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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Transcript
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 who, to this question
(00:23):
answered yes. This is cloak anddagger, black warfare, espionage, international
(00:50):
intrigue. These are the weapons ofthe OSS. Today's story, the Brenner
Pass, is the story of anAmerican engineer who sings handed cut off the
escape of part of the German armyin Italy from unrushing American troops. The
Brenner Pass is suggested by actual incidentsrecorded in the Washington files of the Office
(01:11):
of Strategic Services, a story thatcan now be told. No, no,
Padre, I don't want drink.Drink this. Feel your meal,
(01:37):
It will warm your inside. Iwant to talk to you. I want
to tell you drink this first born. I'm so tired, rest there,
so so tired. You You won'tgive me away, will you? You
(02:00):
will hide me if the Germans come, won't you, Padre? Oh?
Won't you came to me, myson because you knew I'd give you sanctuary?
Any man has sanctuary in this house. Yes, yes, when an
oath feel your meal. Anything youtell me, only God and I will
witness. And if I had nottaken this oath, I still would not
(02:22):
give you away. Thank you,father. You are an American. That
much you have told me. Doyou want to tell me more? Or
do you want to sleep first?No? No, it is better you
sleep first. I'll sit beside you. I won't leave you. No,
no, Padre, I want totell you that may not be much time.
(02:46):
I have a feeling that time isrunning out for me. My name
was Donald Harper. I say was, because somehow I don't feel as if
I have a name anymore. Whenyou're tracked down and hunted, you're not
(03:07):
a human being. There's no pastor future. There's just the present and
you run. So much has happenedin a few weeks that it's hard for
me to remember remember back from thismorning when you found me unconscious on the
steps of the chapel, back tothe morning I was sent on my mission,
(03:30):
November twelfth, nineteen forty four.Captain Harper. I'm well aware of
everything we have to gain if thisscheme of your succeeds. You still think
it's just a scheme, ey,Colonel, I don't have to think.
I know what your chances are ofactually getting through to the Brenner Paz and
(03:53):
blowing up that highway, And Iknow what'll happen to you if the Italian
fascists or the German belief I knowa couple of things too, Colonel.
One of them is the country upthere in the mountains. Yes, I
nearly broke my neck half a dozentimes when I was a kid climbing the
rocks around my grandmother's hut, andjust before the war I took a trip
(04:15):
from the States to see her again. I skied over every inch of that
mountain near the Brenner Pass. Colonel, I know I can do it.
We've been through this before, Harper. I'm aware of everything in your favor,
your knowledge of the country, thefact that you were an engineer before
the war. Just give me suppliessome TNT in Italian uniform and some phony
(04:35):
papers in case I tangle with theFUSHISTI it's all I need, Colonel,
I tell you I can do it. It's true. If that highway to
the Brenner Pass could be destroyed,it would take the Germans months to repair
it. It would cut off oneof their retreats out of Germany. In
course, now we'd have them wherewe want them. When the American armies
(04:58):
advanced their backs to the mountains andno way up. That's it, that's
it. Your permission, colonel,please let me try it. Mm you
say your grandmother's hut is right nearyour objective. Yes, sir, I'll
give you names to memorize of otherpartisans in the mountains who might help you
on the way. I'll have allthe supplies you requested, and you can
(05:20):
leave. From the beginning, Padre, I had bad luck. It snowed
during most of the forty mile journey, and it was difficult for me to
move quickly, and the longer ittook me, the more chance I had
(05:44):
of being discovered. Then it came. You know what a storm it's like
here in the mountains, How itcomplyed you and throw you against the rocks.
(06:05):
When it was all over, Irealized what had happened. I had
been thrown off my course, butthat wasn't the worst of it. My
knapsack was gone, all my suppliesand the packet with papers the OSS had
forged for me. I had noidentification now and no food, but I
(06:27):
still had the TNT for the highwaynear Ampezzo. There is a tavern Padre,
not far from Parola. It wasn'tsheer recklessness, but desperation that made
(06:50):
me go in there, and knowingI had no papers, knowing the tavern
catered to Nazis and FASCISTI knowing therock sack on my back was filled with
explosives. But there was no otherplace for miles and I had to get
food or I couldn't go on thereus more of the storm. She was
(07:12):
fat. She was like, itlooks like this. See what would you
like to order? Some bread andcheese if you have it, and some
coffee black, very strong. Ifyou have it, bring it for you,
(07:36):
yes, fast, bring it fast, right away. I tried to
make myself as inconspicuous as possible.I hope the Germans would continue to be
amused by the Italian girl and notasked to see my papers. I had
(07:57):
nearly frozen in the snow a halfhour before. Now. The sweat broke
out all over my forehead. Payattention to her, I kept praying,
watch her, watch her, don'teven look my way, grotsy, it
is here. I haven't here right, No, that soldier must be important
(08:20):
to be personal her soldier. Comeover here and tell us how important you
are. No, I'm not importantat all. Forgive me the the way
that should have served you first.That's the soldier with us, soldier.
