November 15, 2023 • 29 mins
Cloak and Dagger is an NBC radio series, a foreign intrigue adventure adapted from the book Cloak and Dagger by Corey Ford and Alistair McBain. Ford also was host of the series. Cloak and Dagger was broadcast from May 7 to October 22, 1950, as part of "a mystery block with several other shows of far inferior quality". The program was sustaining for all 22 episodes
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:02):
Are you willing to undertake a dangerousmission behind the enemy lines knowing you may
never return alive. What you havejust heard is the question asked during the
war to agents of the OSS ordinarycitizens. So to this question answered yes,
(00:26):
This is cloak and dagger, blackwarfare, espionage, international intrigue.
(00:50):
These are the weapons of the OSS. In tonight's episode Overground Railroad, the
part of Lieutenant Fontaine OSS agents whohelped thousands of American and escape to safety,
is played by Les Tremaine. Thestory is suggested by actual incidents recorded
in the Washington files of the Officeof Strategic Services, a story that can
(01:11):
now be told. When a flierwas forced down behind enemy lines, he
was just another fugitive, moving cautiouslyat night to avoid detection, fighting for
survival. His shelter was a haystacker, a hedgerow. For food, he
(01:36):
dug raw potatoes or turnips from thefield, and in his panic he was
always just one step ahead of theGestapo, with no knowledge of the country
and no friend whom he could turn. A few of the lucky ones managed
to escape back to England. Imet one of those lucky ones in Colonel
Johnson's office at OSS headquarters in London, the Tanifontan. This is Major Davidson.
(02:00):
Major glad know your Fontaine. BeforeI asked Major Davidson to tell you
the story, I want to saysomething. Yes, Colonel Johnson. At
its narrowest, the English Channel isonly twenty miles wide. Yet it took
Major Davidson here more than a yearto get across, and hundreds of Allied
pilots all over France haven't been ableto make it yet and if something isn't
(02:20):
done to help them, they neverwill. But Colonel, with the Nazis
occupying France, With the Nazis occupyingFrance, the channel is still only twenty
miles wide. Our trouble has beenthat up to now we've had no contact
with the French underground, no wayof helping them smuggle pilots out of France.
All right, Major Davidson, goahead and tell your story now.
Well, I was shot down overthe south of France coming back from a
(02:43):
bombing mission. The rest of thecrew was killed, just my co pilot,
Johnny Porter, and me left.Yes, go on, Major,
We figured out um as are upany flyer forced down on enemy territory figures
there nowadays, but we were lucky. A farmer picked us up, hit
us overnight, and then the nextmorning a big black limousine drove up and
(03:04):
a woman about sixty got out.She took us to her house in Paris
and kept us there. She founda way to smuggle us across the channel
with a fisherman just a few daysago. Who was this woman, Major?
Her name is Madame Annette Jobert.I used to tell her she meant
more to the Yankee team than JoeDiMaggio. During the time we were with
(03:24):
her, she managed to collect twomore of our boys, but she has
no way of getting them out ofFrance. Well, what do you think,
Fontane? Just what you think,Colonel For the first time Oss has
a lead, a contact. Whatyou say. This woman's name was Major
A Jobert, Madam Anette Jobert andquite a galto Colonel Johnson. With her
(03:45):
help, maybe we can set upa chain of way stations, establish a
shall we say, an overland railroad, collect our flyers and move them like
chessmen right across France to the channel. How soon can you leave? Any
time? You say, Colonel Johnson? Any time? Oh, by the
way, Major how will I beable to identify myself to Madame Jeurbert?
(04:08):
Did you agree on any cold wordanything? Yes? Hey, Y are
a black lace garter. I leftLondon a few days later and landed the
next morning on the coast of France. The disguised fishing boat let me off
(04:31):
and I made my way to Parisundetected. It was spring nineteen forty four.
I was going to know April inParis, but not the way any
American tourists before the war had knownit. The red dawn was touching the
roofs of Paris, the golden domeof the Pantheon. Most of the city
(04:53):
was still dreaming of other better springtimes before the Germans came. Then the
cities started to wake up. Abear, I smack away? Why I
smack away? Anything alone? Bakerswere at work through the windows, sweating
(05:14):
the door. The waiters from thecafes were sweeping into the gutter the cigarette
butts that their customers had dropped underthe tables the night before. For a
few minutes it was the Paris mymother had talked about. And then an
official Nazi car turned the corner,and I knew that everything had changed.
Me I made my way to fortysix for your dancy, where i'd find
(05:41):
Madame Annette Jobert. Madame Jobert,Madame Jobert. What are you doing making
all that market so early in themorning. People are still trying to sleep.
Well, I'm sorry, I'm lookingfor Madame and that Jobert. This
(06:04):
is her house, isn't it?It is her house? Did you see
her go out this morning? Doyou think I have nothing better to do
than keep an account of her comingsand goings. But I did not see
her go out this morning, andI have not seen her go out any
morning for a week. Just moved, moved. If you take the trouble
(06:25):
to roop your city windows or boardedup madam, Madam, please, I've
got to locate her. I'm hernephew. Ask how good friends the Germans?
