Dangerous Assignment: Guided Missile Plans 08/30/1950

Summary

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Dangerous Assignment: "Guided Missile Plans" (Original Air Date: 08/30/1950)

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Summary Date: May 20, 2026

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Overview of the Episode

This episode of “Dangerous Assignment” features Steve Mitchell, a U.S. government agent tasked with tracking down stolen microfilm containing secret guided missile plans. Dispatched to Europe, Steve follows a trail littered with deception, murder, and intrigue, leading from Dublin to London, Brighton, and finally the windswept cliffs of Providence Point. The case unravels through tense confrontations, sharp wit, and double-crosses, as Steve races against enemy agents to retrieve the critical microfilm.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. The Assignment: A Race Against Time

• [01:48] Steve Mitchell receives a new assignment from the Commissioner: recover a roll of microfilm with guided missile plans, recently stolen and likely smuggled to Europe by Ernest Weber.

• Mission Details: Travel to Dublin, then track leads through London and Brighton.

  “A roll of microfilm, Steve, containing the complete plans of our latest and most improved guided missile... and we think we know who smuggled them out of the country.” — Commissioner [02:35]

2. Tracking Weber

• [04:20]–[05:58] In Dublin, Steve quickly discovers Weber has fled to London, then Brighton, and back to London. The investigation grows complicated, with Weber covering his tracks.

• [05:01] Steve meets Inspector Buried at Weber’s London hotel room — only to find Weber already dead.

• Inspector Buried produces two innocent-looking postcards, possibly coded messages; a third postcard is suspected to exist.

  “Either Weber's already sold the film, in which case I'm too late. Or else, he's got it hidden somewhere. I'll have to take my chances on it being hidden.” — Steve Mitchell [07:04]

3. The Clue in the Postcards

• [07:42]–[09:06] In the coastal town of Hastings, Steve retrieves the elusive third postcard from Sutherland’s mail — found dead, like Weber. The card, picturing the Empire Hotel and marked with an "X" on a window, becomes the focal clue.

  “Yeah, from Weber, and it’s addressed to Sutherland... The Empire Hotel, Brighton, as seen through the trees from Providence Point. Good sized place, isn’t it?” — Steve Mitchell [08:31–08:50]

• [09:06]–[09:56] A harrowing moment follows: Steve is attacked in the fog but evades his assailant, confirming that others are after the microfilm too.

4. The Empire Hotel: Red Herrings & Rival Spies

• [10:11]–[14:44] At the Empire Hotel, Steve discovers room 317 (marked by the “X”) is occupied by Sheila Moore, a mysterious woman from Dublin. Steve tries—unsuccessfully—to exchange rooms.

  “You don’t understand... I’m not working for the hotel. Could I come in for a moment?” — Steve Mitchell [11:34]

• Sheila refuses to switch rooms, and another guest, Mr. Cholmondeley, reports his room (217, directly under 317) was ransacked, indicating someone else is searching for the microfilm.

5. A Trail of Suspicion

• [15:38]–[17:41] Both Sheila’s and Steve’s rooms are torn apart during the night. Steve accuses Sheila of searching for the microfilm, but her responses are cagey and ambiguous.

  “Quite a girl. She’s either real innocent or real smart. And I’ve got to find out which.” — Steve Mitchell [17:54]

• The next morning, Steve questions the Cholmondeleys about Sheila — learning she was seen trying to unlock their door, perhaps as a blind for her true intentions.

6. The Bicycle Chase & the Real "Point of View"

• [20:32]–[22:52] Sheila leaves suddenly; Steve follows her on a rented bicycle. He catches her on the coast as she prepares for a swim, but learns little new.

  “A French bathing suit on an Irish girl in England? You know, that’s the kind of international cooperation I like.” — Steve Mitchell [21:38]

• Later, back in Sheila’s room, Steve realizes the X on the postcard doesn’t mark a window, but a branch of a tree on Providence Point as seen from the hotel.

7. The Cliffside Finale: Betrayal and Showdown

• [24:17]–[25:56] Steve climbs the tree at Providence Point and discovers the microfilm — but Cooper (the hotel clerk from Hastings) threatens him. Before Cooper can act, Mr. Cholmondeley appears, revealing himself as the real mastermind. He admits to killing for the microfilm and threatens Steve.

  “That film will bring me about £25,000 on the open market. I’ve already killed three times to get it. And I’m quite capable of picking you out of that tree with one shot. It’s a long drop down to the briny, you know.” — Mr. Cholmondeley [26:30]

• Steve uses the weak tree branch to his advantage. As Cholmondeley climbs to confront him, Steve attacks, disarms him, and subdues the villain.

8. The Resolution

• [29:04]–[29:19] Steve hands over Cholmondeley to the authorities, sending him and his wife off to jail.

• In a final wry note, Steve muses that “most jail cells have some kind of a view from them,” tying back to the recurring theme about “point of view.”

