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

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.

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."

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?"

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."

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."

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."

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."

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.

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

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.

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.