Dangerous Assignment: White Jade Cafe 02/27/1950

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Dangerous Assignment—"White Jade Cafe" (Aired 02/27/1950)

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode: Dangerous Assignment: "White Jade Cafe"
Original Air Date: February 27, 1950
Summary Date: December 24, 2025
Host: Choice Classic Radio

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Episode Overview

This episode of "Dangerous Assignment," starring Brian Donlevy as intrepid government agent Steve Mitchell, takes listeners to the tense, shadowy streets of Macau. Mitchell is tasked with locating and extracting a fellow undercover agent, Kurt Allison, who is trapped while negotiating a sensitive deal that could alter the political alignment of a region in the Orient. Mitchell must navigate double-crosses, murder, and shadowy adversaries—all culminating in a daring rescue and a clever escape plan out of the country.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Breakdown

1. The Mission Briefing and Macau Arrival

• Mitchell receives his assignment from the Commissioner, learning that Kurt Allison is in imminent danger after being discovered during a secret diplomatic mission.
  • Notable exchange:
    • Mitchell: “Sounds like quite an order. Any line on the representatives of the opposition?” (03:13)
    • Commissioner: “We only know that one of them walks with a limp…Go to the White Jade Cafe. You'll be contacted there.” (03:17)
• Destination: Macau, Hotel ‘Splendid’ (ironically named), and the White Jade Café.

2. First Contacts and Escalating Danger

• At the hotel, Mitchell makes a cover as a newspaper correspondent and asks about the White Jade Cafe. He is observed and shadowed immediately, showing the level of surveillance upon his arrival. (05:02–05:30)
• Mitchell is quickly in contact with Allison, who is trapped and watched by agent Marco in the room next door.
  • Allison: “They blocked every exit…they’ve got me bottled up.” (06:31)
• A tense confrontation and gunfire ensue. Allison escapes out the window, Marco is killed, and the police begin a manhunt, believing Allison is now a murder suspect. (07:02–08:19)

3. The Opposition’s Plot and Internal Betrayals

• Meanwhile, antagonists Bartik, Sigris, and Melanie plan to let Mitchell track Allison for them. Melanie is assigned to pose as his contact. (08:54–09:45)
  • Sigris: “When we are sure he is the one, Bartik will kill him.” (09:28)

4. White Jade Café—Layers of Deception

• At the vibrant White Jade Café, Mitchell is contacted by Melanie (the supposed contact), and then another mysterious man, Chaska, both claiming to help him find Allison.
  • Melanie: “You are Steve Mitchell? Were you not told you would be contacted here at the White Jade?” (10:39)
  • Chaska: “I was instructed to contact you here at the White Jade.” (12:12)
• Both claim to know about Allison and Helen, the American woman connected to the case. Mitchell remains suspicious and methodically tests their claims.

5. The Clue at Helen’s Apartment and the Carnival

• Mitchell and Melanie follow a clue to Helen’s apartment amid a bustling street carnival. They find Helen dead, and a cryptic message from Allison leads Mitchell to deduce Allison's likely hiding place: somewhere near crowds—perhaps at the carnival itself. (14:12–15:09)
  • Steve Mitchell: “First and second rules of concealment…choose a place near a crowd…hide in the vicinity of a friendly contact.” (16:46–17:13)

6. The Rescue on the Ferris Wheel

• At the carnival, with the Ferris wheel “out of order,” Mitchell demands it be checked. Inside one of the baskets, Allison is discovered wounded but alive. (19:03–20:09)
  • Mitchell: “I'd like to take a look in some of those baskets on the wheel.” (19:31)
  • Allison: “I collected a bullet in my leg. Did you kill Marco? No.” (20:03)

7. The Smuggling Plot and Police Interference

• Mitchell orchestrates a plan to smuggle Allison out via crates of curios on a tramp steamer. The police interrupt but find only curios after searching all the crates. (22:46–26:13)
  • Lieutenant Neves: “We have definite information Mr. Allison is in one of these crates…You are trying to smuggle him out…” (25:09)

