Dangerous Assignment: Memory Chain Equation (Munich) 11/18/1950

Summary

Podcast Summary: Choice Classic Radio Detectives

Episode: Dangerous Assignment: Memory Chain Equation (Munich) (11/18/1950)
Date Released: July 1, 2026
Main Detective: Steve Mitchell (voiced by Brian Dunleavy)
Setting: International intrigue spanning Lisbon, Paris, Munich, and the Alps

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Episode Overview

In this thrilling episode of Dangerous Assignment, government operative Steve Mitchell is dispatched to Munich to break the "Memory Chain," an underground network smuggling secrets through Europe by word of mouth. The case revolves around a vital chemical equation passed along a clandestine human relay, with each "runner" memorizing and transferring the information. Mitchell's objective: intercept the final runner and prevent sensitive data from reaching hostile hands behind the Iron Curtain.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Progression

1. Introduction to the Assignment (00:44–03:25)

• Steve Mitchell receives his assignment from Commissioner Ruth: track a dangerous espionage network dubbed the "memory chain."
• The chain is a pipeline for leaking information by memorization—no documents, just runners.
• Mitchell’s target zone is Munich, with a suspect named Eva Schaefer allegedly involved.

  "Seriously, Steve, this is the toughest proposition we've ever been up against. It’s a skillfully organized pipeline…" — Commissioner Ruth (01:44)

2. Surveillance Begins in Munich (03:25–07:18)

• Mitchell meets ally Kurt Allison at the Koenigsberg Hotel; microphones are set up in Eva's room.

• The team observes Eva’s suspicious activities: she receives a paper from a bellboy (possibly a signal), then taps a pipe with a pencil—suspected message-passing.

• Kurt tails Eva but is fatally shot during the pursuit, as is Eva, breaking another link in the memory chain.

  "I know a message has been passed on and the runner's gotten away." —Steve Mitchell (06:31)

3. The Hotel Exodus (08:04–09:41)

• Mitchell questions the desk clerk and learns several suspects—Helen Kent, Carlos Grippo, and Herr Gordel (“the stout gentleman”)—have left for the Bauerbach Inn near the Alps.
• There’s mention of a mysterious fourth woman who left in a hurry.

4. At the Bauerbach Inn: Games of Deception (09:41–15:50)

• Steve checks in and socializes with the inn’s guests, especially Helen Kent and Carlos Grippo. Herr Gordel joins later, boasting of his photographic memory.
• Flirtations, suspicions, and banter ensue, but hidden agendas abound.
• Helen Kent arranges a climb in the Alps with August, the guide.

5. The Mountain Ascent: Danger and Suspense (17:25–26:48)

• The group, now including Steve, Helen, Carlos, Herr Gordel, and August the guide, begin a treacherous climb.
• Multiple close calls: missing and swapped ice axes, near-miss “accidents” (a boulder almost hits Steve; Helen appears to sprain her ankle).
• Both Carlos and Gordel vie to accompany August to the top—heightening Steve’s suspicion that one is the final “runner.”
• August insists Steve be his climbing partner, leaving the others behind.

6. The Big Reveal: The Memory Chain’s Last Link (24:14–27:40)

• On the exposed cliff face, August reveals himself as the last link in the memory chain:

  "So you're the last link in the memory chain." —Steve Mitchell (26:02)

• August tries to kill Steve by cutting the rope, intending to escape over the border with the valuable secret.
• Steve, thinking quickly, cuts his own rope at a crucial swing, landing safely and causing August to fall to his death instead.

7. Resolution and Closing Remarks (27:40–28:07)

• Carlos and the others reunite with Steve. The “memory chain” is broken:

  "Looks like I owe the three of you an apology, Grippo." —Steve Mitchell (27:29)
  "The last link in the memory chain just lost his memory. You might say he got amnesia the hard way." —Steve Mitchell (27:41)

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Memorable Quotes and Moments

• Humor in Danger:

  "Any idea how far along the chain it is by now?" —Steve Mitchell
  "Sounds like we're running a poor second all along the line." —Steve Mitchell (02:19)

• On Espionage:

  "It's all done by a system of runners. Each runner memorizes the information and passes it on…right now, a vital chemical equation is somewhere along that pipeline." —Commissioner Ruth (01:44)

• On Suspicion and Deception:

  "You really must want to get up that mountain bad, Gordel."
  "On the contrary, Mr. Mitchell, I delight in acting upon the slightest whim." —(14:27)

• Climactic Confrontation:

  "Hey, you pulled me loose." —Steve Mitchell
  "So I did. Now you are just dangling in the air at the end of that rope." —August, the guide (25:52)

