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 youhave just heard is the question asked during
the war to agents of the OSS. Ordinary citizens to this question answered yes,
(00:25):
this is cloak and dagger, blackwarfare, espionage, international intrigue.
(00:49):
These are the weapons of the OSS. Today's story recommendation from Rummel about an
American OSS agent in Italy who almostoutsmarted himself is suggested my actual incidents recorded
in the Washington files of the Officeof Strategic Services, a story that can
now be told, Hey, comeback here. You can't leave me here.
(01:19):
I demand to see someone in thethirty Let me out of here.
Brother, That was some spot tobe in me Joe Donado in a jail
seller, Milan, Italy. Itwas crazy. Well, after a while
(01:41):
I got tired of yelling, soI sat down on a narrow prison cot
and thought back to the way ithad begun. On a train from Versa
to Milan. The French underground hadsmuggled me from Leon across Switzerland, and
I made my way over the border. There on I was my own posing
as an Italian chalkman salesman, soI sat back in my compartment, lit
(02:06):
a European cigarette and blew smoke ringsover my head to the rack where my
shortwave radio was hidden in one ofthe suitcases. All of a sudden,
the train gave a lunch. Oneof my suitcases took a flying dive to
the floor. There was a suitcasewith a pen knife scar across the leather
handle, the one with the radio. I was glad I was long in
(02:28):
that compartment. I couldn't wait tofind out if that radio was all right.
You see, the case was linedwith a false backy of boxes of
chocolates to hide the radio. Iunfastened the backing and there was the radio.
It was okay, nothing was broken. And then before I could refasten
the backing, I heard voices outsidethe compartment door. I didn't have time
(02:51):
to refasten the backing. I hadjust enough time to slam the case shut
again, slide it back up inthe rack, and get back in my
seat. Mergers, what is this? I was under the impression this compartment
was reserved from me alone. Mustbe some mistake, Field Marshal. There
was a mistake, all right,My mistake in picking the one compartment on
(03:12):
the train that had been chosen forfield Marshal Ramo, what is the meaning
of this? I do not know, Sen, you are imagined there has
been a mistake, a mistake.Do not tell me of mistakes. This
is your stupidity. You had yourorders. No, no, I inscruted
the train. God and I willnot have this disturbance. You understand,
Yes, your excellency, I amsorry. If I have been the cause
(03:35):
of this, I assure you itwas quite unintentional. I will take my
suitcases and may immediately. I'll seeif it is best you live. I
will find you another comput Oh wait, it is unnecessary, conductor, gentlemen's
already here. There's room for bothof us. We Germans and Italians must
share, is it not so?I perhaps, sir, you would prefer
(03:57):
your privacy. There's nothing for meto move. I will not hear on
it. Sit where you are.Actually, I would welcome company. I
did test train rides. Better arrangethe table for me in the dining conversation.
You're a stupid Next, such afuss over nothing? Tell me your
(04:18):
name? Oh my name is Donato, you said donat to your excellency.
Where you're headed for Senor Donato.Oh, I am getting off at Milano.
See, well, we should havetime to get acquainted. It please,
time to get a quite ed.Great what are we going to talk
(04:39):
about? Maybe I could get theconversation started by saying, Hairfield Marshall,
Ramo, it might interest you toknow that I am an OSS spy.
I am in Italia radio back informationon your northern supply concentrations. You say
you are a chocolate salesman. Seemy office is in Verona. Here's my
(05:00):
but I'm not in the market forchocolates. You may put the car back.
Oh here you drop this your medicalclassification in the FASCISTI Army. You
gratsy. That was a great disappointmentto me, your excellency, But you
see, an old back injury keptme out of the army. You must
(05:21):
not blame yourself or something you cannothelp. Still, it is a great
disappointment. Yes, I understand,your excellency. Yes, Major. Your
table in the dining room said inAsha, look it, I will return
soon or we will continue our conversation. We had talked ten minutes, and
(05:45):
I aged ten years. I wonderedif I should change compartments Before he came
back no, no, no,that might seem suspicious. I looked out
of the window. The green rollinghills of citrus and otive trees didn't tell
me anything. I just crossed myfingers and hoped we were coming into Milan
soon. You do not I see, what do you want with me?
(06:08):
I do not want anything with you. Field Marshall wants to see you,
and you'd better be quick about it. Oh see, no, no,
leave your suitcases, just come withme quickly. You wanted to see me,
(06:30):
your excellency, Yes, sit downthere opposite me. Oh gratch gratchy.
I thought about you after I leftthe compartment, Senor, do lot
or see see? Would you careto join me for coffee? Senor?
It would be my pleasure coffee withField Marshal. Ramo, Well, I
(06:58):
tell a gang back home about thisthought. There was a man across the
aisle, a dap a little guywith a waxed mustache. I and Ramel
nodded to each other, and thena dab a little old guy kept watching
me, watching me. Yeah,I never can get used to this Italian
(07:19):
coffee with all its chickery. Idon't suppose I ever will. I would
naturally have a fondness for it.I have had it all my life.