Where she is? Go to theestaff Wait a minute, please,
(06:46):
I was up applying there. Ihad come to parents because I had a
contact. Now the contact was gone. There you are, monsieur, MESSI
(07:08):
the first one in McCafe this morning. I remember other Springs was always crowded
at this time. What is it, psieur? Do you not feel well?
Something wrong? No? No,not not wrong exactly. It's just
that I came to Paris to seemy aunt. It seems she's moved and
left no forwarding address. But thereis always one way to find her away.
(07:34):
What is it? You're the onlyto go to the Gestapo that they
will do You go to the Gestapoand ask sure why not? Always?
This was in particular who helped us? As long as we got the help.
I was sure Colonel Johnson wouldn't objectto my letting even the Gestapo give
(07:56):
us a hand. I beg yourpardon. I can't seem on the phone.
Wait a minute, I'm sorry.Yeah, album blacklish album. I
won't come on you are now?What is it around? I would like
(08:22):
some information, that kind of information. I arrived from south of France this
morning. I came to visit myaunt. Only I discovered when I got
here that she had moved. Whatdo you want us to do about it?
I merely request her change of address. I felt certain it would be
in the records of the guest stoppingrecords. The address are changeab address of
(08:43):
anyone in Paris is listed with us. What's the name of your aunt,
Jobert? But I am and that'sJobert. Let me see your papers.
Yes, there you are. Thesepapers appears intrigued me. Haven't seen any
like them before? Something wrong withhim? On the contrary, bear filled
(09:07):
out extremely accurately. Usually one thingor another is obmitted. I congratulate you
on your sighness. Thank you,sergeant, thank you, I have commandant.
There is a frenchman at the frontdesk who is trying to locate his
aunt and madam a Natrol bear.Yeah, come on dan him in.
(09:28):
Thank you, Thank you very much. Sergeant. Wait, wait, one
another thing. Your suitcase suitcase andno one is allowed past this desk without
having his luggage or packets checked.Put suitcase up here and open it.
Suitcase was filled with clothing, butthere was a false bottom to it,
and in the false bottom was ashort wave radio. If the sergeant accidentally
(09:50):
pushed the button, that would revealthe radio. But I are so slow
about do you give me that suitcase? Why are you having it? Rocks?
No, it's yes, yes,you see just personal articles I see.
(10:13):
Do you think I expected you towalk in to get STOPO headquarters with
a time bomb or short they've readon your suitcase. Perhaps that's just a
team. I must check up acommand office. Hat down the whole first
door. You come to us,you sit down, Sit down, mische
(10:41):
cigar, these wine soaked cigars.Very good, Thank you here, Commandant.
I never resist a good cigar ora pretty girl. You wonder,
perhaps why I am seeing you personallyabout this matter of locating your round.
Whatever the reason, Commandant coulds I'mflattered, or not at all, Tell
you Lant for me that I amdelighted to render her this little service.
(11:03):
A fine woman, a delightful woman, and a clever woman too. She
has been most cooperative. Oh,I'm sure she has, Commandant, Courtz
is most urgent that I find herurgent, how urgent. I I have
news for her about my uncle,her brother, who is very ill in
South France. Pity a. Tellher for me that if she desires a
(11:24):
trifle, I will arrange for thenecessary permit. Of course, you are
very kind, not at all,not at all, hello, Let me
see here it is. She hasboarded up our house at forty six ye
old dan Sake, as you know, and moved to another residence twenty kilometers
southwest of Pearls, in the villageof Torri Ferot. He here right out,
(11:46):
exact address. Thank you for yourhelp, her commandant, I assure
you I will never forget it.I took a train to the village of
Tuliferot, and all the way Ikept thinking about Madame Jebert. The German
(12:07):
high command evidently considered her one ofthe most important collaborationists. We considered her
our most important contact with the Frenchunderground. She certainly had someone fooled.
I hoped it was the Nazis.Madame Joubert is in here, Monsieur in
the library, Mercy, Monsieur Fontaine. Madame comean co mean, jsil,
(12:31):
you may go and close the door. Madame, come close, No,
come closer. Let me have agood look at you. He yeah,
it's quite far enough now. What'sall this nonsense about being my nephew.
What's the matter, Arvin? Don'tyou recognize me? I've never seen you
(12:54):
before in my life. I haveregards for you from friends Major Norman Davidson
and Lieutenant Johnny Porter. I've neverheard of them. You don't remember helping
to smuggle them across the channel.Addie, this is insolence of what are
you accusing me of being an importantlink in the French underground nonsense. I
(13:15):
know of no underground if there isone that does not concern me. Now
go back and tell them at Gestapoheadquarters that they have made a mistake.
And tell Commandant Courts. I amhurt at his suspicions of me. What
makes you think the Gestapo sent me? Only? The Gestapo knows my change
(13:37):
of address. They were very obliging. They gave it to me. I
ask you to leave, monsieur.I am very busy this afternoon. I
believe you lost this, Madame Joubert. That black list, Garto, Where
did you get it? Was givento me by Major Davidson, who says
you mean more of the Yankee teamthan Joe Dimasio. Oh. He also
(14:01):
told me to give you a greatbig kiss for him where Bless my heart,
bless my heart. Indeed, youstill want me to leave. You
are as fresh as all Americans.Sit down, Sit down? Thank you?