  “And speaking of views, that reminds me... Of a pretty gorgeous hunk of scenery I want to resume my study of.” — Steve Mitchell [29:17]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Steve’s Wry Tone:

  “Danger is my assignment. I get sent to a lot of places I can't even pronounce—but they all spell the same thing: Trouble.” — Steve Mitchell [01:48–01:54]

• Sheila’s Banter:

  “A French bathing suit on an Irish girl in England? You know, that’s the kind of international cooperation I like.” — Steve Mitchell [21:38]

  “You certainly seem to have the wrong point of view about me.” — Sheila Moore [24:02]

• Cholmondeley's Cynicism:

  “Now, look, old boy, let's not be stupid. That film will bring me about £25,000 on the Open market. I've already killed three times to get it. And I'm quite capable of picking you out of that tree with one shot.” — Mr. Cholmondeley [26:30]

• Closing Quips & Wrap-up:

  “Most jail cells have some kind of a view from them. And speaking of views, that reminds me... of a pretty gorgeous hunk of scenery I want to resume my study of.” — Steve Mitchell [29:17]

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Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment/Content | |-----------|------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:48 | Steve Mitchell receives his assignment | | 04:55 | First confrontation in hotel, discovery of Weber's death | | 08:31 | Steve discovers the crucial postcard; the Empire Hotel clue | | 10:11 | Arrival at Empire Hotel, interaction with Sheila Moore | | 14:44 | Rooms ransacked, plot thickens | | 17:41 | Steve and Sheila's rooms vandalized, suspicion mounts | | 21:32 | Bicycle chase; Steve tracks Sheila to the coast | | 24:20 | Steve realizes the “point of view” clue; heads to Providence Point | | 25:13 | Confrontation with Cooper under the tree | | 26:30 | Cholmondeley's revelation, standoff in the tree | | 28:37 | Final struggle; Steve subdues Cholmondeley | | 29:04 | Conclusion, Steve's final quip |

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Summary & Takeaway

A tightly written espionage adventure, “Guided Missile Plans” delivers everything fans expect from “Dangerous Assignment”: globe-trotting intrigue, clever deduction, gunplay, and dry humor. Steve Mitchell follows a twisting series of red herrings and layered deceit—culminating in a climactic showdown on a windswept cliff, where “point of view” is both literal and metaphorical.

For listeners, this episode is a prime example of mid-century radio drama: brisk, witty, and brimming with classic spy atmosphere.

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Transcript

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[Choice Classic Radio Announcer]

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 donating at choiceclassicradio.com Wheaties presents Dangerous Assignment.

[Narrator]

On stage tonight from Hollywood, Dangerous Assignment. Another in the Wheaties big parade of exciting half hour presentations. Dangerous assignment. Starring brian dunleavy as steve mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, Danger is my assignment. I get sent to a lot of places I can't even pronounce, but they all spell the same thing.

[Frank Martin (Wheaties Man)]

Trouble.

[Steve Mitchell]

But when I walk into the Commissioner's office, I don't realize that this assignment is going to involve an innocent little picture postcard that almost turns out to be my death warrant. Morning, Commissioner. Ruth said you had something for me.

[Commissioner]

I do. Here it is, Steve. A plane ticket.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, no, not again so soon.

[Commissioner]

How soon can you get back?

[Steve Mitchell]

Look, the way you've had me hopping around the world lately, I don't even have anything left to pack. I've got a dirty shirt in practically every city in the world.

[Commissioner]

You're flying to Dublin, Ireland.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, fine. I don't even have a necktie there. But why Dublin?

[Commissioner]

You'll be looking for an object about the size of a walnut.

[Steve Mitchell]

I'm flying to Ireland to look for nuts. Look, I can find plenty of them right here at home. This is the size of a walnut.

[Commissioner]

But it's a whole lot more valuable. A roll of microfilm, Steve, containing the complete plans of our latest and most improved guided missile.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, stolen, huh?

[Commissioner]

Yes, and we think we know who smuggled them out of the country. A man named Ernest Weber? If so, he's got a two day start on you. He left by plane the day before yesterday. Here's his picture and all the data we have on him. It isn't much, Steve, but we're depending on you to get that microfilm. Well, that's it. You've got your assignment. Good luck.

[Narrator]

Dangerous assignment. Will continue in a moment. Now, here is the Wheaties man, Frank Martin.

[Frank Martin (Wheaties Man)]

If you've got a job to do tomorrow, folks, get your Wheaties. Sure. Breakfast of champions is for you. Just like it's for Ralph Kiner, pride of the Pittsburgh Pirates. You may not play ball for a living, but whatever your job is tomorrow, you can do it better on a better breakfast. And it's a better breakfast. You're starting with Wheaties. There's a whole kernel of wheat in every Wheaties flake. Yes, whole wheat, good sound, whole wheat. Plump and ripe and bursting with vitamins and minerals and protein for your vitality, your energy, your working power. So tumble the Wheaties out of the package, pour on the milk, put on the fruit, pick up the spoon and smile. You're eating good to be feeling good. Breakfast of champions for people who are going places. Are you ready? Triumph. See how wheaties at 7 can help at 11?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, that's my little cinch assignment. Just catch up to a guy who's got two days start on me and isn't going to slow down any. It's Sunday when I get to Dublin. It takes me six hours to trace Webber to a hotel, only to find out he's left for London. In London, they give me a lead that sends me to Brighton. There's a lot of seacoast there, but no Weber. I tickle a cab driver's memory with a few bucks and he tells me he took Weber to the depot two days ago to catch a train back to London. By now I know this guy is really trying to cover his trail. I also know I'm losing time fast. For lack of any other leads, I go back to the rooming house in London where Webber had stayed before.

