additional performances by
Chase Mullens, George Rivera, Matt Linton, Dylan McCollum, Gabe Greenspan,
Chris Cappel, Duncan Kaladine, Dana Melanie, Alex Gombadi, Noam Thomaschoff,
Katrina Aaron, and Simon Jagulin. Sound design and editing by
(33:32):
Chris Childs. Original theme song by Jack Blavelt and Chris Childs,
with additional scoring by Chris Childs. Sound engineering by Chris
sec Fodor's Guide to Espionage is an iHeart Radio production.
For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts,
or wherever you get your podcasts,
The seasoned traveler knows that even the best laid plans
often go astray. If you travel long enough, delays and
disruptions are inevitable. Inclement weather can cancel a flight, cars
and buses break down, trains are delayed, and workers go
on strike. Your luggage may be lost, and you might
(00:25):
need to get yourself somewhere quickly and be unable. All
this may lead you to find yourself stranded in a
foreign land, not speaking the language, with no means of escape.
You might feel lost, trapped, even helpless. But with the
right perspective, these delays can become opportunities to this savvy traveler,
(00:47):
a chance to discover a new corner, make a new friend,
try a new meal, get to understand something deeper about
yourself or your travel companions. Delays might keep you from
your desk, but the true joy of travel is in
the journey, not the destination, And with the right attitude
and preparation, everyone can turn a lost day into a
(01:11):
found adventure.
Speaker 2 (01:13):
Jeane, are you just gonna stare out the window all morning?
Or help us come up with a plan to escape?
Speaker 1 (01:19):
I just can't believe I've locked down all of East Berlin.
Speaker 3 (01:21):
That I have no trouble believing, but building a wall
to cage us in like animals, shameful.
Speaker 1 (01:29):
Flost is gonna be worried sick.
Speaker 2 (01:30):
News of the lockdown must have already reached her, so
at least she knows why you haven't returned.
Speaker 1 (01:36):
That won't be good enough for my wife. I won't
be surprised if she tries to tear down the wall herself.
If I don't get word to her soon, Martin.
Speaker 2 (01:43):
Will be all over this. He'll make sure she's taken
care of.
Speaker 1 (01:46):
But for how long?
Speaker 2 (01:47):
Hopefully not long?
Speaker 3 (01:49):
This is all my fault. Perhaps I should try to
head home.
Speaker 1 (01:53):
We came here to help you and your nephew escape.
We will still find a way out for all of us.
Speaker 2 (01:58):
That's right. No more sitting around here feeling sorry for ourselves.
Speaker 1 (02:01):
The city is shut down, roads and checkpoints closed, trains
have stopped running. They are literally building a wall.
Speaker 2 (02:08):
And the National People's Army and combat groups of the
working class soldiers are guarding the construction, with orders to
shoot anyone who attempts to defect. So we need a
new plan.
Speaker 3 (02:19):
How long are we savi you?
Speaker 2 (02:21):
This safe house won't be compromised, But the longer we're here,
the harder it will be to cross the border. Every
hour that passes means more walls, more land mines, and
more guards.
Speaker 1 (02:31):
Would it be foolish to assume there was a plan B?
Speaker 2 (02:33):
Well, there was a plan BC and D, but this
wall has thrown out the whole alphabet.
Speaker 3 (02:38):
Are there any papers you can think of that could help?
I could make whatever needed.
Speaker 2 (02:43):
I'm not sure of it. Huh. That does make me
think I have a contact here in the east, a
black marketer who we've used before to help move things.
Speaker 1 (02:54):
Is he good enough to help move us?
Speaker 2 (02:55):
I'm gonna find him and find out where does he live?
Prince Lauerberg, I'll go check it out and be back
in half an hour.
Speaker 1 (03:02):
We'll go with you.
Speaker 2 (03:03):
With Javago being hunted, it's best I go alone. I
don't want to draw any attention with a group.
Speaker 1 (03:10):
If you insist, be safe, I'm sure she'll be back soon.
We'll just sit tight.
Speaker 4 (03:22):
Do you know Elvis?
Speaker 1 (03:23):
Her photo be Elvis?