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Important Timestamps

• Introduction of mission: 00:44–03:00
• Surveillance in Munich: 03:25–07:18
• Fatal chase and message passing: 06:31–07:41
• Munich hotel exodus: 08:04–09:41
• Arrival and intrigue at Alpine inn: 09:41–15:50
• The mountaineering party assembles: 17:25–18:02
• Climbing dangers and close calls: 18:25–24:14
• The truth about August, the guide: 24:14–27:13
• Resolution, villain’s defeat: 27:13–28:07

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Style and Tone

This episode captures classic Cold War intrigue, spiked with dry wit and double entendres characteristic of the detective genre. Steve Mitchell’s bravado and sardonic humor play off the suspenseful atmosphere, while misdirection and shifting alliances keep listeners guessing till the end.

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Conclusion

“Memory Chain Equation” delivers a compact, adrenaline-packed story blending espionage, witty repartee, and a dramatic alpine showdown. The twist—that the innocuous guide is the actual spy—capitalizes on audience expectations and showcases old-time radio’s flair for suspense and misdirection. Steve Mitchell’s relentless pursuit and quick thinking ultimately save the day, severing the memory chain at its final link.

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]

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. They all spell the same thing, though.

[Commissioner Ruth]

Trouble.

[Steve Mitchell]

But when I walk into the Commissioner's office, I don't realize that this assignment's gonna end up with me dangling from the wrong end of a ro. Well, here he is, Commissioner.

[Commissioner Ruth]

Thanks, Ruth.

[August (Guide)]

Steve.

[Commissioner Ruth]

I suppose I pulled you right out of a big deal, as usual.

[Steve Mitchell]

No, no, it was all very innocent this time, Commissioner. Matter of fact, I was down at the rifle range improving my marksmanship.

[Commissioner Ruth]

What?

[Steve Mitchell]

Honest. Alone. Well, from where I stood, it looked like he was closing in on a target for tonight. That's what I thought.

[Helen Kent]

I'll have your plane ticket at my desk when you're ready, Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay, Ruth. Well, where am I going this time, Commissioner?

[Commissioner Ruth]

To Munich. Your plane leaves in one hour. You'll be looking for the memory chain.

[Steve Mitchell]

Memory chain? No relation to the daisy chain, is it?

[Commissioner Ruth]

I'm afraid not.

[Steve Mitchell]

Good. I'd have a pretty hard time passing myself off as Queen of the May.

[Commissioner Ruth]

Seriously, Steve, this is the toughest proposition we've ever been up against. It's a skillfully organized pipeline through which vital information is leaking out of this country to Eastern Europe.

[Carlos Grippo]

I see.

[Commissioner Ruth]

There are no documents involved. It's all done by a system of runners. Each runner memorizes the information and passes it on to the next one by word of mouth. And right now, a vital chemical equation is somewhere along that pipeline.

[Steve Mitchell]

Any idea how far along the chain it is by now?

[Commissioner Ruth]

Yes. We caught up with the first runner in Lisbon, but two days too late. He'd already passed the message on. We then traced runner number two to Paris, but we were six hours too late there.

[Steve Mitchell]

Sounds like we're running a poor second all along the line.

[Commissioner Ruth]

Yes, and I'm sending you over there to come in first for a change. We now have reason to believe that the next transfer point is Munich. And we have a tip that a woman named Eva Schaefer may be one of the runners. One of our agents is in Munich now. Kurt Allison. Now, Steve. Get over there and work with him. And then go anywhere and do anything you have to to keep that equation from getting through.

[Narrator]

That's it.

[Commissioner Ruth]

You've got your assignment. Good luck.

[Narrator]

The National Broadcasting Company is presenting dangerous assignments starring Brian Dunleavy in the role of Steve Mitchell, colorful, two fisted government agent. At all those places of the world where danger and intrigue walk hand in hand. There you will find Steve Mitchell on another dangerous assignment.

[Steve Mitchell]

Sure, I've got my assignment. Just a simple matter of running over to Europe and trying to guess who's got a vital secret locked up in their head. This would be a great spot for a mind reader. Well, it's Thursday when my plane lands in Munich. I check around and learn that Alison is registered at the Koenigsberg Hotel. I head for his room.

[Kurt Allison]

I've been expecting you, Steve. Commissioner told me you were coming.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah.

[August (Guide)]

How about this?

[Steve Mitchell]

Eva Shaffer, Kurt. Any idea where she is?

[Kurt Allison]

Sure, right next door.

[Steve Mitchell]

What?

[Kurt Allison]

I spotted her at the depot when she arrived from Paris six hours ago. I heard her give a cab driver the name of this hotel, so I broke a few speed laws and got here ahead of her.

