June 18, 2025 • 36 mins
Original Release Date: June 28, 2023
Today's Mystery: Steve goes to the Balkans to recapture a stolen top-secret file from an official of a Balkan Country who offers to return it...for a price.
Original Radio Broadcast Date: April 7, 1951
Originated in Hollywood
Stars: Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell, Herb Butterfield as the Commissioner, Tony Barrett, Raymond Burr, Paul Dubov, Don Diamond
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Give us a call 208-991-4783
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Today's Mystery: Steve goes to the Balkans to recapture a stolen top-secret file from an official of a Balkan Country who offers to return it...for a price.
Original Radio Broadcast Date: April 7, 1951
Originated in Hollywood
Stars: Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell, Herb Butterfield as the Commissioner, Tony Barrett, Raymond Burr, Paul Dubov, Don Diamond
Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net
Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.
Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715
Take the listener survey…http://survey.greatdetectives.net
Give us a call 208-991-4783
Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives
Become one of ourfriends on Facebook.
Follow us on Twitter@radiodetectives
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:28):
Welcome to the Great Detectives of OldTime Radio from Boise, Idaho. This
is your host, Adam Graham.If you have a comment, email it
to me Box thirteen at Great Detectivesdot net. Follow us on Twitter at
Radio Detectives, and check us outon Instagram, Instagram, dot com,
(00:51):
slash Great Detectives. If you areenjoying this podcast, please follow us using
your favorite podcast software. Today's programAM is brought to you in part by
the financial support of our listeners.You can support the show on a one
time basis by using the Zell appto send a box thirteen at Great Detectives
(01:11):
dot net, and you can becomeone of our ongoing Patreon supporters for as
little as two dollars per month.Just go to Patreon dot Great Detectives dot
net. Well, now it istime for this week's episode of Dangerous Assignment.
The original air date April seventh,nineteen fifty one, and the title
(01:33):
is Bile seventy two Dangerous Assignment starringBrandon Levias Steve Mitchell. Danger is my
(02:06):
assignment. I con sent to alot of places I can't even pronounce.
They all spell the same thing,though, trouble. But when I walk
into the Commissioner's office. I don'trealize this assignment is going to end up
with my saving a guy's life bypunching them right in the face. Morning
(02:28):
Commissioner Ruth said, you wanted tosee me. I do. See.
What's the deal this time the ketnictalks? He does, No, it
is Hey, what is this aBorderville routine? Yeah? You're on first?
Am I doing well? I look, you better start from the beginning.
See tomorrow representatives of two Balkan countriesto meet in the border town of
Kethnic and don't start that again,to engage in some informal but highly important
(02:49):
talks to see if they can't ironout some of the difficulties that exist between
them. Sounds like a good idea, Commissioner. Maybe more countries should do
a thing like that. Ordinarily itwould be a good idea, Steve,
But there are two factors present inthe situation that if the whole thing is
slight aroma or what do you meanin the first place, one of these
countries, let's call it country A, is controlled by interests which have a
long standing reputation for not wanting tosmooth things out. I see not only
(03:13):
that, according to our information,may have their eyes on Country B and
would like some excuse to move in. Well, granted that these kethnic Pas
talks don't smell so sweet under thosecircumstances. What business is this of ours?
Ordinarily it wouldn't be. But GeneralTrasca, the representative from Country A,
has contacted us undercover and wants totalk to one of our agents.
You've been elected. What does hewant to talk about? We don't know,
(03:34):
except that whatever it is, heinsists on complete secrecy. I don't
like it, Commissioner. It couldbe some sort of a trick. I
don't like it either, Steve.But we've got to go along with it
and find out what General Trasca hason his mind. Why, Because he's
offering us baked we can't refuse thereturn of File seventy two, the Seal
Unbroken. What that's right? Asyou know, File seventy two is a
plan of our troop dispositions in Europe, but stolen from this country two weeks
(03:55):
ago. But how did General Traskaget his hands on it? Who knows?
This point? Who cares? It'svital that we get that file back?
Steve? Okay, how do Igo about and here's the schedule.
General Trusker is flying his own planeacross the border at the Ketnick sometime tomorrow
night. The next day he's holdinga press conference. You're going to attend
the General's press conference posing as aforeign correspondent. When you ask the General
(04:15):
a certain question that will identify youto him. Sounds like quite a lot
of Hooker's pokers. General insists inabsolute secrecy, and as I said before,
we'll have to go along with himfor the time being. Steve,
get over to Chetnick and find outwhat's on General Trusker's mind, and most
important, bring File seventy two backwith you. Well, I said,
you've got your salmon. Good luck. The National Broadcasting Company is presenting transcribe
(04:53):
Dangerous Assignment, starring Brian don Levyand the role of Steve Mitchell, colorful
two fisted government agent. At allthose places of the world where danger an
intrigue walk hand in hand, thereyou will find Steve Mitchell on another dangerous
assignment. Sure, I've got myassignment, just a simple matter of dropping
(05:18):
in on a trouble spot in theBalkans and arranging a secret talk with an
unfriendly general. Right under the nosesof several assorted diplomats, cops and correspondence.
A real Since it's Tuesday, whenmy plane gets to Kate Nick and
I head for Joseph's tobacco shop.Good morning, sir, Good morning Joseph.
Yes, you would perhaps like tolook at some of my choice by
(05:41):
tobacco. Yes, so if you'vegot any set aside for Steve Mitchell.
Steve Mitchell, you know said it'sa strange thing about names. Well,
look at all these kinds of tobaccoin my shelves. Each one has a
name, probably selected at a randomand put on him. You're asking what's
in the name? I am simplysuggesting that they mean very little. A
(06:03):
name is for anyone who cares touse. Oh well, these credential signed
Let see you understand, of coursethat men in my position cannot afford to
take chances. Yeah, okay,what's the deal? Each other, General
Tresco will hold the press conference inhis hotel room in one hour. He
(06:26):
will be smoking a pipe. Atthe end of the conference, you will
ask him what kind of tobacco he'ssmoking tobacco. Yes, you will add
that it smells good. He willreply that it is his own private mixture,
and that he will give you asimple Okay, I've got it.
Then he will arrange a private interviewwith you. If you wish to transmit
a report of that interdue to yourcommissioner, bring it to me and I
(06:46):
will take care of it for you. Okay, thanks, other, I'll
check with your letter. Good morning. Hi? Is this General Trusca's room?
Yes, the General is inside.Thanks one moment. Please the matter.
(07:09):
Why do you wish to see theGeneral? What's that to you?
I assure you it is a greatdeal to me. You will please answer
my question. Look, before Istart answering questions, I'd like to know
who's asking them. I am CaptainRiekey of the military. Oh, I
say most members of the military wereuniformed on certain occasions. It is better
not to now. You will pleasetell me why you wish to see General
Trusca is holding a press conference andI'm a newspaper correspondent. Your credentials please
(07:33):
our captain so Steve Mitchell, transOcean News Service. Well, they appear
to be genuine. Appear to me, brother, you're really a cautious guy.
Actually, in the present situation,caution is essential, mister Mitchell,
just what is the present situation,Captain, one of extreme tension between my
country and the country represented by GeneralTruscer. I have been selected as the
(07:57):
General's bodyguard while he is a guestof this country. I see, Well,
if you're quick bodyguarding that door,I'd like to get in on that
press conference. Of course, I'llprobably be seeing you. You may count
on that, mister Mitchell. Aslong as this conference is incision, you
will be seeing me frequently. Soin conclusion, gentlemen of the press,
(08:20):
I would like to say simply thatI came to this country as a representative
of my government in peace. Youseek nothing more than a friendly understanding that
would pave the way toward a lastingbrotherhood between our two countries. Or any
more questions, thank two, gentlemen. General Trasker, Yes, I wonder
(08:41):
if you'd mind telling me what kindof tobacco you're smoking. It smells good,
not at all at all. Ithappens to be my own private mixture,
but I would be glad to giveyou a sample of you. Thanks
a lot, General, There's notrouble, no trouble at all. General
Tracks assures the other correspondence out thedoor. I start to hang back,
(09:05):
but it gives me a slight shakeof the head, and I see why.