8. Final Confrontations and Twist

• Upon returning, Mitchell confronts Melanie, accusing her of betrayal. The villains corner Mitchell, threatening torture for Allison’s location. (27:04–28:12)
  • Bartik (the man with the limp): “Unless you agree to take us to Kurt Allison at the count of three, Bartik will bury his knife in you.” (28:00)
• Mitchell leads them into a trap: police wait, and the real Allison is already at sea. The opposing plot is exposed.
  • Mitchell: “That deal with the crates was more than just a trick to expose you, Melanie…I had you pegged quite a while.” (29:48–30:02)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• The Assignment:
  • Commissioner: "You're going to Macau on the China coast. One of our agents is in trouble… Get him out of the country by Thursday…" (02:28–03:13)
• Mitchell’s Attitude:
  • Steve Mitchell: “Sounds like a nice keg of nails you’ve opened for me.” (03:28)
• The Carnival Hideout Reveal:
  • Steve Mitchell: “Choose a place near a crowd… if you have to run, you can lose yourself in the crowd.” (16:46)
• The Twist:
  • Steve Mitchell: “You flunked it, Melanie… It was a little test.” (27:17)
• The Clever Escape:
  • Steve Mitchell: “That deal with the crates was more than just a trick to expose you… After they found nothing in the crates the first time, I knew they wouldn't bother looking again when Allison was actually inside.” (29:50–30:02)

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Important Timestamps

• Mission Briefing (Commissioner): 02:13–03:38
• Initial Contact with Allison: 06:26–06:49
• Murder and Escape: 07:02–08:19
• White Jade Cafe First Meeting: 09:45–10:48
• Helen’s Apartment Scene: 14:12–15:09
• Ferris Wheel Rescue: 19:00–20:09
• Smuggling Plot Foiled by Police: 24:11–26:13
• Villains’ Confrontation and Final Twist: 27:04–30:18

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Tone & Language

The episode delivers classic hardboiled detective banter, with Mitchell’s sardonic wit, smoky intrigue of continental bars and cafes, and tense confrontations. The other characters range from oily villains to world-wise allies, creating a dense web of suspicion, deception, and narrow escapes that typifies Golden Age spy radio dramas.

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Conclusion

“White Jade Cafe” delivers suspense, intrigue, and a classic case of spy-vs-spy, with hero Steve Mitchell using both cunning and nerve to outwit his opponents and save his colleague. Through twists, betrayals, and a dash of sardonic humor, the episode exemplifies the thrills of 1950s radio detective storytelling.

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Transcript

[Josh Whalen]

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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].

[Commissioner]

Dangerous Assignment, starring Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell.

[Melanie]

Well, there's your plane, Steve. Warming up.

[Steve Mitchell]

Look, I don't even know where I'm supposed to go.

[Commissioner]

Ruth.

[Melanie]

The Commissioner said he'd meet us here at the airport.

[Bartik]

Steve.

[Commissioner]

Steve.

[Melanie]

Here he is.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hi, Commissioner.

[Melanie]

I'll go confirm your reservation, Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay, Steve.

[Commissioner]

I'll be here. Right here in Macau. We haven't a minute to lose.

[Steve Mitchell]

What's this all about, Commissioner?

[Commissioner]

You're going to Macau on the China coast. One of our agents is in trouble.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, who is it?

[Commissioner]

Kurt Allison. As you know, the situation in the Orient is pretty tricky right now. Here, look at this map. There are three areas. Red, blue and shaded. The blue area is already friendly. The shaded area is on the fence. Kurt Allison was sent to negotiate a secret verbal Agreement which would bring that shaded area into our camp.

[Steve Mitchell]

I see.

[Commissioner]

Somehow the interest opposed to his mission learned his identity and have him bottled up in Macau. If they can prevent him from getting his report to us by next Thursday, then we're licked.

[Steve Mitchell]

Why doesn't he contact the console?

[Commissioner]

On this kind of a mission, Steve, Kurt has no recognition. He's on his own.

[Steve Mitchell]

Huh. Any idea where Kurt is? In McCall.

[Commissioner]

You're supposed to register at the Hotel Splendid under an assumed name. You've got to find him and get him out of the country by Thursday.

[Steve Mitchell]

Sounds like quite an order. Any line on the representatives of the opposition?

[Commissioner]

We only know that one of them walks with a limp. When you get to Macau, go to the White Jade Cafe. You'll be contacted there.

[Steve Mitchell]

White Jade. Okay.

[Commissioner]

Steve, I don't need to tell you the opposition won't pull any punches.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, sounds like a nice keg of nails you've opened for me.

[Commissioner]

It is. But we're depending on you, Steve. Find Allison and smuggle him out of Macau by Thursday. Well, that's it. You've got your assignment.

[Bartik]

Good luck.