(08:48):
No one has to be here withus, soldier. No, I I
grotzy senor. I I will justfinish this coffee and then I must go.
Wait a minute. You must notbe rude, soldier. Man.
I never route to me if Iasked you to drink with us, you
(09:09):
must no, no, please Senora, some other time, perhaps now now
I must go. Huh, you'reafraid of me, afraid of girls?
Am afraid to drink beer? Oh, you should be back in your mama's
lap. I will give you somebeer now. Perhaps you will acquire a
taste for it. Here she threwit in my face. I felt it
(09:35):
start to trickle down my neck,and I could hear the Germans laughing themselves
sick. I wanted to snap thatsmall neck of hers in half for making
me the center of attraction. Gratzywaiter. You are sure, you are
(10:09):
very sure you are not followed hereto my house? Very sure, Amiko.
And it's snowing again. Even thetracks from my snow shoes are covered.
We must be careful, very careful, all of us, partisans.
The Germans are closing in on us. Do you know what would happen if
they found out I took you inan American? This would happen. But
I tell you there's nothing to worryabout, and I'll be gone in the
(10:30):
morning, Ah, the morning oneone. All I want is a night's
rest. There is a bed inthe back room you may use in your
heart. You are sure you arenot followed? Very sure? Yes,
yes, And I'll be gone inthe morning before you're awake. What's the
things in your the time being ina species of hospitable But these times very
bad times for all of Yes,yes, I know it is important too.
(10:54):
Yes, in order to fight backlater, one must leave now.
No, yes, yes, theGerman are clever, very clever. You
feign you you were here. Iwas too tired to stand there and listen
to the old man's whimpering, tootired to watch his narrow eyes like small
(11:16):
brown buttons, dart about the room, looking first at the windows and then
at the door, half expecting theguest stoppo to come. All I wanted
to do was sleep. I fellacross the bed, but a few minutes
later I sat bowled upright, listeningto the voices in the next room.
(11:39):
Daughter, he is here, anAmerican in the back home sleeping. Are
you sure? Are you sure he'san American. Father's name is Harpor,
long old Harbor to the American,always says CENTI American. Oh, how
the German police would like to knowthat that girl, the girl from the
tavern, friend of the Germans.I didn't stay to here anymore. There
(12:03):
was a small door leading out tothe back of the hut. I knew,
Padre, that somehow I must havecome to the wrong house. I
didn't dare take any more chances andstop again until I reached my grandmother's.
(12:24):
And I was so tired, sotired, Donaldoma Dunaldo, So good it
is to see you again, Nana. Nana, Oh, but how you
(12:46):
look so thin, so tired?Nothing changes here, does it. It
could be six years ago or ten, Nana, sitting here like this in
this house. Your papa holiday maildoes not come here easily any longer.
You have heard from them, Yes, Nana, a few weeks ago.
They're fine. They tried so hardto get you to America. When the
(13:09):
war came, I would not goanywhere on me. This is my home.
No one could make me leave myhome, not the Germans, not
the FASCISTI here I stay until theworld rites itself again. But what can
I get you? So comedy?Make yourself comfortable? You are hungry,
(13:31):
yes, but I'm I'm too tiredto eat. I I just want to
sleep. Do then I'll make upthe room for you later. For now,
rest here on this couch. Whenyou wake, I will have food
for you. Huh, like theold days. Caromel, my dear one,
I'll be in the kitchen. Sleepnow, sleep. I don't know
(14:01):
how long I slept. When Iawoke, I wondered for a moment where
I was, And then I sawher standing over me like a little boy.
You sleep. I've been watching you. You What are you doing here?
Watching you sleep? You don't drinkbeer, and you're afraid of girls,
and you sleep like a little boy. You followed me here, you
(14:24):
brought them? What have you donewith my grandmother? I kill you?
I should have killed you then Iwill now end of the German kill you
now here here? What's going on? Then? I you all right,
of course, I'm all right.What are you doing, Tony? What
is wrong? Oh? Your grandsonhas his mother's heart, Italian blood in
(14:48):
his veins. He wants to killme, that's all. I'm ashamed of
you, Donaldo. This girl,she's a friend. Friend. I will
get the soup for you, Senora. Perhaps some soup will cool his temper,
but none. I saw that girlwith the Germans. She ah,
she told me about that. Shedid not know who you were then,
(15:09):
yes, but she wondered why youdisappeared from her father's house. She knew
the name Donald Harper because she heardme speak of you often, so she
came here after you. She sawyour sleep, and she understood why you
had run away from her. Shewas with Germans. I was there.
