Dangerous Assignment: Tokyo 10/06/1950

Summary

Podcast Summary: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Dangerous Assignment: Tokyo (10/06/1950)

Host: Choice Classic Radio
Episode Date: June 24, 2026 (original air date: Oct 6, 1950)
Starring: Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell

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Episode Overview

This classic radio detective episode features secret agent Steve Mitchell on a perilous mission in post-war Tokyo. Mitchell is sent to investigate his former flame, Marta Gelber, a suspected ex-Nazi now potentially involved in sabotage activities that are threatening Allied operations in Japan and Korea. Mitchell must navigate intrigue, old emotions, and imminent danger as he unravels a tightly-knit web of betrayal.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Developments

1. Assignment & Personal Stakes (00:43–03:14)

• Steve Mitchell is called into the commissioner's office, where his personal history with Marta Gelber is revealed. She was a Nazi in pre-war Vienna and believed dead, but has resurfaced in Tokyo.
  • “It wasn't until later that I found out she was a red hot Nazi. But what's the point in opening old graves, Commissioner?” — Steve Mitchell (01:38)
• The U.S. government suspects Marta is involved in recent sabotage hampering aid in Korea.
• Mitchell is tasked to find out if Marta is behind the sabotage and "smash her" if so.

2. Arrival in Tokyo & First Clues (03:40–05:13)

• Mitchell meets with his local contact, McCloskey, who reveals that Marta has been in Tokyo for two years, living lavishly and likely has connections with the local racetrack.
  • “You know she can be about the most dangerous thing on wheels. So be careful. And just be sure if you do pick up a long shot, it's a horse, not a slug.” — McCloskey (04:55)

3. Reuniting with Marta (05:13–07:46)

• Mitchell "accidentally" runs into Marta at the racetrack. Their reunion is sweet but tense, with references to their shared past and her recent life:
  • “Oh, Stephen, darling.” — Marta (05:37)
• Marta claims to have married and lost an American GI, now works for an importing firm.
• Sergeant Bill Duncan is introduced as another friend of Marta’s, raising suspicions.

4. Complications and New Suspects (07:46–10:02)

• Mitchell learns from McCloskey that Duncan's close association with Marta could be significant, as inside information is leaking into the sabotage ring.
• Plans to meet McCloskey at “Watanabe’s bar” at midnight for further intelligence.

5. Deadly Turns: Saboteurs Strike Again (11:08–15:28)

• After a suspicious call cuts short a meeting with Marta, Mitchell tails Duncan, learns at Army HQ that Duncan was a friend of Marta’s late husband.
• At Watanabe’s, Mitchell is attacked by three thugs and escapes, only to find McCloskey murdered in an alley:
  • “I get to my seat and light my lighter to see what I tripped over. A body. I roll it over. It’s McCloskey.” — Steve Mitchell (15:14)

6. The Murder of Bill Duncan (16:15–18:18)

• At the railroad yards, Lieutenant Ames confirms Sergeant Duncan has been found dead in a staff car — with suspicious wounds.
• It emerges that Duncan was investigating Marta, suspecting she killed her own husband.

7. The Puzzle: Marta's Alibi (18:18–20:59)

• Timelines suggest Marta couldn’t have killed Duncan: Duncan was killed at 10 PM at the railroad yard, but Ames was at Marta’s place at 10:05.
  • “She couldn’t have killed Duncan at 10 and gotten back to her apartment by 5 after. When I arrived.” — Lieutenant Ames (20:21)
• Mitchell remains unconvinced of Marta’s innocence.

8. The Revelation (21:30–25:32)

• Mitchell visits Marta, informs her of Duncan's murder, notices her reactions are inconsistent.
• Suspicious, Mitchell lures Marta out, sneaks back into her apartment, and finds a bullet embedded in the wall — evidence the murder didn’t take place at the railyard.

9. Denouement & Capture (25:32–29:09)

• Marta catches Mitchell at the scene; holding him at gunpoint, she confesses indirectly:
  • “The difference is this time I must kill someone I’m almost in love with.” — Marta (26:42)
• Lieutenant Ames intervenes, shooting the gun from Marta’s hand.
• Mitchell explains how Marta’s own sabotage efforts tripped her up: the only reason Marta’s alibi worked was because a train she expected to be there was delayed due to her own sabotage.
  • “You get hooked because the train wasn’t on time. It wasn’t on time because your outfit had sabotaged it.” — Steve Mitchell (28:57)
  • “Marta wrecks a train, the train wrecks her.” — Lieutenant Ames (29:05)