[Commissioner]

The National Broadcasting Company is proud to present Dangerous Assignment. Starring Brian Dunleavy as Steve Mitchell, colorful two fisted government agent. At all those places in the world where danger and intrigue walk hand in hand. There you will find Steve Mitchell on another dangerous assignment.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, that was my assignment. Go to a steamy, brawling port on the China coast and find an aegis in trouble. A cinch. It was Tuesday when I got to Macau. I rode a rickshaw down a narrow, crooked street. And wondered what knife was coming my way out of what window. And then I got to the Splendide Hotel. Only Splendid thing about it was the name. I expected nothing and I got worse. But the clerk in the lobby was busting out all over with civic pride.

[Bartik]

Welcome to the Splendid Hotel, sir. Will you sign the register, please?

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay.

[Bartik]

Allow me to congratulate you on your choice, sir. This is the finest hotel in Macau.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. Well, There you are, Mr. Steve Mitchell, United States.

[Bartik]

Are you on vacation, Mr. Mitchell?

[Steve Mitchell]

Not exactly. I'm a newspaper correspondent. Say, incidentally, where's the White Jade Cafe?

[Bartik]

Just down the street, sir.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, okay. Well, better go take a look at my room.

[Bartik]

The bellboy will take you there.

[Steve Mitchell]

Right this way, sir. Okay.

[Bartik]

Yes, sir, that man who just registered here, the one who asked about the White J. Oh, you mean Mr. Steve Mitchell. Steve Mitchell from the United States?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yes.

[Bartik]

Would you like me to announce you? No, but you. I am a friend of Steve Mitchell's. I want to Surprise him a little later. Thank you.

[Lieutenant Neves]

Yes, sir. This your room, sir?

[Bartik]

You like?

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, just great. On a clear day, I'll bet you can see the other wall. Oh, yes.

[Melanie]

Will there be anything else?

[Steve Mitchell]

No, thanks. Here you are. Oh, thank you.

[Melanie]

Thank you, sir.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hello?

[Bartik]

Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

Kurt. Allison.

[Bartik]

I saw you come in the hotel from my window.

[Steve Mitchell]

Steve, where are you?

[Bartik]

Room 33, two floors above you. Look, I'm really in a spot, Steve. They blocked every exit. They've got me bottled up, and a man in the room next to me.

[Melanie]

Keeping an eye on me.

[Bartik]

I don't know how you're going to do it, but you've got to get me out of Macau.

[Steve Mitchell]

Steve, wait. What's the matter, Kirk?

[Bartik]

There's someone at the door.

[Steve Mitchell]

You got a gun? Yeah. I'll be right up. Stall him until I get there.

[Bartik]

Okay. Who is it?

[Lieutenant Neves]

Marco. The man who's being paid to watch you.

[Melanie]

What?

[Bartik]

Let me in.

[Lieutenant Neves]

I have something important to say to you.

[Bartik]

Okay, just stand still a minute.

[Steve Mitchell]

I'm unan.

[Lieutenant Neves]

Put your gun away.

[Melanie]

I want to talk business.

[Commissioner]

Okay, go ahead and talk.

[Lieutenant Neves]

The people who hired me are not paying me much. Perhaps if you were to offer more, I could show you how to get out of Macau and make your report by Thursday. Are you interested?

[Steve Mitchell]

I don't know.

[Commissioner]

Alison.

[Bartik]

Drop your gun. So, Mako, you would betray us?

[Commissioner]

No.

[Melanie]

Hey, Alexa.

[Bartik]

Alexa, come back.

[Lieutenant Neves]

Hello?

[Steve Mitchell]

Kurt. Kurt, where are you? Hey. Who are you?

[Lieutenant Neves]

Marco.

[Steve Mitchell]

Look. Where's the American?

[Melanie]

He.

[Bartik]

What is it?

[Melanie]

What has happened? Oh, it is Mr. Marco.

[Steve Mitchell]

It was Mr. Marco. Who was he, anyway?

[Melanie]

He was staying in the next room next door.

[Bartik]

Where is the American who had this room?

[Steve Mitchell]

I wish I knew.

[Lieutenant Neves]

Wait.

[Steve Mitchell]

The window is broken. Yeah. Blood on the sill. The American who killed Marco went out.

[Bartik]

The window and down the fire escape. Now, look, this is a matter for the police.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, at that point, I could see all the threads in the fabric. But I had a strong hunch one of them was around Kurt's neck, one was around mine, and someone was pulling on the middle. Kurt had disappeared from his room, leaving a dead man behind. That meant the police would be turning the town upside down to find him. It also meant his mission would go out the window. Unless I found him first. My job was getting easier by the minute. All I had to do now is to smuggle a murder suspect out of the country. And I knew that the opposition, whoever they were, would be out to prevent that.