So you just walked in and askedbigger stuff for almost supod swine.
(14:22):
Oh I'd like to see their facesif they knew. Oh, come,
come, come, Madame Joebert.Is that a way to talk? They
think very highly of you, whichis just what I want them to think
we are the other two pilots.Now, Madam, I deposited them in
a monastery in the south of Safety, but I have no way to get
(14:43):
them to the channel. Look,Madame Jobert, perhaps you and I can
establish a chain of way stations safehouses across France, and then the Osays
can collect the hundreds of flyers whowere shot down and you can send them
back to Safety. Yes, howcould I do that without help, without
a way to contact England. Ihave a radio in the suitcase. Very
(15:09):
well, in the morning we willdrive to the monastery. The monks their
friendly. They would be more thanglad. I am sure to let us
use that as a base to startoperations. Great, that's wonderful, Madam
Jobert. You had the kiss forme from Midjor Davidson. Where is it
right here? Auntie Letsie, andnow young man, you will oblige me
(15:37):
by giving me back my garter.Yeah, yeah, she was quite a
girl, all right, Madame Jobert. She gave me a suite of rooms
to myself, got me a chauffeur'suniform, decided my name should be Claude,
and in the morning we set outfor the monastery. Yes, yes,
(16:03):
Lieutenant Fontaine a Claude, that isjust what we will do. Yes,
oh, sy s. We'll furnisheach member of an air crew with
detailed escape maps when they are briefedin England, pinpointing the friendly areas on
the root of every mission. Doyou think these safe houses will be difficult
to set up? Oh? Nottoo difficult. I think I know already
of the home of his sympathetic parishpriest, a church school, a farmhouse,
(16:27):
and I have many wealthy friends whowill be willing. I am sure.
Why are you slowing down? NaziGod wants me to stop. Don't
worry. I have all the necessarypermits. Let me see a permit to
travel? Eh, you are Thisis a great inconvenience. I will report
(16:51):
it to my friend, Commandant CourtsCommandant kurtz A. Yeah, I see
you have his personal stamp paths.Where are you headed for, Madame Jobert,
I have business in the village.Ah. I would suggest you do
not go today. Why not?There's to be an execution at the square.
(17:14):
Not very pleasant, but execution.What are you talking about? We
found thirty five tons of arms andmaterials that were stolen from German supply trains
found all that where in the monastery, the monastery. I cannot believe that
here, but it is true.And today they will be shot, five
(17:34):
of them, I see, Clood. Continue. You may go if you
like, but it will not bevery pleasant. Lord continue, madam.
So they discovered these supplies in themonastery? What about the two American flyers
(17:55):
you had hidden there? Did theydiscover them too? Are they among the
fire? Quickly? Drive, quicklyclothed. We reached the square, parked
the car and got out. Thepeople were huddled in little whispering groups.
(18:18):
At the far end of the squarestood the monastery, and lined up at
the wall were five monks, theirheads lowered, their hands fingering the crosses
around their necks. Facing them wasa Nazi firing squad. Madame Joebert grabbed
my arm. What the we todo? I don't think there's anything we
can do. Let this be alesson to your people of this village.
(18:42):
This is what happens to those whofive against us. These five will be
shot. The other monks and themonastery will be sent to Germany. You
understand, heke a good luck?You're less man? What a ah,
(19:12):
Madame Jobert, and I went backto the car. But Madame Jelbert,
if you drive back yourself, whatwill the guards say who stopped us before?
(19:33):
I am an excellent liar. Iwill simply tell him I went to
see a sick relative and left youthere to help. I must drive back
immediately. As I told you,I am giving a birthday party for Commandant
Courts. I hope he does notlive to see his next Now you go
to the convent. It is onlya few kilometers from here. You know
(19:56):
what to do, Yes, Iknow what to do. Madame Joubert.
What do you think happened to thosetwo pilots who were hidden in the monastery.
They were probably found and killed.But Lieutenant Fontane, we must go
on with our plans. Some havebeen killed, but many gunn be saved.
(20:22):
I said good bye to him.She drove away. The Convent of
our Sacred Lady was within walking distance. When I reached the gate, I
saw an avenue of acacia trees leadingto the great ornate iron door. The
center panel formed the figure of theVirgin Mary. It was really spring in
(20:42):
these gardens, a peaceful sanctuary ina war ridden world. What is your
wish? I would like to seethe Mother Superior follow me. I followed
(21:03):
the nun through the spacious hall.It was part vestry, part repository of
art objects. The walls were hungwith darkened old paintings of the Holy Family
in glass chests. Along the vestry, religious utensils of gold and silver had
been stored. This is the officer, Mother Angeline. Come, so you
(21:37):
want me to let you use theconvent of our Sacred Lady as a base
for your underground operations, Mother Anjeline, if you know the risk yourself and
refuse. I can't find it inmy heart to blame you, But if
you agree, I want you toknow first just what those risks are.
