Dangerous Assignment: File no. 307 08/20/1949

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Dangerous Assignment: File no. 307" (08/20/1949)

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Host: Choice Classic Radio
Episode: Dangerous Assignment, File no. 307
Original Air Date: August 20, 1949
Summary Date: November 26, 2025

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Main Theme

In this episode of "Dangerous Assignment", secret agent Steve Mitchell is dispatched to Zurich, Switzerland, to recover "File 307," a top-secret document containing crucial defense plans that was stolen two weeks earlier. The file has reportedly fallen into the hands of the elusive international information broker, Bruner. Posing as a foreign correspondent, Steve navigates intrigue, deception, and double-crosses through Zurich’s shadowy underworld and a mysterious carnival, as he races not only against time, but also against competing interests after the same file.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Breakdown

1. Introduction and Mission Briefing (02:47–04:55)

• Steve Mitchell is summoned by the Commissioner and is briefed on "File 307," which contains sensitive defense plans and was stolen from the U.S.
• The file is believed to be in Zurich, recently sold by the petty criminal Trifless to the mysterious Bruner before Trifless's murder.
• Steve's objective: infilitrate Bruner's circle, recover File 307, and avoid rival agents.

Notable Quotes:

• Commissioner (03:55): "We had information it was in possession of a seamy little man named Trifless. This morning his body was discovered near a carnival outside Zurich."
• Steve (04:34): "I don't imagine trying to get into Bruner's villa is a habit forming occupation."

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2. Arrival & Early Suspicions (05:05–07:32)

• In Zurich, Steve is immediately surveilled by local agents disguised as cabbies (Hanson).
• As Steve queries about Bruner's villa, it's clear that Hanson and his associate Carl are intent on tracking his moves.
• Steve arrives at the imposing villa, setting off the web of suspicion and subterfuge.

Notable Quotes:

• Hanson (Cab Driver) (05:05): "Very well, Mr. Mitchell. We will try to give you a very cordial reception here in Zurich."
• Steve (07:32): "Oh, you're quite an obliging guy, aren't you, Hanson?"

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3. Bruner’s Secretary, Karen, and Carnival Connections (07:59–11:09)

• Steve attempts to get an interview with Bruner but is rebuffed by his alluring secretary, Karen.
• At the carnival, Steve meets Max Raber, the carnival owner and presumed contact—who is cryptic but appears to agree to help.
• Max instructs Steve to wait at "25 Brawlichstrasse" for further talks.

Notable Quotes:

• Karen (09:00–09:13): "You say you wish a story...and that’s all you wish from Bruner?"
• Max Raber (10:12): "A name is for anyone who cares to use it."
• Steve (11:05): "25 Brolich Strasser. Right."

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4. Double Crossing and Close Calls (13:09–16:38)

• Steve is knocked out at Max's address and awakens in police custody, suspected due to his proximity to criminal activity.
• The Zurich police (Inspector Baumgartner) caution Steve about the dangers involved.
• Commissioner back in the U.S. receives Steve's cable reporting treachery from Max Raber.
• Steve, undeterred, arranges to visit Bruner's villa again, meeting Karen in her apartment and trading flirtations and intelligence.

Notable Quotes:

• Police Inspector (13:27): "May I inquire what you are really doing here in Zurich?"
• Steve (14:52): "I'd sleep on [your advice], except it's almost morning."
• Steve (via cable) (15:47): "Max Draber. Not such hot friend of ours after all. Still nursing large lump and head which I collected at address Raber sent me to."

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5. Karen's Secret and the Break-In (16:38–27:48)

• Steve discovers Karen has feelings for him, but she ultimately refuses to risk herself for his cause.
• Steve and Max Raber team up for a dangerous infiltration of Bruner’s villa by climbing a tree over the wall.
• The pair are detected by a massive guard dog; Steve is captured and tied up in the cellar.
• Karen, secretly worried about Steve, refuses to help free him but Max sneaks in and releases him after distracting the staff with a fire.
• The duo search the villa’s rooms; clues mount as Steve realizes things aren’t as they seem, especially regarding Karen.

Notable Quotes:

• Karen (17:10): "A short little man, very quiet. A fascinating man to work for."
• Steve (19:18): "But I said I'd see you later and I will. With you here, I could grow wings."
• Steve (24:08): "This is a great spot you got yourself in, Mitchell."
• Max Raber (25:18): "We will be lucky to escape with our lives."