[Bartik]

Bartik. So you are back. You fool. You should have made sure that Allison was dead. I shot at him as he Was diving out the window. But I knew I hit him. Malonic closed the door. Yes. The fact remains, Vatic, that Allison was gone when the police arrived. I know he was wounded. He could not have gotten far. We must find Alice. We do not have much time.

[Steve Mitchell]

What do you mean?

[Bartik]

This American, Steve Mitchell. He must have been sent to Macao to help. Good.

[Commissioner]

Allison.

[Bartik]

We know that their point of contact is right here at the White Jade. If Steve Mitchell turns up here at the White Jade Cafe, Melanie will contact him. Then we will know for sure that he is the one.

[Melanie]

And then. It is very simple, Segrist. When we are sure he is the one, Batik will kill him.

[Bartik]

What would you like, sir?

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, I'll. Oh, an American, huh? Nah. Brooklyn, give me a scotch and soda.

[Bartik]

Oh, yes, sir.

[Steve Mitchell]

Quite a place you've got here.

[Lieutenant Neves]

Oh, sure.

[Bartik]

We have almost everything here at the White Jane. There is a roulette wheel upstairs.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, beauty. And a piano player downstairs. Oh, beauty.

[Bartik]

Yeah, yeah. Everyone notices Melanie. But right now, Mac, Melanie seems to be noticing you.

[Steve Mitchell]

So I see, Joe. Thanks.

[Bartik]

Thank you.

[Steve Mitchell]

Nice.

[Melanie]

The piano.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, that's nice too.

[Melanie]

I was hoping you would come over.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, I couldn't very well turn down your invitation. You play well.

[Melanie]

Thank you. You are Steve Mitchell?

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, yeah.

[Melanie]

You seem surprised that I know your name. Were you not told you would be contacted here at the White Jade by one who could help you?

[Steve Mitchell]

Keep talking.

[Melanie]

I am the one who you are looking for. Kurt Allison.

[Steve Mitchell]

Am I? Where is he?

[Melanie]

I do not know. He disappeared right after the man from the next room was killed.

[Steve Mitchell]

You haven't told me anything. I don't know yet.

[Melanie]

I think I know where he might be, Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

Where?

[Melanie]

Come, let's walk around. I can pretend to be showing you the roulette wheel upstairs.

[Steve Mitchell]

Lead the way. Did you see Alison before he disappeared?

[Melanie]

Yes, I was working with him.

[Steve Mitchell]

He really got himself into a spot, didn't he? Red hair and all?

[Melanie]

Yes, and he was pretty nervous about it. As you know, he registered at the hotel under an assumed name. But when he was here the night before last, a girl walked in and recognized him. She called him by his right name. He hurried out of here at once.

[Steve Mitchell]

Any idea who the girl is?

[Melanie]

Yes. She is an American girl and her name is Helen.

[Bartik]

Melanie.

[Melanie]

Yes?

[Bartik]

A message for you.

[Melanie]

Oh, excuse me, Steve. I will be back in a moment. Why don't you try your luck at roulette while I am gone?

[Steve Mitchell]

It's an idea. Oh, I'm sorry. You. You are crowding me, sir. I didn't intend to Sir, I did.

[Commissioner]

What?

[Lieutenant Neves]

You are Steve Mitchell, are you not?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. What? My name is Casca. I was instructed to contact you here at the White Jade. Oh, that's very interesting. You're looking for Kurt Ellison. You know where he is? No, but I'm supposed to help you find him. You know, this has a sort of a familiar ring to it, but I think maybe you're a little late.

[Bartik]

I do not understand.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, skip it. So you've been working with Kurt Ellison, huh?

[Lieutenant Neves]

Yes, up until the time he disappeared.

[Steve Mitchell]

I hope nothing has happened to him. He's a fine man. Yeah, red hair and all. Right. I thought he had brown hair. He must have dyed it. Yeah, he must have. Look, I don't think it's such a hot idea for you and I to be standing here talking. Yes, perhaps you are right. Here is my address.

[Lieutenant Neves]

You can contact me there.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay. Yeah. I'll get in touch with you if I need you.

[Melanie]

Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

Coming.

[Melanie]

Steve, I have found out where this American girl Helen lives.

[Steve Mitchell]

Good. Maybe Allison is hiding out there. Come on.

[Melanie]

The girl's apartment should be just down the street, Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

Good. Hey, what's that up ahead?

[Melanie]

Oh, it is just a street carnival.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, sure packs in the crowd, doesn't it?

[Melanie]

Yes, yes, it is a traveling carnival, but it always lures many people. Wherever it goes.