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Notable Quotes & Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|----------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:38 | Steve Mitchell | "It wasn't until later that I found out she was a red hot Nazi..." | | 04:55 | McCloskey | "Be careful... just be sure if you do pick up a long shot, it's a horse, not a slug."| | 05:37 | Marta Gelber | "Oh, Stephen, darling." | | 26:42 | Marta Gelber | "The difference is this time I must kill someone I'm almost in love with." | | 28:57 | Steve Mitchell | "You get hooked because the train wasn’t on time. It wasn’t on time because your outfit had sabotaged it."| | 29:05 | Lieutenant Ames| "Marta wrecks a train, the train wrecks her." | | 29:09 | Steve Mitchell | "Matter of fact, you might call it cooking your own caboose." |

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Important Timestamps

• 00:43: Assignment briefing with Commissioner Ruth
• 03:58: Mitchell meets McCloskey in Tokyo
• 05:32: Reunion at racetrack with Marta
• 11:08: Evening visit at Marta’s apartment
• 13:06: Army HQ, intro to “Tennessee”
• 15:14: Attack at Watanabe’s and McCloskey’s murder
• 17:06: Discovery of Duncan’s body
• 21:30: Final confrontation—Mitchell confronts Marta
• 25:32: Search for bullet, confession, Ames intervenes
• 28:57: The sabotage-riddled train derails Marta’s alibi

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Tone & Style

The episode typifies noir detective radio drama: quick-witted dialogue, hard-boiled narration, and an undercurrent of romantic tension tainted by old betrayals. Steve Mitchell’s world-weary humor and Marta’s femme fatale charisma play off each other, with classic pulp energy and suspense.

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Conclusion

“Dangerous Assignment: Tokyo” delivers a thrilling spy/noir mystery layered with old flames, betrayal, and political intrigue. Against a backdrop of post-war Tokyo, Agent Steve Mitchell's dogged determination cracks the case, revealing how a criminal's own schemes often become their undoing. The structure and twist will delight fans of classic detective stories.

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(Advertising, intros, and outros omitted as per guidelines.)

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. Trouble. But when I walk into the Commissioner's office. I don't realize this assignment's going to involve my racing to crack a case before the killer pulls the trigger on me. Then having that race end up in a dead he. Morning, Commissioner. Ruth said you wanted to talk to me.

[Commissioner Ruth]

I do, Steve. About your love life.

[Steve Mitchell]

My what?

[Commissioner Ruth]

You heard me.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, now look, Commissioner, I hardly think that comes under the heading of dangerous assignments.

[Commissioner Ruth]

You sure, Steve?

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, on second thought, maybe some of them do. But even so.

[Commissioner Ruth]

Seriously, Steve, remember Marta Gelber?

[Steve Mitchell]

Marta Gelberg? Brother, you seem to be specializing in making me squirm this morning.

[Commissioner Ruth]

Why, Steve, Seems to me I can remember a time when that name was sweet music to your ear.

[Steve Mitchell]

Sure, pre war Vienna. Just a sweet young doll. I thought. It wasn't until later that I found out she was a red hot Nazi. But what's the point in opening old graves, Commissioner?

[Commissioner Ruth]

This grave isn't old, Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

What do you mean? Marta dropped out of sight after the war. We all figured she was dead.

[Commissioner Ruth]

I know, but she's very much alive, Steve. One of our agents spotted her in Tokyo three days ago.

[Steve Mitchell]

Tokyo? What's she doing there?

[Commissioner Ruth]

Steve, as you know, there are two things that always go together. Mata Gelba and trouble. Trouble?

[Steve Mitchell]

What kind of. Hey, wait a minute. There's been a lot of sabotage in Japan recently.

[Lieutenant Ames]

Exactly.

[Commissioner Ruth]

Trains derailed, bridges blown up, the works. And it's hampering our efforts in Korea.

[Steve Mitchell]

You think Marta is mixed up in the deal?

[Commissioner Ruth]

That's exactly what you're flying to Tokyo to find out. You know how some ex Nazis have a habit of selling out to the highest bidder.

[Steve Mitchell]

Now look, Commissioner, wouldn't it be better to send another agent? After all, Marta and I were kind of friendly in those days. When I found out about her, it sort of left a bad taste in my mouth.

[Commissioner Ruth]

Well, Steve, you ought to know by this time that personal feelings can't interfere with assignments. That's precisely why I'm sending you. In the first place, Marta was interested in you. In the second place, in those days you're a foreign correspondent. That's probably all she knows about you.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay, okay. What's my contact in Tokyo.

[Commissioner Ruth]

The agent who spotted Martha. A man named McCloskey. He's staying at the Kura Hotel. Now Steve, get over there, talk to Makoski and try to get a line in Matagelba. And if she's behind this operation, smash her. The sabotage has got to be stopped. Well, that's it. You've got your assignment.

[Steve Mitchell]

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. And on the surface it sounds great. Take a little trip to Tokyo and renew my acquaintance with an old flame. But I've got an uneasy feeling that before the deal is through that old flame is going to turn into a grade A blowtorch. It's Thursday when my plane lands in Tokyo and I head for the kura Hotel. And McCloskey?