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6. Unmasking Bruner and The Hidden Ball Play (27:00–29:39)

• Steve and Max’s search is interrupted by Karen, who reveals herself as the real Bruner—a twist that recasts all previous events.
• Armed and in control, Karen/Bruner admits near-affection for Steve and lets him go, convinced he is leaving empty-handed.
• Back in the U.S., Steve reveals to the Commissioner that he had actually managed to pocket File 307 before the confrontation, outsmarting the enigmatic Bruner at her own game.

Notable Quotes:

• Karen (as Bruner) (27:02): "I see you’ve discovered my little secret."
• Karen/Bruner (27:48): "It would be something to remember when you're back in America—that even though Karen Bruner was a little too clever for you, she almost fell in love with you. Goodbye, Steve."
• Steve (28:59): "Of all the Karen was a razzle dazzle artist. But she forgot that two can play that kind of football... I guess she'd never run into the hidden ball play before."

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Memorable Moments & Twists

• Karen’s Double Identity: The revelation that Karen is Bruner (27:00) is a dramatic twist, upending Steve’s expectations and adding depth to her interactions and motivations throughout the episode.
• Steve’s Sleight of Hand: Steve's classic “hidden ball play”—hiding the file in his shirt before feigning a search in the obvious place—shows the old-school charm and cunning characteristic of radio detective heroes.
• Witty Banter: Throughout the episode, sharp repartee, especially between Steve and Karen, gives a light, flirtatious tone to otherwise tense situations.

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Important Timestamps

• [02:47] — Mission briefing from the Commissioner
• [07:32] — Steve arrives at Bruner’s formidable villa
• [09:00] — Steve’s first encounter with Karen (Bruner’s “secretary”)
• [10:12] — Max Raber’s introduction and offer to help
• [13:27] — Police interrogation in Zurich
• [16:38] — Steve and Karen’s intimate, pivotal conversation
• [19:18] — Steve promises to return, hinting at affection for Karen
• [21:00] — Steve and Max Raber break into Bruner’s villa
• [27:00] — Karen’s identity as Bruner is revealed
• [28:59] — Steve reveals he outsmarted Bruner, returning File 307

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Episode Tone and Language

• Language: Terse, sarcastic and quick-witted dialogue.
• Tone: A blend of suspenseful espionage drama with flirtatious humor, typical of golden-age radio detective shows.

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Conclusion

"Dangerous Assignment: File no. 307" delivers a classic spy thriller complete with double agents, secret documents, femme fatales, and a climactic plot twist. Steve Mitchell’s unflappable demeanor, the duplicity of allies and adversaries, and the sharp repartee make for a riveting episode full of suspense and retro charm. Through it all, Steve’s cleverness and cool ultimately win the day, restoring the top-secret file to U.S. hands while leaving listeners with a memorable lesson in spy craft and the perils of underestimating both women and secret agents.

Transcript

[Steve Mitchell]

Welcome to Choice Classic Radio where we bring to you the greatest old time radio shows. Like us on Facebook, subscribe to us on YouTube and thank you for [e-mail].

[Narrator]

The National Broadcasting Company brings you Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell in Dangerous Assignment. The time, Midnight. The place, A carnival on the outskirts of Zurich, Switzerland. Two men slip vertically through the shadows near the slowly revolving carousel. They stare intently into the darkness.

[Carl / Hanson (cab driver)]

Triplich. Must be around here somewhere.

[Karen Bruner]

Carl.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, handsome.

[Carl / Hanson (cab driver)]

We both saw him enter the carnival grounds. Well, where could he hide? The carnival is almost deserted. You see, there is only one person riding on the carouseling.

[Commissioner]

Carl.

[Max Raber]

Karl. It is he.

[Carl / Hanson (cab driver)]

Trifles. Right under our nose. Ah, riding on the carousel.

[Commissioner]

Good.

[Carl / Hanson (cab driver)]

We wait and you ride right into our arms. He sees us. Come on, Anson, drag him from the carousel.

[Steve Mitchell]

No, no.

[Carl / Hanson (cab driver)]

Grab him, grab him.

[Karen Bruner]

Yeah, yeah.

[Narrator]

I have him.

[Karen Bruner]

Let down.

[Carl / Hanson (cab driver)]

Let go of me.

[Karen Bruner]

Let go.

[Carl / Hanson (cab driver)]

Karl. Drag him into the shadows.

[Karen Bruner]

Here.

[Carl / Hanson (cab driver)]

The American document.

[Max Raber]

Trifles.

[Carl / Hanson (cab driver)]

Where is it?

[Narrator]

I do not know what you're talking about.