[Steve Mitchell]

You had the desk clerk give you this room right next to hers, huh?

[Herr Gordel]

Yeah.

[Kurt Allison]

Then I had the clerk stall her down in the lobby long enough for me to slip a couple of microphones in her room.

[Steve Mitchell]

Brother, you work fast.

[Kurt Allison]

I had to. Oh, here are the earphones. Take a listen.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay.

[Kurt Allison]

Anything going on?

[Steve Mitchell]

No. What's she been doing since she got here?

[Kurt Allison]

Filing her nails, mostly. You know, that sound gets awfully annoying after a while.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hey, wait a minute. Sounds like somebody's knocking on her door.

[Carlos Grippo]

Yeah, the evening paper, Fraulein.

[Helen Kent]

But I ordered no paper.

[Carlos Grippo]

It is a service of a hotel.

[Helen Kent]

Yeah. Very well, Danka.

[Kurt Allison]

Who was it, Steve?

[Steve Mitchell]

Bellboy brought her the paper. Could have been some sort of a signal. Hey, wait a minute.

[Kurt Allison]

She's leaving.

[August (Guide)]

What?

[Kurt Allison]

Yeah, she just went by our room. Probably heading for the stairs.

[Steve Mitchell]

Wait a minute. Let her get down the hallway. Okay, let's go. Yeah, Heading down the stairs into the lobby.

[Kurt Allison]

I got a car outside if we need it, Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

Good.

[Kurt Allison]

Hey, maybe. Watch it, Steve. We better go single file. The stairway's getting crowded.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hey, brother, is that all one man coming up at us?

[Kurt Allison]

How about that?

[Herr Gordel]

I beg your pardon, gentlemen. Sorry to crowd you.

[Steve Mitchell]

That's okay.

[Herr Gordel]

If you'll just allow me to squeeze by. Thank you very much, sir.

[Kurt Allison]

Thank you. Squeeze is the word. All right.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. Come on. There she is, sitting in that chair on the other side of the lobby.

[Kurt Allison]

Let's.

[Steve Mitchell]

Let's sit down here.

[Kurt Allison]

Oh, okay. She may contact somebody here in the lobby. Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

Wait. She's getting up.

[Kurt Allison]

Yeah, she dropped something in the far side of her chair. You see, she's picking it up now.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, Looks like a pencil.

[Kurt Allison]

I wonder what she stopped at. The cigarette counter.

[Steve Mitchell]

Come on. I want to take a look around that chair where she was sitting.

[Kurt Allison]

There was no one near her, Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

I know. Here we are. I still want to know what she was doing with a pencil.

[Kurt Allison]

She must have been holding it in her right hand on this side of the chair, out of our sight.

[Steve Mitchell]

I get it now. Look. This pipe running up the wall beside the chair. It goes right through the ceiling, probably to the second floor hall above us.

[Kurt Allison]

Yeah, and there are pencil smudges on the pipe near the floor.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, she could have been tapping that pipe with her pencil, sending a message.

[Kurt Allison]

Steve, she's heading out the door.

[Steve Mitchell]

Stay with her, Kurt. I'm gonna see what I can find out upstairs. I head upstairs two at a time. The second floor hall is dark, but I spotted a pipe running up the wall. And then I hear a door close at the far into the hall. I head in that direction fast, but when I get there, I see it's a door to the back stairway. I pound down the stairs and out into the alley, but there's no one in sight. So now I know a message has been passed on and the runner's gotten away. I head through the street. A block and a half away, I see Kurt tailing the girl. He turns into another alley. I speed up. Then as I'm half a block away, the shots are from the alley. I get there and turn in. There's Kurt lying on the ground in front of me.

[Kurt Allison]

It's my own fault, Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

Come on, Kurt. I'll get you to a doctor.

[Kurt Allison]

No, it's too late.

[Helen Kent]

Check on the girl.

[Kurt Allison]

Steve. The girl.

[Steve Mitchell]

You know where she went?

[Kurt Allison]

She should be down there at the end of the alley. I think I got her. I think,

[Steve Mitchell]

Kurt.

[Narrator]

Kurt.

[Steve Mitchell]

But he's gone. I go down to the end of the alley, and the girl is there, all right. One look at her, I know she won't be transmitting any more messages. So now we've gotten three links of the chain. One in Lisbon, one in Paris, and one here in the alley in Munich. It leaves just one more, the most important one of all. The guy who's carrying the message right now. I head back to the hotel and the desk clerk. Ja.

[Carlos Grippo]

Hey, Mitchell.

[Commissioner Ruth]

What can I do for you?

[Steve Mitchell]

You can tell me if anybody's checked out of the hotel during the last few minutes.