Captain Rickie out in the hall ascounting noses as the reporters leave,
so I go down into the lobbyand wait. Five minutes later, the
General comes down and goes over toone of the house phones. I follow
them. He picks up the receiverbut holds the hook down with a finger.
I do likewise to the phone nextto them. Keep your back turned
to me, Mitchell. Okay,they got file seventy two. General,
(09:28):
Yes, is the seal still unbroken? Yes? Okay? What's on your
mind? You and your country arebusinessman, Mitchell. I am certain you
would approve of my little plan.That all depends on what your little plan
is. General. Let us saythat your country is not in sympathy with
the form of government which now existsin my country across the border from here,
I guess you can safely say that. All right, So what so
(09:50):
perhaps the form of government in mycountry could be changed? Yeah? Who's
going to change it? I amyou. Let's have that again. My
plan have been completed for weeks.I have come in in certain spots and
they would have a major part ofthe armor behind me. You know,
a thing like your planning could getpretty bloody. The end justifies the means.
(10:11):
Oh, just what kind of governmentare you planning to install in your
country? And my followers are tiredof these bungling, mediocre bureaucrats who have
been running our country. What weneed is a strong leader, one who
will rule with an iron hand.I am that leader, you know,
it seems to me I've heard thistune before a few times. You think
your brand the government would give yourcitizens any more liberty than what they've got
(10:33):
now. I am not here todiscuss philosophies of government with you, to
make to you a business proposition,the return of File seventy two in return
for our support, not precisely bloodGenerally, you want to know my government
better than that. You want toknow they don't go in for supporting Mitchell.
May I remind you once more thatthis is a business transaction. There's
(10:54):
little room in the world if davef ethics. One must be practical rest
assured. Whether I give you fiveseventy two or not depends on your answer
to my proposition. I say,well, look, general, I don't
have any party give you an answeron a thing like that, I'd have
to check with my boys. Icannot give you much time, Mitchell,
how much twelve hours? No more? Okay, I'll see what I can
(11:16):
do. Twelve hours. Mitchell Pastorhangs up his phone and heads back upstairs.
I know I've got to get wordto the commissioner, so I go
back to Joseph's tobacco shop. There'sno one in the front of the shop,
so I head for the back room. Dark in the room. Suddenly
(11:37):
I hear a sound, something creaking. I hit the light switch. Then
I spotted Joseph, and I knowthat he's just going out of business.
You can't sell much tobacco when you'redangling from the end of a rope.
(11:58):
I didn't figure you'd be call itme direct, Steve. It's anything wrong,
Yeah, the man who was goingto carry the message suddenly went out
of business. See did you contactthe party. Yeah, let's put it
this way. He wants to takeover the corporation he works for, and
he wants our help. Understand youknow, of course, that it's against
the policy and ethics of our corporationto support a transaction like that. That's
(12:20):
what I told him. But unlesswe do, he says he won't turn
over that little item to us.I told him, I transmit this proposition
to you. I already knew whatthe answer would be, but I had
to stall for time. Yes,this is bad Steve pressure on us.
Yeah, if I could only Hey, wait a minute. You know commissioner
pressure can sometimes be reversed. Whatdo you mean, Well, it just
(12:41):
occurred to me. The officials ofthe corporation he works for wouldn't like his
plan much if they were to findout about him. I might use that
as a sort of a lever onhim. That's a good hunch, Go
to work on it. Hello,Hello, Hello, the phone's dead.
(13:05):
It's obviously been cut. Bias overto the window, and there are loose
wires dangling, and I hear someoneat the front door, So I slip
out the back door and head forGeneral Trasker's hotel. It looks like somebody's
onto the General. That means I'vegot to move fast. Just as I'm
entering the lobby, there's a commotionon the street outside. A few cops
are wrestling with a guy, andI think I spot Captain Ricky among them.
(13:26):
I go on up to the General'sroom, but he doesn't answer my
knock. The door is un locked, so I go on in. There's
a figure sitting in a chair.I think it's the General, but I
can't be sure because he looks likehe's been worked over with a crowbar and
he's very dead. I give theroom a fast frisk, but Final seventy
two is noor in sight. Irun down to the lobby and over to
(13:46):
the phone, but just as Ipick up the receiver, somebody slides their
thumb over the hook. Who areyou calling? Get your thumb up,
Oh, Captain Ricky, Captain Ricky, who are you calling? As a
matter of fact? You oh why? Oh? No reason in particular,
just little matter of General Trashka beingmurdered. Yep, I thought you might
be interested being his bodyguard. Prettycareless of you were. Maybe was it
(14:09):
a little more than just carelessness,mister Mitchell, I warn you, I
have too much on my mind rightnow to have any patience with the morbid
inventions of a cheap journalist. Ohso I'm just imagining the whole thing.
Uh, well, you'd be kindenough to step upstairs, I'd be glad
to show you my morbid invention,sitting in a chair with his head bashed
in very well for the moment,I will indulge your imagination. Come,
(14:33):
we will visit the General's room.Here we are, yep, here we
are, Ricky. Now I'll seewhether I'm imagining things or not. Harry
is sitting right, Hey, he'sgone. But of course, what do
(14:56):
you mean? But of course Itell you I saw him sitting in that
chair dead, not five minutes ago. I think you have carried your little
game far enough. Which is nowgame, I tell you, And now
I tell you fifteen minutes ago GeneralTrasca left this hotel, and he will
very much a lie. Why Ipersonally saw him into his currents and two
of my men with him. Also, obviously he could not have been murdered
in this room when he is alife somewhere else, just a man.
(15:18):
In other words, bit true.This entire thing was only a figment of
your imagination. Three times mean goodtimes on NBC, whether it's comedy,
(15:39):
music or drama or after you'll findit on the Big Show tomorrow. The
Dynamic Tellula is your hostess, andher guests include Fred Allen, Jimmy Durranty,
Vivian Blaine, Jane Morgan and RudyValley. You're invited every Sunday to
the Big Show, and tomorrow alsomeans a one hour adaptation of f Scott
Fitzgerald's exciting novel This Side of Paradigm, presented by a Theater Guild on the
(16:00):
air and starring Richard Widmark and NinaForth. You're listening to Dangerous Assignments,
starring Brian don Levy as Steve Mitchell. Well, right now, it looks
(16:22):
like I've got no friends at allin this deal. Captain Rickie lied about
General Traska. Why maybe the boysin Traska's country found out the General is
trying to double crossing and killed him. Rickie could be in league with him,
and he might even be the boywho knocked off Traska. At any
rate, I know, I can'ttell Rickie who I am and why I'm
here. Now, I get downto lobby and check with the desk clerk.
(16:45):
He says he saw General Traska leavethe hotel twenty minutes ago, so
he's lying too great. I hadfor the bar to think things over,
and then I hear a little genttelling the bartender about a big street.
Yes to going on down the blockand about the gen role making a speech
there. I coller the guy andhe swears he really saw General Trasca there
just five minutes ago. So Igo down the street. It's a big
(17:08):
deal with music, the dancing ingeneral. I stopped a couple of dancers
and asked him if the General wasreally there. Yeah, yeah, they
generally made a big speech to watch. He's just just a minute ago.
