Over Ground Railroad an episode of Cloak and Dagger radio show

Please enjoy Over Ground Railroad a great episode of the legendaryCloak and Dagger radio show - A Classic Old Time radio Show - OTR

Episode Transcript

(00:00):
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.Ordinary citizens to this question answered yes,

(00:24):
This is lop and dagger, blackwarfare, espionage, international intrigue. These

(00:48):
are the weapons of the OSS.In tonight's episode Overground Railroad, the part
of Lieutenant Fontaine, OSS agents whohelped thousands of American airmen escape the safety
is played by Yes for me.The story is suggested by actual incidents recorded
in the Washington files of the Officeof Strategic Services, a story that can
now be told. When a flierwas forced down behind enemy lines, he

(01:23):
was just another fugitive, moving cautiouslyat night to avoid detection, fighting for
survival. His shelter was a haystacker, a hedgerow for food. He dug
raw potatoes and turnips from the field, and in his panic he was always
just one step ahead of the Gestapo, with no knowledge of the country and
no friend whom he could turn.A few of the lucky ones managed to

(01:47):
escape back to England. I metone of those lucky ones in Colonel Johnson's
office at OSS headquarters in London,the Tenafon Tam. This is Major Davidson.
How do you do? Major gladNow your Fontaine. Before I asked
Major Davidson to tell you a story, I want to say something. Yes,
Colonel Johnson, at its narrowest,the English Channel is only twenty miles
wide. Yet it took Major Davidsonhere more than a year to get across,

(02:12):
and hundreds of Allied pilots all overFrance haven't been able to make it
yet and if something isn't done tohelp them, they never will. But
Colonel, with the Nazis occupying France, With the Nazis occupying France, the
channel is still only twenty miles wide. Our trouble has been that up to
now we've had no contact with theFrench underground, no way of helping them
smuggle pilots out of France. Allright, Major Davidson, go ahead and

(02:35):
tell your story now. Well,I was shot down over the south of
France coming back from a bonny mission. The rest of the crew was killed.
Was just my copilot, Johnny Porterand me left. Yes, go
on, Meeta, we figured outI'm as a rub Any flyer forced down
on enemy territory figures that nowadays,But we were lucky. A farmer picked
us up and hit us overnight,and on the next morning a big black

(02:59):
women's scene drove up and a womanabout sixty got out. She took us
to her house in Paris and keptus there. She found a way to
smuggled us across the channel with afisherman just a few days ago. Who
was this woman? Major? Hername is Madame and Nette Jobert. I
used to tell her she meant moreto the Yankee team than Joe DiMaggio during

(03:20):
the time we were weather. Shemanaged to collect two more of our boys,
but she has no way of gettingthem out of France. Well,
what do you think, Fantine?Just what you think? Colonel for the
first time always says, has alead the contact. What'd you say?
This woman's name was Major A Jobert, Madame Anette Jobert, and quite a
galt. Colonel Johnson. With herhelp, maybe we can set up a

(03:42):
chain of way stations established her,shall we say, an overland railroad,
collect our flyers and move them likechessmen right across France to the channel.
How soon can you leave? Anytime? You say, Colonel Johnson anytime.
Oh, by the way, Major, how will I be able to
identify myself to Mademoiseebert? Did youagree on any cold word anything? Yes,

(04:11):
here are a black lace garter.I left London a few days later
and landed the next morning on thecoast of France. The disguised fishing boat
let me off and I made myway to Paris undetected. It was spring
nineteen forty four. I was goingto know Apron Paris, but not the

(04:36):
way any American tourists before the warhad known it. The red dawn was
touching the roofs of Paris, thegolden dome of the Pantheon. Most of
the city was still dreaming of otherbetter spring times before the Germans came.

(04:56):
Then the city started to wake up. Why every bakers were at work through
the windows, whetting the door,the wait who's from the cafes were sweeping
into the gutter, the cigarette buttsthat their customers had dropped under the tables
the night before. For a fewminutes, it was the Paris my mother

(05:19):
had talked about. And then anofficial Nazi car turned the corner and I
knew that everything had changed. Imade my way to forty six for your
dancy, where i'd find Madame AnnetteJobert, Madame Jolbert, Madame Jobert.