I hurt girl. Donaldore is theleader of our group of Parsons, your
(15:35):
leader. But the Germans side theGermans. I amuse them, Porky and
the Mary. I tell them funnystories and they laugh at me. You
just soup. They did not hearme laugh When I get them drunk,
and they tell me things I canuse to our advantage. Your soup.
Drink it, Tony. I'm sorry, I understand bellaques got Donaldo? No,
(16:00):
yes, no, the girl isvery poor, Senor to tell you
embarrassing, Naldo. We have friendsnow, see see Tony friends. You
(16:26):
work too hard, Caramel? Whatare you doing drawing diagrams? Nana?
I've got all the plans made toblow up that highway early tomorrow morning,
and I want to make sure nothinggoes wrong here. I brought you something
to eat. You'll spoil me,Nana. But it was good to have
you spoiled me again these past fewdays. How good it is to be
(16:47):
able to Will you leave then tomorrowafter you do what you have to do?
Yes, I must, but I'llcome back to say goodbye. First.
I come, I come, Joe. Where's Donaldo? Tony? What
(17:08):
are you doing here? Are youdispleased to see me? Where is that
partisan friend you are going to sendto help me here? What? Me?
Me? Me? Me? Me? I am the friend. Oh
no, I can't do as gooda job as any man. Let me
help you. No, it's crazy, Please please let me do it.
Girl, it's crazy. It isnot crazy. Think think what it will
(17:32):
mean for me after you were gonefrom these mountains. Listening to my fat
friends, the Germans talk about theexplosion and to know secretly that it was
I who helped to make it.Please please, Tonaldo Meal, it's too
late to get anyone else, haha, That's why I waited so long.
(17:56):
The only man to get on thisshort notice is my papa, and
he is a scared rat. Iwas right the first time. You are
a little sheet evil. I'm easy. Take her with you, Donaldo.
All right, then pay attention tothis diagram. Now there's a railway,
as you know, going right overthat highway. If we planted enough DNT
to blow that right out of theroad, it'll be blocked up for months.
(18:29):
It was about four o'clock in themorning when we got to the highway
and climbed up on the tracks ofthe railway. Tony stayed up above,
and I made my way slowly,slowly, climbing down into the framework of
the trestle, feeling my way alongthe gooders. They were icy under my
hands, and two or three timesI almost slipped. Cavl Caldo, it's
all right. Watch yourself, watchhow you handle those explosives. Do not
(18:52):
trouble yourself about me. I toldyou I can work as well as any
man, and work as quietly asone. The troop crane of Germans would
be coming over the railway soon,and I had to finish before it came.
I had a coil of wire aroundone arm and a pair of pliers
hanging on a thong for my waist. Tony, you hear me, yes,
I hear you. Hand me downthose packages of explosives, one at
(19:15):
a time. Here here you are, all right? Die. I shoved
them in where I wanted them,packed them close, Tony, the wedges
quickly. Don't be so slow aboutit. I'm doing it as fast as
I can near, all right.I lashed the grenade on top of the
(19:37):
braced explosives, wound it tight withthe wire, twisted it with pliers.
Finally I was finished. There wassnow on the ground, and yet my
shirt was wet with perspiration. Allright, last finishing touch. That does
it for this side, Tony.Now let's get to the other side.
See youse, give me your plyersbefore you drop. Yeah. Oh,
(20:06):
I have helped you much this far. See see, you've helped me much.
Let me do it. No,No, we haven't any time to
argue. That train will be alongany minute. Please please let me set
(20:30):
off the explosion. Let me havethat pleasure. I will follow your directions.
I will do it just the wayyou told me. No the training,
it's coming. Just tell me whento pull it. All right,
you win, but Heaven help youif you make a mistake. Hold it
now, steady and don't pull onthe wire yet. I would pull it
softly, softly, lightly but firm. Here she comes pull it nada,
(21:21):
it's done. And I pulled thewires in your anna. What is it?