Yeah, we all saw you gotThanks thanks a lot, mister Mitchell for
you. I am Anton, theporter at the hotel. I have information
(17:30):
for you. What about General Trasca. Look, if you're gonna tell me
you saw General Trasca a few minutesago, save it. But hey,
that this whole town is against meor else, I really did imagine things
at this point, I'm gonna wondering, did you assure you, mister Mitchell,
you are not imagining things? WhatI did? She General Trasca leave
the hotel, but he was beingcarried out by the police and he was
(17:52):
quite dead. Well, so Ihave got one friend after all, or
have I? What do you mean? Why are you telling me this antime?
Well, you see said a portat the hotel makes very little money
and I get it. Okay,you just got yourself at ten buck raise
here, Thank you, mister Mitchell. Well, what else can you tell
(18:14):
me? Only that shortly before theytook the general's body from the hotel,
the arrested the man and took himto jail. Yeah, I remember now,
as I entered the hotel, Isaw Rickie's boys wrestling with a guy
out front. Okay, thanks,Annah, I'll see what I can find
out at that jail. What doyou wish you and charge Harry Sergeant?
(18:41):
Yes, why, I understand youarrested a man here the hotel earlier this
evening. I know nothing. You'resarging as you see. There is no
such entry here in the records.That doesn't surprise me. But do you
mind if I take a look backthere in this elbow? No one you
can go in there without a pass? Who issues the passes? Oh?
Great? Will there be anything else? Yes? Hey? What's all that
(19:03):
noise? Sounds like it's coming fromone of the selves. That sergeant grows
around and heads for the back ofthe giant. I'm right after him.
Then we see what causes all annoys? Two guards and one of the cells
are cutting down a guy who justtried to hang himself. Then I recognize
the guy. He's the same oneRicky and his boys arrested outside the hotel
at the time of General Trusker's murdered. At this point, the sergeant remembers
(19:26):
me and politely but firmly usheres meout of the jail. I start walking
down the street, and all ofa sudden, I've got company. If
you don't mind, I will walkwith you away. Mitchell, Why hell,
Captain Ricky, that was an interestinglittle sight I just witnessed in your
jail. Interesting sight I am afraidI do not understand. No, no,
of course not. I mean thegentle who just tried to hang himself.
(19:48):
Oh, Dad, suggest the harmlessdrunk. We had him taken to
the prison hospital. It's a harmlessdrunk. Funny. I had sward with
the same guy who arrested outside GeneralTruska's hotel right after he was murray.
Excuse me, I mean right afterI saw a figment of my imagination sitting
in a chair dead. For yourinformation, Mitchell, I understand that General
(20:10):
Truska has suddenly decided to fly backto his own country hall, which brings
me to the point, what's thatyou are a reporter, and a reporter
without news is of no use toanyone. So so there is no longer
any news here in Keetnick. MaybeI suddenly like it here. The conference
has been canceled, the General isleaving. I should think there would be
other places where you could find muchmore news to write about. Okay,
(20:33):
I got the message, And ifI don't get out of town, it
would be unfortunate if you had towrite this story about an accident, Mitchell,
my own, of course. Thenext train leaves in one hour.
Mitchell, I sincerely hope I willnot see you here in Ketnick after that.
(20:57):
So now I've got just one hourfine file seventy two. That means
I've got to find out what theyget the General Truscer's body. Then I
think of Anton, a little hotelporter. Maybe I can get some information
out of him. I get hisaddress from the desk clerk can go over.
(21:17):
Yes, well, what have youdoing this sort? I want to
talk to you and Lane, you'restill interested in increasing your salary? There's
another chan So what do you wishto know? You say you saw the
police take General Truscer's body out ofthe hotel. Yes, also his clothing
(21:38):
and briefcase. Do you have anyidea where they took him? Why?
No? One, No, noneat all. Every Hey, this is
the guy who tried to hang himselfin jail, which I could kill you
for your stupid if you must protectme it I pretended to attempt a suicide,
knowing it would take me to thehospital. I escape from there.
But now the police are turning thecity upside down to fine watch the Stovich
(22:00):
this manage. A newspaper correspond Idon't care what he is. You must
protect me. What was on yourorders? I killed the general so much
you hadn't he brought across the border. When we learned that the general was
going to betrays you said you wouldprotect me. But now I see you
never intended to point your next RachelVarian right you are, Rachel, stop
(22:22):
that gun. Well, Captain Ricky, I said, okay, I sort
of expected to see you around herealong about now, and I am not
surprised to see you here. Youhad Tovich killed General Truska. Now he
has outlived his usefulness, so youkill him. Look, that's a pretty
neat attempt to cover up, butit won't work, Ricky and on they're
on the floor. Killed Tovich andhe was about to do likewise to me
(22:44):
when I jumped him. It doesnot matter who killed Tovich. Your plan
to create an incident over the killingof the general will not work. I
have kept his murderous secrets so far, and it will remain a secret incident.
Look, I don't follow you.It is obvious your interests learned a
general Truska was trying to betray you. You have also been looking for an
excuse to start trouble with my country. Here was a golden opportunity to accomplish
(23:08):
both things at once. You hadTrusca killed here in my country, then
sought to make it public, hopingthis would create an incident which might provoke
wars. So that's why you've beenkeeping the murderers sacre. I guess that's
one for the book you've been thinking. I was working with those interests,
and I've been thinking the same thingabout you. It is more than a
(23:29):
thought about you, It is afact. I think it's about time you
late a few cards on the table, Rickie, or should I say credentials
here? Take a look. Itwill do you no good tissue. Wait,
yeah, that's what I mean.United States Government. That's right.
When you started lying about Truska's murder, I thought you were working with the
killers. That's why I didn't showyou those credentials before. I owe you
(23:52):
an apology mistrually okay, And Imust say you did a good job of
briefing your citizens about covering up thekilling. I was beginning to think that
I really was crazy until I metAnton. Now I see why he wanted
me to know Truska really was dead. He figured I was a reporter,
and with my headlines out of it, I still do not understand your interest
in this matter. It's very simple. General Truska had in his possession a
(24:15):
document stolen from my country, fileseventy two. I've got to get it
back. I guess now that'll bepretty simple. You've probably got Trusca's body
hidden somewhere. If you'll just takeme there, I'll go through his papers
and find the thing, and thenmy job is die. I'm afraid it's
not that easy. The truth,What do you mean? I told you
earlier in the evening, the GeneralTrusca had suddenly decided to fly back to
(24:37):
his own country. Now, don'tstart that again. What Trusca is dead?
Yes, yes, I know,but we are going to make it
look like that murder was an accident, and then it took place in Trusca's
own country. How At this moment, one of our pilots is taking off
in Trusca's playing with Trusca's body.Just before he crosses the river which marched
the border, he will make ahello altitude parachute jump. Trusca's plane will
(24:59):
crash to some low hills on theother side of the border. But what
about that document I'm after. Iplaced Tasca's briefcase in his plane, myself
untouched. I wanted all his papersto be in order. Oh great,
that means wait, maybe I'm inthe clear. After all, the plane
crashes, bursts in the flame,and the document is destroyed. No,
no, the pilot will cut theswitch before he jumps. We want Trusca's
(25:21):
body to be in good enough conditionso that positive identification can be made.
And I'm heading for the record tothat plane. Mitchell, Are you crazy?