Tell me, my son, I'vejust come from the village. The monastery
(22:03):
there was raided last night. Withmy own eyes, I saw five of
the monks shut the others were hauledaway by the Nazis. Only God knows
where I know about that I heardthis morning. If this convent is used
as a hide out on the shortwave radio is hidden here, can you
imagine what the Germans would do ifthey found out? You would expect no
(22:25):
better treatment than the monks received Ithank you for telling me this. You
are right, tis a great risk. I have many under my care here.
They depend on my wisdom to dothe right thing. Of course,
you have the other sisters to consider. You came here to day to convince
(22:47):
me of your cause. I'm afraidI must disappoint you. What's that you
see? I what's the matter?A German armored khr I can see from
the window coming here. I'm afraidso it is the first time we have
been raided. I am not lookingforward to the muddy boots in this place
(23:11):
of God. They'll find me,Mother Angeline. What can I do?
Where can I hide? They areat the door you rang for me,
my mayor. Yes, Sister Theresa, give my friend one of the sisters
robes, one long enough to coverhim, and a hood. We may
(23:33):
here. The other sisters are theyalready in the chapel. We may there.
They have thirty the afternoon aderation.See that my friend joins them in
prayer. Then then open the maindoor. We have visited us. I
(23:55):
put a mum's moch over my suitand went with Sister Terreesa to the chapel.
I knelt with the others about twentybenches, divided by a middle aisle
provided seats for the worshippers. Atthe far end of the room was a
high pulpit. Many of the kneelingprayed with arms stretched out, symbolizing the
form of the cross. The sisternext to me clasped her hands and on
(24:21):
her ring finger was the silver emblemof a bride of Christ. They prayed
almost silently. Hers were the onlywords I heard. Or Maternal Power of
the universe, Mother of divine grace, Pray for us, our wisest virchin,
(24:42):
our kindly virtue, gray for us, Pray for the sick, well
good sisters. These I will justwish to search the chapel. I must
(25:03):
bow to their wishes and ask youto file back to your seads. Leave
now quickly and quietly. Please.My head lowered, the hood covering my
face. I got into the linewith the sisters. I bent my knees
slightly so that the robes would coverthe chauffeur's boots I was wearing. I
(25:26):
lowered my head even more as Ipassed the ess as Hupman, who was
standing with his men next to theMother Superior at the door. Oh good,
the necessity of disturbing a prayer millAngeline, and after the unfortunate incident
in the monastery last night, Ifeel it is necessary you may search this
convent from top to bottom, asyou are already doing. You will find
(25:47):
nothing in this house of God tointerest you. I'm sure. Hurry's sisters,
hurry back to your selves. They'rereally gone, Mother Arjeline. Of
course they found nothing here. Youcan take that robe off now, you
(26:12):
look uncomfortable in it. Thank youfor protecting me. I believe now.
But we have not finished our conversation. Mother Arjeline. You told me I
could not convince you about our causeyou said you'd have to disappoint me.
I took that as your answer.Let me consult two of the other sisters.
First, wait, wi am amayor our two sisters, those in
(26:38):
the sacristy. Send them here,please, Sister Celeste. A few minutes
later, Sister Celeste returned, followedby the two other nuns. Their arms
folded and heads lowered. They shuffledinto the room, and then all of
a sudden, I noticed broad toadarmy boots beneath the long black dresses.
(27:03):
One of the heads raised, andI saw that he needed a shave.
Mother, Arjerline, I don't understandthese men. They are American pilot brought
here yesterday when the monks received undergroundinformation that the monastery would be raided.
Major Kerstein, Captain Lewis, thisis Lieutenant Fontane of the oss OSA.
(27:26):
Say it's great if you got awayof getting as out of France Antennat.
Yeah. Say what happened to MadameJobert? She all right, yeah,
yeah, she's all right. MotherArjeline. You led me to believe I
wouldn't be able to convince you ofour cause. Of course not son,
How could you since I was alreadyconvinced. The Convent of our Sacred Lady
(27:52):
was the first link in a chainof safe houses that was forged within a
couple of months under Madame Jobert's leadership. We moved Major Kerstein and Captain Lewis
along that chain until they reached thecoast of France. They waited hidden in
a farmer's barn while I established contactwith headquarters in London. Agent Fontaine to
oss headquarters in London. Overground Railroadestablished train on the tracks, passengers ready
(28:14):
to leave and waiting pick them up, and make room for more to come
or did come. Over two thousandmore ymen who were shot down and occupied
France rode the overground railroad established byLieutenant Claude Fontaine to safety. Thus,
once again, the report of anotherOSS agent closed with the words mission accomplished.
(28:37):
Listen again next week for another trueadventure from the files of the OSS
on Cloak and Dagger. Heard inTonight's Clock and Dagger Adventures, Lieutenant Fontaine
was less formIn Madame Jobert Bryanna Rayburnand Mother Angeline Lily Valenti. The script
(29:02):
was written by winterfred Wolf and JackGordon. The music was under the direction
of John Gart, sound effects byJohn Powers and Manny Siegel. Today's OSS
Adventure was based on the book Cloakand Dagger by Corey Ford and Alistair McBain.