Speaker 3 (03:26):
Yes?
Speaker 5 (03:27):
The King My uncle said you were famous, have your
own books with your name on it. I thought you
might know Elvis, since he's famous too.
Speaker 1 (03:35):
I never met the man, but I've been to Memphis,
where he's from. Great barbecue and blues music.
Speaker 3 (03:42):
Listening to Elvis was al Mattia's firstly in English. Now
he reads and listens to anything he can get his
hands on. He even fixed his transistor at home to
buy it Western Radio.
Speaker 1 (03:52):
It's a great way to learn. I used to pretend
to be sick so I could read all the magazines
in the doctor's office.
Speaker 4 (03:59):
My uncle is to me about how you get to
travel as the world for work. This is what I
wish to do.
Speaker 5 (04:04):
I want to see end on everything, not be trapped
in a country behind a.
Speaker 3 (04:09):
Vall after he goes to university.
Speaker 5 (04:12):
Of course, of course, please tell me more about America,
hairfo door. What to expect in America.
Speaker 1 (04:19):
For an avid learner like yourself, Just be prepared for
the multitude of choice. I was almost overwhelmed when I
first arrived. Public libraries, outdoor performances of music, movies, theater,
all derived from the beauty of free speech.
Speaker 5 (04:37):
Incredible, and you can criticize the government openly.
Speaker 1 (04:41):
If you so choose. But most importantly, if you have
a dream, you can make it happen. If you work
hard enough, you can realize it. Anything can be possible.
Speaker 4 (04:53):
This is what my uncle told me. But it's great
to hear it's true.
Speaker 1 (04:57):
And I know better than most. I was born in Hungary,
but have made America my home by choice. Really how
I first left my home country for France to study
in Paris at the Sorbonne. That's when I first saw
a small piece of the world and knew I wanted more.
And the more I saw, the more I wanted to
tell people about it. People who travel, yes, but also
(05:20):
people like me and you who grew up in our
corners of the world yearning for more.
Speaker 3 (05:25):
That's very admirable, gene and naive.
Speaker 1 (05:29):
I thought that when you meet people from different cultures,
it's extremely hard to start a war. That I could
help change things.
Speaker 3 (05:35):
But of course woy is what always happens.
Speaker 1 (05:39):
Yes, I was in the United States promoting my guide
book when I learned of the Munich Pact. I was
so outraged that I cabled the magazine office in London,
where I was employed, and told him I was staying put.
I vowed to never return to Europe except in uniform,
a promise I made good on when I joined the
U S Army in nineteen forty two.
Speaker 4 (06:00):
Was it difficult to fight for countries? Is it not
to own?
Speaker 3 (06:03):
Ah?
Speaker 1 (06:04):
But that's exactly how it became mine. It wasn't because
of birth. It was a choice. I believed in what
the US stood for, what it was fighting for. It
was a marriage of sorts, and much like my marriage
to my wife, it is a decision I've never regretted.
Speaker 4 (06:21):
I hope one day to make the same choice.
Speaker 1 (06:24):
I hope we give you the opportunity.
Speaker 3 (06:27):
Thank you, Jean, thank you.
Speaker 1 (06:33):
That must be Rebecca Good and tag youngs. You startled us.
Speaker 2 (06:38):
That's the vibe of the whole city. Nervous citizens are
filling the streets, and the checkpoints are heavily guarded. I
feared as much, but I was able to reach my contact, Ziggy,
and he's going to help.
Speaker 1 (06:50):
Oh that's great news.
Speaker 2 (06:52):
He runs a small car repair shop in Mitta. We're
going to relocate there and he'll smuggle us out.
Speaker 1 (06:57):
You're sure it's safe.
Speaker 2 (06:58):
Well, it's the best option we have. Everyone, grab your things,
we won't be returning here, Ziggy. I returned. Hello, Rebecca,
(07:21):
come to the back, Siggy. This is my colleague Jeene
and our friends.
Speaker 6 (07:29):
Pleased to meet you. Crazy day, no Soviet it's always
liked to build falls and destroy bridges.
Speaker 1 (07:36):
Bad for business. Thank you for helping us, ah, but.