Well what's your home originally uh inorb, the birthplace of Rafia. My
family is still living there. Wouldyou like to see some snapshots, your
(07:40):
excellency, Yes, very much,and they are right hitting my wallet.
Ah, I hear you see thatlittle farm in the valley, It is
here. You see, this isa huge image. Sorry as the pretty
child of wish he Oh, mysister franchise guy looks very much like you.
(08:01):
Yeah, it was interesting, Ramothought the kid in the picture of
these snapshots had been made by OSSphotographers and an early picture of me had
been super imposed over the very attractivefamily group. You know, I've taken
quite a fancy to you. Ohtell me. Uh these chocolates yourself?
(08:24):
Are they any good? Oh?See that very good? Not not?
No? No, no, no, well surely well one two of them
would not be mister. Is itall right with you if I send my
adjutant to get one of the suitcases. Yes, we Germans and Italians must
share. No, no, it'sperfectly all right. Only I will get
(08:50):
myself. No, I don't needmajor go to the compartment bring one of
the No, no, it isfoolish to send him. I can go
myself. No, no, wewould have so little time before talking.
Before the train stops at Milando.I had no choice. I had to
sit there and sweat it out,just pray that the adjutant brought back the
(09:11):
right case. I felt as ifthey were a band of steel around my
head that kept getting tighter and tighter. What is it, my friend?
Are you not feeling well? Oh? It is very hot in here,
is it not? Yes? Itis unfortunately, Yes, Perhaps I should
(09:31):
quot the conductor and have it.Oh yeah, the major returns with your
sampor case. The first thing Ilooked at when the major put the case
in my lap was the handle.There was a long scar in the letter.
It was the one with the radio. You know I've always had a
fondness for chocolates. Well, comeopen it. Well the catch it seems
(10:00):
to be stuck. Surely you canfix it. Oh see see, of
course, And that is a Iwill try. Dear to me, what
what I have? An excellent littledependant. Perhaps I can adjust the lot.
No, no, no, no, no, no, I I
will get it in the moment,I'm sure. Oh, Milano, and
that is my stop. Your excellency, so soon, what a pity.
(10:20):
Well, if if you wish,I will stay until the next station.
All this for you take a buzzball. Oh no, no, no,
I would not think of it.It is too kind of you to
suggest it. But we must say. I'll be the same field, Marshall
Rommel. It has been a greathonor. I hurried back to the compartment
(10:43):
to get my coat and hat,and then, on an impulse, I
grabbed the other case of the rankand as the train stopped, I turned
and ran back toward the dining room. Then you, then you, I
know, I know I'm getting offa minute, no moment. Yeah,
(11:03):
here's marshal seor do not do Idid not expect to see you. Fair,
your excellency, If you will permitme a hreos this this case of
chocolate, Oh for your you seethe luck works now than gluts, it
multi grots you. If I passedthrough Minano, I would look you up.
I don't know where I'd be staying, sir. It is not difficult
(11:26):
for the police to find the man. I'll be the same, And with
this pleasant thought I left him,glad to get off that train. You
don't need oss training to tell youwhen someone's following you. It's an instinctive
(11:48):
feeling. You again. I startedto walk a little faster, and the
footsteps behind me quickly too. Ipassed a small coffee shop, and through
the reflection in the window, Icould see coming after me, the man
in the dining car who had nevertaken his eyes off me, the dapple
little guy with a mustache. Heand Ramel had nodded to each other.
(12:09):
Was it a signal? Did Rameljust trying to string me along? He
broke into Iran Senor. I didn'ttend to stop until I got then maybe
I could use some of the crowd, I said, wait, wait to
stop him with somebody? God,what are you doing? Open that gate?
I am sorry, Senor, thisgate is closed, and now use
the South date like I am sorry, this gate is closed, Senor.
(12:31):
I've had such trouble catching up withyou. Who are you? Allow me?
Allow me to introduce myself. Iam at the Count Pietro imperially.
What do you want with me?Well, I noticed you were having coffee
on the train with phild Marshall Rommelhimself. I'm a great admirer of the
(12:54):
Marshall, and I have a noddingacquaintance with him, or say, what
has that to do with me?Well, I happen to know, Signor
that Ramel does not make friends easily. And so when I saw you two
together, I a me, kur, would you do me the extreme honor
of joining me at my palace fordinner this evening? It would be a
(13:18):
great pleasure to entertain a good friendof Ram's. As the long black limousine
(13:39):
drove up to the palace, Ifelt like a visitor of the Middle Ages.
The gray stone steps were hallowed withage its way Signor, the lower
windows were blazing with life, andtwo soldiers set in brackets like the doors
a quiet quiet. The floors aremade of colored marble. On the walls
(14:05):
hung ancient tapestries with scenes in theOld Testam. I walked through, pasted
a lot of servants. My mouthwas open at all of his grandeur,
and I walked right into a sudof armor. Excuse me, Goma me
comeo, dinner is waiting. Ah, that was a delicious dinner, Gratchy
(14:37):
cant imperially, I'm delighted you enjoyedit. Now we will sit here in
the library and talk of Ramel Sigattrogratch, You no tell me what was
he like? What did he say? Oh? We merely exchanged pleasantry,
(15:01):
great leader, great chief. Oncewhen he was in mid life, and
he kept looking around. He waslively, want to set up my basket
games. However, Wow, thiswas being introduced to Alan and a while
away. What was that? Alittle brandy? Oh no, no,
(15:22):
brand, what is it? Bobo? What's the matter? Good evening,
count Pally, They told me youwere here, you see, Bobo,
it is only Antonio gum my,dear, I would I would like you
to meet a friend, see SeniorGiuseppe Donato, great friend of Rummers.