[McCloskey]

The situation here isn't good, Mitchell. Whoever's behind the sabotage that's been going on has been running the deal real smart. They've apparently got up to the minute information on troop and train movements. They're causing a lot of trouble for us.

[Steve Mitchell]

You think Marta Gelber could be behind the deal, McCloskey?

[McCloskey]

That's a good guess. But the trouble with guesses is there's never any proof. You know the way Marta operates when she operates.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, slightly.

[McCloskey]

Well, I'll give you all the dope I have on Marta, but it isn't much. She's apparently been living here in Tokyo

[Steve Mitchell]

for about two years.

[McCloskey]

Last week was the first time any of us had spotted her here. She lives in a very swank apartment.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, that would be Marta.

[McCloskey]

Always has two or three guys on the string.

[Steve Mitchell]

Likewise, and according to my information has

[McCloskey]

been throwing plenty of dough around.

[Steve Mitchell]

Sounds like she hasn't changed a bit.

[McCloskey]

Lately she's been hanging around the racetrack quite a little.

[Steve Mitchell]

Racetrack? Hey, that might be a good place for me to bump into her. You know, accidental like.

[McCloskey]

Speaking of people who haven't changed a bit.

[Suki]

Who, me?

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, you never can tell. I might pick up a long shot out there.

[McCloskey]

Yeah, yeah, you might. But just one thing.

[Steve Mitchell]

What is it, McCloskey?

[McCloskey]

Now you know Marty better than I do, Steve. You know she can be about the most dangerous thing on wheels. So be careful. And just be sure if you do pick up a long shot, it's a horse, not a slug.

[Steve Mitchell]

Cheerful guy, McCloskey. So I mosey out to the racetrack. And it isn't 15 minutes before I spot Marta. She's got an expensive fur draped around her neck, a racing form in one hand and a wad of bills in the other. And she looks better than ever. I bury my nose in my racing form and start walking towards us. Oh, I'm sorry.

[Marta Gelber]

Why don't you look? Stephen. Stephen Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Why, Marta.

[Marta Gelber]

Oh, Stephen, darling.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hey, that's what I call a welcome home.

[Marta Gelber]

Oh, darling, it's been so long. I can't believe it's you. How wonderful. Let me look at. No, no, you have not changed one

[Steve Mitchell]

beat, neither of you. Marta.

[Marta Gelber]

Oh, I almost forgot. I am furious with you, Stephen. Go away.

[Steve Mitchell]

After eight years, you're furious with me? Oh, that's great. What did I do?

[Marta Gelber]

That is what you did not do, Stephen. That night in Vienna, remember? You promised to come back later and you never did.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, that. Well, I got called back to the States all of a sudden.

[Marta Gelber]

Well, it will take me at least five more seconds to forgive you. Just. You're writing for those silly newspapers.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, after a fashion. What are you doing in this neck of the woods, Martha?

[Marta Gelber]

Oh, that is a long story.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, I'm a good listener.

[Marta Gelber]

Well, right after the war, I met one of your GIs in Europe and I married him.

[Steve Mitchell]

Met him and married him. Sounds like a real fast deal.

[Marta Gelber]

It was just one of those silly things. Even it lasted quick. Oh, yeah, but there I was married to him. So I came with him to the United States and later here to Japan with the occupation forces.

[Steve Mitchell]

Look, I didn't realize you were complete with husbands these days.

[Marta Gelber]

Oh, no, don't let go of my hand, silly. I'm not married anymore.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, how come?

[Marta Gelber]

A few months ago he died in an accident. Oh, yeah, Poor boy. He was nice. Listen.

[Steve Mitchell]

And the winner is.

[Lieutenant Ames]

Nippon Jack.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, excuse, please.

[Lieutenant Ames]

Not seen correctly. GI Joe is a winner. So sorry.

[Marta Gelber]

So now I work for importing firm here. But, Steve, all these things about me, what do they matter?

[Steve Mitchell]

I guess they don't, Marta.

[Marta Gelber]

No, of course they don't. Because now we are together again. Stephen, we have so much to say to each other. And this noisy racetrack. That's no place to say those things.

[Steve Mitchell]

Maybe you've got a point, Marut.

[Marta Gelber]

Marta, here is my address. Stephen, you will come to see me tonight.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay, I'll be there. I'm sorry I'm late, Marta.

[Narrator]

I had.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, I didn't realize you were occupied.

[Marta Gelber]

Well, this is a very old and dear friend I want you to meet. Bill. Stephen Mitchell, a newspaper correspondent. Steven, this is Sergeant Bill Duncan. He's a very nice boy.

[Steve Mitchell]

Thanks for the buildup, Marta.

[McCloskey]

Glad to meet you, Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Sergeant. Well, I better be getting along.

[Marta Gelber]

Oh, no, don't leave, Stephen.