Speaker 3 (07:39):
We all help each other.
Speaker 6 (07:41):
I get sings in, I get sings out.
Speaker 3 (07:43):
I do not ask what.
Speaker 6 (07:44):
I only tell you. The cost, which they must tell you,
has just sent up much likes of all that is
being built.
Speaker 2 (07:50):
Of course, See, we don't have a lot of money
on us, but I promise to keep you fully supplied
with denim jeans and rock fine.
Speaker 4 (08:00):
Oh, I do love the Levi's.
Speaker 6 (08:03):
And they fetch a pretty penny with the coms.
Speaker 1 (08:06):
And like you said, prices just went up.
Speaker 6 (08:09):
True, true, okay, so as long as the delivery is big,
you have a deal.
Speaker 1 (08:14):
But I've on you.
Speaker 6 (08:16):
All my usual routes have been closed. The only one
left open is checkpoint Charlie.
Speaker 1 (08:20):
Can you get us through it?
Speaker 6 (08:22):
This this new high security. A normal smuggler would say
it is madness. But Ziggy is best smuggler in the world,
and Ziggy has an idea.
Speaker 1 (08:32):
Some might say crazy.
Speaker 3 (08:33):
I say genius.
Speaker 6 (08:35):
You see this family automobile right here, A traby that
says Schweinschlager family volks band on the side.
Speaker 1 (08:43):
Yeah.
Speaker 6 (08:43):
So last month I help a folk music band escape
to the Vest. They saw a brighter future there for
their music. But to escape they could only bring what
they could carry, so they sold the rest to me
at the fair price, of course, instruments, costumes, even their
trusty tour of.
Speaker 7 (09:00):
The uncle here.
Speaker 2 (09:01):
Nothing trusty about it, Trovi.
Speaker 1 (09:03):
I'm leaning toward crazy here.
Speaker 3 (09:04):
No, it's genius.
Speaker 6 (09:06):
I tell you, sees this flyer here. A Volks music festival,
the biggest in Germany, happened yesterday here in the east,
in Margdeburg.
Speaker 2 (09:15):
I was going to.
Speaker 6 (09:15):
Sell my new acquisitions, but I had a little too
much to drink the night before and overslept. Whoopsie, only
my hangover is your benefit?
Speaker 1 (09:25):
Yep, definitely crazy.
Speaker 6 (09:26):
No, don't you see these bands from the Vest. There
are many, and they all want to get home. I
sell you instruments, costumes, everything, and you travel to the
Vest as a family band.
Speaker 1 (09:40):
That's absurd, Rebecca, We're wasting time here.
Speaker 8 (09:43):
It is absurd.
Speaker 2 (09:45):
But they aren't looking for a family, and hiding in
a crowd does make sense.
Speaker 4 (09:49):
I even have papers for you.
Speaker 3 (09:51):
Let me see those, these passports, as Heiser. But I
can fix them. It won't take long, and I can.
Speaker 5 (10:00):
I think it's fallen through a party in the county jail.
Speaker 2 (10:03):
Like Elvis, It's actually not so crazy. We can all
speak German enough to get by, and if the checkpoint
is overwhelmed, I doubt they have time to ask us
to audition. Frankly, it's the best option we have. And
the clock is.
Speaker 1 (10:17):
Ticking all right, I guess if the later Hosen fits
wear it. Though much of Germany can resemble the modern world,
they have their own distinct tastes in music, food, and fashion,
(10:40):
all of which they take great pride in. For example,
in fashion, there is the male outfit of led Josen
that may defy logic but remain the life of the party.
Imagine leather shorts with suspenders, accompanied by a blouse, knee
high frielly socks, and topped with a feathered hat. Combine
(11:02):
this with plenty of beer, pretzels and broughtwurst at the
local beer garden, and you'll have no choice but to
sing along in chorus with the rest of the crowd
as the ump pumppa ump pumppa of the Volks music
starts to play.
Speaker 2 (11:20):
Whoa nice legs, Jean?
Speaker 1 (11:23):
Don't objectify me in my later hosan at least your
derndal seems to fit.
Speaker 2 (11:28):
Unfortunately, I'm not quite as booksome as this wardrobe requires.