[Hotel Guest (Mr. Cholmondeley)]

Ernest Webber?

[Steve Mitchell]

Why, yes.

[Hotel Guest (Mr. Cholmondeley)]

Yes, he returned here yesterday.

[Steve Mitchell]

Is he here now?

[Hotel Guest (Mr. Cholmondeley)]

Yes, he's in room two, right up front here. Just through those drapes.

[Steve Mitchell]

Thanks. Don't bother to tell him I'm here. I want to surprise him.

[Frank Martin (Wheaties Man)]

Hello.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, I didn't see you in the dark.

[Inspector Buried]

Looking for somebody, old boy?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. Room two.

[Inspector Buried]

Well, no, no. Quite a coincidence. That's the door I'm standing in front of.

[Steve Mitchell]

So I see. You'll mind getting out of my way There's a guy in there I want to see.

[Inspector Buried]

Webber. I wonder why.

[Steve Mitchell]

It doesn't happen to be any of your business.

[Inspector Buried]

Oh, I think you're mistaken there, old boy.

[Mr. Cholmondeley]

Quite.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. Look, old boy, if you don't get out of my way.

[Inspector Buried]

So you want to see Webber.

[Steve Mitchell]

I get it. You stand out here and stall me while he goes out the window.

[Inspector Buried]

Now, look, why don't you look instead? Here, I'll turn on the light for you.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hey.

[Inspector Buried]

Go ahead.

[Steve Mitchell]

Take a good look, brother. From ear to ear. Quiet.

[Hotel Clerk]

Which brings me back to my original question.

[Inspector Buried]

Why did you want to see Weber?

[Steve Mitchell]

Before I answer that, I want to know who's asking it.

[Inspector Buried]

Name's buried, Inspector.

[Steve Mitchell]

That is, I see. Well, as long as we're getting official, you better take a look at my credentials.

[Inspector Buried]

What ho, Washington.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. Weber smuggled some microfilm out of the States.

[Inspector Buried]

You know, that throws a little more light on it.

[Steve Mitchell]

How so?

[Inspector Buried]

A chap named Sutherland turned up dead this afternoon down the coast in Hastings. We found a couple of postcards on Sutherland's body.

[Steve Mitchell]

Decided to take a look at the

[Inspector Buried]

chap who'd been sending them. So I ran up here and found Webber dead.

[Steve Mitchell]

Could I see those cards?

[Hotel Clerk]

Right.

[Inspector Buried]

Oh, postcards themselves look innocent enough. Here they are.

[Steve Mitchell]

Thanks. First one was mailed from Dublin. Just arrived. We'll keep you posted. Right.

[Inspector Buried]

And the second was mailed to Sutherland from London. Like it here, but I'm moving on. Will let you know when and where I settle down.

[Steve Mitchell]

That sounds like there should be a third card.

[Inspector Buried]

We found only these two on Sutherland's body.

[Steve Mitchell]

You gave this room a going over. Quiet.

[Inspector Buried]

No microphone. Either on Webber's body or in the room, if that's what you mean.

[Steve Mitchell]

Either Webber's already sold the film, in which case I'm too late. Or else he's got it hidden somewhere. I'll have to take my chances on it being hidden.

[Inspector Buried]

I don't envy you your search, old boy. A little like the proverbial needle in the haystack, you know?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. You say this other guy, Sutherland, was killed in a town called Hastings? Right.

[Inspector Buried]

It's south of here on the coast.

[Steve Mitchell]

Where was he staying?

[Inspector Buried]

There a spot called the Sea Cliff Inn.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay. I think I'll take a run down there and see what I can find out on that end.

[Cooper (Hotel Clerk from Hastings)]

Good evening, Governor.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hi, brother. That fog is really thick outside.

[Cooper (Hotel Clerk from Hastings)]

Oh, it's not really so bad, Governor. I've seen it a lot worse. Cooper's my name. At your service. Would you like a room?

[Steve Mitchell]

I'd like a little Information, Cooper, information. What about the guy who got himself killed here today, Mr. Sutherland.

[Cooper (Hotel Clerk from Hastings)]

Oh, poor bloke. Well, there's not really much I can tell you about him, Governor. You know, on a job like this, you can't help picking him up. Little things here and there. But I never heard this bloke Sutherland say nothing. And to the best of my knowledge, he had no visitors. Oh, hello, Harry.

[Mr. Cholmondeley]

Bit of a thick one outside, Cooper. Here's the afternoon mail.

[Cooper (Hotel Clerk from Hastings)]

I just put all the dust there.

[Steve Mitchell]

Right, Al.

