Podcast Summary: Dangerous Assignment — "Recover Wire Recorder Spool" (Original Airdate: 03/06/1950)
Main Theme
In this classic episode of Dangerous Assignment, government agent Steve Mitchell is tasked with recovering a highly sensitive, stolen wire recorder spool containing recordings from a secret diplomatic conference. The episode follows Mitchell’s suspenseful journey from San Diego through Tijuana and the wilds of Baja California, all in pursuit of the elusive spool amid dangerous adversaries and mounting intrigue.
Key Discussion Points and Plot Breakdown
1. The Assignment Begins
- [01:41] Mitchell receives his orders: Recover a small spool of wire—critical for national security—from a secret diplomatic conference recording that could destabilize global security if sold.
- The initial trail leads to San Diego; the suspect is a man named Groza, and Steve’s local contact is Charlie Vasquez, a fishing boat operator.
Notable Quote
“You’ve heard of the needle in the haystack? This job’ll be a lot tougher than that. A great deal more dangerous. But we’ve got to get that spool of wire.”
— Commissioner, [03:00]
2. Chasing Leads in San Diego
- [03:57] Mitchell’s investigation starts with Vasquez, confirming Groza is involved. He learns Groza was arrested but soon released after being searched (no wire).
- Suspecting a handoff, Mitchell heads to Groza’s shooting gallery, narrowly escaping a staged shooting “accident.”
- Vasquez and Mitchell deduce the wire may have gone south to Tijuana, following a new lead: Bonito, a groom at the Caliente Racetrack.
Memorable Moment
- Attempted "accidental" shooting at the gallery:
“You know, buster, for a guy who works with guns, you’re pretty careless.”
— Steve Mitchell to Groza, [08:20]
3. The Trail to Tijuana
- [09:50] At the racetrack, Bonito tips that the wire is likely going even further south. Before revealing much, Bonito is killed; his dying word is “Paz.”
- Mitchell finds a good luck coin stamped “La Quinta Bar, Tijuana,” his only clue.
- At the bar, the bartender explains the coin is a promotional giveaway—no closer to finding the wire, but overhears a conversation about tickets to “La Paz.”
Notable Quote
“Paz. He had said… I knew that meant ‘peace’ in Spanish—a nice thought to die with.”
— Steve Mitchell, [11:09]
4. The Long Road to La Paz
- [13:57] Mitchell learns the bus to La Paz travels 800 miles over wild, desert terrain—a journey of a week. He joins a small group of passengers: journalist Diane Smith, the skittish Gruber, the barkeep Enrique, and driver Castillo.
- [16:10] An attempt is made on Mitchell’s life as a wire is used to choke him in a storeroom, but he barely escapes.
- [18:23–20:07] The bus journey is grueling, underscored by mistrust as Mitchell tries to discern which companion is the enemy and which simply a weary traveler.
- Diane and Steve establish a camaraderie, sharing their frustrations over the harsh journey and their respective cover stories.
Memorable Moment
“You know, that fella Gruber isn’t adding anything to the joy of the trip either.”
— Diane Smith, [20:02]
5. Danger on the Desert
- [22:30] As the group camps on the last night before arriving in La Paz, the bus is rigged to nearly kill Mitchell in his sleep when it rolls downhill—a plot relying on melting blocks of ice under the wheels.
- Suspicion falls on Gruber, but nothing is confirmed. Mitchell discovers clues suggesting the device was cleverly set up to delay, using ice as a timer.
6. Climax and Resolution in La Paz
- [25:48] The bus arrives in La Paz, where local police (Lieutenant Diaz) are waiting to arrest Gruber—for smuggling narcotics, not the wire recorder incident.
- Mitchell reveals to those gathered that the wire must be with someone who had access to the baggage compartment—and could only be Castillo, the driver.
- [28:29] Castillo tries to flee but is apprehended. The wire recorder spool is finally retrieved.
Notable Quote
“You see, up until last night, I thought the person I was after was a passenger on this bus. But last night I realized the only person who had a key… is the driver, Castillo.”
— Steve Mitchell, [28:15]
Closing Humor
“This is what you take the lousy bus trip for? Just to find this little spool of wire? …Senor, I think maybe you’re a little crazy.”
— Enrique and Steve Mitchell, [29:05–29:19]
Notable Quotes by Timestamp
- [03:00] Commissioner: “You’ve heard of the needle in the haystack? This job’ll be a lot tougher than that.”
- [08:20] Steve Mitchell: “You know, buster, for a guy who works with guns, you’re pretty careless.”
- [11:09] Steve Mitchell (internal monologue): “Paz. He had said… I knew that meant ‘peace’ in Spanish—a nice thought to die with.”
- [20:02] Diane Smith: “You know, that fella Gruber isn’t adding anything to the joy of the trip either.”
- [28:15] Steve Mitchell: “The only person who had a key… is the driver, Castillo.”
Important Segments & Timestamps
- [03:00–04:42] — Steve receives his assignment & briefing.
- [05:49–08:24] — Groza’s shooting gallery and the staged shooting.
- [09:50–11:29] — Tijuana racetrack meeting and Bonito’s murder.
- [13:57–16:38] — The bus to La Paz, introduction of key companions.
- [16:38–19:49] — Bus journey, attempted murder with wire.
- [22:30–24:54] — Sabotage with melting ice, bus booby trap revealed.
- [25:48–29:19] — Arrival in La Paz, arrest, reveal of culprit, case closed.
Summary
This episode highlights the quintessential appeal of Dangerous Assignment—a lone operative, a high-stakes mission, red herrings, near-fatal traps, and a tense reveal. Brian Donlevy’s Steve Mitchell is both wry and relentless, using his wit, observation, and grit to unravel a deviously-planned series of obstacles, where nearly everyone is a suspect. While the story follows the classic radio detective formula, it is sprinkled with humor and hard-boiled exchanges that keep it lively and suspenseful for modern listeners and old time radio fans alike.
Recommendation:
A must-listen for anyone who loves classic detective dramas, intrigue-filled journeys, and the unique ambiance of Golden Age radio storytelling.