I just stuff my bra to get all this cleavage.
Speaker 3 (11:35):
Oh wow, don't you both look fantastic. Hear the completed
West German passports. I must say I'm proud of my
own handiwork. Please note the German names and commits him
to memory. Where's Mattias? He's working on Zika with Ziggy.
Come this way, Oh go, I think I fixed it.
(11:58):
Give it a try.
Speaker 6 (12:09):
It might not be roomy or reliable, but it will
get you across the finish line. I assure you.
Speaker 2 (12:16):
Where will we put the instruments? They won't fit on
our laps.
Speaker 1 (12:20):
Stuff them in the trunk.
Speaker 2 (12:21):
Whatever you say, I'll drive in case we get stopped
the ab sheet Ziggy, thank you for the help. Good luck.
Speaker 6 (12:35):
I look forward to my airlift of Levice.
Speaker 8 (12:38):
You have my word.
Speaker 1 (12:56):
If you are renting a car on vacation, try to
avoid the Trabant. One of the shittiest cars in automotive history,
the Trabant was first produced in nineteen fifty seven by
an East German car manufacturer. It features a duroplast body
on a one piece steel chassis, front wheel drive, a
transverse two stroke engine, and independent suspension. For those who
(13:20):
don't speak car, none of these elements make for a
very road worthy vehicle, hence its well earned reputation as
a spark plug with a roof. The name was inspired
by the Soviet Sputnik satellite, and the cars are often
referred to as Traby. But all you really need to
know is the build quality was poor, the reliability was terrible,
(13:40):
and it was loud, slow, and poorly designed.
Speaker 2 (13:45):
Gene, watch out, Stasi police car up ahead?
Speaker 1 (13:48):
Shit, everyone, get down on the floor. What do I do?
Speaker 2 (13:54):
Just keep your hands on the wheel and look straight ahead.
Speaker 1 (13:57):
I know, I know, we're passing them.
Speaker 2 (14:03):
What's the police car driver doing?
Speaker 1 (14:06):
Shit? He's pulling out and following us. What should I do?
Speaker 2 (14:10):
Keep calm? We don't know if he's onto us yet.
Don't want to tip him off.
Speaker 1 (14:14):
What if your friend, Zuki you got a better offer
to sell us out?
Speaker 2 (14:17):
He wouldn't risk it.
Speaker 1 (14:19):
I don't know. His only loyalty seemed to be to cash.
Speaker 3 (14:22):
I'm sure as the Soviets have put a pretty big
bounty on my.
Speaker 2 (14:25):
Head, then make sure you keep your head down.
Speaker 1 (14:28):
There's a stop light coming up ahead as he's still following. Yes,
they're pulling up beside us. Keep very still.
Speaker 2 (14:36):
Okay, I'm going to ask you a few questions.
Speaker 9 (14:40):
Hum.
Speaker 2 (14:40):
If the answer is yes, stay silent. If no, do
not look like you were talking to yourself. Is there
just one police car? Is he looking at you?
Speaker 3 (14:54):
Hm?
Speaker 2 (14:55):
Does he have both hands on the wheel just one
hand on the wheel?
Speaker 1 (15:01):
Hmm?
Speaker 2 (15:02):
Okay? What are you doing making sure we're prepared?
Speaker 3 (15:07):
Why did you get that gun?
Speaker 2 (15:09):
Sickie really loves his leviys gene. When you hear a gunshot,
drive like hell.
Speaker 7 (15:16):
Hold on, everyone, okay, just drive, I'm done.
Speaker 2 (15:29):
What are you doing? I said, drive? I'm dating on
a phone.
Speaker 7 (15:32):
I am is as fast as it goes.
Speaker 3 (15:35):
Hold on, are you going?
Speaker 1 (15:37):
You can't outrun them in this piece of crap, but
maybe we can lose them. Damn it, they made the turn.
It's one way down this alley because.
Speaker 2 (15:48):
I've only got one bullet left. Hold it steady. I
shut their tire.
Speaker 3 (16:00):
Wow, that was like John Vayne.
Speaker 1 (16:03):
Nice work. But now what are covers more blow than
their tire?