(15:50):
I am impressed. The pleasure ismine. Gave Belle a quest I got
my secretary is a very pretty Yourlordship, there is a call on your
private phone in a small library.Oh see, I will return. It
(16:14):
will give you two a chance toget acquitted, Riet, Bobo, Hey,
multe bella signorina. You are verypretty. Counting petially was right?
Did you find yourself faced into thatcompliment? Sig your Oh no, no,
(16:36):
no, not at all. WeItalians are proud of our beautiful women,
and it is impossible not to noticehow well you represent them. Where
do you live in Milano? No? No, no, I'm here on
business. Where are you staying?Oh? I only arrived today. I've
(16:57):
made no plans yet you were arethe Count's secretary, his personal secretary since
the Countess passed on, I attendto all arrangements for his banquets and receptions,
as well as his personal correspondence.Oh oh, I see he is
on Grand Signor. I am veryfond of him. I remember how disappointed
(17:22):
he was when Field Marshal Rommel failedto attend a reception he planned for him.
Why I know he told me thathe is a great admirer of Ramel.
So am I tell me about him? Signor? Does he intend to
come to Milano soon? Perhaps wecan plan something else in his honor?
(17:42):
I don't know his intentions. Perhapshe is returning to Africa immediately. I
don't know that either. Here.Well, I see you two have become
acquainted, eh Martabny your lordship sincethe you're staying in Milan? Or shall
I give him the name of agood hotel? Hotel with forty rooms here,
(18:07):
most of them empty? I shouldsay not? You will stay here?
Am Coomeo, as long as youwant, Gratchi Malta Gentile. I'm
very grateful. They gave me asweet to myself, with a tremendous canopy
bed and a sculptured rug on thefloor. Through the casement window, I
(18:30):
could see the Piazza Sundial, thenarrow streets of Milan, and off in
the distance the church of Santa Mariadel Grazia. Who is going to look
for an American spy? And aset up like that? Who was made
order? Every night? I pattedthe radio on the suitcase and hoped i'd
have a message to send back.So on a few days later, Counting
(18:52):
Piiali asked me to walk to hisoffice with him. Ah, this Italian
supper makes me feel ten years younger. You know, if I were twenty
years young, I would be moreattended to that dock ey hae, secretary
of mine. I don't blame you. She seems to have taken an interest
in you. Oh that's all sheis. See, she's a keep on
(19:15):
to ask questions about you. Seeyou still have not told me why you
want to see me at your office. I refuse to speak business at the
home, never do. And yourbusiness. I don't know that either.
You will soon enough. Come.My office is in the municipal building across
the square. I followed him acrossthe square, over the fen and cobblestones.
(19:41):
Everywhere around me were black shirted forshisty. I wondered if my good
luck so far had made me toosure of myself. I followed him up
the stairs the municipal building, downthe narrow corridor, and we stopped the
door third from the end. Andthen I know what his business was.
Superintendent of police. Brego, Ibeg of you, please go in count
(20:07):
imperiality. I don't understand. Nowyou know my business. I am superintendent
of police, often an unpleasant occupation. Come in, I said, come
in. That's right. I wantedto see you here because it's necessary for
(20:30):
us to have a little talk aboutyou and the police. What have I
to do with the police. Howwould you like to work for me?
Come? Come, come, don'tlook so startled. Work for you as
a member of the police. Butof course, perhaps this communication from a
(20:55):
rama will explain Grutch. As youcan see, it's a request from him
for me to locate you in Milanoand offer you this position. He's obviously
very fond of you, great ChiefRommel, and he knows how badly you
feel about your medical classification in theArmy. Ah. I don't know what
(21:17):
to say, just to say youaccept. Ordinarily, of course I would
have to make extensive research into yourbackground before offering you this position, but
a personal recommendation from Ramel hardly makesthat necessary. But what do you say,
Amico mio? What do you think? I said? I said yes
(21:42):
in a hurry, and when Ileft the office later I had a badge
in everything. Ever since I boughtthe train of Verace, I had one
bad scare after another, but sofar nothing had happened. I was beginning
to feel I had a charmed lifeuntil I got back to my suite at
the Palace Rio Antonia. What areyou doing with that suitcase? These are
(22:06):
excellent chocolates? Will you have one? What right have you in here?
I was curious about you. Ifound out I had reason to be curious.
I'd like you to meet two friends, Jacimo and Mario. For the
first time I saw them, twomen standing half hidden in the shadows of
the big room. And now thechair before Antonia was my suitcase. She
(22:27):
turned it around so I could seethe inside. The backing was off,
the radio was gone. Who arethese men? What is this? Do
not be afraid? And Dunia wasright when she said we were friends.