[Carl / Hanson (cab driver)]

The one they called file 307. You sold it to Bruner, didn't you? Tripless, didn't you?

[Commissioner]

Yes.

[Carl / Hanson (cab driver)]

In that case, you will not live to spend the money.

[Steve Mitchell]

No, no.

[Carl / Hanson (cab driver)]

Go ahead, Kyle.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah.

[Carl / Hanson (cab driver)]

Stop.

[Steve Mitchell]

My throat. I can't breathe.

[Carl / Hanson (cab driver)]

Exactly. More pressure, Carl. A little more, Carl. I cannot squeeze any tighter. It is enough pressure. Just hold it a moment here. So I think that is enough. Yes, you may let him go now, Kyle.

[Narrator]

You've seen him in such pictures as An American romance, the great McGinty and command decision. Now here is our star, Brian Donlevy in another two fisted portrayal as Steve Mitchell in Dangerous Assignment.

[Steve Mitchell]

Ruth, you've got the worst sense of timing I ever saw. You're always dragging me back here to the office when I'm right in the middle of a big deal.

[Karen Bruner]

Maybe she was a big deal to you, Steve. She looked more like a stacked deck to me.

[Steve Mitchell]

You know, some of these gals may start picketing you. What's this all about anyway?

[Karen Bruner]

That's what the Commissioner is waiting in his office to tell you. Here we are. I have your passport and credentials ready when you are.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay, thanks, Ruth.

[Commissioner]

Oh, Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hello, Commissioner. Well, where am I going this time?

[Commissioner]

Zurich, Switzerland.

[Steve Mitchell]

Switzerland? Look, I can't even yodel.

[Commissioner]

You won't have time to yodel, Steve. Ever hear the name Bruner before?

[Steve Mitchell]

Bruner? Sounds vaguely familiar. Who is he, Commissioner?

[Commissioner]

I don't know. Bruno's always been a very mysterious figure, Steve. None of our agents has ever Seen him? Matter of fact, I don't suppose there are more than a handful of people in the entire world who know what he looks like.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, I remember now. Bruner's a sort of an international mystery man who sells information to the highest bidder.

[Commissioner]

We think Bruno has File 307, Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

File 307.

[Commissioner]

Top secret document containing defense plans. Two weeks ago it was stolen from this country.

[Steve Mitchell]

You think it's in Zurich now?

[Commissioner]

We had information it was temporarily in the possession of a seamy little man named Trifless. This morning his body was discovered near a carnival grounds outside of Zurich.

[Steve Mitchell]

Needless to say, File 307 wasn't on Trifless's body.

[Commissioner]

No, but Trifless paid a visit to Bruner's villa two hours before he was murdered. We think he sold file 307 to Bruner.

[Steve Mitchell]

And I'm supposed to get it back from this international secret cellar, huh? Great. Well, have we got any contacts in Zurich?

[Commissioner]

One. His name is Max Raybar. He runs the carnival over there. Just one more thing, Steve. As to the danger involved.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah? I don't imagine trying to get into Bruner's villa as a habit forming occupation.

[Commissioner]

There's more than that. Other interests are also trying to get File 307 from Bruner. Naturally, they'll try to stop you permanently. Their agents may be watching you right from the start.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah.

[Commissioner]

Well, that's it, Steve, as usual. You'll pose as a foreign correspondent after an interview with Bruner. Actually, you ought to find file 307 and bring it back. You've got your assignment.

[Steve Mitchell]

Good luck.

[Carl / Hanson (cab driver)]

Steve Mitchell departed United States for Zurich, apparently on assignment as foreign correspondent. Keep him under surveillance. Find out his real mission. Very well, Mr. Mitchell. We will try to give you a very cordial reception here in Zurich. Taxi cab, sir?

[Max Raber]

Taxi.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, okay. Driver. Canning hotel.

[Carl / Hanson (cab driver)]

Yes, sir. You're an American, sir? Yeah. On a vacation perhaps?

[Steve Mitchell]

Not exactly.

[Carl / Hanson (cab driver)]

Well, I'm a good guide, sir. I can show you the points of interest here in Zurich.

[Steve Mitchell]

Never mind. I'm afraid I won't have much time for sightseeing. No, wait a minute.

[Carl / Hanson (cab driver)]

Yes, sir?

[Steve Mitchell]

There's a large villa a couple of kilometers outside of the city. Got a high wall around it. You know where it is?

[Carl / Hanson (cab driver)]

Why, I think I can find it, sir.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay. When you get me to the hotel, wait for me. I'll want you to take me out to that villa.