[Sergeant Tennessee]

Marta.

[Steve Mitchell]

I thought that we'd planned on having a drink together.

[Marta Gelber]

Oh, did we? Oh, yes, we did. But I. I'll see you later, Steven.

[Steve Mitchell]

Sure glad to have met you, Sergeant.

[Lieutenant Ames]

Yeah, thanks.

[Steve Mitchell]

Come along.

[Sergeant Tennessee]

My

[Steve Mitchell]

sergeant.

[Suki]

One moment, please. Have very important information for you.

[Marta Gelber]

Yes?

[Steve Mitchell]

Who are you?

[Suki]

Suki have information of great value.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, what is it?

[Suki]

Oh, too crowded here to talk. Please to come.

[McCloskey]

Okay.

[Steve Mitchell]

Who sent you?

[Suki]

I am messenger from heaven.

[Steve Mitchell]

What?

[Suki]

So is buried here? You bet.

[Steve Mitchell]

Now, what is this important information you've got for me?

[Suki]

I'll be killing. You bet?

[Steve Mitchell]

Killing Where?

[Suki]

Soon. Big sweeper.

[Steve Mitchell]

Sweeper? Look, I don't. Oh, wait a minute. You mean sleeper?

[Marta Gelber]

Yes. Sweeper. Next race.

[Suki]

You bet. Horse name Konichiwa.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, great. Even in Tokyo they've got touts. I'm sorry, buster.

[Suki]

Oh, but ten of those. Positively sure since Absolutely.

[Lieutenant Ames]

You bet.

[Steve Mitchell]

Sure, sure, you bet.

[McCloskey]

Got a match, mister?

[Sergeant Tennessee]

Yeah.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, McCloskey.

[McCloskey]

Yeah. Light me up while we talk, huh?

[Steve Mitchell]

Sure.

[McCloskey]

I see you spotted motto.

[Sergeant Tennessee]

Okay.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. Who's the sergeant?

[McCloskey]

Oh, Duncan. He's one of the boys she's got on the string. He's been seeing her quite a lot lately. Maybe a little too much.

[Lieutenant Ames]

Thanks.

[Steve Mitchell]

You said whoever was behind this sabotage was apparently getting inside information.

[McCloskey]

That's right. This Marta Sergeant Duncan business, it could add up to something pretty nasty. Well, I. I better shove.

[Steve Mitchell]

I've got a date with Marta tonight.

[McCloskey]

Oh, didn't waste much time.

[Steve Mitchell]

Neither did she. Is there someplace I could meet you afterwards? I may pick up some information from her?

[Commissioner Ruth]

Yeah.

[McCloskey]

Then there's a little rundown bar not far from my hotel, Watanabes. I'll be there at midnight.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay. See you.

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[Marta Gelber]

As always, you are late, Steven. Come in.

[Steve Mitchell]

Thanks. Well, quite a place you've got here, Martha.

[Marta Gelber]

It is nice, the city of Stephan beside me.

[Suki]

Yeah.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hey, looks like I get the complete treatment.

[Marta Gelber]

Treatment?

[Steve Mitchell]

Well. Soft light, sweet music.

[Marta Gelber]

Yeah, soft lights and music for us. They were always good. Darling, that little tune, you remember it?

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, yeah, I remember it.

[Marta Gelber]

Stephen, it is so good to have you close to me once again. Who could that be?

[Steve Mitchell]

Great timing.

[Marta Gelber]

Yeah. Oh, yeah. Well, I. I don't know very well. Yeah.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, as I remember, you were right in the middle of some pretty interesting conversation, Marta.

[Marta Gelber]

Oh, yeah?

[Steve Mitchell]

Something a matter?

[Marta Gelber]

Oh, I suppose it is just the excitement of seeing you again, Stephen. It must have gone to my headache. A little one, I'm afraid.

[Suki]

I see.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, in that case, maybe I'd better shove off and let you get some sleep.

[Suki]

What?

[Marta Gelber]

Darling, would you mind?

[Steve Mitchell]

No, of course not.

[Marta Gelber]

Martha, I hate to have you go, but I suppose you had better. Perhaps tomorrow night.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, perhaps. See you later, Martin. I leave Marty's apartment, go across the street and wait in the shadows. I don't need a crystal ball to tell me that that telephone call she got had something to do with her sudden headache. Pretty soon a guy comes hurrying down the street and turns into the apartment house. As he enters, I get a look at his face. Yeah, Sergeant Duncan. At this point, I figure I'd better see what kind of a line I can get on this Duncan. So I go over to army headquarters. Well, evening.

[Sergeant Tennessee]

What can I do for you, mister?

[Steve Mitchell]

You holding down the fort here, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Tennessee]

Yeah, Lieutenant's outsome.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, I'd like a little information, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Tennessee]

Might just well call me Tennessee. Rest of the boys do.

