Podcast Summary: Dangerous Assignment – "International Blackmail" (03/20/1950)

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Host: Choice Classic Radio
Episode: Dangerous Assignment: International Blackmail
Release Date: January 7, 2026
Original Air Date: March 20, 1950

Overview

This episode of "Dangerous Assignment," starring Brian Donlevy as the tough and sardonic government agent Steve Mitchell, takes listeners to Switzerland, where Mitchell must intercept a deadly game of international blackmail. A stolen confession threatens to undermine democracy in a vulnerable European country, and Mitchell must secure the damaging document before rival operatives—each with their own motives and ruthlessness—get their hands on it. Facing betrayal, violence, and treachery, Mitchell’s task is complicated by spies, shifting loyalties, and a relentless chase through the snowbound Alps.

Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

The Assignment: Switzerland & The Blackmail Threat (00:41–02:26)

• Mitchell is briefed by his Commissioner about a dangerous case involving international blackmail. A controversial confession, extracted by force from a deceased pro-democracy leader, is about to fall into the wrong hands.
• The United States’ heavy investment in supporting the country’s fragile democracy is on the line.
• Mitchell learns that the confession was stolen before being used, and now a man named Baumgartner claims to have it for sale.
• The U.S. policy: "We don't bargain with blackmailers." Mitchell is ordered to recover the document without paying a cent.

"Get that document. Well, that’s it. You’ve got your assignment.” – Commissioner (02:21)

A Treacherous Welcome in Switzerland (03:13–06:59)

• Arriving in Interlaken, Mitchell is escorted up the snowy Alps by a contact named Rudy—who quickly turns out to be a rival agent determined to eliminate him.
• A tense confrontation takes place in a precarious cable car crossing a deep gorge. Rudy demands Mitchell's death:

  "We cannot pay as much as Uncle Moneybags. Therefore, we stop you before you arrive. Now, over the side." – Rudy (05:36)

• Mitchell narrowly outsmarts Rudy, leveraging Rudy’s military habits to disarm and overpower him—leading to Rudy’s apparent fall.

At the Jungfrau Inn: Baumgartner and the “Auction” (07:21–10:57)

• Inside the mountain inn, Mitchell contacts Baumgartner under suspicious circumstances.

• Baumgartner insists the document is in a safe deposit box in Bern, and he’s merely a broker, seeking the highest bid—demanding $100,000.

• Mitchell refuses to offer any money:

  “Not one cent, Baumgartner.” – Steve Mitchell (10:05)

• Tension rises as both sides try to gauge the other's intentions and trustworthiness. Mitchell pretends to play along, aiming to flush out adversaries and learn who’s truly behind the blackmail scheme.

Cross and Double-Cross: Gerlach and Lisa Appear (12:00–21:44)

• On the way back, Mitchell faces another attempt on his life orchestrated by Gerlach, a rival bidder, and his brutal henchman Hans.

  “Mitchell, tonight you killed one of my men…now an eye for an eye.” – Gerlach (13:07)

• They murder Mitchell’s bartender escort in cold blood, trying to force him to give up the key.
• After escaping (with unexpected help from a mysterious woman he met earlier, Lisa Strauss), Mitchell discovers Lisa is herself a bidder, with orders to eliminate competition—even if it means killing Mitchell.

"Because you can bid more than I am prepared to offer." – Lisa Strauss (18:55)
“I am also smart enough to know that you must be killed.” – Lisa (18:51)

• Their interaction is laced with both flirtation and lethal intent, culminating in a chaotic struggle in Lisa's apartment and a high-speed attempt on Mitchell's life.

Mitchell’s Gambit: Outmaneuvering the Rivals (21:44–25:34)

• Realizing money won’t sway Baumgartner and that fear might be more effective, Mitchell sows confusion.
• At the inn, he tells Baumgartner he’s leaving, implies he already has the key, and subtly hints to both Lisa and Hans (Gerlach’s man) that he’s won the prize.
• Both adversaries panic and follow Mitchell to the train bound for Bern, along with Baumgartner, now terrified for his life.

The Train Showdown: Who Has the Real Key? (24:12–28:06)

• On the train, Mitchell confronts Baumgartner, reveals his psychological manipulations, and pressures him to hand over the key for protection.
• Lisa bursts in, gun drawn, and soon after, Gerlach joins the fray. Chaos erupts: shots are fired, and alliances break down.
• Using a clever ruse, Mitchell throws a decoy key (his apartment key) out the window:

  “Now get over there behind the door. Keep your mind.”—Mitchell (26:15)
  “Well, okay, Baumgartner, here's the key. Catch.” – Mitchell (27:08)
  “Mitchell, you threw that key out the window?” – Baumgartner (27:13)

• Baumgartner and Lisa dash into the night, chasing the decoy, while Mitchell retains the real key.
• The final body count: Lisa is killed by Gerlach, who is left unconscious, and Baumgartner is left searching fruitlessly in the snow.

“Why, it’s the key to my apartment back in the States.” – Steve Mitchell (27:55)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Steve Mitchell's dry humor and defiance throughout are trademarks:

  “You call that a cable car? Looks more like an oversized coal bucket to me.” (04:23) “Well, happy rain check.” – Mitchell, to Lisa (18:01)

• Lisa’s conflicted interaction with Mitchell:

  “Steve, I have shot men before, but never one I liked so well so soon.” – Lisa (18:28)

• Clever psychological manipulation:

  “Fear does talk louder than money.” – Steve Mitchell (21:44, paraphrased narration)

• Final twist with Mitchell’s trick key:

  “I'd give a lot to see his face when he finds it. Why, it’s the key to my apartment back in the States.” – Steve Mitchell (27:55)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Briefing & Assignment: 00:41–02:26
• Cable Car Confrontation: 03:54–06:59
• Baumgartner Negotiation: 08:01–10:57
• Gerlach’s Ambush: 12:00–15:09
• Lisa’s Turn & Apartment Standoff: 16:05–20:34
• Mitchell’s Bluff Setup: 21:44–23:35
• Train Showdown & Escape: 24:12–28:06

Tone & Style

The episode blends classic detective bravado, sharp banter, and menacing tension—punctuated by dry wit, international intrigue, and a touch of noir romance. Mitchell faces threats and betrayals with resilience and a knack for improvisation, embodying the archetypal mid-century radio hero as he navigates peril with both fists and cunning.

Conclusion

In classic "Dangerous Assignment" fashion, Steve Mitchell survives a labyrinth of double-crosses using both brains and brawn, ensuring the confession remains out of hostile hands while letting adversaries chase shadows. The case closes with Mitchell en route to Bern—document in hand, ready for his next perilous mission.