Dangerous Assignment: Recover Stolen Radar Plans 02/20/1950

Summary

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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.

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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)

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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)

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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

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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.

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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.”

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Transcript

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[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]

You know, Ruth, you could at least have waited until that blonde and I finished the dance before dragging me back here to the office.

[Helen Slater]

Sorry, Steve, but the Commissioner said he wanted you right away. And when he says right away, that means stop the music. Here we are. Yes, and the Commissioner's waiting for you inside. I'll have your credentials and plane ticket at my desk when you're through in there.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay, Ruth. Hi, Commissioner.

[Commissioner]

Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, where am I going this time?

[Commissioner]

Sending you to Athens, Greece.

[Steve Mitchell]

Greece? Look, I wouldn't know Socrates from Homer.

[Commissioner]

I wouldn't worry about that. You're not liable to run into either of them.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, what's it all about?

[Commissioner]

Radar, Steve. As you know, our scientists have come up with new developments in radar so revolutionary that many of the older models are now obsolete.

[Steve Mitchell]

So I understand. Hey, wait a minute. Is that how you located that blonde in me?

[Commissioner]

Two weeks ago, a complete set of plans covering these improvements was stolen from a research laboratory in this country. It's essential we get those plans back.

[Steve Mitchell]

What's the line on them so far?

[Commissioner]

The man who smuggled them out of this country turned up dead in the Azores. His killer got as far as Algiers and he got killed.

[Steve Mitchell]

Sounds like a game where everyone plays for keeps.

[Commissioner]

It is. We now believe an international information peddler named Zundell has the plans.

[Steve Mitchell]

And Zundel's in Athens?

[Commissioner]

We think so. Steve, there's a known channel waiting for those plans. Once they get to a certain point in the eastern Mediterranean, our chances of recovering them are nil. We've got to keep them from getting out of Athens.

[Steve Mitchell]

Who do I work with in Athens?

[Commissioner]

Lt. Genakos of the police. Steve, I don't have to tell you about the danger involved. There are probably several interests after those plans. They'll stop at nothing. They'll throw the book at you. They put every obstacle in your path that they can.

[Steve Mitchell]

You know this this comes as no surprise, Commissioner.

[Commissioner]

As usual, you'll pose as a foreign correspondent after a story. But your real job is to get those plans before they get out of Athens. Well, that's it. You've got your assignment, Steve. Good luck.

[Narrator]

The National Broadcasting Company is proud to present Dangerous Assignment. Starring Brian Donlevy as 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 is en route to Greece by plane. Meanwhile, on a narrow, deserted street in Athens at sunset. Two men slip furtively along the sidewalk in the gathering dusk. Closing in relentlessly on a third man ahead of them.

[Commissioner]

Sundel still does not realize we are following him. Ruba, come, let us close in.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Now, in a moment. Be close. Wait until he gets opposite that alley in front of him. He is getting closer now. Come on.

[Commissioner]

Sergeant.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Let go of me. Into the elite mix.

[Commissioner]

No, do not cry out.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

There is a knife in your stomach. There. This is far enough. The papers.

[Commissioner]

Don't tell.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Give us the papers.

[Steve Mitchell]

No, I do not have them anymore.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

You lie. We tried to buy them from you. But you would not sell at our price. Now we will take them.

[Steve Mitchell]

No, no, no.

[Commissioner]

Prove how, you fool.

[Jim Thatcher]

After him.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

He is running out into the seat. The car is trying to hit him. Tundel cannot get out of the way.

[Commissioner]

Get back here in the alley.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Wait. The man is getting out of the car. Miklos. He is searching Tundel. He must be after the papers, too.

[Steve Mitchell]

Come.

[Commissioner]

You must not let him get away.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

He sees as much out here as a gun. Get down.

[Commissioner]

Shoot him.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Roach, show them.

[Steve Mitchell]

Taxi.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Hey, taxi. I'm sorry, sir. This cab is taken. Huh?

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, yeah, so I see.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

But there's another one right over there.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay, thank you. Taxi. Taxi.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Yes, sir, Right over here. Miklos. Yeah, that is Steve Mitchell, all right. I received information he would be sent here to Athens to look for the radar planes.

[Commissioner]

Ruba, we must find out who ran down Zundel last night and beat us to those plans. Maybe if we search Zundel's house.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

But we must also prevent Steve Mitchell from finding those plans. And that job comes first. Come, we will follow his cab. Will you be staying here in Athens long, sir?