It is nothing. These attacks comeon after water quickly. I will
stay with her another You must leavequickly. No, I'll stay. You
go on. This section will beswarming with soldiers after what we've just done,
(21:41):
and if they find you, they'llwonder what you're doing here. Men
do not know how to take careof the sick. I will stay and
help you. All right, getthe water. You should not have stayed,
(22:04):
gone meal. I would have beenall right. I don't talk,
just rest. What is it Germanscoming to this house? I can see
from the window. Oh no,no, no, you should have gone
before, not waiting. It's allright, DONALDO, do this one thing
more more for me. I won'tleave while you hold them off for me.
Is that what you want? Iknow them, I am a favorite
(22:25):
of their. Please got a meal. You can escape and do more important
work, and I will not beharmed if I stay. Behies my son,
escape escape. There is still time. The girl knows them upstairs,
upstairs. They may be around theback too, So go upstairs, jump
from the window to the roof ofthe barn. You can make it for
me. No, Tony, go, go go, I say, promise
not to turn back. Promise.I ran up the stairs to the tiny
(22:59):
at. I heard the door closedownstairs, so I knew they had come
in. I could distinguish their voicestoo, although I couldn't hear a word
they were saying. I opened thewindow and saw it was an easy jump
to the roof. Then Tony screamed, and I forgot my promise to her
and went back, flattened myself againstthe wall at the head of the staircase.
(23:32):
You're always am on you alone.I surprised the first German when I
jumped him, brought the buttom ofmy guy down on his head again and
again. But the other German wasnot so simple a matter. He had
(24:04):
my shoulders pinned down and I couldn'tmove. Then then I saw Tony standing
over us, a heavy candele oprumin her hands. Good work, Tony.
Now listen to me, cavally,Tony, take my grandmother back to
your house. No one will knowyou were here. Your father's question.
You tell them. My grandmother washere alone when someone, a stranger,
(24:26):
took refuge here and killed the officerswho came. Then she went to your
house because she was afraid. Willyou remember that, all of it?
Will you be back? Will Iever see you again? Who knows?
Perhaps? Perhaps Colleena Colina, mydear little tom. Now go go quickly.
(25:00):
She didn't I wanted to do.That's everything that got away here.
You will hide me if they come, you will do what I can for
you. What's right? If you'recoming in like this, breaking down the
(25:21):
door, not make problem on you. No, no, this is of
God. It's all right, Padre, it's all right. No, no,
no, you're mistaken. My nameis not Donald Harper. I'm an
(25:41):
Italian soldier. I was lost inthe snow. My papers are gone and
comes. This is tiresome. Admitit. You are the American who blew
up the highway. Answer you aremistaken, heir, Holp man you are,
we will see Sata standing your manharm see harp see see I come,
(26:04):
I come o. Hh you recognizehim? I see that's talenting here.
What is this man's name? Hehies there Harp Harper, Donald Harper.
The senor is an American. No, I have told you you will
let solon see you have talked andAlfgna. You will leave my daughter and
me alone, and the old ladytoo, now that I have told you,
(26:25):
we have done nothing to do withit. And yeah, yeah,
yeah, yeah, you will nottell my daughter, you promise, remember
she has a soft heart. Itwould distress. Take him away. You
will let us see. See weare on your side. Loyal. You
have nothing to say. Everything hasbeen said for me. That highway has
(26:45):
been completely destroyed. I'm delighted tohear it that many loyal soldiers as I
have been killed. Well, thankyou for telling me. And what is
more, you are in Italian uniform. A spy. Bullets are too good
to waste time, you American.But a rope can be used again.
Pleasant Hofmann, take this man outand hang him, but I cannot do.
(27:22):
You will do as you are toldher doctor. Here is the death
certificate of the American who was hangedthis morning, Sign it and the cause
of death. You want that Ishould ride as I told you, Just
as I told you. Heart failurea pity. Some weeks later, two
(27:53):
retreating German battalions found their escape throughthe Brenner Pass blocked. Captain Hart had
done his job well, and theon rushing American troops caught the enemy with
their backs to a mountain. ThoughDonald Harper did not live to see victory,
he shared in it, and onceagain the record of an OSS agent
(28:14):
closes with the words mission accomplished.A further adventure in Black warfare is next
week's Cloak and Dagger. Heard inToday's Clock and Daigger Adventure Wherever at Sloane,
(28:48):
Hester, Sanderguarde, Barry Kroger,Louis Soren, Virginia Payne, Raymond
Edward Johnson, Carl Weber and BorisAplin. Script was by Winterfred Wolf.
