Dangerous Assignment: Who Killed Captain Rocq 02/13/1950

Summary

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Podcast Episode Summary

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio

Episode: Dangerous Assignment: Who Killed Captain Rocq (02/13/1950)
Release Date: December 10, 2025
Main Theme:
Steve Mitchell, an undercover government agent, is sent to Tangier to impersonate the murdered Captain Rock and uncover the masterminds behind an international assassination plot, navigating a web of intrigue, betrayal, and double-crosses.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

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1. The Assignment: Impersonate a Dead Man

• Steve Mitchell is summoned by the Commissioner and receives an urgent mission: fly to Tangier and impersonate Captain Rock, a recently murdered mercenary.
• Purpose: Draw out Rock’s killers and expose the plot behind a critical political assassination.

Commissioner: "Very dangerous game, Steve. But I’m asking you to play it for us. Putting it bluntly, you’re going to pose as Captain Rock in Tangier. You’ll be a decoy." (01:52)

• Revelation: Captain Rock’s death is being kept secret; his killers are to believe he survived.
• Steve’s resemblance to Rock makes him the perfect candidate.

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2. The Conspirators Behind the Murder

• In Tangier, Joshua Effendi and his nervous associate Ali discuss orchestrating Rock’s murder.
• Ali reports killing Rock ("I stabbed him. Captain Rock is dead, Joshua Effendi." (04:41)), but is startled to see Steve (posing as Rock) at the airport.
• Joshua realizes the job must not be finished, berates Ali, and decides to handle matters himself.

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3. The Stakes: International Intrigue

• Inspector Laborde briefs Steve in Tangier on the broader stakes.
  • The murder of a diplomat derailed a peace treaty between two European countries—Rock was implicated as the getaway driver.
  • Authorities believe Rock knew the assassin’s identity.
  • Rock’s escape from a Turkish jail was engineered by those interested in silencing him for good.

Inspector Laborde: "We believe that interests hostile to that treaty deliberately assassinated that diplomat to block the treaty. Your commissioner also believes that if they can be exposed for what they are and linked to the killing, then the treaty has a chance of going through after all." (09:02)

• Steve’s mission: Lure out the true villain and survive being hunted by both the police and criminals.

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4. Undercover in Tangier: The Web Tightens

• Steve’s cover as Rock is tested immediately:
  • He meets with Hasim, the friendly cafe owner, and is re-introduced to Yadida, the beautiful dancer believed to be Rock’s sweetheart.
• A man approaches with the undercover password ("Hassim stocks fine wines…") but is actually Joshua Effendi, not the real police contact.
  • Steve rebuffs Joshua’s invitation to leave together, suspecting something is off.

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5. Yadida’s Warning and Murder

• Yadida attempts to warn Steve: "Joshua's here. I saw him." (14:26)
  • She quickly realizes Steve is not the real Captain Rock and rushes away.
  • Steve finds her dying in her dressing room; her final words are "Shop of a Thousand Bells." (15:34)
  • Steve becomes the main suspect in her murder as Hasim and others accuse him.

Hasim: "She loved you, and you killed her." (17:47)

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6. On the Run: The Shop of a Thousand Bells

• Steve narrowly escapes the police and heads to the bazaar, seeking the mysterious shop mentioned by Yadida.
• At the shop, proprietor Turhan plays coy, only offering bells, not information.
• Persistent "guides" and townsfolk comment on Yadida’s murder ("Yadida was a beautiful dancing girl… But tonight she was murdered by a man called Capitan Rock." (22:50))

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7. Into the Trap: Joshua Effendi’s Lair

• Mustafa, an insistent guide, offers to show Steve the secret places of Tangier, leading him into a dark cellar.

• Inside, Steve is confronted by Joshua Effendi, gun in hand—"Well, if he isn’t the wine connoisseur from Hasim’s." (25:21)

  • Joshua reveals:
    • He orchestrated both Rock’s death and the earlier assassination.
    • He staged Rock’s escape to kill him and keep him quiet.
    • He intercepted Inspector Laborde’s real contact with Steve.

Joshua Effendi: "Your brilliant deductions come a little late in the game." (26:35)

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8. The Showdown and Resolution

• As Joshua prepares to kill Steve, Mustafa inadvertently helps disrupt the attack when police, led by Inspector Laborde, burst in.
• Joshua is subdued; his identity as the assassin and political saboteur is exposed.
• Inspector Laborde promises to make the truth public, hoping peace talks can now resume.