[Cooper (Hotel Clerk from Hastings)]

Well, sorry I can't help you. More about your friend Sutherland, Governor. But if you excuse me now, I'll be sorting the mail.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay. Wait a minute.

[Cooper (Hotel Clerk from Hastings)]

What's that?

[Steve Mitchell]

You've got a picture postcard in that stack of mail. Let's see it.

[Cooper (Hotel Clerk from Hastings)]

No, see, I can't have you reading the guests.

[Steve Mitchell]

Maid, let me have it. Yeah, from Webber, and it's addressed to Sutherland.

[Cooper (Hotel Clerk from Hastings)]

Oh, sorry, Governor. I didn't realize it was sent to your friend. Let's see, it was sent from Brighton. Yes, that's a picture of the Empire Hotel there. Quite a nice spot, too.

[Steve Mitchell]

The Empire Hotel, Brighton, as seen through the trees from Providence Point. Good sized place, isn't it? I.

[Cooper (Hotel Clerk from Hastings)]

What's the matter?

[Steve Mitchell]

Nothing. Just looking at the picture.

[Cooper (Hotel Clerk from Hastings)]

That blinking switchboard again. Excuse me, Governor.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, sure, sure. Take your time, Govern. I slip the postcard into my pocket and ease quietly out the door while Cooper's on the phone. This is a postcard I've been looking for. The message reads like it here. Guess I'll stay. And on the picture of the hotel, there's an X over one of the windows. So now I'm pretty sure where the microfilm is hidden. Outside, the fog is swirling thicker than ever. I can't see three feet in front of me. I head in the direction the depot supposed to be. And then I hear steps. I stop. The steps stop. I start again. So do the steps. But in the fog I can't tell where they're coming from. I stop again. The steps keep coming. Suddenly, a figure looms up, something shiny in his hand. I hit the sidewalk. The knife hits the door behind me. I scramble to my feet, take off after him, but he just melts into the fog. I can't tell which way he went, but I try about three different directions. I spot nothing. Finally, I give up. I managed to find the depot and take the train along the coast to the Empire Hotel in Brighton.

[Hotel Clerk]

Good evening, sir. You wish a room? Yeah, just sign the register, please.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay. There's one room in particular I'd like to have. Oh, I stayed here once before, several years ago in that room and liked it very much.

[Hotel Clerk]

Well, now, I'll do me best to arrange it, sir. What room might that be?

[Steve Mitchell]

I don't remember the number, but it's the third room from the north end of the hotel on the third floor.

[Hotel Clerk]

Ah, yes, yes. That'd be 317.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, that's it. How about it?

[Hotel Clerk]

One moment, sir. Now I check. Yes. Yes, here we are. I'm sorry, sir, but that room is taken.

[Steve Mitchell]

I see. Who has it?

[Hotel Clerk]

Ms. She Lamour, from Dublin.

[Steve Mitchell]

Dublin? You mind telling me how long ago she checked in?

[Hotel Clerk]

Why, no, no, she checked in only yesterday. I don't know how long she's planning to stay here at the Empire, sir.

[Inspector Buried]

But if.

[Hotel Clerk]

If you really would prefer that room now, perhaps you could talk to her and see if she'd be willing to exchange it for another.

[Steve Mitchell]

You know, that's a good idea. See you later.

[Sheila Moore]

Yes?

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, Ms. Moore?

[Sheila Moore]

Yes? And who are you?

[Steve Mitchell]

Steve Mitchell. I'd like to talk to you if I could. And what about your room here?

[Sheila Moore]

Oh, it's quite comfortable, thank you.

[Steve Mitchell]

You don't understand. I'm not working for the hotel. Could I come in for a moment?

[Sheila Moore (alternate tag)]

Well, I was just leaving for a little walk.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay. I'll ride down in the elevator with you.

[Sheila Moore]

All right. And just what is it you want to talk about, Mr. Mitchell?

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, I was wondering if you'd mind taking another room.

[Sheila Moore]

Oh, and why would I want to do that?

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, you see, I had the room you're staying in a few years back, and I liked it very much.

[Sheila Moore (alternate tag)]

So do I. There's an excellent view from it.

[Steve Mitchell]

Would you consider trading rooms with me?

[Sheila Moore]

No, I don't think so.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, that room seems to mean a lot to you.

[Sheila Moore]

Strange.

[Sheila Moore (alternate tag)]

I was just thinking it must mean

[Sheila Moore]

a lot to you.

[Steve Mitchell]

After you. You're from Dublin, aren't you? Yes, on a vacation here.

[Sheila Moore (alternate tag)]

My, but you're a nosy one, aren't you?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, sort of.

[Sheila Moore (alternate tag)]

I've always wanted a holiday in Brighton, so now I'm taking one.

[Sheila Moore]

And will there be any other questions, Mr. Mitchell?

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, the reason I was asking about Dublin. A friend of mine passed through there a few days ago, and I thought you might know him. Ernest Webber.

[Sheila Moore (alternate tag)]

Dublin's a large city, Mr. Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Weber had an accident in London this afternoon.

[Sheila Moore]

Serious?