This program was produced by Lewis G. Cowell. The National Broadcasting Company
(29:22):
extends its hardiest congratulations to Station wbE N Buffalo
Are you willing to undertake a dangerousmission behind the enemy lines knowing you may
never return alive. What you havejust heard is the question asked during the
war to agents of the OSS ordinarycitizens. So to this question answered yes,
(00:26):
This is cloak and dagger, blackwarfare, espionage, international intrigue.
(00:50):
These are the weapons of the OSS. In tonight's episode Overground Railroad, the
part of Lieutenant Fontaine OSS agents whohelped thousands of American and escape to safety,
is played by Les Tremaine. Thestory is suggested by actual incidents recorded
in the Washington files of the Officeof Strategic Services, a story that can
(01:11):
now be told. When a flierwas forced down behind enemy lines, he
was just another fugitive, moving cautiouslyat night to avoid detection, fighting for
survival. His shelter was a haystacker, a hedgerow. For food, he
(01:36):
dug raw potatoes or turnips from thefield, and in his panic he was
always just one step ahead of theGestapo, with no knowledge of the country
and no friend whom he could turn. A few of the lucky ones managed
to escape back to England. Imet one of those lucky ones in Colonel
Johnson's office at OSS headquarters in London, the Tanifontan. This is Major Davidson.
(02:00):
Major glad know your Fontaine. BeforeI asked Major Davidson to tell you
the story, I want to saysomething. Yes, Colonel Johnson. At
its narrowest, the English Channel isonly twenty miles wide. Yet it took
Major Davidson here more than a yearto get across, and hundreds of Allied
pilots all over France haven't been ableto make it yet and if something isn't
(02:20):
done to help them, they neverwill. But Colonel, with the Nazis
occupying France, With the Nazis occupyingFrance, the channel is still only twenty
miles wide. Our trouble has beenthat up to now we've had no contact
with the French underground, no wayof helping them smuggle pilots out of France.
All right, Major Davidson, goahead and tell your story now.
Well, I was shot down overthe south of France coming back from a
(02:43):
bombing mission. The rest of thecrew was killed, just my co pilot,
Johnny Porter, and me left.Yes, go on, Major,
We figured out um as are upany flyer forced down on enemy territory figures
there nowadays, but we were lucky. A farmer picked us up, hit
us overnight, and then the nextmorning a big black limousine drove up and
(03:04):
a woman about sixty got out.She took us to her house in Paris
and kept us there. She founda way to smuggle us across the channel
with a fisherman just a few daysago. Who was this woman, Major?
Her name is Madame Annette Jobert.I used to tell her she meant
more to the Yankee team than JoeDiMaggio. During the time we were with
(03:24):
her, she managed to collect twomore of our boys, but she has
no way of getting them out ofFrance. Well, what do you think,
Fontane? Just what you think,Colonel For the first time Oss has
a lead, a contact. Whatyou say. This woman's name was Major
A Jobert, Madam Anette Jobert andquite a galto Colonel Johnson. With her
(03:45):
help, maybe we can set upa chain of way stations, establish a
shall we say, an overland railroad, collect our flyers and move them like
chessmen right across France to the channel. How soon can you leave? Any
time? You say, Colonel Johnson? Any time? Oh, by the
way, Major how will I beable to identify myself to Madame Jeurbert?
(04:08):
Did you agree on any cold wordanything? Yes? Hey, Y are
a black lace garter. I leftLondon a few days later and landed the
next morning on the coast of France. The disguised fishing boat let me off
(04:31):
and I made my way to Parisundetected. It was spring nineteen forty four.
I was going to know April inParis, but not the way any
American tourists before the war had knownit. The red dawn was touching the
roofs of Paris, the golden domeof the Pantheon. Most of the city
(04:53):
was still dreaming of other better springtimes before the Germans came. Then the
cities started to wake up. Abear, I smack away? Why I
smack away? Anything alone? Bakerswere at work through the windows, sweating
(05:14):
the door. The waiters from thecafes were sweeping into the gutter the cigarette
butts that their customers had dropped underthe tables the night before. For a
few minutes it was the Paris mymother had talked about. And then an
official Nazi car turned the corner,and I knew that everything had changed.
Me I made my way to fortysix for your dancy, where i'd find
(05:41):
Madame Annette Jobert. Madame Jobert,Madame Jobert. What are you doing making
all that market so early in themorning. People are still trying to sleep.
Well, I'm sorry, I'm lookingfor Madame and that Jobert. This
(06:04):
is her house, isn't it?It is her house? Did you see
her go out this morning? Doyou think I have nothing better to do
than keep an account of her comingsand goings. But I did not see
her go out this morning, andI have not seen her go out any
morning for a week. Just moved, moved. If you take the trouble
(06:25):
to roop your city windows or boardedup madam, Madam, please, I've
got to locate her. I'm hernephew. Ask how good friends the Germans?
Where she is? Go to theestaff Wait a minute, please,
(06:46):
I was up applying there. Ihad come to parents because I had a
contact. Now the contact was gone. There you are, monsieur, MESSI
(07:08):
the first one in McCafe this morning. I remember other Springs was always crowded
at this time. What is it, psieur? Do you not feel well?