Inspector Laborde: "We will give it the widest publicity. When those two countries involved learn who killed that diplomat, perhaps their treaty will go through after all." (28:29)

• Steve, still considered a criminal by Tangier’s citizens, requests (and receives) a police escort out of town.

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Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• Commissioner: "Very dangerous game, Steve. But I’m asking you to play it for us… you’re going to pose as Captain Rock in Tangier." (01:52)
• Ali: "We drove to a deserted road outside the city. And then I stabbed him. Captain Rock is dead, Joshua Effendi." (04:41)
• Inspector Laborde: "You cannot return here until this job is finished… To the rest of the police, you will be Captain Rock, to be pursued and captured, if possible." (10:41)
• Yadida: "Shop of a Thousand Bells." (15:34)
• Steve Mitchell: "Never send an O for whom the bell tolls, Mustafa. It tolls for thee." (27:55)
• Steve Mitchell (final line): "You know, the next time the commissioner wants me to impersonate somebody, I hope it’s a Sunday school teacher in Cedar Rapids, Sam." (29:11)

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Important Segment Timestamps

• Briefing and Assignment: 01:10 – 02:56
• Villain’s Side (Joshua Effendi & Ali plan): 03:44 – 06:36
• Inspector Laborde’s Exposition and Newsreel: 06:52 – 10:41
• Hasim’s Cafe & Secret Password: 12:29 – 14:13
• Yadida’s Warning and Death: 14:23 – 15:55
• Bazaar & Shop of a Thousand Bells: 20:30 – 22:44
• Showdown with Joshua Effendi: 25:01 – 27:37
• Resolution with Inspector Laborde: 28:01 – 29:11

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Overall Tone & Style

The episode delivers classic old-time radio detective suspense, mixing hard-boiled dialogue, exotic intrigue, and dramatic peril. Steve Mitchell’s wisecracking, skeptical narration is balanced with the tense atmosphere of secret agents, deadly double-crosses, and the bustling, dangerous streets of Tangier.

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Conclusion

This episode showcases “Dangerous Assignment” at its best: a government agent thrust into deadly peril, forced to trust no one, unraveling a plot with international consequences. With snappy dialogue, memorable characters, and a classic twist ending, it’s a captivating piece of vintage detective radio drama.

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 donlevy as steve mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, here he is, Commissioner. I just looked under the nearest Parry neutral window.

[Commissioner]

Have a seat, Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay. You know, of course I was going to get even on that next race.

[Commissioner]

I'm afraid this can't wait until the next race, Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

I'll have your credentials and plane ticket at my desk when you're ready for them. All right. Thanks, Ruth. Sending me off into the wild blue yonder again, Commissioner?

[Commissioner]

You're flying to Tangier.

[Steve Mitchell]

Tangier? Look, I don't even have a veil.

[Commissioner]

You won't need one. Ever hear of a man named Captain Rock?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. Sort of a soldier of fortune, isn't he?

[Commissioner]

Yes. A man who'd do anything for anybody if the price was right. Here's a picture of him.

[Narrator]

Take a look.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hey, he looks like me.

[Commissioner]

Quite a little. Steve, we think you could pass for Captain Rock almost anywhere.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hey, wait a minute. What do you mean, pass for him?

[Commissioner]

Very dangerous game, Steve. But I'm asking you to play it for us. Putting it bluntly, you're going to pose as Captain Rock in Tangier. You'll be a decoy.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, great. Look, maybe Captain Rock won't like the idea.

[Commissioner]

He's in no position to object, Steve. Last night in Tangier, Captain Rock was stabbed to death.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, how do I go about impersonating a dead man?

[Commissioner]

His death has been kept a secret. He was found right after he was stabbed and was taken to the hospital in Tangier on a heavy police car. He died in the hospital? We want his killers to think they missed.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, so they'll come after me, huh? Hey, this sounds like a fine job.

[Commissioner]

Yes, well, we've got to find out who killed him and why.

[Steve Mitchell]

Look, you better fill me in on the background. Why is Rock so important to us?

[Commissioner]

There's not time to go into that now, Steve. Your plane leaves in half an hour, but Inspector Laborde in Tangier will give you the entire background. Go directly to his office when you arrive.

[Steve Mitchell]

Inspector Laborde in Tangier. Okay, Steve.