[Steve Mitchell]

I don't know, driver.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Well, I just happen to have some cards with me. Which will admit you to various places.

[Steve Mitchell]

That I. I'm sorry, I'm not on a vacation. I. Hey, that other car.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

He's trying to sideswipe. Straighten it out.

[Helen Slater]

I cannot.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Look out.

[Steve Mitchell]

Wow. Driver, you okay?

[Lieutenant Janakos]

I think so.

[Steve Mitchell]

Here, I'll get this door open. Hey, can you open your door?

[Helen Slater]

No, no, it is dumb.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, come on, I'll help you through the window.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Thank you. How about you?

[Commissioner]

Are you hurt?

[Steve Mitchell]

Just shaking up. Looks like I got a reception committee. Pretty early in the game this time. Look, can you get another cab and take me to police headquarters?

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Nothing personal, sir, but if you do not mind, just get yourself another driver, please. You are bad luck to me.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay. I guess I can't blame you, honey.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Like your American zi used to say, I have had it.

[Jim Thatcher]

So.

[Steve Mitchell]

I finally made it to your office, Lieutenant Janikos, the hard way.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

I wonder if this reception committee you speak of is the same one which greeted June Del last night.

[Steve Mitchell]

What do you mean?

[Lieutenant Janakos]

He was run down by a car and is now in the hospital unconscious.

[Steve Mitchell]

You think it could have been an accident, Genakis?

[Lieutenant Janakos]

I am certain it was not. It was a deliberate hit and run. Several shots were heard. That is all we know at present here. You may be interested in looking at.

[Steve Mitchell]

These pictures taken at the scene of the accident, huh?

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Yes. Immediately afterward.

[Steve Mitchell]

You recognize any of the faces in the crowd, Lieutenant?

[Lieutenant Janakos]

No. I have a pretty good line on most of the agents and information pedals here in Athens, Mitchell, but I don't see any of them in these pictures. Come in. Oh, good morning, Mr. Thatcher.

[Jim Thatcher]

Hello, Lieutenant.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Let me introduce a colleague of yours. This is Mr. Steve Mitzer, also a freelance correspondent from the United States. This is Jim Thatcher, Mr. Mitchell.

[Jim Thatcher]

Pleased to meet you, Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hi.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

What can I do for you, Mr. Thatcher?

[Jim Thatcher]

I came to talk to you about this guy Zundel who got run over last night.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

What about Zundel?

[Jim Thatcher]

Well, I don't know if you know much about his background, but he's a sort of a shady character.

[Steve Mitchell]

Indeed.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

In what way, Mr. Thatcher?

[Jim Thatcher]

I've been cultivating him off and on for the past few months. Once in a while he's given me information I was able to use in some of my stories. Well, lately he's been pretty evasive. But I got the idea he was involved in something big.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

What sort of thing?

[Jim Thatcher]

I don't know. That's why I came here. Figured you might have some sort of line on it.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

I'm afraid I cannot help you, Mr. Thatcher.

[Jim Thatcher]

Well, I won't take up any more of your time, Lieutenant. But if you do get any information about Zundel, I'd appreciate you letting me in on it.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

I am sure you will have access to any information which is made public, Mr. Thatcher.

[Commissioner]

Okay.

[Jim Thatcher]

I'll keep in touch with you. Gonna be in Athens long, Mitchell?

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, a few days, I guess.

[Jim Thatcher]

Where are you staying?

[Steve Mitchell]

Lyceum Hotel.

[Jim Thatcher]

Look you up. Maybe we can have a drink and talk a little. Shout.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay. See you around, Thatcher. You handled that very well, Lieutenant. For our purposes right now, we don't want anyone to know we suspect Zindel of being involved with those radar plans.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

That was my thought too, Mitchell. Well, what will be your first step?

[Steve Mitchell]

I'd like to take a look around Zundel's place.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Very well. Here's the key. We took it from Zundel's pocket after the accident. Here is the address.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay, I'll go over there right now. I'll probably be calling in a little later. Janakis. Cigarette smoke. That's funny. Something.

[Commissioner]

Steve Mitchell again. This time we will finish him off late.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

I hear a car outside. A girl. She's coming in. We must leave.

[Commissioner]

What about Mitchell?

[Lieutenant Janakos]

We will take care of Mitchell later. Hurry, Micklos. Follow me out the window.

[Commissioner]

Who is the girl over?