But this was a foolhardy place toleave your radio Americano. I found a
better hiding place in the wall,safe of an unused room in the palace.
(22:49):
It is all right, singo Donato. We are partisans, members of
the underground. You just you juststand there and tell me this. Why
not your American radio has given usproof of who you are, no doubtor.
You want a proof of who weare, the sculptor. I am
listening. We will tell you allthat you came here to find out.
(23:12):
All you have to do is toask and we will answer. We will
answer even before you ask. TheNazis are using northern Italy as a supply
base for the Africa cores. Infact, Ramel is expecting air reinforcements to
leave here at the end of theweek. Are my plans? Seventy five
bombers? Where are they in afield at caravet you ten miles west?
You uh, you empted my police. There was an altitude bomb there.
(23:34):
Did you find it? Is beastwhat you mean? Yes? Is there
any one in the underground who canduplicate it? The professor of chemistry in
the University of Milando is a frain. What you see. If you remove
the pin from these bombs and plantthem in an airplane, they'll explode automatically
when the ship gains altitude. Wewill let you know when you can see
the fireworks. Oh oh, ander another bit of information. See it?
(23:59):
Er might interest you to know thatyou have been talking to a member
of the FASCISTI secret police Anthonia.You look more lovely than ever this evening.
Lord, and you and Miko,where are you going for it?
(24:23):
Drive? Sir? How wonderful itmust be to be young again, especially
in the summer. Well go andenjoy yourselves. Oh we will, We
are sure we will. It isfortunate the Count and not invite himself a
(24:48):
long You're sure we can see everythingfrom this hilltop, very sure. When
the planes take off in Carabicho aftermidnight, we will see them. It
it's school up here on this hill. Not cool enough to offer you an
excuse to put your arm around me. Oh you remember what the Count said.
We are young. It is summerin your business business, Scott.
(25:17):
Listen the plains they are taking offany minute now, any minute. What
if something happened? But if theyweren't able to plant those bombs? What
if? What if? A haha. Although this seems a poor way
(25:44):
to repay Rammel for his hospitality,Ramel didn't get his seventy five obamas no
sky protection, and that played apart when he was thrown back from l
A La Main a short month later. The OSS continued to get total information
on northern Italy supply concentrations, troopmovements and underground activities. Each time police
(26:07):
triangulation detected my radio antenna, I, as a member of the Secret Police,
would lead a raid. Having firstas a member of the underground moved
into another spot, and then oneday the Americans took over Milan. I
walked into G two headquarters to givethem a personal work. What do you
mean just walking into my office likethis? Sergeant? Who is this?
(26:29):
Sorry major? I couldn't stop himby the black shirt he's wearing. Whoever
he is, I don't like him. Now wait a minute, wait a
minute, you boys got me wrong. When I came to te's your name,
Donado, Lieutenant, just me JoeDonado. Look, you don't understand
I'm a member of the OSS.Yeah, sure, he's a member.
Look Mac, that's enough, SergeantDonato. According to our list, you're
(26:49):
a high ranking member of the FacistiPolice. Thanks for giving yourself up.
I'm not giving myself up. That'swhat you think, Mac, I tell
you I'm a member of the US. If we have your full record,
Donato and his own reports to FacistyHeadquarters, Count imperial I thought very highly.
I don't care what he thought.In files, we found a personal
recommendation from Ramel about you, apersonal recommendation from raml And you expect us
(27:15):
to believe you're a member of theOSS. But you you hate came always
Sergeant, throw him in jail.You can't do this way, all right?
To my congressman, Hey, comeback, I demand to see someone
the thirty. Let me out ofhere. I'll stand on my constitutional rights.
(27:38):
Let me out of here. Aweek later, OSS in London sent
verification on Lieutenant Joseph Donato, andan embarrassed G two Headquarters released him from
jail. Thus, once again thereport of another agent closed, the words
(28:00):
mission accomplished. Listen again next weekfor another true adventure from the files of
Oss on Cloak and Dagger. Heardin Today's Cloakndagger adventurer as Joe As,
(28:26):
Ralph Bell, Rammel, Barry Kroger, the Count Arnold Moss, Antonia Jan
Minor, the Colonel Raymond, EdwardJohnson. Others were Boris Aplin, Jerry
Jarrett and Carl Weber. The scriptwas written by Winnifred Wolf and Jack Gordon.
Music was under the direction of JohnGuart. Today's True Oss Adventure was
based on the book Cloakandagger by CoreyFord and Alistair McMain. This program is
(28:48):
directed by Lewis G. Cohn andAlfred Hollander under the direction and supervision of
Sherman Marx Programs. Get Your ProgramsHere. Action and adventurer of Yours Tonight
one thousand dollars reward offers a mysteryfor you to solve at home for a
three thousand dollars cash prize bollowed bythe Court. Said ouch. Tonight's case
on the Saint and Then Sam Spadesolves another exciting caper searching for the Bell
(29:14):
King Solomon used to call his wives. That's Tonight on NBC Now. Stay
tuned for High Adventure and The BigGuy on NBC
Are you willing to undertake a dangerousmission behind the enemy lines, knowing you
may never return alive. What youhave just heard is the question asked during
the war to agents of the OSS. Ordinary citizens to this question answered yes,
(00:25):
this is cloak and dagger, blackwarfare, espionage, international intrigue.