[Commissioner]

This is a vital job you're going to do and a very dangerous one. You'll be up against clever, ruthless opposition. But we've got to find out who killed Captain Rock. Well, that's it. You've got your assignment.

[Steve Mitchell]

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 in the world where danger and intrigue walk hand in hand. There you'll find Steve Mitchell on another dangerous assignment.

Steve Mitchell is en route to Tangier in North Africa by plane. Meanwhile, in a spacious villa on the outskirts of Tangier, a man waits slowly, sipping a glass of sherry. The door opens and a slender native enters the room.

[Ali]

Good evening, Joshua Effendi.

[Joshua Effendi]

Ali at last. Certainly took you long enough to get back here to make your report to me.

[Ali]

I thought it best to remain in hiding for a day, effendi.

[Narrator]

Perhaps you were right.

[Joshua Effendi]

But come, tell me exactly what happened.

[Ali]

Yes, effendi. I met Captain Rock at the Shop of a Thousand Bells the night before last. As you instructed me to. I told him that I was to conduct him to the man who had arranged his escape from the Istanbul prison.

[Joshua Effendi]

Was he suspicious at all?

[Ali]

He did not seem to be. But he said he did not understand why his escape from prison had been arranged. I told him he would find that out later.

[Joshua Effendi]

Good, good.

[Ali]

We drove to a deserted road outside the city. And then I stabbed him. Captain Rock is dead, Joshua Effendi.

[Joshua Effendi]

You've done well, Ali. And you'll be paid accordingly. I'm going to the airport to purchase a ticket to Cairo. My job here is finished.

I would like a ticket to Cairo on the first available plane.

[Narrator]

Very well, sir.

[Steve Mitchell]

Taxi.

[Inspector Laborde]

Hey, taxi. Here is your ticket, sir.

[Joshua Effendi]

Wait.

[Narrator]

That man.

[Inspector Laborde]

Taxi.

[Yadida]

Right here, effendi. Welcome to Tangier, effendi. May I show you the sights of the city?

[Steve Mitchell]

No, just take me to the police station.

[Yadida]

All right. Away, Effendi.

[Joshua Effendi]

That was Captain Rock. But Rock is dead.

[Inspector Laborde]

I beg your pardon?

[Joshua Effendi]

Never mind the ticket to Cairo. I still have some unfinished business here in Tangier.

[Ali]

No, it cannot be true, Joshua Effendi. Capitan Rock is dead.

[Joshua Effendi]

You stupid fool, Ali. I saw him at the airport just now. You bungled the job the night before last, after all.

[Ali]

No, no, it could not be. I stabbed him to death in the car.

[Steve Mitchell]

I ol.

[Ali]

I do not miss.

[Joshua Effendi]

Did you wait until you were sure he was dead before you left?

[Ali]

I. Well, you see, Joshua Effendi Twittered Ali.

Well, a police patrol came down the road right afterward. It was necessary for me to depart quickly.

[Joshua Effendi]

That's what I thought. You did bungle the job.

[Ali]

Stupid chance if handy. Just give me one more chance, and this time I will make sure.

[Inspector Laborde]

No.

[Joshua Effendi]

It is too late for that, Ali. You had an opportunity and you failed me.

[Inspector Laborde]

No, no.

[Ali]

Ifendy, please, I.

[Steve Mitchell]

No, no, no.

[Joshua Effendi]

One chance is all I ever give anyone. Ali. From now on, I will handle this job myself.

[Inspector Laborde]

Your credentials are in order, Monsieur Mitchell. Please have a seat.

[Steve Mitchell]

Thank you. Inspector Laborde.

[Inspector Laborde]

Your commissioner notified me to expect you. You did well to come here to my office as soon as you arrived in Tangier. We do not want you to be seen in the city until you understand the situation thoroughly.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, right now I don't understand much of anything. I think you'd better start at the beginning.

[Narrator]

Of course.

[Inspector Laborde]

Look at this map. A year ago, these two European countries were on the verge of signing a treaty. Your country was backing them completely and was very anxious for their treaty to go through. It meant peace and security for this entire area of Europe.

[Steve Mitchell]

I see. What happened to it?

[Inspector Laborde]

On a certain day, a representative from each country was to meet and sign the treaty on the border. But that meeting never took place.

[Steve Mitchell]

Why not?

[Inspector Laborde]

One of the representatives was assassinated on the way to the meeting point. The mutual suspicion which resulted from the incident was enough to scrap the treaty.