[Steve Mitchell]

Fatal.

[Sheila Moore]

I'm sorry.

[Steve Mitchell]

Maybe that isn't exactly news to you.

[Sheila Moore (alternate tag)]

Now, if I don't even know the man, it would have to be news, wouldn't it?

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, here we are. You know, if you should reconsider about

[Sheila Moore]

the room, I don't expect I will.

[Sheila Moore (alternate tag)]

I.

[Steve Mitchell]

What's the matter?

[Sheila Moore (alternate tag)]

A little embarrassing. Man and his wife talking to the kirk.

[Mr. Cholmondeley]

A fine thing when a man and his wife can't come down to a shore for a holiday without having a beastly thing like this happen.

[Hotel Clerk]

Well, no, no, no. I, I, I, I'm very sorry, man. I can't understand it. We haven't been troubled by burglars for

[Hotel Guest (Mr. Cholmondeley)]

quite a while, but we have very little of value. Why would burglars pick our room? I can't. Oh, miss Moore.

[Sheila Moore]

Hello, Mrs. Cholmondeley.

[Hotel Guest (Mr. Cholmondeley)]

But I thought you had a headache, my dear.

[Sheila Moore (alternate tag)]

I did, but it's better now. I thought I'd just get a little breath of fresh air before bed.

[Hotel Guest (Mr. Cholmondeley)]

The most dreadful thing has happened, my dear.

[Sheila Moore]

What do you mean?

[Mr. Cholmondeley]

Well, you remember right after dinner, you said you had a headache?

[Sheila Moore]

Yes, a splitter.

[Mr. Cholmondeley]

Mrs. Chumbley and I had a bit of a stroll along the coast, but when we came back to our room just a few minutes ago, we found it completely ransacked.

[Steve Mitchell]

What room are you staying in?

[Mr. Cholmondeley]

I don't believe I had the pleasure, sir.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh.

[Mr. Cholmondeley]

Oh.

[Hotel Clerk]

Oh, this is Mr. Mitchell, Mr. Cholmondeley. Mr. Mitchell just arrived.

[Inspector Buried]

No.

[Mr. Cholmondeley]

Well, I can't quite see what concern it is of yours, old boy, but we're staying in room 217. That is, we were staying there until this beastly thing happened.

[Hotel Clerk]

We'll have your room put back in order immediately, Mr. Choley.

[Mr. Cholmondeley]

Very well. Come along, Martha. We may as well have a spot or something while we're waiting.

[Steve Mitchell]

Room 217. That's the room right under yours, isn't it, Miss Moore?

[Sheila Moore]

I suppose so. Why?

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, just wondering.

[Mr. Cholmondeley]

Hey, were you able to affect an

[Hotel Clerk]

exchange of rooms with Ms. Moore, Mr. Mitchell?

[Sheila Moore (alternate tag)]

No, he wasn't.

[Hotel Clerk]

Oh.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, very well.

[Hotel Clerk]

Now, I have another nice room for you, sir. 224. I've taken the liberty of having your luggage sent up there.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay. I guess that'll have to do. You care for a drink, Ms. Morse?

[Sheila Moore]

No, thanks.

[Sheila Moore (alternate tag)]

I think I'll be getting back to my room.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh. Change your mind about taking the walk?

[Sheila Moore]

Yes.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, I'll see you around, Sheila. Sheila heads for the elevator, and I fish the picture postcard out of my pocket and take another look. The Empire Hotel seen through the trees from Providence Point. Up to now. I thought the X on the card was on the window of room 317, but now I see that a branch of a tree on Providence Points partially covers the window of 317 and that the x is under the branch. So the X could be either under 317 or over 217. And whoever else is looking for that microfilm apparently thinks 217 is the room. I go up to my own room, still thinking about it, reach for the light switch, and just then somebody lowers the boom on me.

[Narrator]

Steve Mitchell will continue his dangerous assignment in just a moment.

[Frank Martin (Wheaties Man)]

You know, the world isn't so tough to face when you've got a good breakfast under your belt. And it doesn't matter what part of the world you're facing either. Farmers can farm better, salesmen can sell better, Sawyers can saw better on a better breakfast. And that's what you start when you start with Wheaties. Because here are flakes of whole wheat. Whole wheat. There's a whole kernel of wheat in every Wheaties flake. Yes, there's a whole kernel of wheat in every Wheaties flake. That's why I say Wheaties can give so much. The vitamins, the minerals, the wonderful energy of whole wheat. And that's why I say pull the chair out at the table. Tomorrow at breakfast time, sit down to a meal that starts with Wheaties and see if you don't feel the difference in smoother work all morning long. It's the whole wheat nourishment that helps. Of course, it's no fun getting up in the morning to just a batch of vitamins and minerals. Uh huh. Wouldn't that be dull? But it's fun. You bet it is. To lay spoon to crisp, flaky little flakes called Wheaties. Pour on the cold milk, put on the fruit you like best and eat happy breakfast of champions. Breakfast for you. Come on, now you try it. See how Wheaties at 7 can help at 11.