(00:49):
These are the weapons of the OSS. Today's story recommendation from Rummel about an
American OSS agent in Italy who almostoutsmarted himself is suggested my actual incidents recorded
in the Washington files of the Officeof Strategic Services, a story that can
now be told, Hey, comeback here. You can't leave me here.
(01:19):
I demand to see someone in thethirty Let me out of here.
Brother, That was some spot tobe in me Joe Donado in a jail
seller, Milan, Italy. Itwas crazy. Well, after a while
(01:41):
I got tired of yelling, soI sat down on a narrow prison cot
and thought back to the way ithad begun. On a train from Versa
to Milan. The French underground hadsmuggled me from Leon across Switzerland, and
I made my way over the border. There on I was my own posing
as an Italian chalkman salesman, soI sat back in my compartment, lit
(02:06):
a European cigarette and blew smoke ringsover my head to the rack where my
shortwave radio was hidden in one ofthe suitcases. All of a sudden,
the train gave a lunch. Oneof my suitcases took a flying dive to
the floor. There was a suitcasewith a pen knife scar across the leather
handle, the one with the radio. I was glad I was long in
(02:28):
that compartment. I couldn't wait tofind out if that radio was all right.
You see, the case was linedwith a false backy of boxes of
chocolates to hide the radio. Iunfastened the backing and there was the radio.
It was okay, nothing was broken. And then before I could refasten
the backing, I heard voices outsidethe compartment door. I didn't have time
(02:51):
to refasten the backing. I hadjust enough time to slam the case shut
again, slide it back up inthe rack, and get back in my
seat. Mergers, what is this? I was under the impression this compartment
was reserved from me alone. Mustbe some mistake, Field Marshal. There
was a mistake, all right,My mistake in picking the one compartment on
(03:12):
the train that had been chosen forfield Marshal Ramo, what is the meaning
of this? I do not know, Sen, you are imagined there has
been a mistake, a mistake.Do not tell me of mistakes. This
is your stupidity. You had yourorders. No, no, I inscruted
the train. God and I willnot have this disturbance. You understand,
Yes, your excellency, I amsorry. If I have been the cause
(03:35):
of this, I assure you itwas quite unintentional. I will take my
suitcases and may immediately. I'll seeif it is best you live. I
will find you another comput Oh wait, it is unnecessary, conductor, gentlemen's
already here. There's room for bothof us. We Germans and Italians must
share, is it not so?I perhaps, sir, you would prefer
(03:57):
your privacy. There's nothing for meto move. I will not hear on
it. Sit where you are.Actually, I would welcome company. I
did test train rides. Better arrangethe table for me in the dining conversation.
You're a stupid Next, such afuss over nothing? Tell me your
(04:18):
name? Oh my name is Donato, you said donat to your excellency.
Where you're headed for Senor Donato.Oh, I am getting off at Milano.
See, well, we should havetime to get acquainted. It please,
time to get a quite ed.Great what are we going to talk
(04:39):
about? Maybe I could get theconversation started by saying, Hairfield Marshall,
Ramo, it might interest you toknow that I am an OSS spy.
I am in Italia radio back informationon your northern supply concentrations. You say
you are a chocolate salesman. Seemy office is in Verona. Here's my
(05:00):
but I'm not in the market forchocolates. You may put the car back.
Oh here you drop this your medicalclassification in the FASCISTI Army. You
gratsy. That was a great disappointmentto me, your excellency, But you
see, an old back injury keptme out of the army. You must
(05:21):
not blame yourself or something you cannothelp. Still, it is a great
disappointment. Yes, I understand,your excellency. Yes, Major. Your
table in the dining room said inAsha, look it, I will return
soon or we will continue our conversation. We had talked ten minutes, and
(05:45):
I aged ten years. I wonderedif I should change compartments Before he came
back no, no, no,that might seem suspicious. I looked out
of the window. The green rollinghills of citrus and otive trees didn't tell
me anything. I just crossed myfingers and hoped we were coming into Milan
soon. You do not I see, what do you want with me?
(06:08):
I do not want anything with you. Field Marshall wants to see you,
and you'd better be quick about it. Oh see, no, no,
leave your suitcases, just come withme quickly. You wanted to see me,
(06:30):
your excellency, Yes, sit downthere opposite me. Oh gratch gratchy.
I thought about you after I leftthe compartment, Senor, do lot
or see see? Would you careto join me for coffee? Senor?
It would be my pleasure coffee withField Marshal. Ramo, Well, I
(06:58):
tell a gang back home about thisthought. There was a man across the
aisle, a dap a little guywith a waxed mustache. I and Ramel
nodded to each other, and thena dab a little old guy kept watching
me, watching me. Yeah,I never can get used to this Italian
(07:19):
coffee with all its chickery. Idon't suppose I ever will. I would
naturally have a fondness for it.I have had it all my life.