[Lieutenant Neves]

It should.

[Steve Mitchell]

They really got the complete treatment. Sword swallowers, fakers. Look, even a Ferris wheel. Yes.

[Melanie]

Well, here we are.

[Commissioner]

See you.

[Melanie]

According to my information, this girl's apartment is on the first floor.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hey, that sounds familiar. Good old American blues. That music must be coming from her apartment.

[Melanie]

Sounds like it's down at this end of the hall. Come on.

[Steve Mitchell]

There. This must be the one. Helen. Helen. Hey, wait a minute. Listen.

[Melanie]

Yes, the record. Why does she not take the needle off Helen?

[Steve Mitchell]

I've got a hunch. Helen can't take that needle off the record. Stand back, Milani.

[Melanie]

Look out.

[Steve Mitchell]

Now. Once more.

[Melanie]

Steve, Look.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah.

[Melanie]

Steve, that is the American girl.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, this record is ended. And so is hers.

[Bartik]

Come in, Melanie. And close the door. Yes, sir. Steve Mitchell has accepted you as his contact, huh?

[Melanie]

Completely. Sigris.

[Commissioner]

Good.

[Bartik]

Sigris. We know that Steve Mitchell was sent here to help Alison. Why do we not kill Mitchell? They fail. You're a stupid fool. We tried to make that American girl Helen tell us where Allison was, and we failed.

[Melanie]

You were too persuasive with the girl, Bartik. She died.

[Bartik]

I was acting under your order, Siglis. That is unimportant, Bartika. The point is that since we cannot find Allison, we will let Steve Mitchell find him for us. The message we found in Helen's apartment from Allison to Mitchell will see to that. But we read the message, and it meant nothing to us.

[Melanie]

It means something to Steve Mitchell.

[Bartik]

Of course, Melanie. It tells him where Allison is hiding. That is why we had you take him to Helen's apartment. To be sure he would find the message. Stay with Mitchell, Melanie. And when he leads us to court Allison, we will kill them both.

[Melanie]

Commissioner, it's Steve calling in from a call. He's on the phone now. Good.

[Commissioner]

Thanks. Hello?

[Steve Mitchell]

Hello, Commissioner.

[Commissioner]

What's the matter?

[Steve Mitchell]

I just came from a dead girl's apartment.

[Commissioner]

What?

[Steve Mitchell]

You know, Commissioner, when you told me I'd be contacted at the White Jade here in Macau, you weren't kidding.

[Commissioner]

What do you mean?

[Steve Mitchell]

I was contacted twice.

[Commissioner]

What?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, by a girl named Melanie and a guy named Chaska. They both gave me the same story.

[Commissioner]

You know which of them is the legitimate contact?

[Steve Mitchell]

I think so. Look, Kurt left a message for me.

[Commissioner]

What did the message say?

[Steve Mitchell]

First and second rules of concealment. Kurt taught me most of what I know about this business, Commissioner. According to him, if you've got to hide, you should choose a place near a crowd. So if you have to run, you can lose yourself in the crowd.

[Commissioner]

That's probably the first rule of concealment. What about the second?

[Steve Mitchell]

He said you should always hide in the vicinity of a friendly contact. But the only contact Kurt had was an American girl. Helen. She's dead. Hey, wait a minute.

[Commissioner]

What is it?

[Steve Mitchell]

I think I've got it. It's just a hunch, but I'm going to try. I'll. I'll keep you posted.

[Josh Whalen]

If you're paying more than $1 a month for any ED or hair medication, listen up at Joy and Blokes. When you start TRT or enclomiphene, you can add any ED or hair loss prescription for just $1 a month. $1 add ons with your hormone plan. And right now, all labs are 50 off. I'm Josh Whalen, founder of Joy and Blokes. I built this company because men are tired of paying for fragmented care without results. Every Joy and Blokes lab includes a visit with a licensed clinician who connects your symptoms to your biomarkers. You'll get a real plan that covers hormones, performance and confidence. If you're considering TRT or Enclomiphene, this is the most efficient way to do it. Get [e-mail] and use a promo code podcast. New customers get 50% off their labs. And for a limited time, you can take advantage of our $1ed or hair loss add ons when you start TRT or enclomiphene not available in all states. Compounded medications are not FDA approved. Learn more at joyandbloaks.com when it's time.

[Shopify Announcer]

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[Bartik]

Hi.

[Melanie]

Welcome to my humble carnival, sir.

[Steve Mitchell]

You're the proprietor?