[Narrator]

And now back to Dangerous Assignment and Steve Mitchell.

[Sheila Moore]

Oh, Mr. Mitchell.

[Sheila Moore (alternate tag)]

Steve.

[Sheila Moore]

Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, Sheila.

[Sheila Moore]

Are you all right?

[Steve Mitchell]

No, but I guess I'll live. What are you doing here in my room?

[Sheila Moore]

Well, when I got down to my own room, it was all torn apart.

[Steve Mitchell]

Why yes.

[Sheila Moore]

And I remembered you've been so anxious

[Sheila Moore (alternate tag)]

to get that room and I thought

[Sheila Moore]

you might have had something to do with it. Look, so I came down here to your room.

[Sheila Moore (alternate tag)]

The door was part way open.

[Sheila Moore]

I saw you lying here on the floor.

[Steve Mitchell]

Speaking of rooms getting torn apart, take a look at this one.

[Sheila Moore (alternate tag)]

Yes, I noticed it as soon as I turned on the light.

[Steve Mitchell]

What a mess. Yeah. Looks like somebody's doing their best to remodel this hotel. First Mr. Chumley's room, then Yours now, mine.

[Sheila Moore]

What's it all about, Steve?

[Steve Mitchell]

That's a good question. Sheila. Maybe I can give you the answer. Before long, After she's gone, I start putting my room back together again. Then I remember the postcard. It's not in the pocket I put it in. I go through my other pockets and I find it in one of them. So whoever clouded me on the head a few minutes ago took a look at it then? Well, at this point, I don't know where the microfilm is or who has it. All I'm sure of is that I don't know. Then I think about Sheila. Quite a girl. She's either real innocent or real smart. And I've got to find out which. The next morning when I go downstairs, I spot Mr. And Mrs. Chumley having breakfast.

[Mr. Cholmondeley]

Drive down the coast today, my dear, the sun's out for a change and.

[Steve Mitchell]

Good morning.

[Frank Martin (Wheaties Man)]

Huh?

[Mr. Cholmondeley]

Oh, Mitchell, isn't it?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. We were introduced last night in the lobby when you reported your room ransacked.

[Hotel Guest (Mr. Cholmondeley)]

Of course, Mr. Mitchell. Won't you sit down?

[Steve Mitchell]

Thanks.

[Mr. Cholmondeley]

Care for a spot of breakfast with us, old boy?

[Steve Mitchell]

No, thanks. But I would like to ask you a couple of questions about Sheila Moore, if you don't mind. Not at all.

[Mr. Cholmondeley]

Rather taking your fancy, eh?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, sort of.

[Mr. Cholmondeley]

By Jove, I don't blame you. If I were 10 years younger myself. And, well, weren't, of course, already married to the loveliest person in the world.

[Hotel Guest (Mr. Cholmondeley)]

You got that in just in time, Arthur. She does seem to be a lovely girl, Mr. Mitchell. What is she? Wanted to know about her.

[Steve Mitchell]

How long have you known her?

[Mr. Cholmondeley]

Matter of fact, we just met her yesterday afternoon. Rather amusing circumstances, come to think of it.

[Steve Mitchell]

What do you mean?

[Hotel Guest (Mr. Cholmondeley)]

We were just returning to our room from a stroll when we found her trying to unlock our door.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh?

[Mr. Cholmondeley]

Yes. You see, her room is directly above ours, and I suppose she got confused.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, sure.

[Hotel Guest (Mr. Cholmondeley)]

We struck up a conversation with her and it ended by agreeing to have dinner together. But she developed a headache and left us early.

[Steve Mitchell]

And when you returned to your room after that, it had been torn apart?

[Mr. Cholmondeley]

That's right. I say, don't think that she could have had anything to do with it.

[Steve Mitchell]

There's probably no connection at all. Mr. Cholmondeley.

[Cooper (Hotel Clerk from Hastings)]

I beg your pardon, Governor. Could I have a word with you?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. Excuse me, Mrs. Cholmondeley.

[Hotel Guest (Mr. Cholmondeley)]

Of course.

[Mr. Cholmondeley]

Expect we'll see you later, old boy.

[Inspector Buried]

Yeah.

[Cooper (Hotel Clerk from Hastings)]

Oh, I'm not disturbing you, Governor, but you see, I am.

[Steve Mitchell]

You're the hotel clerk I talked to in Hastings yesterday afternoon.

[Cooper (Hotel Clerk from Hastings)]

Right you are. Cooper's a name.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. What are you doing here in Brighton?

[Cooper (Hotel Clerk from Hastings)]

Well, you remember I told you then I was coming up the island vacation.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, yeah, but.

[Cooper (Hotel Clerk from Hastings)]

Well, to tell the truth, governor, I've been looking for you.

[Steve Mitchell]

Why?

[Cooper (Hotel Clerk from Hastings)]

Like you told me yesterday. I hope Teleclogo keeps his eyes and ears open. Is liable to pick up things here and there.

[Steve Mitchell]

I get it. What's the bite?

[Cooper (Hotel Clerk from Hastings)]

Now, I'm not a greedy chap, you know. And how much it's worth us is up to you.