Well what's your home originally uh inorb, the birthplace of Rafia. My
family is still living there. Wouldyou like to see some snapshots, your
(07:40):
excellency, Yes, very much,and they are right hitting my wallet.
Ah, I hear you see thatlittle farm in the valley, It is
here. You see, this isa huge image. Sorry as the pretty
child of wish he Oh, mysister franchise guy looks very much like you.
(08:01):
Yeah, it was interesting, Ramothought the kid in the picture of
these snapshots had been made by OSSphotographers and an early picture of me had
been super imposed over the very attractivefamily group. You know, I've taken
quite a fancy to you. Ohtell me. Uh these chocolates yourself?
(08:24):
Are they any good? Oh?See that very good? Not not?
No? No, no, no, well surely well one two of them
would not be mister. Is itall right with you if I send my
adjutant to get one of the suitcases. Yes, we Germans and Italians must
share. No, no, it'sperfectly all right. Only I will get
(08:50):
myself. No, I don't needmajor go to the compartment bring one of
the No, no, it isfoolish to send him. I can go
myself. No, no, wewould have so little time before talking.
Before the train stops at Milando.I had no choice. I had to
sit there and sweat it out,just pray that the adjutant brought back the
(09:11):
right case. I felt as ifthey were a band of steel around my
head that kept getting tighter and tighter. What is it, my friend?
Are you not feeling well? Oh? It is very hot in here,
is it not? Yes? Itis unfortunately, Yes, Perhaps I should
(09:31):
quot the conductor and have it.Oh yeah, the major returns with your
sampor case. The first thing Ilooked at when the major put the case
in my lap was the handle.There was a long scar in the letter.
It was the one with the radio. You know I've always had a
fondness for chocolates. Well, comeopen it. Well the catch it seems
(10:00):
to be stuck. Surely you canfix it. Oh see see, of
course, And that is a Iwill try. Dear to me, what
what I have? An excellent littledependant. Perhaps I can adjust the lot.
No, no, no, no, no, no, I I
will get it in the moment,I'm sure. Oh, Milano, and
that is my stop. Your excellency, so soon, what a pity.
(10:20):
Well, if if you wish,I will stay until the next station.
All this for you take a buzzball. Oh no, no, no,
I would not think of it.It is too kind of you to
suggest it. But we must say. I'll be the same field, Marshall
Rommel. It has been a greathonor. I hurried back to the compartment
(10:43):
to get my coat and hat,and then, on an impulse, I
grabbed the other case of the rankand as the train stopped, I turned
and ran back toward the dining room. Then you, then you, I
know, I know I'm getting offa minute, no moment. Yeah,
(11:03):
here's marshal seor do not do Idid not expect to see you. Fair,
your excellency, If you will permitme a hreos this this case of
chocolate, Oh for your you seethe luck works now than gluts, it
multi grots you. If I passedthrough Minano, I would look you up.
I don't know where I'd be staying, sir. It is not difficult
(11:26):
for the police to find the man. I'll be the same, And with
this pleasant thought I left him,glad to get off that train. You
don't need oss training to tell youwhen someone's following you. It's an instinctive
(11:48):
feeling. You again. I startedto walk a little faster, and the
footsteps behind me quickly too. Ipassed a small coffee shop, and through
the reflection in the window, Icould see coming after me, the man
in the dining car who had nevertaken his eyes off me, the dapple
little guy with a mustache. Heand Ramel had nodded to each other.
(12:09):
Was it a signal? Did Rameljust trying to string me along? He
broke into Iran Senor. I didn'ttend to stop until I got then maybe
I could use some of the crowd, I said, wait, wait to
stop him with somebody? God,what are you doing? Open that gate?
I am sorry, Senor, thisgate is closed, and now use
the South date like I am sorry, this gate is closed, Senor.
(12:31):
I've had such trouble catching up withyou. Who are you? Allow me?
Allow me to introduce myself. Iam at the Count Pietro imperially.
What do you want with me?Well, I noticed you were having coffee
on the train with phild Marshall Rommelhimself. I'm a great admirer of the
(12:54):
Marshall, and I have a noddingacquaintance with him, or say, what
has that to do with me?Well, I happen to know, Signor
that Ramel does not make friends easily. And so when I saw you two
together, I a me, kur, would you do me the extreme honor
of joining me at my palace fordinner this evening? It would be a
(13:18):
great pleasure to entertain a good friendof Ram's. As the long black limousine
(13:39):
drove up to the palace, Ifelt like a visitor of the Middle Ages.
The gray stone steps were hallowed withage its way Signor, the lower
windows were blazing with life, andtwo soldiers set in brackets like the doors
a quiet quiet. The floors aremade of colored marble. On the walls
(14:05):
hung ancient tapestries with scenes in theOld Testam. I walked through, pasted
a lot of servants. My mouthwas open at all of his grandeur,
and I walked right into a sudof armor. Excuse me, Goma me
comeo, dinner is waiting. Ah, that was a delicious dinner, Gratchy
(14:37):
cant imperially, I'm delighted you enjoyedit. Now we will sit here in
the library and talk of Ramel Sigattrogratch, You no tell me what was
he like? What did he say? Oh? We merely exchanged pleasantry,
(15:01):
great leader, great chief. Oncewhen he was in mid life, and
he kept looking around. He waslively, want to set up my basket
games. However, Wow, thiswas being introduced to Alan and a while
away. What was that? Alittle brandy? Oh no, no,
(15:22):
brand, what is it? Bobo? What's the matter? Good evening,
count Pally, They told me youwere here, you see, Bobo,
it is only Antonio gum my,dear, I would I would like you
to meet a friend, see SeniorGiuseppe Donato, great friend of Rummers.