Speaker 2 (16:06):
We need a new place to hide in a new
plan fast.
Speaker 10 (16:09):
I know a place by Zarriva, very close an old
abandoned Soviet shipyard would be safe point the way.
Speaker 1 (16:29):
The river Spree might sound small, especially as it is
often viewed in comparison to the enormous Rhine River of Germont,
but the Spree is nothing to be sniffed. At approximately
four hundred kilometers in length, it flows through the Saxony,
Brandenburg and Berlin states of Germany before cutting into the
Czech Republic. In Berlin, the Spree was where the original
(16:52):
center of Berlin was built and now holds many of
its greatest attractions, such as Museum Island, where one can
find the Ergemann Museum and National Gallery. To capture the
beauty and history of Berlin, I suggest a riverboat cruise
along the Spree, where you can catch dozens of sites
from a rather different perspective as the river winds between them.
(17:16):
You can choose your time too for something really lovely
go over the evening tour. During the summer months, the
more energetic can rent a bicycle to follow the river,
stopping off to visit attractions as they go, and the
languid can simply relax in one of the many fine
bars that can be found on the banks of the Spree.
But more recently, the Sprie has also become a border
(17:39):
between East and West, dividing the districts of Kreutzberg and
West Berlin and Friedrichsheim in East Berlin, which run along
the river's banks. East Berlin controls the entire width of
the Spree at these points, with walls occupying the river's
eastern bank. Armed patrol boats cruise the waters above, while
(18:01):
below underwater, chain link fences, submersible mines and barricades create
a water border with the West, preventing boaters, swimmers, and
scuba divers from reaching freedom through the Spree.
Speaker 3 (18:18):
You know, Jane, you stare at a river like I
used to as a boy. Back then, this time of year,
the Spree would be filled with swimmers. Now it's illegal
and you'd only get shot.
Speaker 1 (18:30):
Hopefully it's not that way forever.
Speaker 3 (18:33):
A riven never stays the Sames they say.
Speaker 1 (18:35):
Nope, can never step into the same river twice.
Speaker 3 (18:39):
I want to thank you, Jean for risking your life
to save us. You are more like your father than
justin looks. He would be very very proud.
Speaker 1 (18:51):
Honestly, I don't know what to think about my father
right now. Humh For so long I thought he was dead.
I grieved him and made my peace with it. But
now not only do I learn he's alive, but that
he's been helping the Soviets for years. If it's true,
it betrays everything I believed for so long.
Speaker 3 (19:12):
I can tell you from experience, many men are forced
to make opromises. Only they can know the whole truth.
I suppose, but I know this, he is still the
man that you think he is.
Speaker 1 (19:24):
How can you be sure?
Speaker 3 (19:27):
Because I know he tried to escape to the Vest.
He had me make him a passport.
Speaker 1 (19:34):
What are you doing?
Speaker 3 (19:37):
I've kept it in the lining of my coat to
give to you when we crossed. But there's no need
to wait.
Speaker 1 (19:44):
Here. My God, it's really him. I haven't seen him
in so many years.
Speaker 3 (19:55):
That photo is a few years old now, but I'm
sure he hasn't changed.
Speaker 1 (20:00):
Happened to him?
Speaker 3 (20:01):
Za KGB took him in the night before I could
give it to him, No Chavai. Maybe they had heard
of his plans, Maybe they just needed him for theirs.
When Martin told me you would be my escort across,
I thought I'd give it to you. Hopefully you'll meet
him again before I do. For me, most likely in
(20:23):
the next life, but please keep it for him and,
with luck, one day put it to use.
Speaker 1 (20:33):
Thank you. Hopefully one day we're all together toasting to
Mattais's graduation. What is this in the passport? A postcard?
Speaker 3 (20:47):
It's the last message I received from your father.
Speaker 1 (20:50):
There's no message or address, only a quote from a
certain point onward. There's no longer any turning back. That
is the point that must be reached.
Speaker 3 (21:00):
I wasn't sure what it meant, but I recognized his
pathfinder signature, so I knew it was your father. Thus
I knew it must mean something.