[Melanie]

Oh, yes, I am. Dallai, at your service.

[Bartik]

You seem interested in the carnival.

[Melanie]

I notice you have been looking it over.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, I've looked it all over, except this Ferris wheel of yours here. How about a ride on it?

[Bartik]

Oh, I am so sorry, sir. But you see the sign? It is out of honor.

[Steve Mitchell]

So I see. I also remember it was out of order when I came by her a couple of hours ago on the way to a girl's apartment.

[Melanie]

Oh, it takes time to make repairs.

[Steve Mitchell]

Let's see if that engine will operate, huh?

[Bartik]

Oh, but I have just told you, sir, it is out of order.

[Steve Mitchell]

I know, but let's give it a try. I'd like to take a look in some of those baskets on the wheel.

[Bartik]

No, sir.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hey, where'd that come from?

[Melanie]

I do not know, sir.

[Steve Mitchell]

I. It came from one of those baskets on the wheel. Start that engine.

[Bartik]

But I tell you, sir, I was all right.

[Commissioner]

The lie.

[Bartik]

He's a friend. Do as he says.

[Melanie]

Very well, sir.

[Bartik]

He is the one just over our head. This one.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay, that's far enough, Kurt.

[Melanie]

Hi, Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

Are you all right? I collected a bullet in my leg. Did you kill Marco? No.

[Bartik]

One of their other agents got both of us.

[Steve Mitchell]

Why didn't you come to my room to hide? I knew the police would search the.

[Bartik]

Hotels, so I went to Helen's apartment.

[Commissioner]

I left you a message.

[Steve Mitchell]

I found it, Kurt, near Helen's body. Oh, she was trying to help me.

[Melanie]

Oh. Sir, there's a policeman approaching.

[Steve Mitchell]

Get down. Kurt. Dely. Start that engine. Oh, yes, sir.

[Lieutenant Neves]

You are Mr. Steve Mitchell?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, why?

[Lieutenant Neves]

Permit me. I'm Lieutenant Neves of the Macau police.

[Steve Mitchell]

What can I do for you, Lieutenant?

[Lieutenant Neves]

You seem to be interested in a murder which took place at the Hotel Splendid. A man named Marco. Oh, perhaps you are a newspaper correspondent. As you told the hotel clerk. Perhaps you are an accomplice of the American who disappeared after the killing.

[Steve Mitchell]

You think the American killed Marco?

[Lieutenant Neves]

His disappearance would seem to be proof of his guilt. I am not here to discuss the merits of our case against the American, Mr. Mitchell. I'm here to warn you not to interfere with the police.

[Steve Mitchell]

I'll remember that. I hope you find the killer, Lieutenant Nevis.

[Lieutenant Neves]

Thank you. Incidentally, who operates this Ferris wheel?

[Melanie]

Why, I do, Lieutenant.

[Bartik]

Why?

[Lieutenant Neves]

You're not a very good businessman. The wheel operates, but you still have the out of Order sign posted.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh.

[Melanie]

Oh, thank you, Lieutenant.

[Bartik]

You see, I have just repaired the.

[Melanie]

Wheel and am now testing it.

[Lieutenant Neves]

Good evening, Mr. Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Good night, Lieutenant. That was close, Dalla.

[Melanie]

Oh, indeed it was, sir.

[Steve Mitchell]

Stop the wheel. D. Look, I'd better be getting along. You tell Mr. Allison I'll come back here after the carnival closes and move him to another hiding place. I went down to the waterfront. I found me a rusty old tramp steamer. I made a little deal with the skipper. Shoved a few bills into his receptive hand. I didn't know whether the plan I'd cooked up would work or not, but I had to give it a try. Melania was sitting at her piano when I got back to the white jade.

[Melanie]

I was beginning to think you had forgotten me.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, I had a couple of errands to do. And when you're not sure who you can trust, they take a little longer.

[Melanie]

We must be very careful, Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. Well, I finally found Kurt Allison.

[Melanie]

You did? Where is he?

[Steve Mitchell]

He's in a safe enough place for the time being. But I've got to get him out of Macau in a hurry. I think I know how to do it.

[Melanie]

How?

[Steve Mitchell]

I want to buy a lot of curios around town.

[Melanie]

Curios?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. Enough to fill about three large crates. Each crate about six feet long.

[Melanie]

Yes. Yes, I see.

[Steve Mitchell]

I've already made a deal with the captain of a tramp steamer.

[Melanie]

What kind of a deal?

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, for enough dough, he's not going to pay too much attention to what comes out of one of those crates after he gets to sea.