[Steve Mitchell]

Wait a minute.

[Cooper (Hotel Clerk from Hastings)]

Well, I haven't told you yet, Governor.

[Steve Mitchell]

Save it until I get back. What yanks me into motion is a glimpse of Sheila Moore with a dressing case under her arm just disappearing out the side door. When I get to the sidewalk, she's down the street renting a bicycle. She starts pedaling down the road that leads along the coast. So I rent a bicycle and climb aboard. Great way to be chasing a suspect. Well, it's 20 years since I've ridden one of these contraptions. And all the dogs in town seem to agree that now is no time to break the spell. Get out of here.

[Cooper (Hotel Clerk from Hastings)]

Go in.

[Steve Mitchell]

Get out of. I finally get out of town with both legs and both wheels. I can see Sheila up ahead of me, and she turns towards the coast. But when I get to the spot, she's disappeared and I see her bicycle tracks leading down towards a clump of bushes. I park my velocipede and ease over. Well.

[Sheila Moore (alternate tag)]

Well is right. Can't a girl even change into a bathing suit without you poking around?

[Steve Mitchell]

A French bathing suit on an Irish girl in England? You know, that's the kind of international cooperation I like. Sheila.

[Sheila Moore (alternate tag)]

You followed me here. Quite flattering.

[Sheila Moore]

You are the persistent type, aren't you?

[Steve Mitchell]

I'm glad I was. I didn't realize what a beautiful view there is around here.

[Sheila Moore (alternate tag)]

Oh, well, I don't really have any complaints about the view from from where I stand either.

[Steve Mitchell]

You know, two nature lovers like us ought to have a lot to talk about.

[Sheila Moore (alternate tag)]

We might at that.

[Steve Mitchell]

Maybe over a drink and some lunch?

[Sheila Moore (alternate tag)]

I would like a swim first, though.

[Steve Mitchell]

Go right ahead. Don't mind me.

[Sheila Moore (alternate tag)]

As a matter of fact, I don't.

[Frank Martin (Wheaties Man)]

Know.

[Sheila Moore]

Ah, it's been a wonderful day, Steve. Swim, lunch, bicycle ride.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, my legs are killing me now.

[Sheila Moore (alternate tag)]

It's sunset already. Just look out the window. Isn't it beautiful? Water, sun slipping down behind that point over there.

[Steve Mitchell]

Providence Point. You know, you do get quite a view from your room here.

[Sheila Moore (alternate tag)]

So now we're talking about views again.

[Inspector Buried]

Yeah.

[Steve Mitchell]

So?

[Sheila Moore]

It's nice day, Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

You know, the view's getting better by the moment.

[Sheila Moore (alternate tag)]

View out the window, you mean?

[Steve Mitchell]

Sure, sure.

[Sheila Moore (alternate tag)]

Now you see why I didn't want

[Sheila Moore]

to give up this room.

[Steve Mitchell]

Sorry you mentioned that, Sheila. Look, this is all very pleasant, but if you're trying to pull a little razzle dazzle over my eyes, you better give up.

[Sheila Moore]

I don't know what you're talking about.

[Steve Mitchell]

I don't know just where you fit into this, but it's time we found out.

[Sheila Moore]

What do you mean?

[Steve Mitchell]

I think you know. I've been looking for something. It's fairly obvious that's not what I mean. Yeah, it could have been you right from the start.

[Sheila Moore]

What could have been me?

[Steve Mitchell]

You figured it was hidden in this room. That's why you wouldn't change room. What? But you couldn't find it here, so you thought it might be in the room directly below Chumley's room. You tore it apart looking for it. But it wasn't there, Steve. And you tore your own room apart. There's a cover for yourself. At this point. You figured I might have gotten it, so you slugged me and searched my room.

[Sheila Moore (alternate tag)]

Look, if there was something of value hidden here and I had gotten it, do you think I'd still be staying around here? That would be stupid.

[Steve Mitchell]

Stupid? Or awfully smart.

[Sheila Moore (alternate tag)]

I don't know what this is all about, Steve. For all I can say is you certainly seem to have the wrong point of view about me.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, I guess so, Sheila. But if I've got the wrong point of view about you, that means I'm fresh out of Leeds and I'm licked. I.

[Sheila Moore]

What's the matter, Steve?

[Steve Mitchell]

Wait a minute.

[Sheila Moore]

What's wrong?

[Sheila Moore (alternate tag)]

Why are you staring out the window?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, I guess I've had the wrong point of view right from the start. See you later, Sheila. I go outside, get on my trusty bicycle and pedal around the shoreline to Providence Point. It's dark, right when I get there. I fish the postcard out and take a look. And then I find the right tree. It's on the edge of the cliff over the ocean. I start climbing. Second branch I grab starts to break. I grab another one just in time. Keep from taking a long dive, I climb a few feet more. And then I stop and sight along the tree towards the lights of the Empire Hotel. Across the water, just a little higher. So I climbed some more. Then I spotted, taped to a branch of the tree, the roll of microfilm. Good work, Governor, Huh?