Speaker 1 (21:12):
It's a Franz Coffka quote, Ka ka kafka. He must
be in Prague.
Speaker 3 (21:24):
You two do think alike. You know I have more
passports in my coat lining. I was saving them to
use his leverage once we were in the West. But
in case something happens to me while we are trying
to escape, I want you to have them, Jeane. These
men are extremely dangerous.
Speaker 1 (21:45):
Then Rebecca is the safest choice to hang on to them.
Plus it earns you bonus points with the CIA.
Speaker 2 (21:51):
Rebecca, you boys have our plans se figured out yet.
Speaker 1 (21:56):
Still working on it. But in the meantime, I want.
Speaker 3 (22:00):
You to have zies.
Speaker 2 (22:04):
Three French passports for men. I doubt we can use them.
Speaker 3 (22:11):
No, they're for French radicals in a secret group called
Vier talmejour. They think they're being funded and supported by
the OAS, but it's really the KGB using them as
assassins for their own communist agenda.
Speaker 2 (22:26):
Assassins in France. Do you know the target?
Speaker 3 (22:31):
President Charles Dago?
Speaker 1 (22:33):
Shit?
Speaker 2 (22:35):
Shit? How long do we have?
Speaker 3 (22:37):
I made the original passports three weeks.
Speaker 1 (22:39):
Ago, which means they're probably safely in Paris and prepping
for the mission.
Speaker 2 (22:43):
It also means we have even more urgency to get
across and get these photos into the proper hands. We
need a plan and now the.
Speaker 1 (22:51):
Reality is after the shootout, the Stasse will be looking
for us and the car. The border will be on
even more high alert than it was. There's no slipping
through anymore, no matter how good the forged passports are.
Speaker 2 (23:02):
You're right, we need a direct approach.
Speaker 1 (23:05):
You said, Checkpoint Charlie is the only exit point. Do
you know how it's laid out?
Speaker 2 (23:10):
There is a gate and a guard station with multiple soldiers.
Speaker 1 (23:14):
What kind of gate?
Speaker 2 (23:15):
A raised arm?
Speaker 3 (23:16):
How tall?
Speaker 2 (23:17):
And I have no clue.
Speaker 3 (23:18):
Geane, what are you thinking.
Speaker 1 (23:20):
I'm thinking that if we can't get over or around
the gate, maybe we can go through it, or rather
under it.
Speaker 3 (23:28):
Hmm. The Trobby would never fit underneath the gate, not
as it is.
Speaker 1 (23:34):
But what about without our roof and windshield?
Speaker 2 (23:37):
You're serious?
Speaker 1 (23:38):
We'd have to wait until late when there's no traffic,
create a distraction, and hopefully zoom right under while the
guards aren't looking. Of course they'll notice soon enough, but
hopefully we'll be on western soil before they can do
anything about it.
Speaker 3 (23:51):
It's crazy, but it just might work.
Speaker 2 (23:54):
It's not like we have any other options, but it
is a risk.
Speaker 5 (23:59):
The tools in the ship I can alter the car,
take off the roofs of ndshield.
Speaker 4 (24:03):
I'm good with mechanics.
Speaker 1 (24:05):
That's great, Matisas.
Speaker 4 (24:06):
I can even use.
Speaker 5 (24:07):
Some of the scrap metal in the shipyard to reinforce
the trunk in case the soldiers shoot at us.
Speaker 3 (24:12):
Good thinking, my boy.
Speaker 2 (24:13):
Now we just need a good distraction.
Speaker 1 (24:15):
I've got an idea for that. See those pro pane tanks.
They're mostly empty, but put them all together and light
them up and they would make one hell of a distraction.
Speaker 3 (24:30):
I'll help you stack them.
Speaker 1 (24:31):
Great, let's get to work.
Speaker 2 (24:32):
You boys get started and I'll be back as soon
as possible.
Speaker 1 (24:35):
Where are you going to.
Speaker 2 (24:36):
Do some recon at checkpoint? Charlie and check the height
of the gate. Seems pretty important for.
Speaker 1 (24:41):
Your plan by yourself in that dress.
Speaker 2 (24:44):
Might as well put this darndal to good use. Mattias,
pass me a piece of that charcoal?