Music was under the direction of JohnGart. Today's True OSS Adventure was based
on the book Cloakendagger by Cory Fordand Alistair mc bain. This has been
(29:11):
a Lewis G. Cohen production inassociation with Alfred Hollander and was under the
direction and supervision of Sherman Marx.Stay tuned for the second Big Mystery High
Adventure 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 who, to this question
(00:23):
answered yes. This is cloak anddagger, black warfare, espionage, international
(00:50):
intrigue. These are the weapons ofthe OSS. Today's story, the Brenner
Pass, is the story of anAmerican engineer who sings handed cut off the
escape of part of the German armyin Italy from unrushing American troops. The
Brenner Pass is suggested by actual incidentsrecorded in the Washington files of the Office
(01:11):
of Strategic Services, a story thatcan now be told. No, no,
Padre, I don't want drink.Drink this. Feel your meal,
(01:37):
It will warm your inside. Iwant to talk to you. I want
to tell you drink this first born. I'm so tired, rest there,
so so tired. You You won'tgive me away, will you? You
(02:00):
will hide me if the Germans come, won't you, Padre? Oh?
Won't you came to me, myson because you knew I'd give you sanctuary?
Any man has sanctuary in this house. Yes, yes, when an
oath feel your meal. Anything youtell me, only God and I will
witness. And if I had nottaken this oath, I still would not
(02:22):
give you away. Thank you,father. You are an American. That
much you have told me. Doyou want to tell me more? Or
do you want to sleep first?No? No, it is better you
sleep first. I'll sit beside you. I won't leave you. No,
no, Padre, I want totell you that may not be much time.
(02:46):
I have a feeling that time isrunning out for me. My name
was Donald Harper. I say was, because somehow I don't feel as if
I have a name anymore. Whenyou're tracked down and hunted, you're not
(03:07):
a human being. There's no pastor future. There's just the present and
you run. So much has happenedin a few weeks that it's hard for
me to remember remember back from thismorning when you found me unconscious on the
steps of the chapel, back tothe morning I was sent on my mission,
(03:30):
November twelfth, nineteen forty four.Captain Harper. I'm well aware of
everything we have to gain if thisscheme of your succeeds. You still think
it's just a scheme, ey,Colonel, I don't have to think.
I know what your chances are ofactually getting through to the Brenner Paz and
(03:53):
blowing up that highway, And Iknow what'll happen to you if the Italian
fascists or the German belief I knowa couple of things too, Colonel.
One of them is the country upthere in the mountains. Yes, I
nearly broke my neck half a dozentimes when I was a kid climbing the
rocks around my grandmother's hut, andjust before the war I took a trip
(04:15):
from the States to see her again. I skied over every inch of that
mountain near the Brenner Pass. Colonel, I know I can do it.
We've been through this before, Harper. I'm aware of everything in your favor,
your knowledge of the country, thefact that you were an engineer before
the war. Just give me suppliessome TNT in Italian uniform and some phony
(04:35):
papers in case I tangle with theFUSHISTI it's all I need, Colonel,
I tell you I can do it. It's true. If that highway to
the Brenner Pass could be destroyed,it would take the Germans months to repair
it. It would cut off oneof their retreats out of Germany. In
course, now we'd have them wherewe want them. When the American armies
(04:58):
advanced their backs to the mountains andno way up. That's it, that's
it. Your permission, colonel,please let me try it. Mm you
say your grandmother's hut is right nearyour objective. Yes, sir, I'll
give you names to memorize of otherpartisans in the mountains who might help you
on the way. I'll have allthe supplies you requested, and you can
(05:20):
leave. From the beginning, Padre, I had bad luck. It snowed
during most of the forty mile journey, and it was difficult for me to
move quickly, and the longer ittook me, the more chance I had
(05:44):
of being discovered. Then it came. You know what a storm it's like
here in the mountains, How itcomplyed you and throw you against the rocks.
(06:05):
When it was all over, Irealized what had happened. I had
been thrown off my course, butthat wasn't the worst of it. My
knapsack was gone, all my suppliesand the packet with papers the OSS had
forged for me. I had noidentification now and no food, but I
(06:27):
still had the TNT for the highwaynear Ampezzo. There is a tavern Padre,
not far from Parola. It wasn'tsheer recklessness, but desperation that made
(06:50):
me go in there, and knowingI had no papers, knowing the tavern
catered to Nazis and FASCISTI knowing therock sack on my back was filled with
explosives. But there was no otherplace for miles and I had to get
food or I couldn't go on thereus more of the storm. She was
(07:12):
fat. She was like, itlooks like this. See what would you
like to order? Some bread andcheese if you have it, and some
coffee black, very strong. Ifyou have it, bring it for you,
(07:36):
yes, fast, bring it fast, right away. I tried to
make myself as inconspicuous as possible.I hope the Germans would continue to be
amused by the Italian girl and notasked to see my papers. I had
(07:57):
nearly frozen in the snow a halfhour before. Now. The sweat broke
out all over my forehead. Payattention to her, I kept praying,
watch her, watch her, don'teven look my way, grotsy, it
is here. I haven't here right, No, that soldier must be important
(08:20):
to be personal her soldier. Comeover here and tell us how important you
are. No, I'm not importantat all. Forgive me the the way
that should have served you first.That's the soldier with us, soldier.