[Steve Mitchell]

But what's all this got to do with Captain Ra?

[Inspector Laborde]

I wish to show you a portion of a newsreel on this film projector. Will you turn off the light, please?

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay.

[Inspector Laborde]

Merci. I will start the projector now.

This was taken near the border of the two countries involved on the day the treaty was to be signed.

What do you see there, Monsieur Mitchell?

[Steve Mitchell]

Just a black sedan. Man in the back seat, driver in front.

[Inspector Laborde]

The man in the back seat was the diplomat who was assassinated shortly afterward. Now look more closely at the driver. What?

[Steve Mitchell]

Hey, it's Captain Rock.

[Inspector Laborde]

Captain Rock. You may turn the lights back on now. Merci.

[Steve Mitchell]

You think Captain Rock killed that diplomat?

[Inspector Laborde]

No, but we think he was in on the plan in some way. At a certain point in the trip, instead of turning to the left as he was supposed to do, he suddenly turned to the right into a blind alley. That is where the shooting took place.

[Steve Mitchell]

I see. Well, then, if Rock was in on the plan, that means he knew who killed that diplomat.

[Inspector Laborde]

That is precisely the point, Mitchell. We believe that interests hostile to that treaty deliberately assassinated that blahmach to block the treaty. Your commissioner also believes that if they can be exposed for what they are and linked to the killing, then the treaty has a chance of going through after all.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. Well, what happened to Captain Rock after the shooting?

[Inspector Laborde]

Interpol in Paris has supplied us with that information. I have it right here. Rock went into hiding. He was arrested on a minor charge in Istanbul two months ago and imprisoned there.

[Steve Mitchell]

He probably figured that that Istanbul jail was a good hiding place.

[Inspector Laborde]

Oh, undoubtedly. But last week there was a very skillfully arranged jailbreak. Captain Rock escaped. We want to find out who arranged that escape. Because it is our belief that the one responsible for it is the killer who realized that he was not safe as long as Rock was alive.

[Steve Mitchell]

So that's why I'm supposed to impersonate Rock.

[Inspector Laborde]

Exactly. I think we will be able to make the killer believe that he missed the first time.

[Steve Mitchell]

So he'll come after me. You know, this sounds like a nice, friendly little pastime where a guy could wind up dead.

[Inspector Laborde]

There is no point in minimizing the danger. But this assignment is a vital one.

[Steve Mitchell]

Look, did you get anything out of Rock before he died?

[Inspector Laborde]

No. But a few hours before his death, he was seen at Hasim's. Hasim's?

[Steve Mitchell]

What's that?

[Inspector Laborde]

A cafe here in Tangier. It may mean nothing. On the other hand.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, I guess that'll be my first stop, huh?

[Inspector Laborde]

Monsieur Mitchell, one thing I must make very clear to you. When you walk out of this office, you will be Captain Rock. You cannot return here until this job is finished, one way or the other.

[Steve Mitchell]

Why not?

[Inspector Laborde]

The interests that we think are behind this have eyes and ears everywhere. We must do our best to convince them. Therefore, I am the only one in Tangier who knows who you really are. Even now, your picture has been distributed to the force as that of Captain Rock. To the rest of the police, you will be Captain Rock, to be pursued and captured, if possible.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, fine. I don't have enough to do trying to find out who's behind all this. I have to play hide and seek with the police, too.

[Inspector Laborde]

I regret it. He's unavoidable.

[Steve Mitchell]

Look, suppose I get in a spot. Isn't there anyone who can help me?

[Inspector Laborde]

I have considered that possibility. I will have one of my detectives who will make himself known to you at Hasim's cafe.

[Steve Mitchell]

How will I know him?

[Inspector Laborde]

He will approach you and he will say, hasim stocks fine wines here. You will ask him if he is an employee of the place, and he he will reply, no, not an employee. A connoisseur.

[Steve Mitchell]

Fine wines. Connoisseur. Okay. I've got it.

[Inspector Laborde]

Keep under cover for the rest of the day and beatrassims at seven tonight.

[Narrator]

Okay.

[Inspector Laborde]

Monsieur Mitchell. I do not need to warn you to be careful. Because if you are not, I am afraid it will cost you your life.

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[Hasim]

Welcome to my humble cafe, Effendi. Would you like Hasim to show you to a table?

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, this one right here will do. Looks like I'm in time for the floor show.