[Commissioner Ruth]

Has anybody checked out? He asked Zach. There has been a regular exodus for people.

[Steve Mitchell]

Who were they and where did they go?

[Commissioner Ruth]

Three of them left for the Bauerbach Inn.

[Steve Mitchell]

Bauerbach Inn. Where's that?

[Commissioner Ruth]

East of here, in the Alps, near the border.

[Steve Mitchell]

I see three of them.

[Commissioner Ruth]

Yeah, Fraulein Kent. Most attractive young woman, I might add. Also Herr Grippo. And finally, Herr Godel, the stout gentleman. You may have seen him around the hotel here. One cannot help noticing.

[Steve Mitchell]

Wait a minute. He must be the boy who was coming up the stairs when I was coming down. And that message was sent to the second floor, too.

[Commissioner Ruth]

Upstairs, downstairs. Messages? I do not understand.

[Steve Mitchell]

Never mind. I think I do. Okay, thanks. I. Wait a minute.

[Commissioner Ruth]

Yeah?

[Steve Mitchell]

You said four people left this hotel, but you only gave me three names. What about the fourth?

[Commissioner Ruth]

Oh, yeah, I almost forgot. The fourth one was a woman. She left the hotel in quite a hurry. Oh, it was a very close thing.

[Steve Mitchell]

What do you mean?

[Commissioner Ruth]

She went to the hospital and this bird you talk about was not far behind.

[Steve Mitchell]

What bird? The stork. Oh, great. I'll see you later. So I head east toward the Alps. Six hours later, I arrive at the Barbach Inn. It's perched up on a mountainside and there's snow all around. The whole place looks like a Christmas card. Except that I've got a strong hunch that whoever I'm gonna find here, it isn't gonna be Santa Claus. Ah, good evening, sir. Welcome to the Barbar Inn. You the proprietor?

[Narrator]

Ah, yes. Yeah.

[Commissioner Ruth]

Kreuz, at your service.

[Steve Mitchell]

If you will sign the register here, I will fix up for you a nice room. Okay. Looks like sort of a slack season for you, Kreutzer.

[August (Guide)]

Yeah.

[Steve Mitchell]

Only two guests, both of them from Munich. I see. Carlos Grippo and Helen Kent. Are you a friend of hers, Herr Mitchell? Well, I will be glad to tell her you are here and to. No, never mind, I.

[Helen Kent]

Why not, huh? It's really quite flattering to be inquired about.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, you see, I. Oh, but I thought you two were French. Not exactly the evenings yarn.

[Helen Kent]

Oh, I know. You used to know another Helen Kent and thought I was the one.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, that's it.

[Helen Kent]

That's the trouble with having such a common name. Disappointed?

[Steve Mitchell]

Not exactly. You going to be staying here long?

[Helen Kent]

That depends. I like excitement.

[Steve Mitchell]

Maybe you came to the wrong place. Doesn't look very exciting around here.

[Helen Kent]

It wasn't.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh.

[Helen Kent]

Funny how the atmosphere can change all of a sudden, isn't it?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. Might be an interesting topic of conversation over a drink in front of the fire.

[Helen Kent]

Might be it. Then.

[Steve Mitchell]

I'll be down as soon as I get unpacked. I'll wear a red carnation so you'll recognize me.

[Helen Kent]

That really won't be necessary. I'm sure I'll remember you.

[Steve Mitchell]

I go up to my room and stretch out on the bed, trying to add up the deal in my mind. At this point, I'm pretty sure that the person I'm after, the last link in the memory chain, is either Helen Kent, Carlos Greepo, or Gordell, the fat boy. But what's worrying me is that Gordell hasn't shown up at the inn. I start downstairs to have that drink with Helen, and then I see I needn't have worried, because waddling up the stairs towards me is a very familiar hulk.

[Herr Gordel]

Excuse me, sir. If you will allow me to squeeze by you, I would wait. Believe, I have already squeezed by you earlier today, have I not? On the stairway in Munich.

[Steve Mitchell]

That's right. You've got a good memory.

[Herr Gordel]

A photographic one. I pride myself on it, sir. Godel is my name.

[Steve Mitchell]

Steve Mitchell.

[Herr Gordel]

Delighted, sir. I look forward to making your acquaintance properly a little later downstairs under less cramped conditions. Until then, Mr. Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Until then, Mr. Goodell. Hail, hail, the gang's all here.

[Helen Kent]

Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, Helen.

[Helen Kent]

Over here by the fire.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay. I. Oh, I didn't know you were with somebody.

[Helen Kent]

This is a friend of mine, Carlos Gripo. Carlos, Steve Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hi.

[Carlos Grippo]

I am honored, Senor Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Helen.