(08:48):
No one has to be here withus, soldier. No, I I
grotzy senor. I I will justfinish this coffee and then I must go.
Wait a minute. You must notbe rude, soldier. Man.
I never route to me if Iasked you to drink with us, you
(09:09):
must no, no, please Senora, some other time, perhaps now now
I must go. Huh, you'reafraid of me, afraid of girls?
Am afraid to drink beer? Oh, you should be back in your mama's
lap. I will give you somebeer now. Perhaps you will acquire a
taste for it. Here she threwit in my face. I felt it
(09:35):
start to trickle down my neck,and I could hear the Germans laughing themselves
sick. I wanted to snap thatsmall neck of hers in half for making
me the center of attraction. Gratzywaiter. You are sure, you are
(10:09):
very sure you are not followed hereto my house? Very sure, Amiko.
And it's snowing again. Even thetracks from my snow shoes are covered.
We must be careful, very careful, all of us, partisans.
The Germans are closing in on us. Do you know what would happen if
they found out I took you inan American? This would happen. But
I tell you there's nothing to worryabout, and I'll be gone in the
(10:30):
morning, Ah, the morning oneone. All I want is a night's
rest. There is a bed inthe back room you may use in your
heart. You are sure you arenot followed? Very sure? Yes,
yes, And I'll be gone inthe morning before you're awake. What's the
things in your the time being ina species of hospitable But these times very
bad times for all of Yes,yes, I know it is important too.
(10:54):
Yes, in order to fight backlater, one must leave now.
No, yes, yes, theGerman are clever, very clever. You
feign you you were here. Iwas too tired to stand there and listen
to the old man's whimpering, tootired to watch his narrow eyes like small
(11:16):
brown buttons, dart about the room, looking first at the windows and then
at the door, half expecting theguest stoppo to come. All I wanted
to do was sleep. I fellacross the bed, but a few minutes
later I sat bowled upright, listeningto the voices in the next room.
(11:39):
Daughter, he is here, anAmerican in the back home sleeping. Are
you sure? Are you sure he'san American. Father's name is Harpor,
long old Harbor to the American,always says CENTI American. Oh, how
the German police would like to knowthat that girl, the girl from the
tavern, friend of the Germans.I didn't stay to here anymore. There
(12:03):
was a small door leading out tothe back of the hut. I knew,
Padre, that somehow I must havecome to the wrong house. I
didn't dare take any more chances andstop again until I reached my grandmother's.
(12:24):
And I was so tired, sotired, Donaldoma Dunaldo, So good it
is to see you again, Nana. Nana, Oh, but how you
(12:46):
look so thin, so tired?Nothing changes here, does it. It
could be six years ago or ten, Nana, sitting here like this in
this house. Your papa holiday maildoes not come here easily any longer.
You have heard from them, Yes, Nana, a few weeks ago.
They're fine. They tried so hardto get you to America. When the
(13:09):
war came, I would not goanywhere on me. This is my home.
No one could make me leave myhome, not the Germans, not
the FASCISTI here I stay until theworld rites itself again. But what can
I get you? So comedy?Make yourself comfortable? You are hungry,
(13:31):
yes, but I'm I'm too tiredto eat. I I just want to
sleep. Do then I'll make upthe room for you later. For now,
rest here on this couch. Whenyou wake, I will have food
for you. Huh, like theold days. Caromel, my dear one,
I'll be in the kitchen. Sleepnow, sleep. I don't know
(14:01):
how long I slept. When Iawoke, I wondered for a moment where
I was, And then I sawher standing over me like a little boy.
You sleep. I've been watching you. You What are you doing here?
Watching you sleep? You don't drinkbeer, and you're afraid of girls,
and you sleep like a little boy. You followed me here, you
(14:24):
brought them? What have you donewith my grandmother? I kill you?
I should have killed you then Iwill now end of the German kill you
now here here? What's going on? Then? I you all right,
of course, I'm all right.What are you doing, Tony? What
is wrong? Oh? Your grandsonhas his mother's heart, Italian blood in
(14:48):
his veins. He wants to killme, that's all. I'm ashamed of
you, Donaldo. This girl,she's a friend. Friend. I will
get the soup for you, Senora. Perhaps some soup will cool his temper,
but none. I saw that girlwith the Germans. She ah,
she told me about that. Shedid not know who you were then,
(15:09):
yes, but she wondered why youdisappeared from her father's house. She knew
the name Donald Harper because she heardme speak of you often, so she
came here after you. She sawyour sleep, and she understood why you
had run away from her. Shewas with Germans. I was there.