[Hasim]

Yes, effendi. I Capitan Rock.

[Steve Mitchell]

Huh?

[Hasim]

For a moment I did not recognize you. But you are Capitan Rock.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, but let's not spread it around, Hassim.

[Mustafa]

But of course.

[Hasim]

Evente I forget you were wanted by the police. But you risk capture to come here to see Adida Yadida.

[Steve Mitchell]

Your sweetheart.

[Hasim]

See, she is dancing now.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh yeah? Yeah. She looks even more beautiful than the last time I saw her.

[Hasim]

She is the sweetheart of all time, Jir. But she loves only you. I will go to signal her that you are here. She will be overjoyed.

[Steve Mitchell]

I hope so.

Maybe this deal won't be too bad after all.

[Joshua Effendi]

I beg your pardon.

[Steve Mitchell]

Huh?

[Joshua Effendi]

Is this your first visit to Hasim's cafe?

[Steve Mitchell]

Why no. I used to come here a lot.

[Joshua Effendi]

Why?

[Steve Mitchell]

Who are you?

[Joshua Effendi]

Allow me to congratulate you on your excellent taste in coming here. Hassim stocks fine wines.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, are you an employee?

[Joshua Effendi]

Not an employee, a connoisseur.

[Steve Mitchell]

I see.

[Joshua Effendi]

Inspector Laborde sent me. Let us go someplace where we can talk.

[Steve Mitchell]

No, not now. I know what you look like now. That's all that's necessary. Just manage to be around if I need you.

[Joshua Effendi]

But I think we should go outside and.

[Steve Mitchell]

No, look, has seem's heading this way. Beat it.

[Joshua Effendi]

Very well. I will leave by the back door.

[Hasim]

Yeah, I signal to ya. Did I pointed you out? See, she has her eyes on you now.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, nice eyes too. Thanks, Hacim.

[Hasim]

See, she is coming straight here to your table.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. Hasim. Don't you think sweetheart should be let alone?

[Hasim]

But of course friendly. I understand.

[Yadida]

I understand, darling.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hello, Yadita.

[Yadida]

Darling, you must be careful. Joshua's here. I saw him.

[Steve Mitchell]

I.

[Yadida]

Wait.

[Steve Mitchell]

What's the matter?

[Hasim]

You.

[Yadida]

You are not I beg your pardon, Vindy. I have made a mistake.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hey, wait a minute. Yadita. Come back here.

Looks like it didn't fool her any. Hasim. Hasim.

[Hasim]

Yes, effendi.

[Steve Mitchell]

Where's Yadida's dressing room?

[Hasim]

You have quarreled already. Such a pity. Such a pity.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Now I want to make up. Where is her dressing room?

[Hasim]

Where it has always been, Capitan Rock. Through that curtain. The room at the end of the hall.

[Steve Mitchell]

Thanks.

[Hasim]

You will make it up. Then all will be well again.

[Steve Mitchell]

Room at the end of the hall. Yeah. There it is. She was trying to warn me about something.

Yadida. Yadida. Hey, Yadida. What happened?

[Hasim]

Knife.

[Steve Mitchell]

Who did it?

[Yadida]

Joshua.

[Inspector Laborde]

Who's he?

[Yadida]

Joshua.

[Steve Mitchell]

Look, Yadida. So you know I'm not Captain Rock. But I'm trying to find out who killed him and what's behind it all. Can you tell me anything that'll help show up?

[Yadida]

Of a Thousand Bells.

[Steve Mitchell]

Shop of a Thousand Bells. Where's that street bazaar.

Yadida. Yadida. She's dead.

[Hasim]

What is it, Captain Rat? What has happened?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yadida. She's dead.

[Hasim]

What? Yadida.

[Inspector Laborde]

Dead?

[Hasim]

Yadida. A knife Wolf. You did this, Capitan Rock. You killed Yadida.

[Steve Mitchell]

Now, Lord.

[Hasim]

You had a quarrel. You stabbed her.

[Mustafa]

Police.

[Ali]

Police.

[Steve Mitchell]

Police.