[Lieutenant Janakos]

I do not know. I have never seen you before. Hurry. Drop to the couch.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Oh.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hey, you really pack a wallop, don't you?

[Helen Slater]

Who are you?

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, right now you can just call me hit on the head.

[Helen Slater]

I don't understand. What are you doing here?

[Steve Mitchell]

Gonna ask you the same thing.

[Helen Slater]

Why? I'm Helen Slater, Carl's fiance.

[Steve Mitchell]

Carl? Oh, you mean Carl Zundel.

[Helen Slater]

Of course. Look, I don't understand. Where's Carl?

[Steve Mitchell]

Don't you know?

[Helen Slater]

Well, I thought he was here. Obviously. This happens to be his house, you know.

[Steve Mitchell]

I guess you haven't read the paper today.

[Helen Slater]

I've been out of town. Why? Has anything happened to Carl?

[Steve Mitchell]

He was in an accident last night.

[Helen Slater]

What?

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Oh, no.

[Helen Slater]

Is he? Well, was it serious?

[Steve Mitchell]

He's in the hospital, unconscious.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Where?

[Helen Slater]

I want to see him.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, that might be a good idea. Come on. I'll call a cab and take us to the hospital. Janakis. Yes, this is Mitchell. Oh, I'm calling from a payphone. Yes, I'm on my way to the hospital with a girl named Helen Slater. Says she's Zundell's fiance.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

I see.

[Steve Mitchell]

I think I'll stick with her a while. She claims she didn't know about the accident, but I'd never forget a face like hers. I'm sure she's in one of those pictures you showed me of the crowd at the scene of the accident. That must be Zundo's room down the hall. There's a police guard at the door.

[Helen Slater]

Look, there's a doctor. Just going inside.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah.

[Helen Slater]

You know, I still don't understand what you were doing in Carl's house, Mr. Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

I'm a newspaper correspondent. I was looking for a story about Carl. About his accident. If it was an accident.

[Helen Slater]

I don't understand. Why would anyone try to kill Carl?

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, I haven't the slightest idea. Maybe you have.

[Helen Slater]

Me? No.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, here we are.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Yes, sir?

[Steve Mitchell]

I'm Steve Mitchell. Perhaps Lt. Genicos mentioned my name to you.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Yes, he did.

[Steve Mitchell]

How's Zandel?

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Still unconscious, I think.

[Helen Slater]

Can I see him?

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Perhaps shortly. A doctor went into the room a moment ago. Maybe he will have word.

[Helen Slater]

I wish there was something I could do. When I think of Carl lying here unconscious for a day and a half and me not even knowing about it.

[Jim Thatcher]

Yeah, well, looks like you're as eager on this story as I am, Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hmm. Well. Hi. Thatcher, isn't it?

[Jim Thatcher]

Yeah, Jim Thatcher. We met in Janaka's office.

[Steve Mitchell]

Sure. Ms. Slater, this is Jim Thatcher, another correspondent. Hello.

[Narrator]

Hi.

[Steve Mitchell]

Ms. Slater is Zundell's fiance. Oh.

[Jim Thatcher]

Anything new on Zundell?

[Steve Mitchell]

No. Good evening.

[Jim Thatcher]

Guard.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Dr. Shilliot, I'm going to see the patient. Yes, sir.

[Steve Mitchell]

He must be worse.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

What do you mean?

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, to require the presence of two doctors. One of them is in the room with Zundel now.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

What are you talking about? I am the only doctor on duty.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hey, we better take a look inside.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

What is this other doctor you are talking about? He is not here. Wait.

[Steve Mitchell]

Look at Zendel in the bed.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

His throat has been cut. I wish to thank all of you for coming here to my office. I think I have all the information I need at present.

[Helen Slater]

I don't understand. Who would do a thing like that.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

To kill Ms. Slater? Rest assured the police department will leave nothing undone in our investigation.

[Jim Thatcher]

I think this killing verifies what I was telling you earlier today. Lieutenant Zundel was apparently involved in something pretty serious.

[Helen Slater]

But I'm sure Carl wasn't doing anything wrong.

[Steve Mitchell]

You say he never mentioned anything he might have been involved in, do you?

[Helen Slater]

No, nothing.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Mr. Mitchell, Ms. Slater, Mr. Thatcher. You may both go now. But please leave your addresses with me in the event you are wanted for further questioning.

[Narrator]

Okay.