Something wrong? No? No,not not wrong exactly. It's just
that I came to Paris to seemy aunt. It seems she's moved and
left no forwarding address. But thereis always one way to find her away.
(07:34):
What is it? You're the onlyto go to the Gestapo that they
will do You go to the Gestapoand ask sure why not? Always?
This was in particular who helped us? As long as we got the help.
I was sure Colonel Johnson wouldn't objectto my letting even the Gestapo give
(07:56):
us a hand. I beg yourpardon. I can't seem on the phone.
Wait a minute, I'm sorry.Yeah, album blacklish album. I
won't come on you are now?What is it around? I would like
(08:22):
some information, that kind of information. I arrived from south of France this
morning. I came to visit myaunt. Only I discovered when I got
here that she had moved. Whatdo you want us to do about it?
I merely request her change of address. I felt certain it would be
in the records of the guest stoppingrecords. The address are changeab address of
(08:43):
anyone in Paris is listed with us. What's the name of your aunt,
Jobert? But I am and that'sJobert. Let me see your papers.
Yes, there you are. Thesepapers appears intrigued me. Haven't seen any
like them before? Something wrong withhim? On the contrary, bear filled
(09:07):
out extremely accurately. Usually one thingor another is obmitted. I congratulate you
on your sighness. Thank you,sergeant, thank you, I have commandant.
There is a frenchman at the frontdesk who is trying to locate his
aunt and madam a Natrol bear.Yeah, come on dan him in.
(09:28):
Thank you, Thank you very much. Sergeant. Wait, wait, one
another thing. Your suitcase suitcase andno one is allowed past this desk without
having his luggage or packets checked.Put suitcase up here and open it.
Suitcase was filled with clothing, butthere was a false bottom to it,
and in the false bottom was ashort wave radio. If the sergeant accidentally
(09:50):
pushed the button, that would revealthe radio. But I are so slow
about do you give me that suitcase? Why are you having it? Rocks?
No, it's yes, yes,you see just personal articles I see.
(10:13):
Do you think I expected you towalk in to get STOPO headquarters with
a time bomb or short they've readon your suitcase. Perhaps that's just a
team. I must check up acommand office. Hat down the whole first
door. You come to us,you sit down, Sit down, mische
(10:41):
cigar, these wine soaked cigars.Very good, Thank you here, Commandant.
I never resist a good cigar ora pretty girl. You wonder,
perhaps why I am seeing you personallyabout this matter of locating your round.
Whatever the reason, Commandant coulds I'mflattered, or not at all, Tell
you Lant for me that I amdelighted to render her this little service.
(11:03):
A fine woman, a delightful woman, and a clever woman too. She
has been most cooperative. Oh,I'm sure she has, Commandant, Courtz
is most urgent that I find herurgent, how urgent. I I have
news for her about my uncle,her brother, who is very ill in
South France. Pity a. Tellher for me that if she desires a
(11:24):
trifle, I will arrange for thenecessary permit. Of course, you are
very kind, not at all,not at all, hello, Let me
see here it is. She hasboarded up our house at forty six ye
old dan Sake, as you know, and moved to another residence twenty kilometers
southwest of Pearls, in the villageof Torri Ferot. He here right out,
(11:46):
exact address. Thank you for yourhelp, her commandant, I assure
you I will never forget it.I took a train to the village of
Tuliferot, and all the way Ikept thinking about Madame Jebert. The German
(12:07):
high command evidently considered her one ofthe most important collaborationists. We considered her
our most important contact with the Frenchunderground. She certainly had someone fooled.
I hoped it was the Nazis.Madame Joubert is in here, Monsieur in
the library, Mercy, Monsieur Fontaine. Madame comean co mean, jsil,
(12:31):
you may go and close the door. Madame, come close, No,
come closer. Let me have agood look at you. He yeah,
it's quite far enough now. What'sall this nonsense about being my nephew.
What's the matter, Arvin? Don'tyou recognize me? I've never seen you
(12:54):
before in my life. I haveregards for you from friends Major Norman Davidson
and Lieutenant Johnny Porter. I've neverheard of them. You don't remember helping
to smuggle them across the channel.Addie, this is insolence of what are
you accusing me of being an importantlink in the French underground nonsense. I
(13:15):
know of no underground if there isone that does not concern me. Now
go back and tell them at Gestapoheadquarters that they have made a mistake.
And tell Commandant Courts. I amhurt at his suspicions of me. What
makes you think the Gestapo sent me? Only? The Gestapo knows my change
(13:37):
of address. They were very obliging. They gave it to me. I
ask you to leave, monsieur.I am very busy this afternoon. I
believe you lost this, Madame Joubert. That black list, Garto, Where
did you get it? Was givento me by Major Davidson, who says
you mean more of the Yankee teamthan Joe Dimasio. Oh. He also
(14:01):
told me to give you a greatbig kiss for him where Bless my heart,
bless my heart. Indeed, youstill want me to leave. You
are as fresh as all Americans.Sit down, Sit down? Thank you?