[Narrator]

In a moment we'll return to the second act of Dangerous Assignment starring Brian Donlevy. But first we'd like to call your attention to another fast moving adventure mystery. Now on Sundays, hear Dick Powell as Richard diamond, private detective. Every week, glib Dick diamond fights his way to fame, fortune and a redheaded girlfriend over most of these same NBC stations. And Dick Powell continues to delight listeners with a tune or two on almost every program. This delightful mixture of rough and tumble action and smooth sweet lyrics weekly brings joy to listeners who dial the NBC way. Enjoy this novel pulse paced action drama Every Sunday, Richard diamond is another fast moving NBC adventure mystery wrapped up and delivered every Sunday afternoon over most of these NBC stations. Now Back to Act 2 of Dangerous Assignment. Starring Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell.

The time? Ten seconds later, the place Hasim's Cafe in Tangier. Steve Mitchell, posing as the notorious Captain Rock is still standing over the body of Yadida, the beautiful dancing girl. As Haseem, the proprietor rushes down the hall to her dressing room. Haseem suspects Steve of killing Yadida.

[Hasim]

She loved you and you killed her.

[Yadida]

Police.

[Narrator]

Shut up.

[Steve Mitchell]

Look, as long as we're throwing accusations around, you got here in an awful hurry just now. Hatim.

[Hasim]

How come I do not know what you are talking about.

[Narrator]

Police.

[Ali]

Police.

[Hasim]

Take your hand off my mouth.

[Steve Mitchell]

Let's go in that dressing room.

[Hasim]

It will do you no good. I will still call the police.

[Steve Mitchell]

I know, but this way I'll have five minutes to start. Now get in there.

Commissioner, Steve's calling from Tangier. He's on the line now.

[Commissioner]

Thanks, Ruth. Hello?

[Steve Mitchell]

Hi, Commissioner. I can only talk a minute. I'm calling from the second floor of a little hotel here in Tangier.

[Commissioner]

How's everything?

[Steve Mitchell]

Right now it's hotter than a two bit pipe.

[Commissioner]

What do you mean?

[Steve Mitchell]

When you sent me over here, you didn't tell me I was supposed to play tag with the police too.

[Commissioner]

Well, we had to make things look convincing, Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, well, right now they look very convincing. Rock's girlfriend just got herself killed and I'm the Grade A suspect.

[Commissioner]

What?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, she was trying to warn me about something. Before she died, she mentioned a place called the Shop of a Thousand Bells. In a bazaar. I guess that's my next stop.

[Commissioner]

You're working alone, Steven, but really alone.

[Steve Mitchell]

Inspector Laborde sent a man to me at Hasim's Cafe. But I had to leave in such a hurry I wasn't able to contact him again.

[Commissioner]

Have you made any contact with the people who engineered Captain Rock's jailbreak?

[Steve Mitchell]

Not yet. Maybe I'll have better luck at the Shop of the Thousand Bells. Look, I better hang up. I don't want to stay in one place any longer than I have to. This town is probably jumping with cops right now and they're all looking for me. I'll try to call you again as soon as I have anything new to report.

[Commissioner]

All right, Steve. Be careful.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. So long, Commissioner.

Clerk. Hey, clerk. Here I am, effendi. Look, I'd like a little information.

[Hasim]

Of course, effendi.

[Steve Mitchell]

What's the matter?

[Hasim]

Nothing, effendi.

[Yadida]

Nothing.

[Steve Mitchell]

You seem pretty nervous all of a sudden.

[Yadida]

It is nothing, effendi.

[Hasim]

What information do you wish?

[Steve Mitchell]

Is there a bazaar around here anyway?

[Hasim]

A bazaar?

[Steve Mitchell]

I, I. Do you really got the jumps, haven't you?

[Hasim]

A bazaar?

[Yadida]

Yes.

[Hasim]

Eh, Fendi. It is not far.

[Steve Mitchell]

Wait a minute. What was that?

[Hasim]

I do not know. I.

[Steve Mitchell]

A car pulled up outside. A police car. So that's why you were nervous. Police. Quick. In here. Here he is. Looks like I've got no fighting at all. Must be a back door over there.

[Yadida]

Quick.

[Steve Mitchell]

Stay, dog.

This bizarre had put Sears Roebuck to shame. That Shop of a Thousand Bells ought to be around here someplace. Yeah, there it is.

[Yadida]

Good evening, effendi. Welcome to the Shop Of a thousand bells.

[Steve Mitchell]

Are you the proprietor here?

[Yadida]

Yes, efendi, I am Turhan, at your service. You would perhaps like to buy one of these beautiful bells?

[Steve Mitchell]

No, but I'd like a little information.

[Yadida]

I do not sell information, effendi. I sell bells. The finest in all Tangier.