[Jim Thatcher]

My address, Lieutenant. 1223 Sophia Boulevard.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

1223 Sophia Boulevard. Thank you.

[Jim Thatcher]

Sorry I had to meet you under such unfortunate circumstances, Miss Slater. If there's anything I can do.

[Helen Slater]

Thank you, Mr. Thatcher. I'm afraid there isn't.

[Jim Thatcher]

Well, see you around, gentlemen.

[Steve Mitchell]

So long, Thatcher.

[Helen Slater]

I've written my address and telephone number down for you, too. Lieutenant, there's just one favor I'd like to ask.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

What is it, Miss Slater?

[Helen Slater]

Well, Carl and I were pretty close. Of course, there are some things in his house, things I'd given him. Cigarette lighter, painting, a few things like that. I was wondering if I could have them back as well. Remembrances.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

I am sure that can be arranged after the inquiry.

[Helen Slater]

Oh, thank you very much. You'll get in touch with me if there are any new developments in the case?

[Steve Mitchell]

At once.

[Helen Slater]

Oh, you've been very kind, Lieutenant. Goodbye, Mr. Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Ms. Slater.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Well, Mitchell, any chance we had of gaining information from Zundel is now gone. A frustrating case.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, frustrating, but not surprising. With something as vital and valuable as those radar plans at stake, it's no holds barred.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Let us recapitulate as to his killing. You say you and Ms. Slater arrived at the hospital together?

[Steve Mitchell]

That's right. As we approached Zendel's room, we saw a man in a white robe wearing a surgical mask go in the door. While we were talking to the guard, Thatcher came down the hall. I introduced him to Ms. Slater, and the real doctor showed up. We went into the room and discovered the body.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Obviously, this man in the doctor's uniform killed Zundel, then left by the window.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. With that surgical mask, it could have been anybody.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Apparently, he murdered Zundel trying to get information as to the whereabouts of the papers.

[Steve Mitchell]

I thought that at first too, Janakos. Then I remembered that Zundel was unconscious at the time, so it couldn't have very well been that. No, I think the killer already has the papers and realized that Zundel knew he had them, so he had to shut his mouth for keeps.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

But you say when you went to Zundel's apartment a few hours ago, you were knocked unconscious. Whoever did it obviously had been looking for the papers in the apartment. You interrupted his search.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, that's the point, Janakis. I think we're up against two teams in this ball game.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Two?

[Steve Mitchell]

Sure. One outfit already has the plans, the other outfit's trying to find them, and we're right in the middle. Nice thought, isn't it?

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Hmm? If you're right in your assumptions, if the plans are already in possession of hostile interests, then that means.

[Steve Mitchell]

It means we've got to move fast to prevent those plans from getting out of Athens. Whoever has them undoubtedly knows your men will be covering all exits. So they'll probably try to cook up some cute angle to get the plans out.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

This girl, Mitchell, what do you make of her?

[Steve Mitchell]

Helen Slater? I don't know. Just where she fits into this deal. But I'm sure she fits in someplace. She lied when she said she didn't know about Zundell's accident. Maybe she lied about a few other things, too.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Well, where does all this leave us, Mitchell?

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, pretty much in the dark right now. Look, right after I got slugged in Zundell's place, Helen walked in. So I never did get a chance to take a look around.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Oh, you wish to go back there again?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. Maybe we could find something there that'll give us the line on whom Zundell's been playing ball with. But first I've got to send a report back to my boss in the United States. I'll be with you in a few minutes.

[Helen Slater]

Steve's report's coming in on the Teletype, Commissioner.

[Steve Mitchell]

Good. Let's have it.

[Helen Slater]

There you are.

[Commissioner]

Very dull job you sent me on, Commissioner. Was in Athens two whole hours before getting hit on the head.

[Helen Slater]

Well, that's just about par for Steve, I guess.

[Commissioner]

Yeah. Now in middle of charming game of button, button, who's got the button? Both sides playing for keeps. Man who used to have button now slightly dead.

[Steve Mitchell]

What?

[Helen Slater]

He must mean Zundel.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hey, wait a minute.

[Narrator]

Here's some more.

[Commissioner]

Check on a Jim Thatcher, newspaper correspondent on way back to Zundel's house with Jonakis. We'll keep you in, Spoon.

[Steve Mitchell]

Here we are, Janakos.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

What are you waiting for?