[Melanie]

Sounds like a good plan, Steve. I hope it works. When will you try it?

[Steve Mitchell]

I'll be down on the dock with the crates at 9 tomorrow morning. Wish me luck.

[Melanie]

I do, with all my heart. Here. That is for luck.

[Steve Mitchell]

Much better than carrying a horseshoe around with me.

[Melanie]

Oh, Steve, Steve, this has been so wonderful, our working together.

[Steve Mitchell]

This is work.

[Melanie]

Maybe after your job is finished.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, maybe that should be finished soon. By nine o' clock tomorrow. Okay, Chaska. Get out your muscles. Let's get these crates unloaded onto the pier. Yes, Mr. Mitzo. Okay, we'll take this one first.

[Lieutenant Neves]

You got it?

[Melanie]

Yes.

[Steve Mitchell]

Here we go.

[Lieutenant Neves]

Easy now. This crate is very heavy, sir.

[Melanie]

Yeah.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay, set it down here. Got it. Now the next one gotta hold.

[Melanie]

Yeah.

[Bartik]

Yep.

[Steve Mitchell]

There you go.

[Lieutenant Neves]

Ah, this one is not nearly as heavy as the first.

[Bartik]

No.

[Steve Mitchell]

Easy. Oh. Oh, here comes trouble.

[Lieutenant Neves]

Ah, Mr. Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, my old friend, Lieutenant Nevis.

[Lieutenant Neves]

Stand right where you are. Do not move, either of you.

[Steve Mitchell]

Huh? What is the matter, Lieutenant? Who are you? Right. My name is Casca. Mr. Mitchell hired me to drive this truck.

[Lieutenant Neves]

I see. Well, Mr. Mitchell, you did not heed the warning I gave you last night not to interfere with the police.

[Steve Mitchell]

What do you mean, Lieutenant?

[Commissioner]

Come here.

[Lieutenant Neves]

Sit down. Tear those three crates apart.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hey, you can't do that. No.

[Commissioner]

Stop him. Cut it out.

[Lieutenant Neves]

Stand back to me. Just stand back.

[Commissioner]

What?

[Lieutenant Neves]

I tell you that we have Definite information that Mr. Allison is in one of these crates. You are trying to smuggle him out of the country. You will regret this deeply, Mr. Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Look, Lieutenant, there you are. You can see there's nothing inside but curios.

[Lieutenant Neves]

There are Two other crates, Mr. Mitchell. Faster, Cammy.

[Steve Mitchell]

But that's all there is in the other crates, too.

[Lieutenant Neves]

Your block will not work. He's not in the second crate either. And he must be in the third.

[Steve Mitchell]

Look, you're making a mistake, Nevis.

[Lieutenant Neves]

Cause you have made the mistake.

[Steve Mitchell]

A big mistake. There. The sales crate is open.

[Lieutenant Neves]

Now we shall see. What? Why, there are nothing but curios in that crate either.

[Steve Mitchell]

You know, that's what I've been trying to tell you for the last five minutes, Lieutenant.

[Lieutenant Neves]

I do not understand.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, the next time you better check a little closer before you go around busting up people's crates.

[Lieutenant Neves]

I must apologize for my action.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, okay. Chaska.

[Lieutenant Neves]

Yes, Mr. Mitchell?

[Steve Mitchell]

Take all this stuff back to the warehouse. It'll have to be recreated. Well, so long, Lieutenant.

[Melanie]

Oh, Steve. I did not expect you back from the waterfront so soon. I'm having a silver fizz. Will you join me?

[Steve Mitchell]

No, thanks. Melanie.

[Melanie]

How did things go this morning at the dock?

[Steve Mitchell]

Not so hot. The police swooped down on me.

[Melanie]

What?

[Steve Mitchell]

That surprise you? What?

[Melanie]

Well, yes, of course. How could they have found out about your plan?

[Steve Mitchell]

I don't know. Unless you could have told them.

[Commissioner]

Me?

[Melanie]

Oh, Stevia. Joking.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. Well, looks like our little partnership has come to an end. Melanie. So long.

[Melanie]

But, Steve.

[Bartik]

Stay right where you are.

[Steve Mitchell]

I was told in the States that a man with a limp was in on the deal. You must be the boy, Melanie.

[Bartik]

Kurt Ellison was not thinned in any of those crates.

[Steve Mitchell]

What surprise, huh? It was a little test, Melanie. You flunked it.

[Melanie]

Where is Sigris?

[Bartik]

Right here, Melanie. Mr. Mitchell, you are a very clever man.