[Hasim]

See?

[Yadida]

Here is one you may like. But does it not have a fine tone like pure silver?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, yeah. Now look.

[Yadida]

Indeed it should have such a tone, for it is pure silver with just the slightest amount of alloy to give it body. You like this bell?

[Steve Mitchell]

That's not what I came for. I, I.

[Yadida]

Perhaps this other one here. Yes? Perhaps this one is more to your liking.

[Steve Mitchell]

Look, I don't want to buy a.

[Yadida]

Bell, but defend me.

[Steve Mitchell]

I have.

[Mustafa]

You would like a guide?

[Steve Mitchell]

No, no.

[Mustafa]

I am Mustafa Effendi, the best guide in old Tangier. I can show you all the more secret places. No beautiful dancing.

[Steve Mitchell]

Look, I don't want to buy a bell and I don't want a guide.

[Mustafa]

But I charge very little for my services, if any.

[Steve Mitchell]

Beat it, will ya? Now look, Turhan, I don't have much time. I told you I wanted some information from you.

[Yadida]

But I only have information about my bells, if any.

[Steve Mitchell]

Look, I'm gonna try just once more. I was told to come here. Now, if you don't open up and start talking.

[Mustafa]

If you want information, why do not you ask me? I, Mustafa, have all the information.

[Steve Mitchell]

What's that?

[Mustafa]

Of course I have information on all the points of interest here in Tangi. I can show you.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, great.

[Mustafa]

Look, will you Beat is a sad thing to hand. Nobody wants a guy tonight. Everyone is too interested in the murder of Yadida to go sightseeing.

[Yadida]

Yes, I know. No one will buy my bel either.

[Steve Mitchell]

What's that about Yadida?

[Mustafa]

You have not heard of any?

Yadida was a beautiful dancing girl, a sweetheart of all Tangier. But tonight she was murdered by a man called Capitan Rock.

[Hasim]

Oh.

[Mustafa]

The police are scouring the city for him right now. But if the citizens find the worst, there will be not much left for the police.

[Steve Mitchell]

I guess not.

[Mustafa]

Hey, I say the police are down at the other end of the bazaar. They are searching everywhere.

[Steve Mitchell]

Look. You still want a job, Mustafa?

[Mustafa]

Oh, but of course, effendi. You have changed your mind?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, yeah, I've changed my mind. You say you can show me some of the secret places of Tangier if you like. I like. The more secret, the better.

[Yadida]

One moment, effendi. You have changed your mind about the going. Perhaps you will change your mind about the Bell.

[Steve Mitchell]

I'll even buy a bell.

[Yadida]

Thank you.

[Steve Mitchell]

Come on, Mustafa, let's go.

You sure know all the back alleys around town, Mustafa.

[Mustafa]

It is my business to know them, effendi. What would you like to see first?

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, you name it. As long as it's one of those secret places we were talking about.

[Mustafa]

I have a place in mind that I think will appeal strongly to you. See in this door, effendi. I will lead the way.

[Steve Mitchell]

Sure. Dark in here.

[Mustafa]

There is a flight of stairs at your right, effendi. We will descend.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay, but it's your turn to carry this bill. Somebody's liable to confuse me for a cow in the dark.

[Mustafa]

Of course. Here, put your hand on my shoulder so now you will not stumble.

[Steve Mitchell]

When you say secret, you really mean it, don't you?

[Mustafa]

Certain activities are frowned on by the police. It is necessary. Necessary to take precautions. Here we are at the bottom.

[Steve Mitchell]

Where to now?

[Mustafa]

See the narrow crack of light under that door at the end of this hall? Come.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hey, what kind of a place is this, Mustafa?

[Mustafa]

One beyond the wildest imagination, effendi.

[Yadida]

You will see.

[Steve Mitchell]

Here we are.

[Mustafa]

After you, effendi.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hey, that sudden light blinds me.

[Mustafa]

Your eyes will adjust themselves.

[Steve Mitchell]

Why, that's just a bare room. Here he is.

[Mustafa]

Joshua Fendi. I have brought him to you.

[Steve Mitchell]

Huh?

[Joshua Effendi]

Good work, Mustafa.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, if he isn't the wine connoisseur from Hasims. Why am I glad to see you. I've been. Hey, why the gun? Wait a minute. Mustafa here called you Joshua just now.

[Joshua Effendi]

Quite right.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yadida told me that Joshua was the guy who stabbed her.