[Steve Mitchell]

The last time I walked through that door, I got a lump. You remember? I'm not taking any chances this time. Yeah, I guess the joint's empty. Come on. We might as well start here in the living room. There's a chance that the plans are here somewhere, although I doubt it. But anything we can find which would tie Sundell's in with the people he was running with with would help us.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

All right, I will take this side of the room over here.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay, I'll. Hey, that. That's funny.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

What is the matter?

[Steve Mitchell]

Take a look at this wall over here, Janakos.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

This wall? But there is nothing here.

[Steve Mitchell]

That's right, but there was something here. Look, this area right here is cleaner than the rest of the wall. Let's see. Yup, there's a nail hole here.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Ah, a picture was hung here.

[Steve Mitchell]

A picture or a painting? Yeah, I remember now. I noticed it when I was here before. Hey, that must have been the painting. Helen said she gave Zundell the one she wanted back.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

From the size of the lighter area on the wall, it must have been a rather large painting.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, large enough to Hide those plans in. Have you got Helen's phone number with you?

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Yes. Here you are. You said the possessor of those plans would seek a clever scheme to get them out of Athens. It appears you were right.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. It doesn't do you much good to be right if you're too late. Hello, this is Steve Mitchell. Helen.

[Helen Slater]

Well, hello, Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

You said this morning that there were several things in Zundell's apartment you'd like. Gifts you'd given him.

[Helen Slater]

Did I? Well, to tell the truth, I've sort of lost interest in them, Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, that's what I thought. You've already got the only thing you really wanted. That painting.

[Helen Slater]

Well, I'm afraid I have to be going now, Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

It must be quite a painting.

[Helen Slater]

Oh, it is very interesting. And very profitable, too.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Wait. Look.

[Helen Slater]

And don't try to find me, Steve. You won't be able to.

[Steve Mitchell]

Now, wait a minute, darling. Now, Helen. Helen. Helen. Come on, Janakos. We've got to get over to her apartment fast.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Gentlemen, sentiment. This is highly regular. I cannot let you into Ms. Slater's apartment. Yes, you can. I'm Lieutenant Jonakos, Police Department.

[Narrator]

Police?

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Oh, oh, certainly.

[Helen Slater]

All right.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

And of course. But. But Ms. Slate is not in. She left a few minutes ago. Here we are.

[Steve Mitchell]

How long ago?

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Oh, just a few minutes ago. Here I.

[Steve Mitchell]

She's going, all right.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

I don't understand, gentlemen. Is something wrong? Have you any idea where Ms. Slater went? Why, no, no, no. She left in quite hurry. They took a taxi car.

[Steve Mitchell]

Did she have any baggage with her?

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Yes, yes, two suitcases, as I remember.

[Steve Mitchell]

Anything else?

[Lieutenant Janakos]

No, no, I don't think that. Wait. Yes, she had large flat packets.

[Steve Mitchell]

Ah.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Probably the painting. The what? We will need you no longer. You may go.

[Helen Slater]

Oh, but I will.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

We will let you know when we leave. Thank you. Well, all right.

[Steve Mitchell]

She took off in a hurry, didn't she? Must have been all packed and warming up her engines.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Yes, we will get a bulletin out on her at once. Dominic, this is Genakos. Trace the cab driver who picked up Helen Slater from her apartment here a few minutes ago. Find out where he took her.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hey, wait a minute.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Hold down. Dominic. What is it, Mitchell?

[Steve Mitchell]

Just spotted this piece of paper in the wastebasket. Here, take a look. Libyan Star, 6pm yeah, the name of a ship.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

6Pm what time is it now?

[Steve Mitchell]

10 after 6.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

It has already sailed. Dominic. Contact the harbor patrol. Tell them to have a launch waiting for us. Come, Mitchell. We must try to overtake the Libyan Star before it gets outside the 12 mile limit. I'm afraid the Libyan Star has too much of a start on us, Mittens.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. Hey, you know, there's something sort of slick about this whole deal. A little too slick, maybe.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

What do you mean, Mittel?

[Steve Mitchell]

I don't know. Something about it doesn't add up. I can't quite put my finger on.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

It, but there is the Libyan Star ahead, Foster. It will do US no good, Lieutenant Tinako. What do you mean? The 12 mile limit stretches between those two islands on either side of us. The ship is already beyond the limit. Very well. You may as well head back to port. I am sorry, Mitchell, but my authority does not exceed the 12 mile limit.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, I know.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

We can try, of course, to intercept the girl at the ship's destination, but as you know, such things are sometimes difficult to arrange due to international aspects. And of course, she could leave the ship at any port along the line. Mitchell, I'm afraid that as far as those radar plans are concerned, the outlook is not encouraging.