[Carlos Grippo]

I thought we were to take a walk around.

[Helen Kent]

I'm really too tired. Carlos, be a dear and bring us all a drink.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, look, I can get my own.

[Helen Kent]

You don't mind, do you, Carlos?

[Kurt Allison]

I.

[Steve Mitchell]

Of course not, Helen.

[Herr Gordel]

We'll be back shortly.

[Steve Mitchell]

Looks like your boyfriend isn't too happy about things.

[Helen Kent]

Carlos? Oh, he means well, but he's. He's a little boring at times.

[Steve Mitchell]

You've known him long?

[Helen Kent]

Not very. He's rightfully rich, I understand. Comes from some part of South America. Seems to have made a hobby lately of following me around.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, well, I can think of worse hobbies.

[Helen Kent]

You know, I can think of much more interesting things to talk about than Carlos.

[Steve Mitchell]

For instance?

[Helen Kent]

For instance, us.

[Steve Mitchell]

You on vacation here?

[Helen Kent]

No, no, I'm working. I take pictures for a European feature syndicate.

[Steve Mitchell]

I see. Well, that probably means you do a lot of traveling.

[Helen Kent]

Mm. How about you, Steve? What brings you here?

[Steve Mitchell]

Vacation, mostly.

[Helen Kent]

Going to stay long?

[Steve Mitchell]

I don't know. That depends.

[Helen Kent]

On what? Whether the atmosphere gets exciting or not.

[Steve Mitchell]

So now we're talking about the atmosphere again.

[Helen Kent]

Mm. Maybe this one could get exciting, Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

I don't doubt it. Maybe one.

[August (Guide)]

Lane Kent.

[Helen Kent]

Hmm.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, looks like the atmosphere will have to wait.

[August (Guide)]

The innkeeper told me you wish to see me. I'm August, the guide.

[Helen Kent]

Oh, yes, August, this is Steve Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Mitchell, August.

[Helen Kent]

I wanted to find out if all the arrangements had been made.

[August (Guide)]

Yeah, we leave early in the morning.

[Helen Kent]

Good morning.

[Steve Mitchell]

Leave?

[Helen Kent]

We're going on a hike.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, where to?

[August (Guide)]

Oh, look out the window there.

[Steve Mitchell]

You mean that mountain?

[August (Guide)]

Yeah, to the top.

[Steve Mitchell]

Brother, you've got ambition.

[Helen Kent]

Well, I think I can probably get some good shots along the way. Likely comes to you.

[Steve Mitchell]

Me? Climb that thing? Oh, no, thanks.

[Helen Kent]

Well, it might be fun.

[Steve Mitchell]

Fun Yet. You break your neck getting to the top. And what do you do when you get there?

[August (Guide)]

You're on top.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, that's what I thought.

[August (Guide)]

You look on the other side and you come down again. The climb, that is the thing.

[Steve Mitchell]

Not for me, it isn't. I. Wait a minute. You say you look over on the other side. What's on the other side?

[August (Guide)]

Another country.

[Steve Mitchell]

I see. Who all's going on this hike anyway?

[Helen Kent]

Carlos and I, with August here's guide, of course.

[Steve Mitchell]

You know, I just changed my mind. I'd like to come with you.

[Helen Kent]

Wonder what. Carlos, you dropped the drink.

[Carlos Grippo]

See, it was clumsy of me.

[Helen Kent]

I didn't even hear you come up.

[Carlos Grippo]

You were all so busy talking.

[Steve Mitchell]

What's the matter, Carlos? You disturbed at the thought of my going along on the hike?

[Commissioner Ruth]

We shall see.

[Carlos Grippo]

Senor Helen, may I speak with you for a moment?

[Helen Kent]

Yes, all right. Maybe later, Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

Maybe.

[Carlos Grippo]

Helen.

[Helen Kent]

Coming, Carlos.

[August (Guide)]

Well, Mitchell, I suggest you get a full night's sleep. It'll be a hard climb tomorrow.

[Herr Gordel]

Good evening, Mr. Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, hello, Gordel.

[Herr Gordel]

I beg your pardon, sir. Are you the guide?

[August (Guide)]

Yeah, I'm August.

[Herr Gordel]

I've just learned of the proposed climb up the mountain. In the morning, I would like very much to accompany the party, if I may.

[Steve Mitchell]

What, you?

[August (Guide)]

I don't know, Herr Gordel. A man of your size might find it a little difficult.

[Herr Gordel]

I think you will find me surprisingly light in my feet.

[Steve Mitchell]

You really must want to get up that mountain bad, Gordel.

[Herr Gordel]

On the contrary, Mr. Mitchell, I delight in acting upon the slightest whim. The more unpredictable, the better.