[Joshua Effendi]

Right again, Mustafa. Your job is finished. You will be well paid for it. You may go. And take that silly bell with you.

[Steve Mitchell]

Looks like I've made a little mistake. I figured you were the guy Inspector Laborde sent to help me at Hasim's.

[Joshua Effendi]

It did not prove difficult to intercept Laborde's man and learn the password from him.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, I get it. A little late, I guess.

[Joshua Effendi]

Quite a bit too late.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yadida tried to warn me about you. That's why you killed her.

[Narrator]

Yes.

[Joshua Effendi]

I do not know who you are, except that you are not Captain Rock. Oh, if you were Captain Rock, you would have recognized me instantly at Hasim's Cafe.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, Captain Rock knew you, huh? Maybe the two of you had done business before. You know, that adds up to an interesting thought.

[Joshua Effendi]

Does it?

[Narrator]

Sure.

[Steve Mitchell]

The thought that maybe it was you who killed that diplomat. Rock was driving the car for. Two of you had that scheme all worked out between you, didn't You.

[Joshua Effendi]

I'm afraid your brilliant deductions can come a little late in the game.

[Steve Mitchell]

You've been looking for Rock ever since. So you could kill him and shut his mock for keeps. That's why you arranged that jailbreak for him in Istanbul.

[Joshua Effendi]

He was difficult to find. But as you see, we could not be safe as long as he was alive. Where is he now?

[Steve Mitchell]

Rock? You should have let well enough alone, Joshua. Rock is dead. You got him the first crack out of the box.

[Joshua Effendi]

Indeed. It would seem I was a little harsh with Allie then. Ally an employee of mine who was assigned to kill Rock. I was forced to shoot him because I thought he had bungled.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, I guess you could easily call that being a little harsh with him.

[Joshua Effendi]

However, I do not believe in regrets. I know now the job's been done and with you out of the way, things will be complete. You are not leaving. And to make sure you do not, I will place myself between you and the door.

[Steve Mitchell]

So getting rid of me is the next step, huh?

[Joshua Effendi]

The very next step.

[Inspector Laborde]

Joshua.

[Steve Mitchell]

The police.

[Hasim]

You fool.

[Mustafa]

Mustafa.

[Ali]

That door knocked a gun out of my hand.

[Steve Mitchell]

Thanks, Mustafa.

[Ali]

Mustafa, grab the gun.

[Steve Mitchell]

Let go of me. With pleasure.

[Ali]

I have the gun.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, yeah?

Please.

[Mustafa]

It was not my fault. I did as I was told.

[Steve Mitchell]

You wanted to show me some secret places, Mustafa. Well, here's one I want to show you.

Never send an O for whom the bell tolls, Mustafa. It tolls for thee.

[Ali]

Mitchell.

[Inspector Laborde]

Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

In here, Inspector.

[Inspector Laborde]

You all right, Mitchell?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, I guess so.

[Inspector Laborde]

I spotted Joshua's agent, Mustafa, and he led me to you. I was hoping I could get to you before it was too late.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, you gave me a big lift indirectly board. Mustafa came flying back to tell Joshua you were closing in and knocked the gun out of his hand when he opened the door. There's your man, Inspector. Joshua there on the floor.

[Inspector Laborde]

Oh, he is the one who engineered the political assassination with Captain Rock.

[Steve Mitchell]

That's right. Good.

[Inspector Laborde]

We will give it the widest publicity when those two countries involved learn who killed that diplomat. Perhaps their treaty will go through after all.

[Steve Mitchell]

I hope so. Hey, look, Laborde, do me a favor, will you?

[Inspector Laborde]

After what you have done?

[Hasim]

Anything, Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Now the citizens of Tangier still think I killed Yadida. Will you give me a police escort out of town? I'm not exactly hankering to hang around here, if you know what I mean.

[Inspector Laborde]

That can easily be arranged, Mitchell. Posing as a notorious character does have its disadvantages.

[Steve Mitchell]

I suppose that's the understatement of the week. You know, the next time the commissioner wants me to impersonate somebody.

[Inspector Laborde]

Yes.

[Steve Mitchell]

I hope it's a Sunday school teacher in Cedar Rapids. Sam.

[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 Wright with music by Bruce Ashley and 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.

Dangerous assignment comes to you from hollywood. Tomorrow you'll hear fibber mcgee and molly and bob hope on NBC.