[Carl / Hanson (cab driver)]

I will be very happy to, sir. Hello, Carl? This is Hanson speaking. I've just brought Mitchell to the kernic Hotel from the airport. I'm waiting for him now. No, no, he doesn't suspect me. He thinks I'm just a cab driver. He wants me to take him to Buena's villa. So he's after file 307. All right. Now, listen, Carl. There is a Max Raber who runs the carnival. They might be working together. If Mitchell tries to contact Rayburn, you know what to do. I believe this might be the villa you are looking for, sir. It is the only one with a high wall near here.

[Steve Mitchell]

That must be it, then. Okay. Here you are.

[Carl / Hanson (cab driver)]

Oh, but I can wait for you, sir.

[Steve Mitchell]

Never mind.

[Carl / Hanson (cab driver)]

Very well, sir. If you should need me further, my name is Hanson and my cab is usually in front of your hotel.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, you're quite an obliging guy, aren't you, Hanson, sir? I'll skip it, thanks. Some joint. Looks like a penitentiary. Ought to be a gate. Keep her around here somewhere. Lyle, what are you doing here?

[Max Raber]

What do you want?

[Steve Mitchell]

One at a time. I'm Steve Mitchell, foreign correspondent from the United States.

[Max Raber]

What do you want?

[Steve Mitchell]

An interview with Bruner.

[Commissioner]

Oh.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hey, now, look.

[Max Raber]

You cannot see Bruno.

[Commissioner]

Bruno gives interviews to no one.

[Steve Mitchell]

Go away. Frith.

[Carl / Hanson (cab driver)]

Frit.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, what is it, Cam? Well, this fella's getting better looking by the minute.

[Karen Bruner]

What's the matter, Fritz?

[Max Raber]

This man wants to see Bruno.

[Karen Bruner]

Oh, I'm Bruno's secretary, Karen.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hello.

[Karen Bruner]

You're Mr. Steve Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

You're Brunner's secretary. He should be so lucky.

[Karen Bruner]

You can go, Fritz. I'll take care of this.

[Steve Mitchell]

They will.

[Commissioner]

Can.

[Max Raber]

But don't let him get into the gate.

[Steve Mitchell]

Much cozier with just the two of us, isn't it?

[Karen Bruner]

Just what was it you wanted, Mr. Mitchell?

[Steve Mitchell]

I'm a newspaper correspondent.

[Karen Bruner]

No. Well, I'm afraid you've come to the wrong place, then.

[Steve Mitchell]

Your boss isn't too eager when it comes to giving out interviews, huh, Karen?

[Karen Bruner]

Bruno sees no one, Mr. Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, that's the general impression I've gotten. But I thought he might possibly make an exception in my case.

[Karen Bruner]

You say you wish a story.

[Steve Mitchell]

That's right.

[Karen Bruner]

And that's all you wish.

[Steve Mitchell]

Here it was before I met you.

[Karen Bruner]

I mean, a story is all you wish from Bruna.

[Steve Mitchell]

What else would I be after?

[Karen Bruner]

I do not know. Suppose you come back tomorrow, Mr. Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Tomorrow?

[Karen Bruner]

Yes. I will tell Bruno about you and ask him if he will see you.

[Steve Mitchell]

Why, thanks. You'd be doing me a big favor.

[Karen Bruner]

All right, Mr. Mitchell. I will try to persuade him. Until tomorrow, then.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hi. Is the boss around? The boss? Yeah, the guy who runs this carnival?

[Carl / Hanson (cab driver)]

You mean Max Reber?

[Steve Mitchell]

That his name? I'd like to talk to him. Where is he?

[Carl / Hanson (cab driver)]

Over there, standing at the shooting gallery. The short man with the gun in his hand.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay. Nice shot.

[Max Raber]

Thank you. I seldom miss.

[Commissioner]

Oh.

[Steve Mitchell]

Looks like you know what you're talking about. You Max Reba?

[Max Raber]

That is correct.

[Steve Mitchell]

I'm Steve Mitchell. You missed. The name mean anything to you?

[Max Raber]

A name is for anyone who cares to use it.

[Steve Mitchell]

That's right. But these credentials aren't. You mind squinting down your peep sight at them?

[Max Raber]

Put them away. The commissioner sent you, Mitchell?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. He said you might be able to help me.

[Max Raber]

You're after fire at 307.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, you. Any information on it?

[Max Raber]

I think the person they call Bruner has it.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, it looks that way. The guy who had it before him turned up dead near your carnival, didn't he? You missed again, Max.