[Steve Mitchell]

I wonder why.

[Sergeant Tennessee]

Sticks out all over me, don't it? Just what kind of information you looking for, mister?

[Steve Mitchell]

About one of the men attached to this command. Sergeant Bill Duncan.

[Sergeant Tennessee]

Oh, well, tell you now, we got a little rule around here. Somebody starts asking questions about one of our boys, we just kind of like to know who's asking.

[Steve Mitchell]

That's a good rule, Tennessee. Here's my credentials.

[Sergeant Tennessee]

Yeah, they sure enough are all right. What you Want to know, Mr. Mitchell?

[Steve Mitchell]

Anything you can tell me about Sergeant Duncan?

[Sergeant Tennessee]

Well, one thing. He's a tattoo intelligent filing clerk or something.

[Steve Mitchell]

He ever mentioned a girl named Marta?

[Sergeant Tennessee]

Why, sure, sure. Duncan used to be A friend of Martyr's husband. Fellow who got himself killed in an accident a couple of months ago.

[Steve Mitchell]

I see.

[Sergeant Tennessee]

Lieutenant ought to be back in a how. If you want to wait, talk to him.

[Steve Mitchell]

Thanks, but I've got to meet a guy in a few minutes. I'll check with the Lieutenant later. I head for Watanabe's bar where I'm to meet McCloskey. It's a beat up looking joint, but McCloskey's nowhere in s only three rugged looking gents sitting in various corners. I wait an hour and then I get a little fidgety. I look around the bar and it seems to me that three gents are a little closer to me than the last time I noticed. Suddenly I smell a trap. I take my drink in my hand and saunter over to the jukebox. Out of the corner of my eye I can see them closing in. Just before they jump me, I flip my drink into one space, keep a chair into another. The third one lunges at me. I give him a lift. Then I dive for the door and out onto the sidewalk. I duck into the alley beside the park. But the hoods are on my trail. I look back over my shoulders.

[Lieutenant Ames]

They reach the entrance to the alley.

[Steve Mitchell]

One of them's got a gun. Just then I trip over something and fall. The slug whistles over my ear and I know the fall I took saved my life. Then they must figure they got me because they jump in a car and dig out. I get to my seat and light my lighter to see what I tripped over. A body. I roll it over. It's McCloskey.

[Narrator]

Here's a word about another NBC chime favorite returning to the air tonight. It's Chester A. Riley, played by William Bendix in the hilarious Life of Riley. Riley will be back over most of these stations later tonight. Chester may not be the combination of lady killer, star athlete and mental giant he thinks he is, but Mom, Babs and Junior love him anyway. And you'll love them all. Even the friendly undertaker, Digger o'. Dell. When the Life of Riley returns later tonight. The chimes are your invitation. And now back to Dangerous Assignment and Steve Mitchell.

[Sergeant Tennessee]

Well, evening, Mr. Mitchell. Back again, huh?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, back again. Tennessee. Is that Lieutenant here now?

[Lieutenant Ames]

Yeah, here I am.

[Sergeant Tennessee]

Oh, Lieutenant Ames. Mr. Mitchell. Lieutenant, this is a government agent I was telling you about.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, yeah.

[Lieutenant Ames]

Look, Mitchell, could we talk later? I'm in a hurry right now.

[Steve Mitchell]

Lieutenant, you've got a sergeant named Duncan who looks to be up in his ears in a very nasty deal right now.

[Lieutenant Ames]

Duncan Matter of fact, I'm on my way to see him right now.

[Steve Mitchell]

You mind if I go with you?

[Lieutenant Ames]

Well, not at all.

[Steve Mitchell]

I'd like to question him, with your permission.

[Lieutenant Ames]

Afraid he couldn't give you much in the way of answers, Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Why not?

[Lieutenant Ames]

I just got a call. Duncan's in a staff car down at the railroad yards with a bullet in his head. Those are the railroad yards just ahead, Mitchell.

[Sergeant Tennessee]

Yeah.

[Steve Mitchell]

How well did you know Duncan, Lieutenant? Oh, pretty well. Why? Because it looks like he was mixed up with a pretty dangerous girl named Marta Gelbert.

[Lieutenant Ames]

Afraid you're barking up the wrong tree, Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

How so?

[Lieutenant Ames]

Duncan was all right and he wasn't mixed up with Marta. He was out to get her.

[Steve Mitchell]

What do you mean?

[Lieutenant Ames]

We've had our eye on Marta for quite a little while now. Duncan's been working on the case. He had a personal motive, too. He was convinced Marta killed her husband, Duncan's friend. He was trying to prove it.

[Steve Mitchell]

I see. That sort of puts a new light on Duncan.

[Lieutenant Ames]

Yep.

[Steve Mitchell]

And this ought to be an open and shut case, Lieutenant. Look, Duncan went to Marta's apartment house around 9:30. She probably had gotten wise to him. They drove down here to the railroad yards and she shot him.