(05:47):
What are you doing making on thatmarket so early in the morning? People
has just trying to sleep here?Why I'm sorry, I'm looking for Madame
Annette Jobert. This is her house, isn't it? We this this her
house? Did you see her goout this morning? Do you think I
have nothing better to do than keepingaccount of her parents and going But I

(06:10):
did not see her go out thismorning, and I have not seen her
go out any morning. So theywait, Just move moved if you think
it's brother to loop. You seethe windows or boarded up? Madam?
Madam Please, I've got to locateher. I'm her nephew. Ask how

(06:30):
good friends the Germans? Where sheis? Go to the this stable?
Wait a minute, please, Iwas up a blind there. I had
come to parents because I had acontact. Now the contact was gone.

(06:58):
There you are, monsieur, Isee you know, the first one in
the cafe this morning? I rememberother Springs was always crowded at this time,
Is it for sure? Do younot feel way something wrong? Oh?
No, not not wrong? Exactly. It's just that I came to
Paris to see my aunt. Itseems he's moved and left no forwarding address.

(07:24):
But there is always one way tofind away what is it? You're
going need to go to the Gestapoand they will do you go to the
Gestapo and ask sure why not?Always says was in particular who helped us?
As long as we got the help, I'm sure Colonel Johnson wouldn't object

(07:46):
to my letting even the Gestapo giveus a hand. I beg your pardon.
I can't hear it on the phonea minute. I'm sorry. Yeah,
album Brickley for al Istter. Inow what is your aunt? I

(08:15):
would like some information, that kindof information. I arrived from south of
France this morning. I came tovisit my aunt. Only I discovered when
I got here that she had moved. What do you want to do about
it? I merely request her changeof address. I felt certain it would
be in the records if the gueststopped, and that there is a records
the address are changing my address ofanyone in Paris that's listed with us,

(08:37):
that's the name of your aunt,Jrbert. But I am and that's Jobert.
You know, let me see yourpapers. Yes, there you are.
These papers are here as entreating me. You haven't seen any like them,
thefore something wrong with them. Onthe contive, you out extremely accurately,

(09:01):
usually one thing or another submitted.I congratulate you on your soreness.
Thank you, sergeant, Thank you, Commandant. There is a frenchman at
the front desk who is trying tolocate his aunt and madam antro bear.
Yeah, Comandan, thank you,thank you very much. So wait,

(09:22):
wait another thing. Your suitcase suitcaseand no one is allowed past this desk
without having his luggage or packet hischeck. Put his suitcase up here and
open it. Suitcase was filled withclothing, but there was a false bottom
to it, and in the falsebottom was a short wave radio. If
the sergeant accidentally pushed the button,that would reveal the radio is a slower.

(09:46):
Do you give me the suitcase?Are you in it? No?
No? Yes? Yes? Theresee just personal articles. So I see.
How do you think I expected youto walk into get stop or headquarters

(10:07):
with a time bomb? I sawthey prayed on your throat test. Perhaps
that's just a team. I mightcheck up everything ahead. Command on top
of this hat on the whole firstdoor you come to, uns of that

(10:30):
you sit down, Sit down,mishap cigar, this fine soaked my cigar,
so very good. Thank you,he comman Dan, I never resist
a good cigar, pretty girl.You wonder perhaps why I am seeing you
personally about this matthroom locating around Whateverthe reason, Commandant coulds, I'm flatter
or not at all, tell youarount for me that I am delighted render

(10:52):
hers this little service. A finewoman, a delightful woman, and a
clever woman too. She's been mostco op. Oh, I'm sure she
has. Command Dan Kurtz is mosturgent that I find her urgent, how
urgent. I I have news forher about my uncle, her brother,
who is very ill in South frankPity. It will over me that if