[Steve Mitchell]

That's an interesting way of looking at things.

[Herr Gordel]

I'm quite certain our trip tomorrow will be equally interesting, Mr. Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Gardell and August head upstairs and I go out on the terrace for a cigarette. The night is dark and cold. I finish my smoke and turn to go inside. Then I hear a sound behind me. I whirl around. Something's flying through the air at me. I hit the deck. Something plunks into the wall over my head. A mountaineer's ice axe. The kind they use in climbing Alps they scrambled to my feet. But whoever chucked the axe is gone. So now the trail is heating up. I'll be climbing up that mountain tomorrow. I've got a strong hunch one of the members of the party will be doing his or her best to make sure that I come back down the mountain the hard way.

[Narrator]

In a short while. Herbert Marshall stars as the man Called X over most of these NBC stations. It's 30 minutes of intrigue and danger in the far corners of the world as the man called X tracks down the enemies of his country, wherever they may be hidden. He lives by his wits. His business is danger. He's the man called X. For Top Listening, tomorrow night it's Hedda Hopper with the latest news of Hollywood and show business, plus famous guest stars. Ms. Hopper's popular column comes to life tomorrow on the Hedda Hopper Show. And now back to Dangerous Assignment and Steve Mitchell.

[August (Guide)]

Are we all here?

[Carlos Grippo]

Say, say, let us get started, August.

[Herr Gordel]

Ready and waiting.

[Steve Mitchell]

This is a great time of morning to be starting a hike. It isn't even light yet.

[August (Guide)]

Well, we must reach the top by noon if we're to get back before dark.

[Helen Kent]

August, can you get my camera and my knapsack?

[August (Guide)]

Yeah. There.

[Helen Kent]

Oh, thanks.

[August (Guide)]

Now, before we start, let us check the equipment. Mitchell.

[Herr Gordel]

Mm?

[August (Guide)]

Yeah. You have everything, Grippo?

[Kurt Allison]

Yeah.

[August (Guide)]

You have. Oh, wait. Your ice axe is missing.

[Carlos Grippo]

What? Why, so it is. It must have slipped from my pack.

[August (Guide)]

Oh, it's no matter. Here, here's a spare.

[Carlos Grippo]

Thank you.

[Steve Mitchell]

Pretty careless of you, losing a thing like an ice axe, Gripo. Or maybe it was more than carelessness.

[Carlos Grippo]

What do you mean by that, Mitchell?

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, skip it.

[August (Guide)]

All right, everybody, let us start. Well, I think we'd better stop here for the rest.

[Herr Gordel]

I could use a bit of a breather.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, suits me, too.

[Herr Gordel]

Where are the others?

[Steve Mitchell]

Grippo and Helen? Around the bend.

[August (Guide)]

Ah, here they come now. From now on, we will use the ropes.

[Steve Mitchell]

You been getting many pictures, Helen?

[Helen Kent]

No, I've been too busy trying to get my breath. Carlos here, an old hand at it, though. Doesn't seem to bother him a bit.

[Steve Mitchell]

Funny an old hand at mountain climbing should lose his ice axe.

[Carlos Grippo]

You seem quite concerned over its disappearance, Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

I was quite concerned with one last night, Greepo. I was just wondering if it could have been yours.

[Carlos Grippo]

I have not the slightest idea what you're talking about.

[Steve Mitchell]

Of course not.

[Helen Kent]

Wait a moment. There's a wonderful shot of a valley below from right over here. Just a moment.

[Carlos Grippo]

You're quite taken with Helen, Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Am I?

[Carlos Grippo]

So it would appear.

[Steve Mitchell]

I suppose it would also appear that you don't like it much.

[Carlos Grippo]

Aye, senor, but why should I object?

[Steve Mitchell]

I was under the impression that you followed her here from Munich.

[Carlos Grippo]

I assure you it was quite the other way around.

[Narrator]

What?

[Carlos Grippo]

Mitchell, I have a considerable amount of money. I go where I like. I do what I like. I like to climb mountains. So here I am. But I do not follow women. They follow me.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, well, that's nice work if you can get it. It's also very interesting.

[Helen Kent]

Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah?

[Helen Kent]

Come here a moment, would you?

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay.

[Carlos Grippo]

And who is it who follows women?

[Steve Mitchell]

Like I say, it's nice work if you can get it.

[Helen Kent]

Steve, I wonder if you'd steady me a little while I take this picture.

[Carlos Grippo]

Okay.

[Helen Kent]

Just hold on to me a moment. That's it.

[Steve Mitchell]

That was quick. Maybe too quick.

[Helen Kent]

Well, I could take another. Or why don't I just save the film? Well, had your game, Steve?