(15:50):
I am impressed. The pleasure ismine. Gave Belle a quest I got
my secretary is a very pretty Yourlordship, there is a call on your
private phone in a small library.Oh see, I will return. It
(16:14):
will give you two a chance toget acquitted, Riet, Bobo, Hey,
multe bella signorina. You are verypretty. Counting petially was right?
Did you find yourself faced into thatcompliment? Sig your Oh no, no,
(16:36):
no, not at all. WeItalians are proud of our beautiful women,
and it is impossible not to noticehow well you represent them. Where
do you live in Milano? No? No, no, I'm here on
business. Where are you staying?Oh? I only arrived today. I've
(16:57):
made no plans yet you were arethe Count's secretary, his personal secretary since
the Countess passed on, I attendto all arrangements for his banquets and receptions,
as well as his personal correspondence.Oh oh, I see he is
on Grand Signor. I am veryfond of him. I remember how disappointed
(17:22):
he was when Field Marshal Rommel failedto attend a reception he planned for him.
Why I know he told me thathe is a great admirer of Ramel.
So am I tell me about him? Signor? Does he intend to
come to Milano soon? Perhaps wecan plan something else in his honor?
(17:42):
I don't know his intentions. Perhapshe is returning to Africa immediately. I
don't know that either. Here.Well, I see you two have become
acquainted, eh Martabny your lordship sincethe you're staying in Milan? Or shall
I give him the name of agood hotel? Hotel with forty rooms here,
(18:07):
most of them empty? I shouldsay not? You will stay here?
Am Coomeo, as long as youwant, Gratchi Malta Gentile. I'm
very grateful. They gave me asweet to myself, with a tremendous canopy
bed and a sculptured rug on thefloor. Through the casement window, I
(18:30):
could see the Piazza Sundial, thenarrow streets of Milan, and off in
the distance the church of Santa Mariadel Grazia. Who is going to look
for an American spy? And aset up like that? Who was made
order? Every night? I pattedthe radio on the suitcase and hoped i'd
have a message to send back.So on a few days later, Counting
(18:52):
Piiali asked me to walk to hisoffice with him. Ah, this Italian
supper makes me feel ten years younger. You know, if I were twenty
years young, I would be moreattended to that dock ey hae, secretary
of mine. I don't blame you. She seems to have taken an interest
in you. Oh that's all sheis. See, she's a keep on
(19:15):
to ask questions about you. Seeyou still have not told me why you
want to see me at your office. I refuse to speak business at the
home, never do. And yourbusiness. I don't know that either.
You will soon enough. Come.My office is in the municipal building across
the square. I followed him acrossthe square, over the fen and cobblestones.
(19:41):
Everywhere around me were black shirted forshisty. I wondered if my good
luck so far had made me toosure of myself. I followed him up
the stairs the municipal building, downthe narrow corridor, and we stopped the
door third from the end. Andthen I know what his business was.
Superintendent of police. Brego, Ibeg of you, please go in count
(20:07):
imperiality. I don't understand. Nowyou know my business. I am superintendent
of police, often an unpleasant occupation. Come in, I said, come
in. That's right. I wantedto see you here because it's necessary for
(20:30):
us to have a little talk aboutyou and the police. What have I
to do with the police. Howwould you like to work for me?
Come? Come, come, don'tlook so startled. Work for you as
a member of the police. Butof course, perhaps this communication from a
(20:55):
rama will explain Grutch. As youcan see, it's a request from him
for me to locate you in Milanoand offer you this position. He's obviously
very fond of you, great ChiefRommel, and he knows how badly you
feel about your medical classification in theArmy. Ah. I don't know what
(21:17):
to say, just to say youaccept. Ordinarily, of course I would
have to make extensive research into yourbackground before offering you this position, but
a personal recommendation from Ramel hardly makesthat necessary. But what do you say,
Amico mio? What do you think? I said? I said yes
(21:42):
in a hurry, and when Ileft the office later I had a badge
in everything. Ever since I boughtthe train of Verace, I had one
bad scare after another, but sofar nothing had happened. I was beginning
to feel I had a charmed lifeuntil I got back to my suite at
the Palace Rio Antonia. What areyou doing with that suitcase? These are
(22:06):
excellent chocolates? Will you have one? What right have you in here?
I was curious about you. Ifound out I had reason to be curious.
I'd like you to meet two friends, Jacimo and Mario. For the
first time I saw them, twomen standing half hidden in the shadows of
the big room. And now thechair before Antonia was my suitcase. She
(22:27):
turned it around so I could seethe inside. The backing was off,
the radio was gone. Who arethese men? What is this? Do
not be afraid? And Dunia wasright when she said we were friends.