I hurt girl. Donaldore is theleader of our group of Parsons, your
(15:35):
leader. But the Germans side theGermans. I amuse them, Porky and
the Mary. I tell them funnystories and they laugh at me. You
just soup. They did not hearme laugh When I get them drunk,
and they tell me things I canuse to our advantage. Your soup.
Drink it, Tony. I'm sorry, I understand bellaques got Donaldo? No,
(16:00):
yes, no, the girl isvery poor, Senor to tell you
embarrassing, Naldo. We have friendsnow, see see Tony friends. You
(16:26):
work too hard, Caramel? Whatare you doing drawing diagrams? Nana?
I've got all the plans made toblow up that highway early tomorrow morning,
and I want to make sure nothinggoes wrong here. I brought you something
to eat. You'll spoil me,Nana. But it was good to have
you spoiled me again these past fewdays. How good it is to be
(16:47):
able to Will you leave then tomorrowafter you do what you have to do?
Yes, I must, but I'llcome back to say goodbye. First.
I come, I come, Joe. Where's Donaldo? Tony? What
(17:08):
are you doing here? Are youdispleased to see me? Where is that
partisan friend you are going to sendto help me here? What? Me?
Me? Me? Me? Me? I am the friend. Oh
no, I can't do as gooda job as any man. Let me
help you. No, it's crazy, Please please let me do it.
Girl, it's crazy. It isnot crazy. Think think what it will
(17:32):
mean for me after you were gonefrom these mountains. Listening to my fat
friends, the Germans talk about theexplosion and to know secretly that it was
I who helped to make it.Please please, Tonaldo Meal, it's too
late to get anyone else, haha, That's why I waited so long.
(17:56):
The only man to get on thisshort notice is my papa, and
he is a scared rat. Iwas right the first time. You are
a little sheet evil. I'm easy. Take her with you, Donaldo.
All right, then pay attention tothis diagram. Now there's a railway,
as you know, going right overthat highway. If we planted enough DNT
to blow that right out of theroad, it'll be blocked up for months.
(18:29):
It was about four o'clock in themorning when we got to the highway
and climbed up on the tracks ofthe railway. Tony stayed up above,
and I made my way slowly,slowly, climbing down into the framework of
the trestle, feeling my way alongthe gooders. They were icy under my
hands, and two or three timesI almost slipped. Cavl Caldo, it's
all right. Watch yourself, watchhow you handle those explosives. Do not
(18:52):
trouble yourself about me. I toldyou I can work as well as any
man, and work as quietly asone. The troop crane of Germans would
be coming over the railway soon,and I had to finish before it came.
I had a coil of wire aroundone arm and a pair of pliers
hanging on a thong for my waist. Tony, you hear me, yes,
I hear you. Hand me downthose packages of explosives, one at
(19:15):
a time. Here here you are, all right? Die. I shoved
them in where I wanted them,packed them close, Tony, the wedges
quickly. Don't be so slow aboutit. I'm doing it as fast as
I can near, all right.I lashed the grenade on top of the
(19:37):
braced explosives, wound it tight withthe wire, twisted it with pliers.
Finally I was finished. There wassnow on the ground, and yet my
shirt was wet with perspiration. Allright, last finishing touch. That does
it for this side, Tony.Now let's get to the other side.
See youse, give me your plyersbefore you drop. Yeah. Oh,
(20:06):
I have helped you much this far. See see, you've helped me much.
Let me do it. No,No, we haven't any time to
argue. That train will be alongany minute. Please please let me set
(20:30):
off the explosion. Let me havethat pleasure. I will follow your directions.
I will do it just the wayyou told me. No the training,
it's coming. Just tell me whento pull it. All right,
you win, but Heaven help youif you make a mistake. Hold it
now, steady and don't pull onthe wire yet. I would pull it
softly, softly, lightly but firm. Here she comes pull it nada,
(21:21):
it's done. And I pulled thewires in your anna. What is it?
It is nothing. These attacks comeon after water quickly. I will
stay with her another You must leavequickly. No, I'll stay. You
go on. This section will beswarming with soldiers after what we've just done,
(21:41):
and if they find you, they'llwonder what you're doing here. Men
do not know how to take careof the sick. I will stay and
help you. All right, getthe water. You should not have stayed,
(22:04):
gone meal. I would have beenall right. I don't talk,
just rest. What is it Germanscoming to this house? I can see
from the window. Oh no,no, no, you should have gone
before, not waiting. It's allright, DONALDO, do this one thing
more more for me. I won'tleave while you hold them off for me.