[Max Raber]

Perhaps because you're crowding me, Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, sorry.

[Max Raber]

Go to 25 Rolik Strasser and wait for me. As soon as I close the carnival for the night, I'll come. We'll talk further.

[Steve Mitchell]

25 Brolich Strasser. Right.

[Max Raber]

Only six hits out of eight. I am slipping.

[Steve Mitchell]

That's slipping. Look, Reba, do me a favor. What? Don't ever point that gun at me. 21, 23. There it is. 25 Brawlichstrasse. All dark, unlocked. Well, Max has a. Wait here for him. I wonder where the lights are. Hey, who closed the door? What?

[Narrator]

In just a moment, our star, Brian Don Levy returns as Steve Mitchell in Dangerous Assignment. The United States is now building the largest, best trained peacetime armed forces in its history. Our United Services, Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard are training a new kind of serviceman. Training him in the greatest scientific enterprise in the world. Yesterday, he was a man of weapons. Today, to a large degree, he's a man of science. Yes, a brilliant future in technology is available to America's young men in the new armed forces. So remember, the time for the future is now. Find it in the armed forces of the United States. Now, the National Broadcasting Company brings you Act 2 of Dangerous Assignment, starring Brian Donlavy in the role of Steve Mitchell. The time? One hour later.

[Steve Mitchell]

The place?

[Narrator]

The police station in Zurich, Switzerland.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, so we're coming around at last. What? Oh, the head.

[Carl / Hanson (cab driver)]

It hurts.

[Steve Mitchell]

Huh? The head. It hurts, huh? Hey, this looks like a jail. It is.

[Carl / Hanson (cab driver)]

I am police Inspector Baumgartner.

[Steve Mitchell]

Police? Jail? Look, I don't get it. Neither do we.

[Carl / Hanson (cab driver)]

When we found you 4km west of the city?

[Steve Mitchell]

How did I get 4km west of the city? Last I remember was walking in a house at 25 Brolichstrasse and getting hit on the head. One of our policemen saw a cab.

[Carl / Hanson (cab driver)]

With two men in it traveling at high speed out of the city.

[Steve Mitchell]

He gave chase.

[Carl / Hanson (cab driver)]

The men finally abandoned the cab. When the policeman got to it, he found you lying on the floor unconscious.

[Steve Mitchell]

Remind me to thank him. Looks like I was getting taken for the well known ride when he came along, eh? Skip it. You say there were two men in the cab. Whose cab was it? We are checking that.

[Karen Bruner]

Why?

[Steve Mitchell]

I was just thinking about a very eager cab driver named Hanson who wanted to show me the sights around Zurich.

[Carl / Hanson (cab driver)]

Now it is my turn to ask the questions. What were you doing at 25 Brolich Strassen?

[Steve Mitchell]

I was sent there by. Hey. By a carnival owner I thought was a friend of mine. Incidentally, is there a telegraph office around here?

[Carl / Hanson (cab driver)]

Down the street. Hey, Mitchell. Your credentials are those of a newspaper correspondent. May I inquire what you are really doing here in Zurich?

[Steve Mitchell]

It's very simple, Inspector. I'm trying to get an interview with a mysterious character named Brunner.

[Carl / Hanson (cab driver)]

Bruno. Herr Mitchell, a word of advice. You are apparently involved with very dangerous people. It might be better for you to give it up.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, well, thanks for the advice. I'd sleep on it, except it's almost morning.

[Carl / Hanson (cab driver)]

Yeah, you sleep on it here, Mitchell. Only be sure you're able to wake up. May I inquire what you are really doing here in Zurich?

[Steve Mitchell]

It's very simple, Inspector. I'm trying to get an interview with a mysterious character named Brunner.

[Carl / Hanson (cab driver)]

Bruno. Herr Mitchell, a word of advice. You are apparently involved with very dangerous people. It might be better for you to give it up.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, well, thanks for the advice. I'd sleep on it, except it's almost morning.

[Carl / Hanson (cab driver)]

Yeah, you sleep on it there, Mitchell. Only be sure you're able to wake up, huh?

[Karen Bruner]

It's from Steve, Commissioner.

[Commissioner]

Good. I've been expecting a report from him.

[Karen Bruner]

Here you are.

[Commissioner]

Thanks, Ruth. File 307. Apparently in Bruner's possession. His beautiful secretary Karen, trying to arrange appointment for interview. Just between us. Would rather interview Karen.