Speaker 1 (24:48):
And what is that for?
Speaker 2 (24:50):
A lady never reveals her secrets. I'll be the saying.
Speaker 1 (25:10):
That's the last one. Should be enough to create an
explosion that gets everyone's attention.
Speaker 3 (25:15):
And at this distance no other buildings will get damaged
while people hurt.
Speaker 5 (25:20):
I've got over here too, Uncle, it's the cars ready.
Speaker 2 (25:26):
Looks like you boys have been busy. The car actually
looks better without the roof and windshield.
Speaker 3 (25:31):
You're back.
Speaker 1 (25:32):
What did you learn about the checkpoint?
Speaker 2 (25:33):
I learned that a girl in a dirndl can get
away with about anything in this place. See the black
line on the back of my leg, that's the height
of the bottom of the gate. I drew it on
there while I was asking the guard directions to Alexander Platz.
It was amazing to see how many guards wanted to
help impressive as always, but don't be fooled. It is
well guarded and heavily armed, and the shift changes at
(25:55):
the top of the hour.
Speaker 1 (25:56):
That's in twenty minutes.
Speaker 2 (25:58):
No time like the present.
Speaker 3 (25:59):
Then, Rebecca, come stand over here please so we can measure.
Speaker 1 (26:07):
Please tell me you've shrunk, because otherwise the car is
still too tall by a couple of inches.
Speaker 4 (26:11):
Shiser, this won't fit.
Speaker 2 (26:13):
What the hell are we going to do?
Speaker 1 (26:16):
I've got it. You didn't shrink, But we can shrink
the car. What do you mean. Watch if we release
some pressure in these tires, we can lower the height.
It'll be close.
Speaker 4 (26:30):
I can do this fun for me too.
Speaker 1 (26:35):
That's enough. Still needs to be drivable, Rebecca, measure again,
got it by a kneecap.
Speaker 3 (26:42):
We should just be able to make it under, hopefully.
Speaker 2 (26:44):
With our heads intact. Is the diversion ready to We.
Speaker 1 (26:47):
Stacked all the propane tanks and collected all the oily
rags and flammable materials. It will make a beautiful bonfire
with an explosion large enough to draw everyone's attention here
to the shipyard and away from the gate.
Speaker 2 (26:58):
Then let's pack it in and light it up. I'll
drive this time.
Speaker 1 (27:23):
Checkpoint Charlie is a crossing point in the Berlin Wall,
located at the junction of friedrich Strasse, Ziemerstrasse and Mauerstrasse,
which coincidentally means wall street. Checkpoint Charlie was originally designed
as the single crossing point on foot or by car
for all foreigners and members of the Allied forces between
(27:46):
East and West Germany. The name Charlie comes from the
letter C in the NATO phonetic alphabet. Other Allied checkpoints
on the Autobahn from the west were Checkpoint Alpha at
Hemstout and Checkpoint Bravo at Drei Linden, but the East
Germans officially referred to it as the grandsuber Gangstelle or
(28:06):
border crossing point. The single lane guard post is surrounded
by sandbags, barbed wire and a wooden shed used as
a guard house with a manual lifted arm gate to
let cars through. The East Germans never built any permanent
structures at the checkpoint, their reasoning being that they did
not consider the inner Berlin sector boundary in international border
(28:30):
and did not treat it as such. But with no
minefields or no man's land on the other side of
checkpoint Charlie, Freedom and the West is only a step away.
Speaker 2 (28:43):
Okay, everyone, stay on the floorboards, keep your heads down,
and the blankets and cushions over you for protection. Yes,
and almost time for the shift change. Why haven't the
tanks exploded yet?
Speaker 1 (28:57):
Maybe there wasn't enough gas left in them after all.
Speaker 2 (29:02):
Damn it, they're changing shifts. It's now or never. What
do we do?
Speaker 1 (29:07):
Just go for it?
Speaker 2 (29:08):
All right, stay low and hold on. Here goes nothing.
Speaker 1 (29:17):
For it?
Speaker 2 (29:18):
I am. It's got like three horsepower?
Speaker 7 (29:21):
How far are we?