[Steve Mitchell]

I don't know yet.

[Helen Kent]

Maybe you'll find the first part's the most difficult. After that, you.

[Steve Mitchell]

You're talking about the mountain, of course.

[Helen Kent]

Of course. Steve, I.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hey, we're getting sort of close to

[Helen Kent]

the edge, so we are.

[Steve Mitchell]

I mean, the mountain.

[Helen Kent]

You sure?

[August (Guide)]

I met you. Yeah, we are ready to move on.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay. Come on, Helen.

[Helen Kent]

You know, maybe sometime we won't be interrupted at the wrong time.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, we'll probably faint from shock.

[Helen Kent]

Be a pretty poor time to faint.

[August (Guide)]

We will have to use the rope for this next part of the climb. And go single file.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay, I. Hey, wait a minute.

[August (Guide)]

What is it?

[Steve Mitchell]

Don't tell me that's the next part of the climb.

[August (Guide)]

Oh, yeah, that's the Devil's Chimney, they call it.

[Steve Mitchell]

Rather just like a tunnel. And it goes straight up.

[Carlos Grippo]

Don't tell me you are afraid, Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay, I won't tell you, Gripo, but I am.

[August (Guide)]

You will see, it's not so bad as it looks.

[Steve Mitchell]

It couldn't be August. How do we climb it?

[Herr Gordel]

August has just been explaining it to me. It's called the back and knee technique, Mr. Mitchell. One puts his back against one wall, wedges his arms and knees against the other and works himself up that way.

[August (Guide)]

All right, now snap the. Onto your belts, all of you. I'll lead the way. Grippo is next, then Fent, followed by her Gordel. Her? Mitchell, you will bring up the rear.

[Steve Mitchell]

August inches his way carefully up the chimney to the ledge above. Then he signals to Gripo, who wriggles up like a snake. Helen makes it without any trouble. Then Gordell starts squeezing himself up I wait until he's almost to the top, then I wedge myself in and start. It's slow, tough work. Halfway up. I look up just in time to see Gordell's feet swinging loose and a rock as big as a football coming down at me. I duck my head. The rock raises my shoulder and hits the bottom.

[Herr Gordel]

Hey, you all right, Mr. Mitchell?

[Kurt Allison]

Yeah.

[Steve Mitchell]

But it's not your fault. That I am.

[Herr Gordel]

Please accept my apology for a most unfortunate accident.

[Steve Mitchell]

Accident, huh?

[Herr Gordel]

But of course. My foot slipped and dislodged a boulder. Here, here, let me give you a hand to the ledge.

[Steve Mitchell]

I thought you were the gent who was so light on his feet. Gordell.

[Herr Gordel]

I am. But there is always the possibility of a slipped Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

There sure is. And Helen, what's the matter?

[August (Guide)]

Oh, Van. Herr Gordel slipped the rope jug feline Kent against the rocks.

[Helen Kent]

Yes. I think I've sprained my ankle, Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, Grace.

[Carlos Grippo]

She can't climb with a SW Sprained ankle.

[Narrator]

No.

[Kurt Allison]

No.

[Steve Mitchell]

So what do we do now?

[August (Guide)]

Well, things are not so bad. We are within an hour of the top, just across the border. Up there is a little hut with medical supplies. We can get a basket stretcher there in which we can let the fallen down the mountain.

[Steve Mitchell]

We?

[August (Guide)]

Those of you who are left behind

[Herr Gordel]

must stay right here.

[August (Guide)]

You cannot get up or down the mountain without my help. But I will need one man to accompany me.

[Carlos Grippo]

I will go with you, August. I'm the best climber.

[Herr Gordel]

Since I am responsible for Ms. Kent's accident, I think it right that I should go.

[Carlos Grippo]

No, senor. I am the logical one. I insist.

[Steve Mitchell]

So Agrippo and Gordell both want to go with August to the top, to the border. At this point, it looks like one of them is the runner in the memory chain. The question is, which one? I don't know. And that means I've got to prevent either one of them from reaching the border. August said the party which was left behind can't move from the spot without him. That means there's only one guy who should make that climb with August. I'm your boy, August.

[August (Guide)]

Yeah, you're the one. I'll take her, Mitchell.

[Carlos Grippo]

But why?

[Herr Gordel]

I am a better climber, and the obligation is mine.

[Carlos Grippo]

I say I will go with you, August.

[August (Guide)]

Herr Grippo.

[Steve Mitchell]

Herr Gordel.

[August (Guide)]

Allow me to remind you that I am the guide and I will take whom I choose. I choose Herr Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Come.