[Karen Bruner]

He never changes, does he?

[Commissioner]

Currently Max Draber. Not such hot friend of ours after all. Still nursing large lump and head which I collected at address Raber sent me to.

[Steve Mitchell]

What?

[Karen Bruner]

I don't understand, Commissioner. I thought Max Raber could be trusted.

[Commissioner]

I guess in this business you never know.

[Karen Bruner]

Ruth.

[Commissioner]

Oh, there's some more coming in. We'll pay reber another visit this morning when his carnival opens up. In meantime, going back to Bruner's villa will keep you inform.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, this is quite an apartment you've got here, Karen. Much better than trying to talk through the bars of that gate outside.

[Karen Bruner]

Yes, it is a nice apartment. Bruner takes good care of me.

[Steve Mitchell]

You know something? He should.

[Karen Bruner]

You say nice things, Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

Sometimes it comes easy.

[Karen Bruner]

I'm afraid it won't do you any good to look out the window, Steve. You won't see Bruna. Oh, he lives in that other wing across the courtyard.

[Steve Mitchell]

Look. What kind of a guy is he anyway?

[Karen Bruner]

A short little man, very quiet.

[Steve Mitchell]

A short man.

[Karen Bruner]

A fascinating man to work for.

[Steve Mitchell]

I can imagine.

[Karen Bruner]

Steve. I talked to him last evening about you. He doesn't believe you.

[Steve Mitchell]

What do you mean?

[Karen Bruner]

Well, he doesn't believe. It's just an interview you want.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, what else would I be after?

[Karen Bruner]

He's not sure yet. But supposing you were after a story. Bruno's interested in knowing just how much she would be willing to pay for it.

[Steve Mitchell]

We're talking about the story, of course.

[Karen Bruner]

Of course.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, that's sort of a tough question to answer offhand.

[Karen Bruner]

You see, there are others anxious to, shall we say, write a story about Bruna. They're willing to pay a great deal.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, I'll bet they are.

[Karen Bruner]

And, well, Bruno knows a lot more about you than you think, Steve. He knows you cannot pay as much for it as others can.

[Steve Mitchell]

I see. Well, if Brunner knows so much about me, maybe he also knows that the story we're talking about used to belong to the people I worked for.

[Karen Bruner]

Yes, he knows that. But I'm afraid it does not make any difference to him. He says he cannot do business with you.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, that's that, I guess.

[Karen Bruner]

I'm sorry, Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

So am I. Anyway, it was very nice of you to go to the trouble.

[Karen Bruner]

I was glad to.

[Steve Mitchell]

I don't quite get why you've been so nice to me.

[Karen Bruner]

Well, I. I guess I.

[Steve Mitchell]

You what?

[Karen Bruner]

Well, I stay here on Bruna's villa most of the time. I don't see many people, and I've never seen anyone like. I mean, you were. Oh, I don't know what I mean.

[Steve Mitchell]

Maybe this is what you mean. Karen.

[Karen Bruner]

Oh, Steve. You must leave, Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay, but I'll be back.

[Karen Bruner]

No, Steve, they would not let you in. There's a high wall and guards.

[Steve Mitchell]

But I said I'd see you later and I will. With you here, I could grow wings.

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[Commissioner]

No, Mark. Forever's not here.

[Steve Mitchell]

Where is he?

[Carl / Hanson (cab driver)]

I do not know. Oh, he should have been here by now to open up the carnival.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, where does he live?

[Carl / Hanson (cab driver)]

At 25 Rollickstrasse.

[Narrator]

What?

[Steve Mitchell]

Max Rebel lives at 25 Rollickstrassen. Yeah.

[Commissioner]

You know where it is?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. I've got lumps to prove it. Thanks. Well, Mitchell, here we go again. 25 Rolex dresser. Hey, sounds like a fight inside.

[Karen Bruner]

Mitchell, help me.

[Max Raber]

Get these men off me.

[Carl / Hanson (cab driver)]

Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

It's the eager cab driver.

[Commissioner]

Carl, let's get out of here. Yeah, yeah.

[Steve Mitchell]

Too late, Hanson.

[Max Raber]

I will take care of this one, Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hey, you sure did take care of him, Reba. For a little guy, you sure swing a mean limb.

[Max Raber]

It's good you arrived when you did, Mitchell. Five minutes more would have been too late.

[Steve Mitchell]

You know, maybe I was wrong about you, Max.

[Commissioner]

Wrong?

[Carl / Hanson (cab driver)]

What do you mean?

[Max Raber]

Mitchell?