[Cooper (Hotel Clerk from Hastings)]

Just toss it down to me, Governor.

[Steve Mitchell]

Cooper, the hotel clerk from Hastings.

[Cooper (Hotel Clerk from Hastings)]

What? You are Governor now? Just toss down a little bundle down to me, if you will, please.

[Steve Mitchell]

So your story about having information from me was just a cover to explain your presence here in Brighton?

[Cooper (Hotel Clerk from Hastings)]

Partly that, Governor. Of course, I did have some information there, you know. Didn't I?

[Steve Mitchell]

You? Yeah, I guess it all fits. You found out Webber and Sutherland were involved with the microfilm.

[Cooper (Hotel Clerk from Hastings)]

That's right.

[Steve Mitchell]

You knocked off both of them to get it. And then you realized the clue was in the postcard that I had swiped. You followed me to Brighton, ransacked a couple of rooms, and then decided to let me figure out the postcard. I did. I realized the X on the card meant this tree, not a hotel room. So you let me lead you to the film.

[Cooper (Hotel Clerk from Hastings)]

Well, you've got a bit twisted, Governor. I just stepped into the deal. In the middle, you might say.

[Mr. Cholmondeley]

And it's time you stepped out.

[Steve Mitchell]

Chumley.

[Narrator]

No.

[Mr. Cholmondeley]

Now, Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

How's your charming wife? Chumley?

[Mr. Cholmondeley]

Packing at the moment. We'll be leaving as soon as you give me the microfilm.

[Steve Mitchell]

Looks like I made a little mistake in who was really behind this deal. You tore your own room apart just as a cover fight.

[Mr. Cholmondeley]

Blighter Cooper made a big mistake sticking his nose into the deal. But he's safely out of the way now. Toss that film down to me, Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Sorry, no sale.

[Mr. Cholmondeley]

Now, look, old boy, let's not be stupid. That film will bring me about £25,000 on the Open market. I've already killed three times to get it. And I'm quite capable of picking you out of that tree with one shot. It's a long drop down to the briny, you know.

[Steve Mitchell]

So it is. But if I take the dive, this microfilm goes with me. Where does that leave you?

[Mr. Cholmondeley]

I see. Mitchell, perhaps in that case, we could work out some sort of financial agreement by which we could both benefit.

[Steve Mitchell]

There's only one agreement I'm interested in. If you want this microfilm, come up and get it.

[Mr. Cholmondeley]

Oh, determined to play Tarzan, eh? Well, I think this gun of mine is more than a match for your muscles.

[Steve Mitchell]

Very well.

[Mr. Cholmondeley]

I'm coming up, Mitchell. And this gun will be pointed at you every inch of the way.

[Narrator]

You will hear the conclusion of Dangerous Assignment in a moment. First, here is the Wheaties man, Frank Martin.

[Frank Martin (Wheaties Man)]

Well, tomorrow's Thursday, and you can breeze through your work right up till noon with Wheaties to help. Sure, what Wheaties can do for you every morning. Every morning? Wheaties with milk and fruit at breakfast can help. Send you Striding through the morning high, wide and handsome. Because listen. There's a whole kernel of wheat in every Wheaties flake. Think of that. There's a whole kernel of wheat in every Wheaties flake. That's a lot of vitamins and minerals and protein for a Wheaties flake to be carrying around. But it's true just as sure as Wheaties are crisp and sunny and naturally sweet. That's why Wheaties have so much. That's why Wheaties at 7 can help at 11. So get the energy there is in Wheaties. Have some tomorrow. Breakfast of champions yourself. See how Wheaties at 7 can help at 11.

[Steve Mitchell]

It's my only chance. The weak branch that almost broke when I climbed the tree. Chumley starts climbing. He reaches the first branch, still holding the gun on me. Then he grabs for the second branch. I dive at him. You can't aim when you're off balance.

[Cooper (Hotel Clerk from Hastings)]

Get off me.

[Inspector Buried]

Sorry.

[Steve Mitchell]

No, I'll take the gun. Here's a hammer lock for you. I think that'll keep you nice and neat for a while.

[Cooper (Hotel Clerk from Hastings)]

What are you going to do?

[Steve Mitchell]

We'll go back and help your wife pack. Of course, your destination will be changed slightly, but most jail cells have some kind of a view from them. And speaking of views, that reminds me.

[Cooper (Hotel Clerk from Hastings)]

Remind you of what?

[Steve Mitchell]

Of a pretty gorgeous hunk of scenery. I want to resume my study of come.

[Narrator]

Dangerous assignments, starring Brian Dunlevy as Steve Mitchell, is written by Bob Reif with music composed by Dazzle Adlam and conducted by Ralph Hollenbeck and is produced and directed by Bill Karn. Dramatic portions were transcribed.

[Frank Martin (Wheaties Man)]

And this is the Wheaties man, Frank Martin, inviting you to join us again next Wednesday when Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell embarks on another dangerous assignment on the Wheaties Big Parade. See you then.

[Narrator]

Coming up, the Falcon 3 chimes mean good times on NBC.

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