[Steve Mitchell]

You know, the more I think about this deal, the less it adds up. Helen had a key to Zundel's apartment. Now, if the painting was really what she was after, why didn't she just go and get it right away instead of telling us about it first?

[Lieutenant Janakos]

I do not. Yes, I read your message for you from police headquarters. Thank you, Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

What is it, my man?

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Dominic traced the cab driver. Helen Slater did not go to the waterfront at all. She went to number 12, 23 Sofia Boulevard.

[Steve Mitchell]

Huh? Hey, wait a minute. Isn't that the address the newspaper correspondent gave us?

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Yes, Jim Thatcher. But why would the girl have gone to his apartment?

[Steve Mitchell]

Particularly when the two of them were acting like they didn't know each other? You know, this deal is beginning to add up. Get this launch in overdrive, Janakis. We're going back to town and pay a call on Jim Thatcher.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Mitchell, there are many aspects of this affair I do not understand.

[Steve Mitchell]

Here are the stairs. That apartment must be on the second floor. Yeah, yeah. There are still a few missing pieces in the deal, Janakos, but it's beginning to shape up.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Sounds like someone got here first.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Come on, Mitchell, look. Two men coming out of Fletcher's apartment.

[Steve Mitchell]

They gotta come through us. I'll take the one on the right.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Mikos, quick, your knife.

[Steve Mitchell]

Too late, buster. Genakos, the other one's heading for the stairs.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Stop. Stop when I shoot.

[Helen Slater]

Stop.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, you sure don't pull any punches, Janakis.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

He should have stopped.

[Steve Mitchell]

He did. Well, papers aren't on this boy. They must be on the guy downstairs.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Papers what papers?

[Steve Mitchell]

The radar plans. What?

[Helen Slater]

But I.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hey, take a look, will you? I want to talk to Thatcher, if he's still alive.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Very well.

[Steve Mitchell]

Looks like we got here a little late. Thatcher.

[Commissioner]

Helen.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

She's dead.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, so I see.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

They killed her. Knifed me.

[Steve Mitchell]

Probably won't have much time. Thatcher, so you better talk fast. Who were the two guys that jumped you?

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Don't know?

[Steve Mitchell]

They were after the papers. I figured there were two teams. I guess those boys were the have nots. It was you who killed Zundell 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.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Here are the radar plants, Mitchell. They were on the body of the man I just shot.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, and he got them from Thatcher. Here.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

From Thatcher? But I do not understand.

[Steve Mitchell]

I thought Thatcher is the man who ran over Zundell and took the plans from him. He's had them all the time. Helen tried to focus our attention on the painting so that while we were concentrating on her and the ship, Thatcher would have slipped quietly out of town. Yeah, I.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Well, he is gone. Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. Looks like this deal didn't exactly work out for either of them.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

The plan then was for the girl to lure us away with a fake departure, then double back and pick up the plants from Sacha.

[Steve Mitchell]

I guess that's about the size of it. And they almost got away with it, too. Funny.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Hmm.

[Steve Mitchell]

I was just thinking about football.

[Lieutenant Janakos]

Football? What does that have to do with this?

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, I've played a little in my time janakis and I've seen an awful lot of games. But I had to come all the way over here to Athens to see the slickest hidden ball play of them all.

[Narrator]

You have just heard another episode in the exciting new adventure series Dangerous Assignment. Starring Brian Dunleavy as Steve Mitchell. Dangerous Assignment is written by Bob Rife with music by Bruce Ashley and is directed by Bill Karn. Be with us next week at this time when Brian Donlevy, starring as Steve Mitchell, will embark on another dangerous assignment. Here's more good news for mystery fans every Sunday. You may now hear Richard diamond, private detective over most of these same NBC stations with Dick Powell starred as the hard hitting two fisted Dick Diamond. The Sunday adventures of this private eye are as interesting as tomorrow's race results today. There's fast action and plenty of suspense each Sunday as Diamond fights his way to fame, fortune and a red headed girlfriend. Richard diamond is another of the fast moving adventure mysteries you'll hear every week on NBC with such great shows as Dangerous, Assignment, Nightbeat and Christopher London. If it's mystery and adventure you like when you turn on your radio, make a date now to hear all these stellar NBC shows. And remember, it's Sunday for Dick Powell as Richard diamond on most of these NBC stations. Tomorrow you'll hear Fibber McGee and Molly and Bob Hope on NB.