So you just walked in and askedbigger stuff for almost supod swine.
(14:22):
Oh I'd like to see their facesif they knew. Oh, come,
come, come, Madame Joebert.Is that a way to talk? They
think very highly of you, whichis just what I want them to think
we are the other two pilots.Now, Madam, I deposited them in
a monastery in the south of Safety, but I have no way to get
(14:43):
them to the channel. Look,Madame Jobert, perhaps you and I can
establish a chain of way stations safehouses across France, and then the Osays
can collect the hundreds of flyers whowere shot down and you can send them
back to Safety. Yes, howcould I do that without help, without
a way to contact England. Ihave a radio in the suitcase. Very
(15:09):
well, in the morning we willdrive to the monastery. The monks their
friendly. They would be more thanglad. I am sure to let us
use that as a base to startoperations. Great, that's wonderful, Madam
Jobert. You had the kiss forme from Midjor Davidson. Where is it
right here? Auntie Letsie, andnow young man, you will oblige me
(15:37):
by giving me back my garter.Yeah, yeah, she was quite a
girl, all right, Madame Jobert. She gave me a suite of rooms
to myself, got me a chauffeur'suniform, decided my name should be Claude,
and in the morning we set outfor the monastery. Yes, yes,
(16:03):
Lieutenant Fontaine a Claude, that isjust what we will do. Yes,
oh, sy s. We'll furnisheach member of an air crew with
detailed escape maps when they are briefedin England, pinpointing the friendly areas on
the root of every mission. Doyou think these safe houses will be difficult
to set up? Oh? Nottoo difficult. I think I know already
of the home of his sympathetic parishpriest, a church school, a farmhouse,
(16:27):
and I have many wealthy friends whowill be willing. I am sure.
Why are you slowing down? NaziGod wants me to stop. Don't
worry. I have all the necessarypermits. Let me see a permit to
travel? Eh, you are Thisis a great inconvenience. I will report
(16:51):
it to my friend, Commandant CourtsCommandant kurtz A. Yeah, I see
you have his personal stamp paths.Where are you headed for, Madame Jobert,
I have business in the village.Ah. I would suggest you do
not go today. Why not?There's to be an execution at the square.
(17:14):
Not very pleasant, but execution.What are you talking about? We
found thirty five tons of arms andmaterials that were stolen from German supply trains
found all that where in the monastery, the monastery. I cannot believe that
here, but it is true.And today they will be shot, five
(17:34):
of them, I see, Clood. Continue. You may go if you
like, but it will not bevery pleasant. Lord continue, madam.
So they discovered these supplies in themonastery? What about the two American flyers
(17:55):
you had hidden there? Did theydiscover them too? Are they among the
fire? Quickly? Drive, quicklyclothed. We reached the square, parked
the car and got out. Thepeople were huddled in little whispering groups.
(18:18):
At the far end of the squarestood the monastery, and lined up at
the wall were five monks, theirheads lowered, their hands fingering the crosses
around their necks. Facing them wasa Nazi firing squad. Madame Joebert grabbed
my arm. What the we todo? I don't think there's anything we
can do. Let this be alesson to your people of this village.
(18:42):
This is what happens to those whofive against us. These five will be
shot. The other monks and themonastery will be sent to Germany. You
understand, heke a good luck?You're less man? What a ah,
(19:12):
Madame Jobert, and I went backto the car. But Madame Jelbert,
if you drive back yourself, whatwill the guards say who stopped us before?
(19:33):
I am an excellent liar. Iwill simply tell him I went to
see a sick relative and left youthere to help. I must drive back
immediately. As I told you,I am giving a birthday party for Commandant
Courts. I hope he does notlive to see his next Now you go
to the convent. It is onlya few kilometers from here. You know
(19:56):
what to do, Yes, Iknow what to do. Madame Joubert.
What do you think happened to thosetwo pilots who were hidden in the monastery.
They were probably found and killed.But Lieutenant Fontane, we must go
on with our plans. Some havebeen killed, but many gunn be saved.
(20:22):
I said good bye to him.She drove away. The Convent of
our Sacred Lady was within walking distance. When I reached the gate, I
saw an avenue of acacia trees leadingto the great ornate iron door. The
center panel formed the figure of theVirgin Mary. It was really spring in
(20:42):
these gardens, a peaceful sanctuary ina war ridden world. What is your
wish? I would like to seethe Mother Superior follow me. I followed
(21:03):
the nun through the spacious hall.It was part vestry, part repository of
art objects. The walls were hungwith darkened old paintings of the Holy Family
in glass chests. Along the vestry, religious utensils of gold and silver had
been stored. This is the officer, Mother Angeline. Come, so you
(21:37):
want me to let you use theconvent of our Sacred Lady as a base
for your underground operations, Mother Anjeline, if you know the risk yourself and
refuse. I can't find it inmy heart to blame you, But if
you agree, I want you toknow first just what those risks are.