[Helen Kent]

Hurry back, Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

I hope I don't come back in

[August (Guide)]

too much of a hurry around this bend, Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay.

[August (Guide)]

You're probably wondering why I selected you to accompany me.

[Steve Mitchell]

I'm glad you did, August.

[August (Guide)]

Well, to tell the truth, I do not trust either of those men. I don't know why. I just do not trust them.

[Steve Mitchell]

You've got company.

[Herr Gordel]

There.

[August (Guide)]

Stop here and fasten the rope to your belt. So now we must work our way across this open face of rock. It'll be a short climb, but a difficult one. There are enough crevices in the rock for handholds. I will go first.

[Carlos Grippo]

Okay.

[August (Guide)]

I'll tell you when to follow. Observe where I place my hands and use the same handhold.

[Herr Gordel]

Right.

[August (Guide)]

All right. Come ahead.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, brother. This is like crawling across a bare wall.

[August (Guide)]

Proceed slowly. Keep your body flat against that rock. Do not look down.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hey, it looks like a thousand feet. Straight down.

[August (Guide)]

2,000ft. Thanks.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hey, look. Aren't we doing this the hard way?

[August (Guide)]

What do you mean?

[Steve Mitchell]

That little ledge about 15ft below us. Isn't that the same ledge we were on at the top of the chimney?

[August (Guide)]

Yeah, but it would take us too long to reach the top by following the ledge. This is a shortcut. Now, stay where you are a minute.

[Steve Mitchell]

What are you doing?

[August (Guide)]

Now, see that little perch on top of the rock above us? I work my way up to it and anchor myself. Then I'll help you up there with the rope. So there's one spike, now another.

[Steve Mitchell]

Brother, remind me never to do this again.

[August (Guide)]

All right, Mitchell. I'm up on top of the perch, and I'm well anchored.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay, I'll get going.

[August (Guide)]

Yeah, Mitchell, indeed you will.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hey, you pulled me loose.

[August (Guide)]

So I did. Now you are just dangling in the air at the end of that rope.

[Carlos Grippo]

What?

[Narrator]

Oh, great.

[Steve Mitchell]

So you're the last link in the memory chain.

[August (Guide)]

Yeah, and with you out of the way, I will carry the message to its final destination on the other side of the border. It'll do you no good to try to swing back and forth. Mitchell, you cannot pull me down with you by leaning back. I can hold you until I choose to cut the rope.

[Steve Mitchell]

That's why I'm swinging. I saw August reaching for his knife, and I've got to keep both his hands occupied on the rope. He leans well back and grins down at me. Then I spot my only chance. At the end of each swing, my body is carried under an overhanging rock out of August's sight. The ledge is about 15ft below. I get my own knife out, and each time I pass under the rock, I take a whack at the rope.

[August (Guide)]

You tired of swinging yet, Mitchell? You ready for that big drop.

[Steve Mitchell]

August has his knife out now. And this is it. I swing under the rock again and cut the last strand. I fall to the edge of the ledge and hang on. It works. August isn't prepared for the sudden release of the strain. Oh, brother. Right over backwards.

[August (Guide)]

Mitchel. Mitchel.

[Commissioner Ruth]

Oh.

[Steve Mitchell]

Gripo. Mitchell, follow the ledge around to here.

[August (Guide)]

Just in time to see August trying

[Carlos Grippo]

to cut the rope.

[Steve Mitchell]

But you beat him to it. Yeah, by about 1/4 of the knife. But why?

[Carlos Grippo]

Why was he trying to kill you?

[Steve Mitchell]

He was the last link in the memory chain. Looks like I owe the three of you an apology. Gripo.

[Kurt Allison]

Apology?

[Carlos Grippo]

Memory chain. I'm sorry, Mitchell. This I do not understand.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, it doesn't matter anymore, because the last link in the memory chain just lost his memory. You might say he got amnesia the hard way.

[Narrator]

Dangerous Assignment, starring Brian Dunleavy as Steve Mitchell, is written by Bob Rife and Adrian Jean Doe, with music by Robert Ambrooster, and is produced and directed by Bill Karn. Be with us again next Saturday when Brian Dunlevy, starring in the role of Steve Mitchell, will embark on another dangerous assignment. Dangerous Assignment came to you from Hollywood. Three chimes mean good times on NBC. There's action with the chimes next when Herbert Marshall stars as the Man Called X. The Man Called X is a man without a name who travels to the far corners of the earth on missions of intrigue and danger, protecting his country. So for timely and exciting drama, stay tuned for the Man Called X and A Reminder. Bob Hope stars tomorrow in the big show along with Tallulah, Jimmy Durante, Perry Como and many more. Now join Herbert Marshall and the exciting Man Called X on NBC.