[Steve Mitchell]

Thanks. I presume you're the head man of this unholy 3.

[Bartik]

Your presumption is correct. Yes, you are clever. But your cleverness has its limits.

[Steve Mitchell]

What do you mean?

[Bartik]

You know where Kurt Alison is hiding, and at present, you are our guest. Therefore, we shall shortly know where Curt Allison is hiding. But. Take the knife.

[Steve Mitchell]

Wait a minute.

[Bartik]

Stand still, Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hey, could you ease up a little bit on that knife?

[Bartik]

You are a brave man, Mitchell. But even the bravest of men does not relish the entrance of a knife into the stomach. Unless you agree to take us to Kurt Allison at the count of three, Bartik will bury his knife in you.

[Steve Mitchell]

No.

[Bartik]

One.

[Steve Mitchell]

I.

[Bartik]

A little deeper, Bartek.

[Commissioner]

Two.

[Steve Mitchell]

Wait a minute.

[Bartik]

Yes?

[Steve Mitchell]

Looks like I don't have much choice.

[Bartik]

A very intelligent observation.

[Steve Mitchell]

Allison's wounded. He's in a room near the waterfront.

[Bartik]

Take us to him at once.

[Steve Mitchell]

All right, let's go.

[Bartik]

Which room is Alison in, Mitchell?

[Steve Mitchell]

This one.

[Melanie]

Is he armed?

[Steve Mitchell]

No, he's in bed, helpless.

[Bartik]

Now you are depressed. Well, in this business, one learns that betrayal is better than death.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, I guess so. Incidentally, speaking of death, why did you people kill that guy in Alison's room?

[Melanie]

We placed Marco in that room to watch Allison, but he betrayed us.

[Bartik]

Open the door, Bartik. Yes. After you, Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay. Well, there he is in the bed.

[Melanie]

Is he asleep or unconscious?

[Bartik]

I will take a look.

[Commissioner]

Wait.

[Bartik]

This is not an American.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay, Chaska.

[Bartik]

It is a trap.

[Steve Mitchell]

Take cigarette, Boytik. Let go of me. Give me nothing. Won't do you much good.

[Lieutenant Neves]

No.

[Bartik]

Stand still, Sigris. One move and I'll blow your head apart.

[Melanie]

Wait, Sigris.

[Steve Mitchell]

I help. Not so fast, Melanie.

[Melanie]

You let me go.

[Steve Mitchell]

Sit down.

[Commissioner]

Sit down.

[Melanie]

You still have not won. You cannot get Kurt Allison past our men who are guarding every exit.

[Steve Mitchell]

You're a little late, Melanie.

[Bartik]

What?

[Steve Mitchell]

Kurt is already safely out to sea. What? Yeah. By now he's probably made his report to the commissioner by radio. And when Lieutenant Nevis finds out that Kurt Allison saw Bartik kill Marko, I don't think he'd be interested in Kurt anymore.

[Melanie]

I don't understand.

[Steve Mitchell]

That deal with the crates was more than just a trick to expose you, Melanie. I figured if the police found nothing in the crates the first time they came through, they wouldn't bother with them. The second time I took the crates back to the warehouse, Allison got into.

[Bartik]

One of them there.

[Steve Mitchell]

You know, I had you pegged quite a while, Melanie. You told me you'd been working with Kurt Allison, but you didn't react at all when I said Kurt had red hair. Chaska reacted though. He said Kurt had brown hair. You know, some. He was right then.

[Melanie]

All this time, you know, I just.

[Steve Mitchell]

Went along with the gag. As a matter of fact, I needed you to set things up for me with the crates. And after all, you wanted to help me so badly, Melanie, I decided the only decent thing would be to let you.

[Commissioner]

You have just heard another episode in the exciting new adventure series Dangerous Assignments. Starring Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell, Dangerous Assignment is written by Bob Rife and directed by Bill Karn with music by Bruce Ashley. 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'll hear action packed stories to sharpen your wits when over most of these same stations, NBC brings you high adventure, Richard Diamond, Christopher London and Sam Spade. During these stellar shows, you'll hear mystery and intrigue, adventure and high tension drama to match your powers of observation against the best in detective fiction. In solving crimes and unraveling intrigue, there's fast moving action to lift you from beside your radio and transplant you into the romantic land of mystery and adventure. These four Sunday shows I Adventure, Richard Diamond, Christopher London and Sam Spade are tops in thrills. So be sure to tune to your favorite NBC station for the best mystery and adventure programs. Tomorrow, Bob Hope presents the Look Achievement Awards on NBC.