Tell me, my son, I'vejust come from the village. The monastery
(22:03):
there was raided last night. Withmy own eyes, I saw five of
the monks shut the others were hauledaway by the Nazis. Only God knows
where I know about that I heardthis morning. If this convent is used
as a hide out on the shortwave radio is hidden here, can you
imagine what the Germans would do ifthey found out? You would expect no
(22:25):
better treatment than the monks received Ithank you for telling me this. You
are right, tis a great risk. I have many under my care here.
They depend on my wisdom to dothe right thing. Of course,
you have the other sisters to consider. You came here to day to convince
(22:47):
me of your cause. I'm afraidI must disappoint you. What's that you
see? I what's the matter?A German armored khr I can see from
the window coming here. I'm afraidso it is the first time we have
been raided. I am not lookingforward to the muddy boots in this place
(23:11):
of God. They'll find me,Mother Angeline. What can I do?
Where can I hide? They areat the door you rang for me,
my mayor. Yes, Sister Theresa, give my friend one of the sisters
robes, one long enough to coverhim, and a hood. We may
(23:33):
here. The other sisters are theyalready in the chapel. We may there.
They have thirty the afternoon aderation.See that my friend joins them in
prayer. Then then open the maindoor. We have visited us. I
(23:55):
put a mum's moch over my suitand went with Sister Terreesa to the chapel.
I knelt with the others about twentybenches, divided by a middle aisle
provided seats for the worshippers. Atthe far end of the room was a
high pulpit. Many of the kneelingprayed with arms stretched out, symbolizing the
form of the cross. The sisternext to me clasped her hands and on
(24:21):
her ring finger was the silver emblemof a bride of Christ. They prayed
almost silently. Hers were the onlywords I heard. Or Maternal Power of
the universe, Mother of divine grace, Pray for us, our wisest virchin,
(24:42):
our kindly virtue, gray for us, Pray for the sick, well
good sisters. These I will justwish to search the chapel. I must
(25:03):
bow to their wishes and ask youto file back to your seads. Leave
now quickly and quietly. Please.My head lowered, the hood covering my
face. I got into the linewith the sisters. I bent my knees
slightly so that the robes would coverthe chauffeur's boots I was wearing. I
(25:26):
lowered my head even more as Ipassed the ess as Hupman, who was
standing with his men next to theMother Superior at the door. Oh good,
the necessity of disturbing a prayer millAngeline, and after the unfortunate incident
in the monastery last night, Ifeel it is necessary you may search this
convent from top to bottom, asyou are already doing. You will find
(25:47):
nothing in this house of God tointerest you. I'm sure. Hurry's sisters,
hurry back to your selves. They'rereally gone, Mother Arjeline. Of
course they found nothing here. Youcan take that robe off now, you
(26:12):
look uncomfortable in it. Thank youfor protecting me. I believe now.
But we have not finished our conversation. Mother Arjeline. You told me I
could not convince you about our causeyou said you'd have to disappoint me.
I took that as your answer.Let me consult two of the other sisters.
First, wait, wi am amayor our two sisters, those in
(26:38):
the sacristy. Send them here,please, Sister Celeste. A few minutes
later, Sister Celeste returned, followedby the two other nuns. Their arms
folded and heads lowered. They shuffledinto the room, and then all of
a sudden, I noticed broad toadarmy boots beneath the long black dresses.
(27:03):
One of the heads raised, andI saw that he needed a shave.
Mother, Arjerline, I don't understandthese men. They are American pilot brought
here yesterday when the monks received undergroundinformation that the monastery would be raided.
Major Kerstein, Captain Lewis, thisis Lieutenant Fontane of the oss OSA.
(27:26):
Say it's great if you got awayof getting as out of France Antennat.
Yeah. Say what happened to MadameJobert? She all right, yeah,
yeah, she's all right. MotherArjeline. You led me to believe I
wouldn't be able to convince you ofour cause. Of course not son,
How could you since I was alreadyconvinced. The Convent of our Sacred Lady
(27:52):
was the first link in a chainof safe houses that was forged within a
couple of months under Madame Jobert's leadership. We moved Major Kerstein and Captain Lewis
along that chain until they reached thecoast of France. They waited hidden in
a farmer's barn while I established contactwith headquarters in London. Agent Fontaine to
oss headquarters in London. Overground Railroadestablished train on the tracks, passengers ready
(28:14):
to leave and waiting pick them up, and make room for more to come
or did come. Over two thousandmore ymen who were shot down and occupied
France rode the overground railroad established byLieutenant Claude Fontaine to safety. Thus,
once again, the report of anotherOSS agent closed with the words mission accomplished.
(28:37):
Listen again next week for another trueadventure from the files of the OSS
on Cloak and Dagger. Heard inTonight's Clock and Dagger Adventures, Lieutenant Fontaine
was less formIn Madame Jobert Bryanna Rayburnand Mother Angeline Lily Valenti. The script
(29:02):
was written by winterfred Wolf and JackGordon. The music was under the direction
of John Gart, sound effects byJohn Powers and Manny Siegel. Today's OSS
Adventure was based on the book Cloakand Dagger by Corey Ford and Alistair McBain.
This program was produced by Lewis G. Cowell. The National Broadcasting Company
(29:22):
extends its hardiest congratulations to Station wbE N Buffalo
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