Dangerous Assignment: "Recover Stolen Radar Plans" (02/20/1950)

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode Date: December 17, 2025
Summary of Main Theme:
In this tense and classic episode of "Dangerous Assignment," American government agent Steve Mitchell is sent to Athens, Greece, on an urgent mission: recover stolen top-secret radar plans before they fall into enemy hands. With multiple international factions in pursuit and intrigue at every turn, Mitchell must untangle alliances and deceptions to secure national security.

Key Discussion Points and Plot Breakdown

Mission Briefing and Stakes Set

• Steve Mitchell is pulled away abruptly from a social event for a new assignment.
• The Commissioner briefs him: Revolutionary radar plans were stolen; the first courier was killed, then the thief after him. Now infamous information peddler Zundel is believed to have the documents and is in Athens (01:11–02:35).
• Urgency is stressed: if the plans leave Athens, recovery chances are “nil.”
• "They'll stop at nothing. They'll throw the book at you." – Commissioner (02:36)

Arrival in Athens – Danger Starts Early

• Steve's arrival is quickly met with pursuit and danger as rival agents stalk Zundel, who is then victim of a suspicious car accident (03:19–05:02).
• A tense taxi scene ends with Steve nearly sideswiped and the driver refusing to continue, underscoring the risks involved (06:07–07:10).

Investigation and Key Characters Introduced

• At Police HQ, Steve meets his local ally, Lt. Genakos (07:25).
• Introductions to Jim Thatcher, another American reporter, and Helen Slater, who claims to be Zundel’s fiancee, both of whom raise Steve's suspicions (08:15–09:02, 11:01–11:31).
• The investigation is hampered by withheld information and apparent double-crosses.

Zundel’s Fate & The Hospital Murder

• Zundel, recuperating in hospital and under guard, is murdered by an unknown assailant impersonating a doctor (13:25–13:50).
• Steve deduces the killer probably already had the plans and silenced Zundel to cover his tracks. He also suspects two different teams are after the secret (16:31–17:15).

The Missing Painting

• Back in Zundel’s apartment, Steve and the lieutenant notice a distinct bare patch where a painting once hung (19:52–20:26).
• Steve calls Helen, confirming she’s made off with the painting—likely containing the hidden plans. Her tone turns cold and secretive, “And don’t try to find me, Steve. You won’t be able to” – Helen (21:18).

The Race to Stop Helen – and the Real Mastermind

• Investigators chase Helen to her apartment but just miss her, learning she took luggage and a “large, flat package”—the painting (21:58–22:25).
• A clue (scrap paper) seems to show she’s boarding the ship "Libyan Star," but this is a ruse. Port authorities can't intercept her; it’s a dead end.
• Suddenly, news comes in: Helen never went to the ship—she went to Jim Thatcher’s address (24:51–24:59).

Showdown and the Real Conspiracy Revealed

• Steve and Genakos rush to Thatcher’s. They interrupt as men attempt to steal the plans; shots are fired, Helen is killed, and Thatcher is mortally wounded (25:45–26:46).
• Steve accuses Thatcher of being Zundel’s killer:
  Steve Mitchell:
  “It was you who killed Zundel in the hospital. Yeah, sure. You put on a white uniform and mask, killed Zundel, went out the window, and then you threw away the costume and met us in the hall outside the room.” (26:46–27:02)
• The radar plans are recovered from one of the dead men. The plan had been for Helen to fake her escape and double back to meet Thatcher, but both were double-crossed.
• Steve’s final reflection:
  “I had to come all the way over here to Athens to see the slickest hidden ball play of them all.” (27:54–27:59)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the stakes:
  “Sounds like a game where everyone plays for keeps.”
  – Steve Mitchell (02:14)
• On the case’s frustration:
  “Well, Mitchell, any chance we had of gaining information from Zundel is now gone. A frustrating case.”
  – Lt. Genakos (15:41)
• Foreshadowing the twist:
  “The more I think about this deal, the less it adds up.”
  – Steve Mitchell (24:31)
• Revealing Thatcher:
  “It was you who killed Zundel in the hospital…”
  – Steve Mitchell (26:46)
• Signature wisecrack:
  “I had to come all the way over here to Athens to see the slickest hidden ball play of them all.”
  – Steve Mitchell (27:54)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:11–02:35] – Mission briefing & scene set in Washington
• [03:19–05:02] – Zundel is pursued and run down in Athens
• [07:25–09:02] – Police HQ: Jim Thatcher & Helen Slater introduced
• [13:25–13:50] – Murder in the hospital
• [19:52–20:26] – Discovery of the missing painting
• [21:18] – Helen’s fateful phone call
• [24:51–24:59] – Twist revealing Helen’s real destination
• [25:45–27:02] – Final confrontation, shootout, and revelation of Thatcher as Zundel’s killer
• [27:54–27:59] – Steve Mitchell’s closing metaphor

Tone and Atmosphere

The episode crackles with Cold War urgency and noir suspicion, blending clipped American banter with sudden violence and international intrigue. Steve’s glibness and resilience contrast the seedy, perilous Athens backdrop, while familiar detective story tropes—double-crosses, femme fatales, and macguffins hidden in paintings—anchor the stylized suspense.

Conclusion

“Recover Stolen Radar Plans” offers a tightly-woven plot where every alliance is suspect, and every step is dogged by danger. Fans of hard-boiled espionage dramas will appreciate the layered deception, sharp dialogue, and satisfying, if somber, denouement.

For listeners: you don’t need to have heard the episode to enjoy this summary of a classic tale of espionage, double-crosses, and “the slickest hidden ball play of them all.”