Are you insane? It with mecrossing the border and trying to escape
detection by their patrols. Don't worry, I know exactly what it means,
then you must not. I alsoknow I will stand over here to get
the file seventy two, and I'mgonna get it. But Mitchell, I
find that you cannot make it alone. I'll find out. Are you determined
(25:44):
to go? What do you think? I think I had better go with
you. Come. So we pilota Ricky's Cheap and head for the river
which marks the border. The airportis back about fifteen miles, so it
looks like it's going to be adead heat and it is. Just as
we pull up at the river,we hear a plane overhead. The engine's
cut and we see a parachute billowingout. The plane goes into a glide,
(26:08):
heading straight for the hills across theriver. Crash. Mitchell, Yeah,
hey, a deep possessed river.We will have to swim it.
This area of the boiler is notheavily guarded. It will take their patrols
about fifteen minutes to get to thescene of the plane crash. Feen minutes.
(26:30):
Okay, I's ten of them toget across the river. Okay,
come on, start swelling, Brunn. There is the wreckage of the plane
underted eyes ahead of us. Mitchellpiano. No one inside either. Good.
We must work chest. I've certainlyheard the sound of the crash,
and we'll send the patrol. Here. We are fusillages, still pretty much
(26:55):
in one piece. Help me privatestore off the old door. Right,
there's a general's body, all right, word to put his briefcase behind the
seat. Brother, it's plane.It's really torn apart. You've got a
flashlight, riggy, yes, bringit in here. I can't see a
thing very well. Watch it alot of jagged metal around Yes, yes,
(27:19):
I see it. Okay, flashyour light around that. Wait a
minute, there's a briefcase. Howdo you hold the light steady? You
see it? Notcast? But it'sgonna be in here with our papers.
Some placen't it? Heard? Itsokay? Now let's get out of here,
Mitchell, I hear voices. Waita minute, I'll take a look
out of one of the holes inthe side of the plane. Oh,
(27:41):
brother, who is it? Twosoldiers and they're heading this way, Mitchell.
If theyd is coming us here,the whole plane will be ruined,
and we'll also be slightly dead.Let's get out of the plane. Too
late or too close, they'd seeus. We'll get back towards the tail
exit. Get down, keep quiet, they will see us. Quiet.
This looks like one of our planesinmitriy sign you're light in the window and
(28:03):
we will see channel tusks. Stayon god in the meditay. I will
report this at once yesterday, Mitchell, we are toime for now. We
cannot escape with the soldier standing guardnear the plane. Sooner or later they
will discover us. Yeah, lookslike we're cooked. The must wait a
minute? What is it? Mitchell? Your fool? Why did you hit
(28:27):
men? Tennant? See? Whatdid it? Quiet? Generally? See
alive? What? I just hadhim? Crown? Cool? Killing?
Help me get him out? Youmust get him to a top. Yeah,
help me carry him hurry. Well, I must admit you are a
(28:49):
resourceful man, Mitchell. Looks likethe coast's clear. Okay, what's about
the other side of the plane andhead back to the river. Mitchell one
king bothers me, I did it? Why didn't you just grown yourself instead
of hitting me? I wanted tomake it sound convincing. I am not
convinced you're a skeptic. One moment. What is it now? Just this?
(29:15):
Hey, what's the big. NowI am convinced I do grow much
better than you. All right,come on, let's get out of here.
You. Dangerous Assignments starring Brian donLevy as Steve Mitchell with her Butterfield
(29:49):
as the Commissioner, is written byBob Rythe and Adrian Jando, with music
by Robert Armbrister at his transcribe,but he was and directed by Bill Karn
Others in today's cast. Tony Barrett, Paul Duba, Fraymond Burr and Don
Diamond be with us again next weekat this same time, when Brian don
Levy, starring in the role ofSteve Mitchell, will embark on another dangerous
(30:10):
assignment. Three times Mean Good Timeson NBC tomorrow, there's fun for you
with two delightful families, Mister andMissus Blandings and the Phil Harris Alice Face
Show. Now here's the reminder,don't forget to support your Red Cross and
(30:34):
give as much as you can.When you give to the Red Cross,
your gift is a lift to ourfighting men. Now hear Herbert Marshall as
the man called X on NBC welcomeback. I have to say that I
(30:56):
really appreciate how much they commit tobe generic. You know, the Man
called X was most of the timepretty direct, with a kind of stories
ripped from the headline sort of fail. Usually with dangerous assignment, they try
to obscure things as much as possible, And here we get country A and
(31:22):
Country B, and the stakes arethe retrieval of file seventy two or the
mcgoffin of the week. I reallydo feel that the name of the Bureau
of Steve works for is the Bureauof mcgoffin Retrieval. Now, it should
be said that even though I'm notingthis difference, that there is a good
(31:42):
case to be made for each styleof story. In the Man called X.
It makes the story seems somewhat moreconnected to the real world, although
this can have a couple of downsides, particularly listening to it seventy years after
the fact, because most of thetime the Man called X ends on a
(32:07):
hopeful note, and that can bea bit of a bummer if you know
enough to know that in the realworld things actually got worse or they're still
dealing with the same stuff that theywere dealing with seventy years ago. With
dangerous assignments, typical approach ere thingsare very, very generic. You can
(32:30):
just get along with the fun andescapism without having to be distracted by real
world consequences. Of course, thereare times when the settings a bit too
real and things have gone bad,you know, as was the case with
the Dangerous Assignment episodes set in Vietnam. Also, I like how once it's
(32:55):
determined that he and the captain areon the same side, there not only
able to work together but to kindof have some buddy movie antics at the
plane crash site when the captain hadjust been ready to kill Steve Mitchell.
Good job rolling with the punches,I guess. But overall still this was
(33:15):
another fun adventure from Dangerous Assignment andjust watch you expect from this series.
All right, Well, now it'stime to thank our Patreon supporter of the
day, and I want to goahead and thank Barry. Barry has been
one of our Patreon supporters since Julyof twenty fifteen, currently supporting the program
(33:37):
at the Master Detective level of fifteendollars or more per month. Thank you
so much for your support, Berry, and that will do it for today.
If you are enjoying this podcast,please follow us using your favorite podcast
software, and please be sure torate and review the podcast wherever you download
(33:58):
us from. We'll be back nextWednesday with another episode of Dangerous Assignment,
but listening tomorrow for follow Vans.Where well, Vans. There's the body
lying just where a farmer found it, and it obviously had been knife somewhere
else and thrown from a car.You know who the victim is, Markham.
Sergeant Heath identified him a larcenous individualnamed Sniffy Edwards. I don't suppose
(34:21):
this is any case that will intrigueyou, but you were in my office
when the call came and I insistedon going with you. I know.
Notice anything peculiar about Sniffy Markham.No, he has a knife phone in
his chest and he's dead, whichcertainly is normal enough. Look at his
shoes. Souls are very thick.Well, yes, I suppose they are.
But this isn't a case for you, Vans. It's undoubtedly an underworld
(34:44):
murder, and Sergeant Heath will getwhoever killed this man. Mind if I
look at the souls a minute,go ahead, you're pen knife Vans.
You need that to look with younever can tell of one. It will
help me see what you're doing isa little illegal vans. Oh, my
friend, is there such a thing? Is a little illegal? I stand
corrected. Do you find anything?Yes, there was a piece of paper
(35:06):
in the sole of the shoe.Take a look. It's a diagram of
some kind of machine. Arrow indicateswhere blank paper is inserted, another arrow
where money comes dance. I knowwhat this is. It's the diagram for
a money making machine. I gotto complaint this morning from Missus Willoughby that
she had been swindled by a JoeCrane who sold her a money making machine.