[Steve Mitchell]

I had you pegged as the boy arranged that hit on the head for me here last night.

[Max Raber]

Oh, I told you to come here and wait for me. When I got here, you disappeared.

[Steve Mitchell]

I'd get taken for a ride. Maybe by these two guys on the floor here. Hanson and what's the other one's name?

[Max Raber]

Hanson. Called him Carl, I think.

[Steve Mitchell]

Why'd they jump you just now?

[Max Raber]

They know that we're working together, that we're after Pharaoh307. They are also after it.

[Steve Mitchell]

Look, I'm gonna need your help. Have you ever seen Brunner?

[Max Raber]

No, but I've been watching his villa carefully the last few days. I think I know a way we can get into the grounds.

[Steve Mitchell]

Good.

[Max Raber]

At one place in the rear of the villa, there's a tree which overhangs the walls. It looks like a difficult climb, but perhaps we can make it.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay. We'll tie these two leaps up and leave them here for the present. And after dark, you and I will pay a little call on our. Here, Max, take my hand. I'll put you up to this next branch.

[Max Raber]

Yeah, Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

Thank you. We're almost to the top there. Now, I'll drop down inside of the wall first, then you follow. Okay.

[Max Raber]

Go ahead.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay. All right. Come ahead, Max.

[Karen Bruner]

Yeah.

[Steve Mitchell]

You okay?

[Max Raber]

Look, Mitchell, the lights in that wing of the building across the courtyard.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, that's where Karen says Bruna lives. We work our way over there and try to get in.

[Karen Bruner]

Steve, listen.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, great. The hound of the Baskervilles.

[Max Raber]

Look, Steve, a giant black dog coming for us.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, I see him. Well, that just about cooks us. No, wait. Get lost, Reba.

[Karen Bruner]

Huh?

[Max Raber]

Lost?

[Steve Mitchell]

Get under the brushes there. Watch where they take me and try to get to me later. Now get moving.

[Max Raber]

All right, Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hey, get away from me, you big lug. Hey, will somebody get like monster off.

[Carl / Hanson (cab driver)]

Of me or against them all?

[Steve Mitchell]

Hurry up. This dog gots me on his menu.

[Carl / Hanson (cab driver)]

So it is the nosy reporter.

[Steve Mitchell]

Get this Timberwolf off me, Stabber.

[Commissioner]

Get it off. Fritz, take this man to the room in the cellar and tie him up at.

[Steve Mitchell]

Who's there?

[Karen Bruner]

Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

Karen.

[Karen Bruner]

They told me you'd been captured in the grounds. How long have you been lying here in the cellar?

[Steve Mitchell]

I don't know. Half an hour, I guess.

[Karen Bruner]

You should not have tried to come back, Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

You're sorry I did, Karen.

[Karen Bruner]

Oh, Steve, I'm afraid for you.

[Steve Mitchell]

Look, just get me untied.

[Karen Bruner]

I cannot do that, Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

What? Now, look, angel, fun is fine.

[Karen Bruner]

Bruno would kill me if I did a thing like that.

[Steve Mitchell]

Look, you let me worry about Bernie.

[Karen Bruner]

I cannot untie you now. I must get back right away or they will become suspicious. But perhaps I can come back later.

[Steve Mitchell]

Come here. Okay, but make it sooner instead of later.

[Karen Bruner]

I'll try, Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

This is a great spot you got yourself in, Mitchell.

[Max Raber]

Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

Max. How long have you been in the next room?

[Max Raber]

For several minutes. Here, I'll untie you.

[Steve Mitchell]

Good.

[Max Raber]

I would have come in sooner, but from what I could hear, you were not very anxious to be rescued.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. Look, you know your way around this villa pretty well, don't you, Max? What do you mean finding these rooms in the cellar without much trouble.

[Max Raber]

I told you, I've been watching this villa the last few days.

[Steve Mitchell]

You're pretty short too, aren't you?

[Max Raber]

I. I do not understand.

[Steve Mitchell]

Karen told me Bruner was short.

[Max Raber]

Don't let your imagination run away with you.

[Steve Mitchell]

I'm trying not to. How did you get in here so easily anyway?

[Max Raber]

I diverted their attention by setting a fire in the yard.

[Steve Mitchell]

A fire in the. Hey, you believe in doing things up Brown, don't you?

[Max Raber]

Yeah, the last of the knots. Come on, Steve. Yeah, out of the side door, into the hall.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hey, no guards.

[Max Raber]

No, they're probably all fighting the fire out in the yard. Come up these stairs. We'll try to get over the back wall while Their attention is diverted over the wall.