[Lieutenant Ames]

Well, that's the logical explanation, all right, Mitchell. There's just one thing wrong with it.

[Steve Mitchell]

What is it?

[Lieutenant Ames]

It's impossible.

[Suki]

Huh.

[Steve Mitchell]

How do you know?

[Lieutenant Ames]

As I told you, we've been keeping our eye on Marta for some time now, figuring she could be the brains behind this sabotage that's been going on.

[Steve Mitchell]

So?

[Lieutenant Ames]

So this afternoon a train coming up here from the south was derailed, delayed for three hours. Just got in half an hour ago, as a matter of fact.

[Steve Mitchell]

What's all this got to do with it?

[Lieutenant Ames]

I figured it might be time to do a little questioning, so I dropped

[Steve Mitchell]

in on Marty tonight.

[Lieutenant Ames]

Yeah, I got there about 5 minutes after 10 and stayed until about 11.

[Steve Mitchell]

I still don't see it.

[Lieutenant Ames]

They told me over the phone that Duncan's time of death had been fixed at 10 o'.

[McCloskey]

Clock.

[Lieutenant Ames]

These yards are a good 20 minutes drive from Martyr's apartment. She couldn't have killed Duncan at 10 and have gotten back to her apartment by 5 after when I arrived.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, great. Our case against her blows up right in our face.

[Lieutenant Ames]

Sure does. Oh, here we are.

[Steve Mitchell]

That must be the staff car over near the freight train.

[McCloskey]

Yeah.

[Steve Mitchell]

Who's the guy standing beside the car?

[Lieutenant Ames]

Probably the yard watchman. I told him to keep the car under guard.

[Steve Mitchell]

Brother, railroad business must be bad. Only one train in the whole yard.

[Lieutenant Ames]

Now you begin to see how effective the sabotage has been. Who is it please? Lieutenant Ames.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh yeah.

[Lieutenant Ames]

Anybody been near this staff car since Duncan's body was discovered? Only the doctor I've lived. No one else. Oh, good. Come on, Mitchell, let's take a look.

[Steve Mitchell]

Right. Still seated beside the wheel.

[Lieutenant Ames]

Bullet hole in his chest. Close range. Look at the powder burns.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. Another slug creased his skull and went through the windshield right here. Yeah, from there. Yeah. Look at the caboose of that freight train. It's right in line. And the window of the caboose is shattered too.

[Lieutenant Ames]

Good thing there was nobody in the caboose at the time. Hey, wait a minute. Maybe there was.

[Steve Mitchell]

What do you mean?

[Lieutenant Ames]

Maybe that's where the killer was. That wouldn't explain the powder burns in Duncan's chest and head.

[Steve Mitchell]

That's right. And look at this windshield. From the way it shattered, it's obvious the slug traveled from inside the car. Out.

[Lieutenant Ames]

Hmm. Well, guess that's about all there is to see here.

[Steve Mitchell]

I suppose the car has been checked for fingerprints.

[Lieutenant Ames]

Yeah, none. Probably all wiped clean.

[Steve Mitchell]

You know, I can't get rid of the idea that Marta killed Duncan.

[Suki]

Sure.

[Lieutenant Ames]

It's the logical answer all right. But like I told you before, it just happens to be impossible. She couldn't have.

[Steve Mitchell]

Let's check over the times involved again.

[Lieutenant Ames]

Okay.

[Steve Mitchell]

I saw Duncan go into Marta's apartment at 9:30 and then I left for army headquarters.

[Sergeant Tennessee]

Right.

[Lieutenant Ames]

Duncan's time of death was fixed by the doctor at about 10 o'.

[Sergeant Tennessee]

Clock.

[Lieutenant Ames]

But at 5 after 10 I arrived at Marta's apartment.

[Steve Mitchell]

And the railroad yard here is a good 20 minutes drive from Marta's apartment.

[Lieutenant Ames]

All of which means she couldn't have killed Duncan at 10 and gotten back to her apartment by 5 after. When I arrived.

[Steve Mitchell]

When did you leave Marta's apartment?

[Lieutenant Ames]

It was about quarter of 11. I got back to headquarters.

[Steve Mitchell]

When was the body discovered?

[Lieutenant Ames]

The night watchman makes his rounds here every two hours. At 11:30, just half an hour ago he spotted the staff car and Duncan's body. I got the call just before you walked in.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, it sure looks like Marta's in the clear. All of which leaves us nowhere. What time is it now?

[Lieutenant Ames]

Five after midnight.

[Steve Mitchell]

I guess it's not too late. Too late for what? To drop in on Marta again.

[Lieutenant Ames]

You still think she did it, don't you?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, but thinking it and proving it are two different things.

[Sergeant Tennessee]

They sure are.