(35:28):
This couldn't be a coincidence. Inall probability, it isn't. I
had a man traced Joe Crane.He called in his address just before we
left. I think perhaps we oughtto see Crane. What about it.
I'm with you. Let's go callon Joe Crane and see if this plan
for a money making machine was theinstigation of his plan to murder Sniffy Edwards.
I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, do send
(35:49):
your comments to Box thirteen at GreatDetectives dot net, follow us on Twitter
at Radio Detectives, and check usout on Instagram, am Instagram dot com
slash, great detectives from Boise,Idaho. This is your host, Adam
Grahamson and all
Welcome to the Great Detectives of OldTime Radio from Boise, Idaho. This
is your host, Adam Graham.If you have a comment, email it
to me Box thirteen at Great Detectivesdot net. Follow us on Twitter at
Radio Detectives, and check us outon Instagram, Instagram, dot com,
(00:51):
slash Great Detectives. If you areenjoying this podcast, please follow us using
your favorite podcast software. Today's programAM is brought to you in part by
the financial support of our listeners.You can support the show on a one
time basis by using the Zell appto send a box thirteen at Great Detectives
(01:11):
dot net, and you can becomeone of our ongoing Patreon supporters for as
little as two dollars per month.Just go to Patreon dot Great Detectives dot
net. Well, now it istime for this week's episode of Dangerous Assignment.
The original air date April seventh,nineteen fifty one, and the title
(01:33):
is Bile seventy two Dangerous Assignment starringBrandon Levias Steve Mitchell. Danger is my
(02:06):
assignment. I con sent to alot of places I can't even pronounce.
They all spell the same thing,though, trouble. But when I walk
into the Commissioner's office. I don'trealize this assignment is going to end up
with my saving a guy's life bypunching them right in the face. Morning
(02:28):
Commissioner Ruth said, you wanted tosee me. I do. See.
What's the deal this time the ketnictalks? He does, No, it
is Hey, what is this aBorderville routine? Yeah? You're on first?
Am I doing well? I look, you better start from the beginning.
See tomorrow representatives of two Balkan countriesto meet in the border town of
Kethnic and don't start that again,to engage in some informal but highly important
(02:49):
talks to see if they can't ironout some of the difficulties that exist between
them. Sounds like a good idea, Commissioner. Maybe more countries should do
a thing like that. Ordinarily itwould be a good idea, Steve,
But there are two factors present inthe situation that if the whole thing is
slight aroma or what do you meanin the first place, one of these
countries, let's call it country A, is controlled by interests which have a
long standing reputation for not wanting tosmooth things out. I see not only
(03:13):
that, according to our information,may have their eyes on Country B and
would like some excuse to move in. Well, granted that these kethnic Pas
talks don't smell so sweet under thosecircumstances. What business is this of ours?
Ordinarily it wouldn't be. But GeneralTrasca, the representative from Country A,
has contacted us undercover and wants totalk to one of our agents.
You've been elected. What does hewant to talk about? We don't know,
(03:34):
except that whatever it is, heinsists on complete secrecy. I don't
like it, Commissioner. It couldbe some sort of a trick. I
don't like it either, Steve.But we've got to go along with it
and find out what General Trasca hason his mind. Why, Because he's
offering us baked we can't refuse thereturn of File seventy two, the Seal
Unbroken. What that's right? Asyou know, File seventy two is a
plan of our troop dispositions in Europe, but stolen from this country two weeks
(03:55):
ago. But how did General Traskaget his hands on it? Who knows?
This point? Who cares? It'svital that we get that file back?
Steve? Okay, how do Igo about and here's the schedule.
General Trusker is flying his own planeacross the border at the Ketnick sometime tomorrow
night. The next day he's holdinga press conference. You're going to attend
the General's press conference posing as aforeign correspondent. When you ask the General
(04:15):
a certain question that will identify youto him. Sounds like quite a lot
of Hooker's pokers. General insists inabsolute secrecy, and as I said before,
we'll have to go along with himfor the time being. Steve,
get over to Chetnick and find outwhat's on General Trusker's mind, and most
important, bring File seventy two backwith you. Well, I said,
you've got your salmon. Good luck. The National Broadcasting Company is presenting transcribe
(04:53):
Dangerous Assignment, starring Brian don Levyand the role of Steve Mitchell, colorful
two fisted government agent. At allthose places of the world where danger an
intrigue walk hand in hand, thereyou will find Steve Mitchell on another dangerous
assignment. Sure, I've got myassignment, just a simple matter of dropping
(05:18):
in on a trouble spot in theBalkans and arranging a secret talk with an
unfriendly general. Right under the nosesof several assorted diplomats, cops and correspondence.
A real Since it's Tuesday, whenmy plane gets to Kate Nick and
I head for Joseph's tobacco shop.Good morning, sir, Good morning Joseph.
Yes, you would perhaps like tolook at some of my choice by
(05:41):
tobacco. Yes, so if you'vegot any set aside for Steve Mitchell.
Steve Mitchell, you know said it'sa strange thing about names. Well,
look at all these kinds of tobaccoin my shelves. Each one has a
name, probably selected at a randomand put on him. You're asking what's
in the name? I am simplysuggesting that they mean very little. A
(06:03):
name is for anyone who cares touse. Oh well, these credential signed
Let see you understand, of coursethat men in my position cannot afford to
take chances. Yeah, okay,what's the deal? Each other, General
Tresco will hold the press conference inhis hotel room in one hour. He
(06:26):
will be smoking a pipe. Atthe end of the conference, you will
ask him what kind of tobacco he'ssmoking tobacco. Yes, you will add
that it smells good. He willreply that it is his own private mixture,
and that he will give you asimple Okay, I've got it.
Then he will arrange a private interviewwith you. If you wish to transmit
a report of that interdue to yourcommissioner, bring it to me and I
(06:46):
will take care of it for you. Okay, thanks, other, I'll
check with your letter. Good morning. Hi? Is this General Trusca's room?
Yes, the General is inside.Thanks one moment. Please the matter.
(07:09):
Why do you wish to see theGeneral? What's that to you?
I assure you it is a greatdeal to me. You will please answer
my question. Look, before Istart answering questions, I'd like to know
who's asking them. I am CaptainRiekey of the military. Oh, I
say most members of the military wereuniformed on certain occasions. It is better
not to now. You will pleasetell me why you wish to see General
Trusca is holding a press conference andI'm a newspaper correspondent. Your credentials please
(07:33):
our captain so Steve Mitchell, transOcean News Service. Well, they appear
to be genuine. Appear to me, brother, you're really a cautious guy.
Actually, in the present situation,caution is essential, mister Mitchell,
just what is the present situation,Captain, one of extreme tension between my
country and the country represented by GeneralTruscer. I have been selected as the
(07:57):
General's bodyguard while he is a guestof this country. I see, Well,
if you're quick bodyguarding that door,I'd like to get in on that
press conference. Of course, I'llprobably be seeing you. You may count
on that, mister Mitchell. Aslong as this conference is incision, you
will be seeing me frequently. Soin conclusion, gentlemen of the press,
(08:20):
I would like to say simply thatI came to this country as a representative
of my government in peace. Youseek nothing more than a friendly understanding that
would pave the way toward a lastingbrotherhood between our two countries. Or any
more questions, thank two, gentlemen. General Trasker, Yes, I wonder
(08:41):
if you'd mind telling me what kindof tobacco you're smoking. It smells good,
not at all at all. Ithappens to be my own private mixture,
but I would be glad to giveyou a sample of you. Thanks
a lot, General, There's notrouble, no trouble at all. General
Tracks assures the other correspondence out thedoor. I start to hang back,
(09:05):
but it gives me a slight shakeof the head, and I see why.