Speaker 2 (29:22):
Three hundred yards to the checkpoint? I'm killing the likes
so they don't see us two hundred yards? Shit, shit,
I think they've spotted us one hundred. Yeah, our diversion
is working. They don't see us.
Speaker 9 (29:42):
First saw horse up ahead, hold on, day ahead, Here
goes nothing good.
Speaker 2 (30:06):
We're through. We made it, is everyone okay?
Speaker 1 (30:12):
Besides a haircut from that gate arm, I think we're
all good.
Speaker 3 (30:15):
Why is they not shooting? Because they can't anymore? My boy,
Via in's a vest.
Speaker 1 (30:22):
That's right, Mattias. You're free to.
Speaker 4 (30:25):
Save whatever I want?
Speaker 3 (30:26):
Is that case? I love alb I love America.
Speaker 1 (30:33):
Great sit down, now that we have that settled, Rebecca,
can you please take me to the hotel. The stassy
may not have killed me, but Vlosta certainly will.
Speaker 2 (30:43):
Yes, sir, one last trabby tour.
Speaker 1 (30:56):
Jean.
Speaker 2 (30:58):
Is that you?
Speaker 1 (30:59):
Hi, darling. I'm so sorry. You must have been worried,
sick at.
Speaker 2 (31:04):
The phone to the embassy all day until Martin told
me you were safe. He said the East Germans canceled
your visas and he had to get new ones issued.
Speaker 1 (31:14):
It was one of the craziest twenty four hours of
my life. But this is one instance where I am
truly proud to be an American.
Speaker 4 (31:21):
Yes, what a waste with that wall. They sure won't
be getting many.
Speaker 1 (31:27):
Tourists and that's for certain. Go back to sleep. I'll
join you soon.
Speaker 2 (31:34):
Good night, my love.
Speaker 1 (31:41):
It's like cappuccino afforl though Doncazette.
Speaker 2 (31:46):
Woods in Morgan. Jean is one of those coffees for me.
Speaker 1 (31:49):
I'm bringing them up to Vlasta, so anything you have
to say better be quick before these get cold.
Speaker 2 (31:54):
I just wanted to let you know that Jevago and
Matteias made it safely to the US Embassy are in
good hands.
Speaker 1 (32:02):
I'm very happy to hear that. Thank you. Did you
also tell Martin about my father and Prague.
Speaker 2 (32:07):
I did, but he said that all of that is
going to have to wait. First. He needs us to
transport those passport photos of the French assassins from Jevago
to Paris immediately, of course he does. The murder of
Charles de Gaul would threaten peace in Algeria and the
very existence of NATO itself, which is exactly what the Soviets.
Speaker 1 (32:26):
Want, and we certainly can't let that happen. So when
do we leave?
Speaker 2 (32:30):
The plane departs at noon?
Speaker 1 (32:32):
Oh boy, then I guess I better tell Vlasta to
drink this fast.
Speaker 2 (32:36):
I'll see you at the airport.
Speaker 1 (32:38):
Alfas in Berlin.
Speaker 2 (32:40):
Bonjour, Pelli.
Speaker 11 (32:49):
Fodor's Guide to Espionage is created by Lars Jacobson, written
by Lars Jacobson and Sabrina Jaglain, and directed by Sabrina Jacklain,
produced by Lars Jacobson and Sabrina Jaguline, and executive produced
by Noel Brown or iHeart Radio. Fodor's Guide to Espionage
stars Ethan Korn as Eugene Fodor, Leliah Symington as Vlasta Fodor,
(33:11):
and Jackie Emerson as Rebecca Ralston, with additional performances by
Chase Mullens, George Rivera, Matt Linton, Dylan McCollum, Gabe Greenspan,
Chris Cappel, Duncan Kaladine, Dana Melanie, Alex Gombadi, Noam Thomaschoff,
Katrina Aaron, and Simon Jagulin. Sound design and editing by
(33:32):
Chris Childs. Original theme song by Jack Blavelt and Chris Childs,
with additional scoring by Chris Childs. Sound engineering by Chris
sec Fodor's Guide to Espionage is an iHeart Radio production.
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