[Lieutenant Ames]

Particularly when it so happens that I. Marta's alibi?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. That makes it tough. Well, won't hurt to Pay her a visit anyway. See you later, Lieutenant. So I head back to Marta's apartment, not really knowing why. The whole deal has all the makings of the proverbial stone wall. It's my hunch against an airtight alibi. And at this point it looks like I'm gonna come out second best.

[Marta Gelber]

Why, Stephen.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hello, Marta.

[Marta Gelber]

Welcome in.

[Steve Mitchell]

Thanks.

[Marta Gelber]

This is a surprise.

[Steve Mitchell]

I know it's a little late to

[Marta Gelber]

be calling, but I'm glad you came back, Stephen.

[Steve Mitchell]

How's the headache?

[Marta Gelber]

Much better than sit down.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay. I'm afraid I've got some bad news for you, Martha.

[Marta Gelber]

Oh? Oh, your newspaper's not sending you away again so soon?

[Steve Mitchell]

No, I mean your friend Sergeant Bill Duncan.

[Marta Gelber]

B. What about him?

[Steve Mitchell]

He's been murdered.

[Marta Gelber]

Murdered?

[Suki]

Bill?

[Marta Gelber]

Oh, no.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah.

[Marta Gelber]

Stephen, I cannot believe it. When did it happen?

[Steve Mitchell]

About 10 o' clock tonight.

[Marta Gelber]

That must have been right after we left here. But who did it? And why? Who would want to kill Bill?

[Steve Mitchell]

That's what the army's trying to figure out, Marta.

[Marta Gelber]

Poor Billy was such a nice boy.

[Steve Mitchell]

Funny, that's what you said about your husband too, wasn't it, Ma?

[Marta Gelber]

Stephen, what do you mean?

[Steve Mitchell]

Skip it.

[Marta Gelber]

No, wait, you. Oh, you surely do not think I had anything to do with this.

[Steve Mitchell]

Why should I?

[Marta Gelber]

Well, there's no reason for you to. But another thing. Lieutenant Ames of the army came to question me this evening. He arrived shortly after Bill left. He wanted to talk about all this. This sabotage which has been going on lately.

[Steve Mitchell]

That's strange. You wouldn't know anything about that, would you?

[Marta Gelber]

No, of course not. This is frightens. Ms. Stephen said anyone should even think I could be involved in such a thing.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, probably doesn't mean a thing, Marta. Just routine questioning.

[Marta Gelber]

Let us not even talk about it anymore.

[Steve Mitchell]

Suits me.

[Marta Gelber]

Yeah, I fix us a nice drink and we forget all about this. And we talk about the times there were in the end. Steve. You know, maybe there can be times like said again or you wouldn't. Soda or water? I said soda or water, Stephen?

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, soda.

[Marta Gelber]

You were a thousand miles away.

[Steve Mitchell]

No, not that far.

[Marta Gelber]

Perhaps I should not have interrupted your train of thought.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, it doesn't matter. That's one train that's getting nowhere right now. Matter of fact, you might say it's been derailed. Ibis.

[Marta Gelber]

What is it, Steve?

[Steve Mitchell]

Nothing. Look, Marta, why don't we find a bar around here somewhere and have our drink there?

[Marta Gelber]

A bar?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. Is there one near here?

[Marta Gelber]

Well, yes, but why go to a bar, Steven? It is why it is so much

[Steve Mitchell]

cozier here this Place kind of depresses me a little.

[Marta Gelber]

You told me earlier you liked it.

[Steve Mitchell]

I know, but I suddenly feel like doing the town. How about it?

[Marta Gelber]

Well, it's pretty late.

[Steve Mitchell]

Not too late, is it?

[Marta Gelber]

Well, right, Stephen, it is. Never too late with you. There's a very quaint little bar down the street. I get my coat. You like this bar, Stephen?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. Out of atmosphere. Here. This table all right?

[Marta Gelber]

Oh, yes, fine.

[Steve Mitchell]

Wait a minute, Marta. I just happen to remember I've got to make a telephone call.

[Marta Gelber]

No, darling. I ordered some drinks for us, but you hurry back.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, it may take a few minutes, but I'll cut it as short as I can. Marta. Be with you soon. I go down the back hall and out the door into the alley. Then I head to. I'd slip the catch on her door when we'd left, so it's unlocked. I go inside and start looking. I know what I'm looking for, but I don't have much time to find it. It isn't in the front room. So I go into her bedroom. There's a chair that looks a little out of place. I move it, and there it is. A little hole in the wall. I take a knife out of my pocket and start digging into the plaster. And what I pry out of that little hole in the wall doesn't surprise me at all. A bullet.

[Marta Gelber]

I'm sorry you came back here, Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, hello, Marta.

[Marta Gelber]

You really should not have.

[Sergeant Tennessee]

You know.