(11:15):
she desires the trib her, Iwill arrange for the necessary permit. Of
course, you are very kind,not at all, not at all hell
Yet you see here it is.She's boarded up our house at forty six
Old down Stig, as you know, and moved to another resident twenty kilometer
southwest of Fells, in the villageof Tory Ferrell. Here ye right out

(11:37):
exact address. Thank you for yourhelp, he commandant, I assure you
I will never forget it. Itook a train to the village of Turifel,
and all the way I kept thinkingabout Madame Jean Baer. The German
High command evidently considered her one ofthe most important collaborationists. We considered her

(12:01):
our most important contact with the Frenchunderground. She certainly had someone food.
I hoped it was the Nazis.Madame Jubert is in here, monsieur in
the library, Mercy, Monsieur Fontane. Madame mean mean they say you may

(12:22):
go and close the door, DomFloss, No, come close, or
let me have a good look atyou. He yeah, it's quite far
enough. Now. What's all thisnonsense about being my nephew? What's the
matter? VI, don't you recognizeme? I've never seen you before in

(12:43):
my life. I have regards foryou from friends, friends, Major Norman
Davidson and Lieutenant Johnny Porter. I'venever heard of them. You don't remember
helping to smuggle them across the channel. Ante, this is insolence. But
what are you accusing me of beingan important link in the French underground?
Nonsense? I know of no undergroundif there is one that does not concern

(13:09):
me. Now go back and tellthem at Gestapo headquarters that they have made
a mistake, and they'll Commandant court. I am hurt at he's suspicions of
me. What makes you think theGestapo's only the Gestapo knows my change of
adverse. They were very obliging.They gave it to me. I ask

(13:31):
you to leave, monsieur. Iam very busy this afternoon. I believe
you lost this, Madame Joubert,that blackless god Where did you get it?
Was given to me by Major Davidson, who says you mean more of
the Yankee team than Joe DiMaggio.He also told me to give you a
great big kiss for him. Well, bless my heart, bless my heart.

(13:58):
Indeed you still want me to Youare as fresh as all Americans sit
down. Thank you? So youjust walked in and asked bigger stuff stupids.
Why I'd like to see their facesif they knew, Oh, come,
come, come, Madame Jolbert.Is that a way to talk?
They think very highly of you,which is just what I want them to

(14:24):
think. We are the other twopilots now, Madam, I deposited them
in a monastery in the south ofSafety, but I have no way to
get them to the channel. Look, Madame Jobert, perhaps you and I
can establish a chain of way stationssafe houses across France, and then the
Osays can collect the hundreds of flyerswho are shot down and you can send

(14:46):
them back to safety. Yes,how could I do that without help,
without a way to contact England.I have a radio in the suitcase.
Very well, in the morning wewill drive to the monastery. The monks
their friendly, They would be morethan glad. I'm sure to let us
use that as a base to startoperations. Great, that's wonderful, Madame

(15:09):
Jobert. You had the kiss forme from me Joe Davidson. Where is
it here, Addie Lee? Andnow, young man, you will oblige
me by giving me back my daughter. Yeah, yeah, she was quite

(15:35):
a girl, all right, MadameJobert. She gave me a suite of
rooms to myself, got me achaffeur's uniform, decided my name should be
Claude, and in the morning weset out for the monastery. Yes,
yes, litten in Fontine a Claude, that is just what we will do
yes. OSS will furnish each memberof an aircrew with detailed escape maps when

(16:00):
they are briefed in England, pinpointingthe friendly areas on the root of every
mission. Do you think these safehouses will be difficult A cent up?
Not too difficult. I think Iknow already of the home of his sympathetic
parish priest, a church, school, a farmhouse, and I have many
wealthy friends who will be willing.I am sure. Why are you slowing

(16:21):
down? Nazi God wants me tostop. Don't worry. I have all
the necessary permits. Ah, letme see a permit to tavern you are.
This is a great inconvenience. Iwill report it to my friend Commandant
Court Commandant Kurtz. I see youhave his personal stamper on this pass.