Captain Rickie out in the hall ascounting noses as the reporters leave,
so I go down into the lobbyand wait. Five minutes later, the
General comes down and goes over toone of the house phones. I follow
them. He picks up the receiverbut holds the hook down with a finger.
I do likewise to the phone nextto them. Keep your back turned
to me, Mitchell. Okay,they got file seventy two. General,
(09:28):
Yes, is the seal still unbroken? Yes? Okay? What's on your
mind? You and your country arebusinessman, Mitchell. I am certain you
would approve of my little plan.That all depends on what your little plan
is. General. Let us saythat your country is not in sympathy with
the form of government which now existsin my country across the border from here,
I guess you can safely say that. All right, So what so
(09:50):
perhaps the form of government in mycountry could be changed? Yeah? Who's
going to change it? I amyou. Let's have that again. My
plan have been completed for weeks.I have come in in certain spots and
they would have a major part ofthe armor behind me. You know,
a thing like your planning could getpretty bloody. The end justifies the means.
(10:11):
Oh, just what kind of governmentare you planning to install in your
country? And my followers are tiredof these bungling, mediocre bureaucrats who have
been running our country. What weneed is a strong leader, one who
will rule with an iron hand.I am that leader, you know,
it seems to me I've heard thistune before a few times. You think
your brand the government would give yourcitizens any more liberty than what they've got
(10:33):
now. I am not here todiscuss philosophies of government with you, to
make to you a business proposition,the return of File seventy two in return
for our support, not precisely bloodGenerally, you want to know my government
better than that. You want toknow they don't go in for supporting Mitchell.
May I remind you once more thatthis is a business transaction. There's
(10:54):
little room in the world if davef ethics. One must be practical rest
assured. Whether I give you fiveseventy two or not depends on your answer
to my proposition. I say,well, look, general, I don't
have any party give you an answeron a thing like that, I'd have
to check with my boys. Icannot give you much time, Mitchell,
how much twelve hours? No more? Okay, I'll see what I can
(11:16):
do. Twelve hours. Mitchell Pastorhangs up his phone and heads back upstairs.
I know I've got to get wordto the commissioner, so I go
back to Joseph's tobacco shop. There'sno one in the front of the shop,
so I head for the back room. Dark in the room. Suddenly
(11:37):
I hear a sound, something creaking. I hit the light switch. Then
I spotted Joseph, and I knowthat he's just going out of business.
You can't sell much tobacco when you'redangling from the end of a rope.
(11:58):
I didn't figure you'd be call itme direct, Steve. It's anything wrong,
Yeah, the man who was goingto carry the message suddenly went out
of business. See did you contactthe party. Yeah, let's put it
this way. He wants to takeover the corporation he works for, and
he wants our help. Understand youknow, of course, that it's against
the policy and ethics of our corporationto support a transaction like that. That's
(12:20):
what I told him. But unlesswe do, he says he won't turn
over that little item to us.I told him, I transmit this proposition
to you. I already knew whatthe answer would be, but I had
to stall for time. Yes,this is bad Steve pressure on us.
Yeah, if I could only Hey, wait a minute. You know commissioner
pressure can sometimes be reversed. Whatdo you mean, Well, it just
(12:41):
occurred to me. The officials ofthe corporation he works for wouldn't like his
plan much if they were to findout about him. I might use that
as a sort of a lever onhim. That's a good hunch, Go
to work on it. Hello,Hello, Hello, the phone's dead.
(13:05):
It's obviously been cut. Bias overto the window, and there are loose
wires dangling, and I hear someoneat the front door, So I slip
out the back door and head forGeneral Trasker's hotel. It looks like somebody's
onto the General. That means I'vegot to move fast. Just as I'm
entering the lobby, there's a commotionon the street outside. A few cops
are wrestling with a guy, andI think I spot Captain Ricky among them.
(13:26):
I go on up to the General'sroom, but he doesn't answer my
knock. The door is un locked, so I go on in. There's
a figure sitting in a chair.I think it's the General, but I
can't be sure because he looks likehe's been worked over with a crowbar and
he's very dead. I give theroom a fast frisk, but Final seventy
two is noor in sight. Irun down to the lobby and over to
(13:46):
the phone, but just as Ipick up the receiver, somebody slides their
thumb over the hook. Who areyou calling? Get your thumb up,
Oh, Captain Ricky, Captain Ricky, who are you calling? As a
matter of fact? You oh why? Oh? No reason in particular,
just little matter of General Trashka beingmurdered. Yep, I thought you might
be interested being his bodyguard. Prettycareless of you were. Maybe was it
(14:09):
a little more than just carelessness,mister Mitchell, I warn you, I
have too much on my mind rightnow to have any patience with the morbid
inventions of a cheap journalist. Ohso I'm just imagining the whole thing.
Uh, well, you'd be kindenough to step upstairs, I'd be glad
to show you my morbid invention,sitting in a chair with his head bashed
in very well for the moment,I will indulge your imagination. Come,
(14:33):
we will visit the General's room.Here we are, yep, here we
are, Ricky. Now I'll seewhether I'm imagining things or not. Harry
is sitting right, Hey, he'sgone. But of course, what do
(14:56):
you mean? But of course Itell you I saw him sitting in that
chair dead, not five minutes ago. I think you have carried your little
game far enough. Which is nowgame, I tell you, And now
I tell you fifteen minutes ago GeneralTrasca left this hotel, and he will
very much a lie. Why Ipersonally saw him into his currents and two
of my men with him. Also, obviously he could not have been murdered
in this room when he is alife somewhere else, just a man.
(15:18):
In other words, bit true.This entire thing was only a figment of
your imagination. Three times mean goodtimes on NBC, whether it's comedy,
(15:39):
music or drama or after you'll findit on the Big Show tomorrow. The
Dynamic Tellula is your hostess, andher guests include Fred Allen, Jimmy Durranty,
Vivian Blaine, Jane Morgan and RudyValley. You're invited every Sunday to
the Big Show, and tomorrow alsomeans a one hour adaptation of f Scott
Fitzgerald's exciting novel This Side of Paradigm, presented by a Theater Guild on the
(16:00):
air and starring Richard Widmark and NinaForth. You're listening to Dangerous Assignments,
starring Brian don Levy as Steve Mitchell. Well, right now, it looks
(16:22):
like I've got no friends at allin this deal. Captain Rickie lied about
General Traska. Why maybe the boysin Traska's country found out the General is
trying to double crossing and killed him. Rickie could be in league with him,
and he might even be the boywho knocked off Traska. At any
rate, I know, I can'ttell Rickie who I am and why I'm
here. Now, I get downto lobby and check with the desk clerk.
(16:45):
He says he saw General Traska leavethe hotel twenty minutes ago, so
he's lying too great. I hadfor the bar to think things over,
and then I hear a little genttelling the bartender about a big street.
Yes to going on down the blockand about the gen role making a speech
there. I coller the guy andhe swears he really saw General Trasca there
just five minutes ago. So Igo down the street. It's a big
(17:08):
deal with music, the dancing ingeneral. I stopped a couple of dancers
and asked him if the General wasreally there. Yeah, yeah, they
generally made a big speech to watch. He's just just a minute ago.
Yeah, we all saw you gotThanks thanks a lot, mister Mitchell for
you. I am Anton, theporter at the hotel. I have information
(17:30):
for you. What about General Trasca. Look, if you're gonna tell me
you saw General Trasca a few minutesago, save it. But hey,
that this whole town is against meor else, I really did imagine things
at this point, I'm gonna wondering, did you assure you, mister Mitchell,
you are not imagining things? WhatI did? She General Trasca leave
the hotel, but he was beingcarried out by the police and he was
(17:52):
quite dead. Well, so Ihave got one friend after all, or
have I? What do you mean? Why are you telling me this antime?