[Steve Mitchell]

If I hadn't, how could I have made sure it was you who killed Bill Duncan?

[Marta Gelber]

That is a very dangerous thing for you to say, darling. Particularly when I'm holding a gun on you.

[Steve Mitchell]

It's the truth, isn't it?

[Suki]

Is it?

[Sergeant Tennessee]

Sure.

[Steve Mitchell]

You also had McCloskey killed because he was getting too warm. You're also the little lady who's been organizing all the sabotage.

[Marta Gelber]

Perhaps what you are trying to say, Stephen, is that you're not merely a newspaper correspondent.

[Steve Mitchell]

That's right. I was sent over here to Tokyo to find out who was responsible for the sabotage. Right from the start, I figured it was you. Now I know I'm right.

[Marta Gelber]

That is why you made the excuse about the phone call to come back here and find that bullet which seems to mean so much to you.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, but you got a little suspicious of me and followed me back here.

[Marta Gelber]

Stop where you are, Stephen. It will do you no good to try and circle around me. I said stop.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay,

[Marta Gelber]

Stephen. I think you know I must kill you now.

[Steve Mitchell]

You've done it before. It shouldn't be any novelty.

[Marta Gelber]

The difference Is this time I must kill someone I'm almost in love with.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, so now we go into the hearts and flowers routine. I can hear you now. Poor Stephen. He was nice and I will mean it.

[Marta Gelber]

I am sorry. Steve would have been nice for us.

[Steve Mitchell]

Are you kidding? You think I'd have any ideas about making sweet music with a cobra?

[Marta Gelber]

Thank you for that, Stephen. It makes it so much easier for me. Goodbye, darling.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, Knocked the gun right out of her hand. Nice shot, Lieutenant. Yeah, not bad at all.

[Marta Gelber]

Lieutenant Ames.

[Steve Mitchell]

I spotted you at the window. I was circling to get out of your line of fire.

[Lieutenant Ames]

That's what I figured. It looks like you and I tumbled to that train gag about the same time.

[Marta Gelber]

Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah.

[Marta Gelber]

Lieutenant, this is all a mistake.

[Steve Mitchell]

It sure is, Marta. And you made it.

[Marta Gelber]

Lieutenant, you must listen to me. You know I could not have killed Bill Duncan. He was shot at the railroad yards at 10. You came to see me here five minutes later.

[Steve Mitchell]

Sorry, Marta, no use. Bill Duncan was shot at 10 o' clock all right. But not at the railroad yards.

[Marta Gelber]

No. Such is a lie.

[Steve Mitchell]

Bill came to see you at 9:30. You know he finally had the goods on you. As head of the sabotage ring. You maneuvered him into your bedroom and shot him twice. Once in the chest. And the second slug grazed his head and plunked into the wall. That's the slug I just dug out of the wall.

[Marta Gelber]

It is not true.

[Lieutenant Ames]

And before you had a chance to dispose of the body, I showed up. All the time I was talking to you, Duncan's body was right in the next room.

[Marta Gelber]

You are insane.

[Steve Mitchell]

When the Lieutenant left, you drove the body down to the railroad yards. There was already a bullet crease in Duncan's skull and you wanted to make it look like he'd been killed at the yard. So you fired a slug past his head through the windshield and through the window of the caboose standing near the car.

[Marta Gelber]

I will not listen to this. You have no proof that Bill was not killed at the railroad yard.

[Steve Mitchell]

You want proof? Okay, I'll give it to you. The Lieutenant told me that on the way to the yards that another train had been sabotaged and had just arrived. That was 11 o', clock, Marta.

[Lieutenant Ames]

Well, that's right. We weren't paying much attention to that fact. Then I guess we both tumbled to it about the same time.

[Steve Mitchell]

I'm sure you get it, Marta. There was no train there at 10 the time of Bill's death. No caboose for that slug to plug into.

[Marta Gelber]

And to think I once thought I loved you.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, save it, Marta. You know, it's pretty funny, huh? We didn't trap Marta. She trapped herself.

[Marta Gelber]

What do you mean?

[Steve Mitchell]

You figure it out. You get hooked because the train wasn't on time. It wasn't on time because your outfit had sabotaged it.

[Lieutenant Ames]

It's pretty fitting at that. Marta wrecks a train, the train wrecks her.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. Matter of fact, you might call it cooking your own caboose.

[Narrator]

Dangerous Assignment, starring Brian Dunlevy as Steve Mitchell, is written by Bob Rife and Adrian John Doe with music by Basil Adlam and is produced and directed by Bill Karn. Three chimes mean Good Times on NBC Saturday night. Chimes mean Dennis Day and Judy Canova. Dennis Day will be back tomorrow night with more songs and merry, mischievous mix ups. The Judy Canova show also returns tomorrow when Judy and her pals get together here. Nightbeat and later, William Bendix on NBC.