(16:48):
Where are you headed for, MadameJublert, I have business in the village.
Ah, I would suggest you donot go today. Why not?
There's to be an execution at thesquare. Not very pleasant, but execution.
What are you talking about? Wefound fifty five tons of arms and
materials that were stolen from German supplytrains. Found all that where in the

(17:12):
monastery. The monastery, I cannotbelieve that here, but it is true,
and today they will be shot fiveI see Cloud. Continue. You
may go if you like, butit will not be very pleasant. Lord
continue, will Madam? So theydiscovered the supplies in the monastery. What

(17:40):
about the two American flyers you hadhidden there? Did they discover them too?
Are they among the five? Quickly? Drive quickly, Cloud. We
reached the square, parked the carand got out. The people were huddled

(18:02):
in little whispering groups. At thefar end of the squares stood the monastery
and lined up at the wall werefive monks, their heads lowered, their
hands fingering the crosses around their necks. Facing them was a Nazi firing squad.
Madame Jolbert grabbed my arm. Whatare we to do? I don't
think there's anything we can do.Let this be a listen to your people

(18:26):
off this village. This is whathappens to those who five the gay stops.
These five fred be shot. Theyellow monks for the monastery may be
sent to Germany. You understand,Hey, the good laugh? Ah,
you're listened by way? Why ah? Madame Jelbert and I went back to

(19:02):
the car. But Madame Joubert,if you drive back yourself. What will
the guards say who stopped us before? I am an excellent liar. I
will simply tell him I went tosee a sick relative and left you there

(19:25):
to help. But I must driveback immediately. As I told you,
I am giving a birthday party forCommandong Courts. I hope it does not
live to see this next. No, you go to the content. It
is only a few kilometros from here. You know what to do. Yes,
I know what to do, andI'm Subert. What do you think

(19:48):
happened to those two pilots who werehidden in the monastery? They were probably
found and killed. But Lieutenant Fontane, we must go on without plans.
A've bin tilui, But many itcan be saved. I said good bye
to her. She drove away.The Convent of our Sacred Lady was within

(20:14):
walking distance. When I reached thegate, I saw an avenue of acacia
trees leading to the great ornate irondoor. The center panel formed the figure
of the Virgin Mary. It wasreally spring in these gardens, a peaceful
sanctuary in a war ridden world.What he is? You will wish?

(20:38):
I would like to see the MotherSuperior follow me. I followed the mun
through the spacious hall. It waspart vestry, part repository of art objects.
The walls were hung with darkened oldpaintings of the Holy Family in glass

(21:00):
chests. Along the vestry, religiousutensils of gold and silver had been stored.
This is the office of Mother Angeline. Come so you want me to

(21:22):
let you use the convent of ourSacred Lady as a base for your underground
operations, Mother Arginine, if youknow the risk yourself and refuse. I
can't find it in my heart toblame you, but if you agree,
I want you to know first justwhat those risks are. Tell me,
my son, I've just come fromthe village. The monastery there was raided

(21:47):
last night. With my own eyes, I saw five of the monks shut.
The others were hauled away by theNazis. Only God knows where I
know about that I heard this morning. If this convent is used as a
hide out on the short wave radiois hidden here, can you imagine what
the Germans would do if they foundout? You would expect no better treatment

(22:08):
than the monks received. I thankyou for telling me this. You are
right, it is 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 today to convince me

(22:30):
of your cause. I'm afraid Imust disappoint you. What's that you see?
I what's the matter? A Germanarmored car? I can see it
from the window coming here. I'mafraid so it is the first time we
have been raided. I am notlooking forward to their muddy boots in this

(22:53):
place of God. They'll find me, mother Anchlein. What can I do?
Where can I hide? There?At the door you rang for me?
Min Aire? Yes, sister Therese, give my friend one of the
sisters robes, one long enough tocover him, and a hood wee Manaire.