Well, you see said a portat the hotel makes very little money
and I get it. Okay,you just got yourself at ten buck raise
here, Thank you, mister Mitchell. Well, what else can you tell
(18:14):
me? Only that shortly before theytook the general's body from the hotel,
the arrested the man and took himto jail. Yeah, I remember now,
as I entered the hotel, Isaw Rickie's boys wrestling with a guy
out front. Okay, thanks,Annah, I'll see what I can find
out at that jail. What doyou wish you and charge Harry Sergeant?
(18:41):
Yes, why, I understand youarrested a man here the hotel earlier this
evening. I know nothing. You'resarging as you see. There is no
such entry here in the records.That doesn't surprise me. But do you
mind if I take a look backthere in this elbow? No one you
can go in there without a pass? Who issues the passes? Oh?
Great? Will there be anything else? Yes? Hey? What's all that
(19:03):
noise? Sounds like it's coming fromone of the selves. That sergeant grows
around and heads for the back ofthe giant. I'm right after him.
Then we see what causes all annoys? Two guards and one of the cells
are cutting down a guy who justtried to hang himself. Then I recognize
the guy. He's the same oneRicky and his boys arrested outside the hotel
at the time of General Trusker's murdered. At this point, the sergeant remembers
(19:26):
me and politely but firmly usheres meout of the jail. I start walking
down the street, and all ofa sudden, I've got company. If
you don't mind, I will walkwith you away. Mitchell, Why hell,
Captain Ricky, that was an interestinglittle sight I just witnessed in your
jail. Interesting sight I am afraidI do not understand. No, no,
of course not. I mean thegentle who just tried to hang himself.
(19:48):
Oh, Dad, suggest the harmlessdrunk. We had him taken to
the prison hospital. It's a harmlessdrunk. Funny. I had sward with
the same guy who arrested outside GeneralTruska's hotel right after he was murray.
Excuse me, I mean right afterI saw a figment of my imagination sitting
in a chair dead. For yourinformation, Mitchell, I understand that General
(20:10):
Truska has suddenly decided to fly backto his own country hall, which brings
me to the point, what's thatyou are a reporter, and a reporter
without news is of no use toanyone. So so there is no longer
any news here in Keetnick. MaybeI suddenly like it here. The conference
has been canceled, the General isleaving. I should think there would be
other places where you could find muchmore news to write about. Okay,
(20:33):
I got the message, And ifI don't get out of town, it
would be unfortunate if you had towrite this story about an accident, Mitchell,
my own, of course. Thenext train leaves in one hour.
Mitchell, I sincerely hope I willnot see you here in Ketnick after that.
(20:57):
So now I've got just one hourfine file seventy two. That means
I've got to find out what theyget the General Truscer's body. Then I
think of Anton, a little hotelporter. Maybe I can get some information
out of him. I get hisaddress from the desk clerk can go over.
(21:17):
Yes, well, what have youdoing this sort? I want to
talk to you and Lane, you'restill interested in increasing your salary? There's
another chan So what do you wishto know? You say you saw the
police take General Truscer's body out ofthe hotel. Yes, also his clothing
(21:38):
and briefcase. Do you have anyidea where they took him? Why?
No? One, No, noneat all. Every Hey, this is
the guy who tried to hang himselfin jail, which I could kill you
for your stupid if you must protectme it I pretended to attempt a suicide,
knowing it would take me to thehospital. I escape from there.
But now the police are turning thecity upside down to fine watch the Stovich
(22:00):
this manage. A newspaper correspond Idon't care what he is. You must
protect me. What was on yourorders? I killed the general so much
you hadn't he brought across the border. When we learned that the general was
going to betrays you said you wouldprotect me. But now I see you
never intended to point your next RachelVarian right you are, Rachel, stop
(22:22):
that gun. Well, Captain Ricky, I said, okay, I sort
of expected to see you around herealong about now, and I am not
surprised to see you here. Youhad Tovich killed General Truska. Now he
has outlived his usefulness, so youkill him. Look, that's a pretty
neat attempt to cover up, butit won't work, Ricky and on they're
on the floor. Killed Tovich andhe was about to do likewise to me
(22:44):
when I jumped him. It doesnot matter who killed Tovich. Your plan
to create an incident over the killingof the general will not work. I
have kept his murderous secrets so far, and it will remain a secret incident.
Look, I don't follow you.It is obvious your interests learned a
general Truska was trying to betray you. You have also been looking for an
excuse to start trouble with my country. Here was a golden opportunity to accomplish
(23:08):
both things at once. You hadTrusca killed here in my country, then
sought to make it public, hopingthis would create an incident which might provoke
wars. So that's why you've beenkeeping the murderers sacre. I guess that's
one for the book you've been thinking. I was working with those interests,
and I've been thinking the same thingabout you. It is more than a
(23:29):
thought about you, It is afact. I think it's about time you
late a few cards on the table, Rickie, or should I say credentials
here? Take a look. Itwill do you no good tissue. Wait,
yeah, that's what I mean.United States Government. That's right.
When you started lying about Truska's murder, I thought you were working with the
killers. That's why I didn't showyou those credentials before. I owe you
(23:52):
an apology mistrually okay, And Imust say you did a good job of
briefing your citizens about covering up thekilling. I was beginning to think that
I really was crazy until I metAnton. Now I see why he wanted
me to know Truska really was dead. He figured I was a reporter,
and with my headlines out of it, I still do not understand your interest
in this matter. It's very simple. General Truska had in his possession a
(24:15):
document stolen from my country, fileseventy two. I've got to get it
back. I guess now that'll bepretty simple. You've probably got Trusca's body
hidden somewhere. If you'll just takeme there, I'll go through his papers
and find the thing, and thenmy job is die. I'm afraid it's
not that easy. The truth,What do you mean? I told you
earlier in the evening, the GeneralTrusca had suddenly decided to fly back to
(24:37):
his own country. Now, don'tstart that again. What Trusca is dead?
Yes, yes, I know,but we are going to make it
look like that murder was an accident, and then it took place in Trusca's
own country. How At this moment, one of our pilots is taking off
in Trusca's playing with Trusca's body.Just before he crosses the river which marched
the border, he will make ahello altitude parachute jump. Trusca's plane will
(24:59):
crash to some low hills on theother side of the border. But what
about that document I'm after. Iplaced Tasca's briefcase in his plane, myself
untouched. I wanted all his papersto be in order. Oh great,
that means wait, maybe I'm inthe clear. After all, the plane
crashes, bursts in the flame,and the document is destroyed. No,
no, the pilot will cut theswitch before he jumps. We want Trusca's
(25:21):
body to be in good enough conditionso that positive identification can be made.
And I'm heading for the record tothat plane. Mitchell, Are you crazy?
Are you insane? It with mecrossing the border and trying to escape
detection by their patrols. Don't worry, I know exactly what it means,
then you must not. I alsoknow I will stand over here to get
the file seventy two, and I'mgonna get it. But Mitchell, I
find that you cannot make it alone. I'll find out. Are you determined
(25:44):
to go? What do you think? I think I had better go with
you. Come. So we pilota Ricky's Cheap and head for the river
which marks the border. The airportis back about fifteen miles, so it
looks like it's going to be adead heat and it is. Just as
we pull up at the river,we hear a plane overhead. The engine's
cut and we see a parachute billowingout. The plane goes into a glide,
(26:08):
heading straight for the hills across theriver. Crash. Mitchell, Yeah,
hey, a deep possessed river.We will have to swim it.