[Steve Mitchell]

Look, I came to this villa after file 307, and I'm not leaving until I get it.

[Max Raber]

Steve, that's impossible. We will be lucky to escape with our lives. To continue the search for the document. That would mean certain deaths for both of us.

[Steve Mitchell]

You get discouraged too easy. This the door to the yard?

[Max Raber]

Yeah.

[Steve Mitchell]

All clear. Come on. Hey, that really is a fire you started.

[Max Raber]

Come, Mitchell. It's spreading toward the fun cave. It's our chance to get over the back wall.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hey, wait a minute, Max, we're not leaving yet.

[Max Raber]

What?

[Steve Mitchell]

Look. That building over there. It's Brunner's wing at the villa.

[Max Raber]

Steve, are you crazy? We cannot get in there.

[Steve Mitchell]

Why not? The door's open. This is our big chance, Reba.

[Max Raber]

Steve, I tell you.

[Steve Mitchell]

Look, I came all the way across the Atlantic to find that piece of paper. Come on. Anybody spot us?

[Max Raber]

I don't think so. They're all fighting the flames.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay, let's get inside. Close the door.

[Max Raber]

Yeah. Bruno must be out at the fire, too. Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. I thought Karen's apartment was something. This one looks like the Wall Door of Astoria. Well, come on. Let's go through some of these drawers.

[Max Raber]

But, Steve, if the document's in here, it's probably in a safe.

[Steve Mitchell]

You can't tell Brunner Might figure a safe would be the obvious place. Hey, what have you found?

[Max Raber]

Silk stockings and negligees, Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, me, too. I don't get it. I would. Wait a minute. Boy, I'm really slipping, Max. Sure took me a long time to catch on.

[Max Raber]

Steve, look, this leather case.

[Steve Mitchell]

Give it to me.

[Max Raber]

Someone's coming.

[Karen Bruner]

What?

[Steve Mitchell]

Here, put the case back in that drawer. Hurry.

[Karen Bruner]

Yeah. Well, Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

Karen Brunner, complete with gun.

[Max Raber]

Kevin Bruner.

[Karen Bruner]

I see you've discovered my little secret.

[Steve Mitchell]

I should have figured it. You're not Bruner's secretary. You're a Brunner.

[Karen Bruner]

You're lucky, Steve. Lucky that I feel a certain affection for you. Otherwise, your discovery would have cost you your life. Steve, stay away from that drawer. Another step and I'll shoot.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay, Karen. I lose.

[Karen Bruner]

That's better.

[Steve Mitchell]

You were.

[Karen Bruner]

Yes. You're getting very warm, Steve. So close to the right drawer, and yet so far.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. Well, what happens now?

[Karen Bruner]

Karen, I told you, you were lucky. I'm going to let you go, but you'd better go now.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay. Well, it was nice while it lasted, baby.

[Karen Bruner]

Yes, it was. And it would be something to remember when you're back in America. That even though Karen Bruner was A little too clever for you. She almost fell in love with you. Goodbye, Ste.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hi, Commissioner. Ruth said you wanted to see me as soon as I got back.

[Commissioner]

I certainly do, Steve. I got the cable you sent from Zurich before you left. So Karen, the beautiful secretary, turned out to be Bruner.

[Steve Mitchell]

She sure did, Steve.

[Commissioner]

You let me down badly, letting a woman razzle dazzle you like that.

[Steve Mitchell]

But I finally figured out she was Bruner, Commissioner.

[Commissioner]

Yes, but too late.

[Steve Mitchell]

Not quite. I didn't mention it in my cable, but here. What's that file? 307.

[Carl / Hanson (cab driver)]

What?

[Steve Mitchell]

That's what you sent me over there to get, isn't it? Why, yeah.

[Commissioner]

Yes, but I don't understand.

[Steve Mitchell]

You see, I'd found the papers and stuck them in my shirt before she walked in. And when I made a pass at the drawer where they'd been, she figured they were still there.

[Carl / Hanson (cab driver)]

I give up, Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

Of all the Karen was a razzle dazzle artist. But she forgot the two can play that kind of football. I guess she'd never run into the hidden ball play before. Yeah. So long, Commissioner.

[Narrator]

You have just heard the seventh in an exciting new adventure series, Dangerous Assignment. Starring Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell. Dangerous Assignment is written by Bob Rife and directed by Bill Karn with music by Bruce Ashley. This program came to you from hollywood. This is NBC, the national broadcasting company.

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