(23:17):
The other sisters are They already inthe chapel wee man They have started
the afternoon a duration. See thatmy friend joins them in prayer and look.
Then opened the main door we hadvisited us. I put the mum's

(23:37):
robe over my suit and went withSister Toresa to the chapel. I knelt
with the others. About twenty benches, divided by a middle aisle, provided
seats for the worshippers at the farend. Of the room was a high
proltrit. Many of the kneeling prayedwith arms stretched out, symbolizing the form
of the cross. The sister nextto me clasped her hands and on her

(24:03):
ring finger was the silver emblem ofthe Bride of Christ. They prayed almost
silently. Hers were the only wordsI heard, Our maternal power of the
universe, Mother of divine grace.Pray for us, the wisest legion,

(24:25):
our kind legion, Pray for us, Pray for the sake well, good
sisters. These soldiers wished to servethe chapel. I must bow to their
wishes and ask you to file backto your sails. Leave now quickly and

(24:51):
quietly, please my head Lord.The hood covering my face. I got
into the line with the sisters.I bet my knees slightly so that the
robes would cover the chauffeur's boots Iwas wearing. I lowered my head even
more as I passed the essays huntman, who was standing with his men next
to the Mother Superior at the door, Oh, got the necessity of disturbing

(25:15):
your prayer millin jerline. And afterthe unfortunate incident of the monastery last night,
I feel it is necessary. Youmay search this convent from top to
bottom, as you are already doing. You will find nothing in this house
of God to interest you. I'msure. Hurry's sisters, hurry back to

(25:36):
your selves. They really gone,Mother Arjeline. Of course they found nothing
here. You can take that robeoff now you look uncomfortable in it.
Thank you for protecting me. Ibelieve now, But we have not finished

(26:00):
our condosation, Mother Arjoline, youtold me I could not convince you about
our cause. You said you'd haveto disappoint me. I took that as
your answer. Let me consult twoof the other sisters. First. Wait,
we are a mayor. Our twosisters those in the sacrist You send

(26:21):
them here, pleased sister Celess.A few minutes later, sister Celeste returned,
followed by the two other nuns.Their arms folded and heads lowered,
they shuffled into the room, andthen all of a sudden, I noticed
broad toad army boots protruding beneath thelong black dresses. One of the heads

(26:44):
raised, and I saw that heneeded a shave. Mother Arjerline, I
don't understand these men. They areAmerican pilots brought here yesterday when the monks
received under grand information that the monastery. Would you read it, Major Kerkstein,
Captain Louis, this is Lieutenant Fontaneof the oss OSAA. It's great

(27:08):
if you got away getting its outof France. Aintennant, Yeah, say
what happened to Madame Jobert? Sheall right, yeah, yeah, she's
all right. Mother, Arjoline.You led me to believe I wouldn't be
able to convince you of our cause. Of course not son, How could
you since I was already convinced.The convent of our Sacred Lady was the

(27:33):
first link in the chain of safehouses that was forged within a couple of
months under Madame Jobert's leadership. Wemoved Major Kerstein and Captain Lewis along that
chain until they reached the coast ofFrance. They waited hidden in a farmer's
barn while I established contact with headquartersin London. Agent Fontane to oss headquarters
in London Overground Railroad established train onthe tracks, passengers ready to leave and

(27:53):
waiting pick them up and make roomfor more to come. Boy did come
over two thousand breamen who were shotdown and occupied France, rode the overground
railroad established by Lieutenant Claude Fontane tosafety. Thus, once again, the
report of another OSS agent closed withthe words mission accomplished. Listen the game

(28:18):
next week for another true adventure fromthe files of the OSS on Cloak and
Dagger. Heard him. Tonight's Clockand Dagger Adventures. Lieutenant Fontaine was Less
Fermain, Madame Jobert, Brianna Raeburn, and Mother Angeline Lily Valentis. The

(28:41):
script was written by Winifred Wolf andJack Gordon. The music was under the
direction of John Gart, sound effectsby John Powers and Many Sego. Today's
OSS Adventure was based on the bookCloak and Dagger by Corey Ford and Alistroir
McBain. This program was produced byLowis G. Cowen. The National Broadcasting

(29:03):
Company extends its hardiest congratulations to StationWBM Buffalo. The National Broadcasting Company extends
its hardiest congratulations to Station WBM Buffalo.