This area of the boiler is notheavily guarded. It will take their patrols
about fifteen minutes to get to thescene of the plane crash. Feen minutes.
(26:30):
Okay, I's ten of them toget across the river. Okay,
come on, start swelling, Brunn. There is the wreckage of the plane
underted eyes ahead of us. Mitchellpiano. No one inside either. Good.
We must work chest. I've certainlyheard the sound of the crash,
and we'll send the patrol. Here. We are fusillages, still pretty much
(26:55):
in one piece. Help me privatestore off the old door. Right,
there's a general's body, all right, word to put his briefcase behind the
seat. Brother, it's plane.It's really torn apart. You've got a
flashlight, riggy, yes, bringit in here. I can't see a
thing very well. Watch it alot of jagged metal around Yes, yes,
(27:19):
I see it. Okay, flashyour light around that. Wait a
minute, there's a briefcase. Howdo you hold the light steady? You
see it? Notcast? But it'sgonna be in here with our papers.
Some placen't it? Heard? Itsokay? Now let's get out of here,
Mitchell, I hear voices. Waita minute, I'll take a look
out of one of the holes inthe side of the plane. Oh,
(27:41):
brother, who is it? Twosoldiers and they're heading this way, Mitchell.
If theyd is coming us here,the whole plane will be ruined,
and we'll also be slightly dead.Let's get out of the plane. Too
late or too close, they'd seeus. We'll get back towards the tail
exit. Get down, keep quiet, they will see us. Quiet.
This looks like one of our planesinmitriy sign you're light in the window and
(28:03):
we will see channel tusks. Stayon god in the meditay. I will
report this at once yesterday, Mitchell, we are toime for now. We
cannot escape with the soldier standing guardnear the plane. Sooner or later they
will discover us. Yeah, lookslike we're cooked. The must wait a
minute? What is it? Mitchell? Your fool? Why did you hit
(28:27):
men? Tennant? See? Whatdid it? Quiet? Generally? See
alive? What? I just hadhim? Crown? Cool? Killing?
Help me get him out? Youmust get him to a top. Yeah,
help me carry him hurry. Well, I must admit you are a
(28:49):
resourceful man, Mitchell. Looks likethe coast's clear. Okay, what's about
the other side of the plane andhead back to the river. Mitchell one
king bothers me, I did it? Why didn't you just grown yourself instead
of hitting me? I wanted tomake it sound convincing. I am not
convinced you're a skeptic. One moment. What is it now? Just this?
(29:15):
Hey, what's the big. NowI am convinced I do grow much
better than you. All right,come on, let's get out of here.
You. Dangerous Assignments starring Brian donLevy as Steve Mitchell with her Butterfield
(29:49):
as the Commissioner, is written byBob Rythe and Adrian Jando, with music
by Robert Armbrister at his transcribe,but he was and directed by Bill Karn
Others in today's cast. Tony Barrett, Paul Duba, Fraymond Burr and Don
Diamond be with us again next weekat this same time, when Brian don
Levy, starring in the role ofSteve Mitchell, will embark on another dangerous
(30:10):
assignment. Three times Mean Good Timeson NBC tomorrow, there's fun for you
with two delightful families, Mister andMissus Blandings and the Phil Harris Alice Face
Show. Now here's the reminder,don't forget to support your Red Cross and
(30:34):
give as much as you can.When you give to the Red Cross,
your gift is a lift to ourfighting men. Now hear Herbert Marshall as
the man called X on NBC welcomeback. I have to say that I
(30:56):
really appreciate how much they commit tobe generic. You know, the Man
called X was most of the timepretty direct, with a kind of stories
ripped from the headline sort of fail. Usually with dangerous assignment, they try
to obscure things as much as possible, And here we get country A and
(31:22):
Country B, and the stakes arethe retrieval of file seventy two or the
mcgoffin of the week. I reallydo feel that the name of the Bureau
of Steve works for is the Bureauof mcgoffin Retrieval. Now, it should
be said that even though I'm notingthis difference, that there is a good
(31:42):
case to be made for each styleof story. In the Man called X.
It makes the story seems somewhat moreconnected to the real world, although
this can have a couple of downsides, particularly listening to it seventy years after
the fact, because most of thetime the Man called X ends on a
(32:07):
hopeful note, and that can bea bit of a bummer if you know
enough to know that in the realworld things actually got worse or they're still
dealing with the same stuff that theywere dealing with seventy years ago. With
dangerous assignments, typical approach ere thingsare very, very generic. You can
(32:30):
just get along with the fun andescapism without having to be distracted by real
world consequences. Of course, thereare times when the settings a bit too
real and things have gone bad,you know, as was the case with
the Dangerous Assignment episodes set in Vietnam. Also, I like how once it's
(32:55):
determined that he and the captain areon the same side, there not only
able to work together but to kindof have some buddy movie antics at the
plane crash site when the captain hadjust been ready to kill Steve Mitchell.
Good job rolling with the punches,I guess. But overall still this was
(33:15):
another fun adventure from Dangerous Assignment andjust watch you expect from this series.
All right, Well, now it'stime to thank our Patreon supporter of the
day, and I want to goahead and thank Barry. Barry has been
one of our Patreon supporters since Julyof twenty fifteen, currently supporting the program
(33:37):
at the Master Detective level of fifteendollars or more per month. Thank you
so much for your support, Berry, and that will do it for today.
If you are enjoying this podcast,please follow us using your favorite podcast
software, and please be sure torate and review the podcast wherever you download
(33:58):
us from. We'll be back nextWednesday with another episode of Dangerous Assignment,
but listening tomorrow for follow Vans.Where well, Vans. There's the body
lying just where a farmer found it, and it obviously had been knife somewhere
else and thrown from a car.You know who the victim is, Markham.
Sergeant Heath identified him a larcenous individualnamed Sniffy Edwards. I don't suppose
(34:21):
this is any case that will intrigueyou, but you were in my office
when the call came and I insistedon going with you. I know.
Notice anything peculiar about Sniffy Markham.No, he has a knife phone in
his chest and he's dead, whichcertainly is normal enough. Look at his
shoes. Souls are very thick.Well, yes, I suppose they are.
But this isn't a case for you, Vans. It's undoubtedly an underworld
(34:44):
murder, and Sergeant Heath will getwhoever killed this man. Mind if I
look at the souls a minute,go ahead, you're pen knife Vans.
You need that to look with younever can tell of one. It will
help me see what you're doing isa little illegal vans. Oh, my
friend, is there such a thing? Is a little illegal? I stand
corrected. Do you find anything?Yes, there was a piece of paper
(35:06):
in the sole of the shoe.Take a look. It's a diagram of
some kind of machine. Arrow indicateswhere blank paper is inserted, another arrow
where money comes dance. I knowwhat this is. It's the diagram for
a money making machine. I gotto complaint this morning from Missus Willoughby that
she had been swindled by a JoeCrane who sold her a money making machine.
(35:28):
This couldn't be a coincidence. Inall probability, it isn't. I
had a man traced Joe Crane.He called in his address just before we
left. I think perhaps we oughtto see Crane. What about it.
I'm with you. Let's go callon Joe Crane and see if this plan
for a money making machine was theinstigation of his plan to murder Sniffy Edwards.
I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, do send
(35:49):
your comments to Box thirteen at GreatDetectives dot net, follow us on Twitter
at Radio Detectives, and check usout on Instagram, am Instagram dot com
slash, great detectives from Boise,Idaho. This is your host, Adam
Grahamson and all
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