Is that what you want? Iknow them, I am a favorite
(22:25):
of their. Please got a meal. You can escape and do more important
work, and I will not beharmed if I stay. Behies my son,
escape escape. There is still time. The girl knows them upstairs,
upstairs. They may be around theback too, So go upstairs, jump
from the window to the roof ofthe barn. You can make it for
me. No, Tony, go, go go, I say, promise
not to turn back. Promise.I ran up the stairs to the tiny
(22:59):
at. I heard the door closedownstairs, so I knew they had come
in. I could distinguish their voicestoo, although I couldn't hear a word
they were saying. I opened thewindow and saw it was an easy jump
to the roof. Then Tony screamed, and I forgot my promise to her
and went back, flattened myself againstthe wall at the head of the staircase.
(23:32):
You're always am on you alone.I surprised the first German when I
jumped him, brought the buttom ofmy guy down on his head again and
again. But the other German wasnot so simple a matter. He had
(24:04):
my shoulders pinned down and I couldn'tmove. Then then I saw Tony standing
over us, a heavy candele oprumin her hands. Good work, Tony.
Now listen to me, cavally,Tony, take my grandmother back to
your house. No one will knowyou were here. Your father's question.
You tell them. My grandmother washere alone when someone, a stranger,
(24:26):
took refuge here and killed the officerswho came. Then she went to your
house because she was afraid. Willyou remember that, all of it?
Will you be back? Will Iever see you again? Who knows?
Perhaps? Perhaps Colleena Colina, mydear little tom. Now go go quickly.
(25:00):
She didn't I wanted to do.That's everything that got away here.
You will hide me if they come, you will do what I can for
you. What's right? If you'recoming in like this, breaking down the
(25:21):
door, not make problem on you. No, no, this is of
God. It's all right, Padre, it's all right. No, no,
no, you're mistaken. My nameis not Donald Harper. I'm an
(25:41):
Italian soldier. I was lost inthe snow. My papers are gone and
comes. This is tiresome. Admitit. You are the American who blew
up the highway. Answer you aremistaken, heir, Holp man you are,
we will see Sata standing your manharm see harp see see I come,
(26:04):
I come o. Hh you recognizehim? I see that's talenting here.
What is this man's name? Hehies there Harp Harper, Donald Harper.
The senor is an American. No, I have told you you will
let solon see you have talked andAlfgna. You will leave my daughter and
me alone, and the old ladytoo, now that I have told you,
(26:25):
we have done nothing to do withit. And yeah, yeah,
yeah, yeah, you will nottell my daughter, you promise, remember
she has a soft heart. Itwould distress. Take him away. You
will let us see. See weare on your side. Loyal. You
have nothing to say. Everything hasbeen said for me. That highway has
(26:45):
been completely destroyed. I'm delighted tohear it that many loyal soldiers as I
have been killed. Well, thankyou for telling me. And what is
more, you are in Italian uniform. A spy. Bullets are too good
to waste time, you American.But a rope can be used again.
Pleasant Hofmann, take this man outand hang him, but I cannot do.
(27:22):
You will do as you are toldher doctor. Here is the death
certificate of the American who was hangedthis morning, Sign it and the cause
of death. You want that Ishould ride as I told you, Just
as I told you. Heart failurea pity. Some weeks later, two
(27:53):
retreating German battalions found their escape throughthe Brenner Pass blocked. Captain Hart had
done his job well, and theon rushing American troops caught the enemy with
their backs to a mountain. ThoughDonald Harper did not live to see victory,
he shared in it, and onceagain the record of an OSS agent
(28:14):
closes with the words mission accomplished.A further adventure in Black warfare is next
week's Cloak and Dagger. Heard inToday's Clock and Daigger Adventure Wherever at Sloane,
(28:48):
Hester, Sanderguarde, Barry Kroger,Louis Soren, Virginia Payne, Raymond
Edward Johnson, Carl Weber and BorisAplin. Script was by Winterfred Wolf.
Music was under the direction of JohnGart. Today's True OSS Adventure was based
on the book Cloakendagger by Cory Fordand Alistair mc bain. This has been
(29:11):
a Lewis G. Cohen production inassociation with Alfred Hollander and was under the
direction and supervision of Sherman Marx.Stay tuned for the second Big Mystery High
Adventure on NBC
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