But this was a foolhardy place toleave your radio Americano. I found a
better hiding place in the wall,safe of an unused room in the palace.
(22:49):
It is all right, singo Donato. We are partisans, members of
the underground. You just you juststand there and tell me this. Why
not your American radio has given usproof of who you are, no doubtor.
You want a proof of who weare, the sculptor. I am
listening. We will tell you allthat you came here to find out.
(23:12):
All you have to do is toask and we will answer. We will
answer even before you ask. TheNazis are using northern Italy as a supply
base for the Africa cores. Infact, Ramel is expecting air reinforcements to
leave here at the end of theweek. Are my plans? Seventy five
bombers? Where are they in afield at caravet you ten miles west?
You uh, you empted my police. There was an altitude bomb there.
(23:34):
Did you find it? Is beastwhat you mean? Yes? Is there
any one in the underground who canduplicate it? The professor of chemistry in
the University of Milando is a frain. What you see. If you remove
the pin from these bombs and plantthem in an airplane, they'll explode automatically
when the ship gains altitude. Wewill let you know when you can see
the fireworks. Oh oh, ander another bit of information. See it?
(23:59):
Er might interest you to know thatyou have been talking to a member
of the FASCISTI secret police Anthonia.You look more lovely than ever this evening.
Lord, and you and Miko,where are you going for it?
(24:23):
Drive? Sir? How wonderful itmust be to be young again, especially
in the summer. Well go andenjoy yourselves. Oh we will, We
are sure we will. It isfortunate the Count and not invite himself a
(24:48):
long You're sure we can see everythingfrom this hilltop, very sure. When
the planes take off in Carabicho aftermidnight, we will see them. It
it's school up here on this hill. Not cool enough to offer you an
excuse to put your arm around me. Oh you remember what the Count said.
We are young. It is summerin your business business, Scott.
(25:17):
Listen the plains they are taking offany minute now, any minute. What
if something happened? But if theyweren't able to plant those bombs? What
if? What if? A haha. Although this seems a poor way
(25:44):
to repay Rammel for his hospitality,Ramel didn't get his seventy five obamas no
sky protection, and that played apart when he was thrown back from l
A La Main a short month later. The OSS continued to get total information
on northern Italy supply concentrations, troopmovements and underground activities. Each time police
(26:07):
triangulation detected my radio antenna, I, as a member of the Secret Police,
would lead a raid. Having firstas a member of the underground moved
into another spot, and then oneday the Americans took over Milan. I
walked into G two headquarters to givethem a personal work. What do you
mean just walking into my office likethis? Sergeant? Who is this?
(26:29):
Sorry major? I couldn't stop himby the black shirt he's wearing. Whoever
he is, I don't like him. Now wait a minute, wait a
minute, you boys got me wrong. When I came to te's your name,
Donado, Lieutenant, just me JoeDonado. Look, you don't understand
I'm a member of the OSS.Yeah, sure, he's a member.
Look Mac, that's enough, SergeantDonato. According to our list, you're
(26:49):
a high ranking member of the FacistiPolice. Thanks for giving yourself up.
I'm not giving myself up. That'swhat you think, Mac, I tell
you I'm a member of the US. If we have your full record,
Donato and his own reports to FacistyHeadquarters, Count imperial I thought very highly.
I don't care what he thought.In files, we found a personal
recommendation from Ramel about you, apersonal recommendation from raml And you expect us
(27:15):
to believe you're a member of theOSS. But you you hate came always
Sergeant, throw him in jail.You can't do this way, all right?
To my congressman, Hey, comeback, I demand to see someone
the thirty. Let me out ofhere. I'll stand on my constitutional rights.
(27:38):
Let me out of here. Aweek later, OSS in London sent
verification on Lieutenant Joseph Donato, andan embarrassed G two Headquarters released him from
jail. Thus, once again thereport of another agent closed, the words
(28:00):
mission accomplished. Listen again next weekfor another true adventure from the files of
Oss on Cloak and Dagger. Heardin Today's Cloakndagger adventurer as Joe As,
(28:26):
Ralph Bell, Rammel, Barry Kroger, the Count Arnold Moss, Antonia Jan
Minor, the Colonel Raymond, EdwardJohnson. Others were Boris Aplin, Jerry
Jarrett and Carl Weber. The scriptwas written by Winnifred Wolf and Jack Gordon.
Music was under the direction of JohnGuart. Today's True Oss Adventure was
based on the book Cloakandagger by CoreyFord and Alistair McMain. This program is
(28:48):
directed by Lewis G. Cohn andAlfred Hollander under the direction and supervision of
Sherman Marx Programs. Get Your ProgramsHere. Action and adventurer of Yours Tonight
one thousand dollars reward offers a mysteryfor you to solve at home for a
three thousand dollars cash prize bollowed bythe Court. Said ouch. Tonight's case
on the Saint and Then Sam Spadesolves another exciting caper searching for the Bell
(29:14):
King Solomon used to call his wives. That's Tonight on NBC Now. Stay
tuned for High Adventure and The BigGuy on NBC
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