The Adventures of Sam Spade: The Cloak & Dagger Caper 01/19/1951

Summary

The Adventures of Sam Spade: The Cloak & Dagger Caper

Episode Release Date: May 31, 2025

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Introduction

In this thrilling episode of The Adventures of Sam Spade, listeners are plunged into an intricate web of espionage, betrayal, and international intrigue. Hosted by Choice Classic Radio, the episode titled "The Cloak & Dagger Caper" masterfully resurrects the Golden Age of Radio's iconic detective narratives, bringing to life the suave and astute private investigator, Sam Spade.

Setting the Scene

The adventure begins with Sam Spade at his detective agency, engaging in his characteristic banter with his trusted associate, Effie. The dialogue immediately sets the tone for a classic noir mystery infused with a touch of humor.

“Sam, you've given me new hearts.”
—Effie [01:35]

Sam responds with his trademark wit, hinting at the complexities of the case he’s about to unravel.

“Deservedly so, Wonder Girl.”
—Sam Spade [01:38]

The Femme Fatale and the Mysterious Medallion

The plot thickens when Sam receives an anonymous tip about Ahmed McClatchy, a man with a penchant for secrecy and a connection to a mysterious Secret Society Medallion. Effie introduces a potential suspect, Shalimar, whose entrance marks the beginning of the central mystery.

“You are private eyes, Shalimar.”
—Shalimar [06:22]

Through sharp dialogue, Sam extracts crucial information from Shalimar, uncovering links between Ahmed and an ancient organization known as the Circle of 12.

“He has the wild dream, the night horse of what you call hallows the nation.”
—Shalimar [06:25]

Unraveling the Conspiracy

Sam’s investigation leads him to the Vale of Cashmere, a luxurious nightclub teeming with suspects and hidden agendas. Here, he encounters Proconsul Singh, the head waiter, who provides insights into the medallion’s significance and the looming threat against the Prime Minister of Kashmir, Jawara Hallbarra.

“The Circle of 12 has been dead for three centuries.”
—Effie [17:26]

As Sam navigates through a maze of clues, including a unique locket and coded messages, the layers of the conspiracy become increasingly complex. His interactions with Lieutenant Dundee and the hapless cat, Freddy, add both tension and levity to the unfolding drama.

“The morals of this story, if there is one, is when danger threatens, don't hire a bodyguard. Buy a cat and a lazy Susan. Period.”
—Sam Spade [28:02]

Climactic Confrontation

The crescendo of the episode occurs at the grand banquet intended for Prime Minister Jawara Hallbarra. Sam, now aware of the assassination plot, races against time to prevent disaster. His confrontation with the conspirators is intense, highlighting his determination and resourcefulness.

“You're going to kill him?”
—Sam Spade [22:00]

In a gripping finale, Sam leverages his detective prowess to thwart the assassination, revealing the true mastermind behind the plot and ensuring justice is served.

Conclusion and Reflections

As the dust settles, Sam and Effie reflect on the convoluted nature of loyalty and duty. The episode closes with a poignant exchange that underscores the enduring themes of trust and perseverance in the face of adversity.

“Oh, we all have different loyalties, have different ideas about duty.”
—Sam Spade [28:13]

Notable Highlights

• Sam Spade’s Wit and Wisdom: Throughout the episode, Sam's sharp intellect and dry humor shine, making complex plot developments both engaging and accessible.

  “... I know whereof I speak.”
  —Sam Spade [22:08]

• Intricate Plot Twists: The intertwining of international espionage with local intrigue keeps listeners on the edge of their seats, showcasing the narrative’s depth.

• Rich Character Development: From the enigmatic Shalimar to the loyal Effie and the formidable Proconsul Singh, each character is vividly portrayed, adding layers to the mystery.

Final Thoughts

"The Cloak & Dagger Caper" is a stellar addition to Choice Classic Radio Detectives, capturing the essence of old-time radio with its captivating storytelling and dynamic characters. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer, this episode offers a masterful blend of suspense, humor, and detective prowess that embodies the timeless allure of Sam Spade.

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Produced, edited, and directed by William Speer. Sam Spade is voiced by Stephen Dunn, with Loreen Tuttle as Effie. Scripted by Harold Swanton and musically scored by Lud Gluskin under the conduction of Robert Armbruster.

Transcript

[Podcast Host]

This podcast is sponsored by Talkspace. May is mental health Awareness Month and Talkspace, the leading virtual therapy provider, is telling everyone let's face it in therapy by talking or texting with a supportive licensed therapist at Talkspace, you can face whatever is holding you back, whether it's mental health symptoms, relationship drama, past trauma, bad habits or another challenge that you need support to work through. It's easy to sign up. Just go to talkspace.com and you'll be paired with a provider, typically within 48 hours. And and because you'll meet your therapist online, you don't have to take time off work or arrange childcare. You'll meet on your schedule. Plus, Talkspace is in network with most major insurers and most insured members have a zero dollar copay. Make your mental health a priority and start today. If you're not covered by Insurance, get $80 off your first month with Talkspace when you go to talkspace.com and enter promo code SPACE80. That's S P A CE83. To match with a licensed therapist today, go to talkspace.com and Enter promo code SPACE80. 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] the National Broadcasting Company.

[Narrator]

Presents the Adventures of Sam Spade Detective.

[Effie]

Sam Spade Detective Agency. Ms. Perrine, who did you think it was? Sam?

[Sam Spade]

Mata? Harry, you don't know what a hot guess that is, Cherub?

[Effie]

Really, Sam? You think I'm the femme fatale type.

[Sam Spade]

In a black velvet gown with a veil? What chance would I have?

[Effie]

Sam, you've given me new hearts.

[Sam Spade]

Deservedly so, Wonder Girl. And in Femme Fatale, you have hit upon what might be called the keynote of the saga, which even now I am itching to tell you.

[Effie]

A saga?

[Sam Spade]

More a tale, Effie, well calculated to keep you in. Oh, no, we better put that another way. But while I mull a subtitle for this oriental tapestry, find yourself a copy of something by Eric Ambler or E. Phillips Oppenheim and bone up on the ground rules of international intrigue.

[Effie]

Oh, international, yes.

[Sam Spade]

The next 39 steps you hear will be me walking up to the door in my black homburg and velvet color with my pockets bulging with plans for submarines, supersonic airplanes and secret fortifications. And my tongue awag with the reports which will echo around the embassies of the world as the cloak and dagger caper.

[Narrator]

For NBC. William Spear, Radio's outstanding producer director of mystery and crime drama brings you the greatest private detective of them all in the Adventures of Sam Spade.

[Effie]

Sam?

[Sam Spade]

Who else?

[Effie]

Sam, I thought you were kidding.

[Sam Spade]

About what?

[Effie]

The black homburg in velvet colored overcoat.

[Sam Spade]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. But underneath the overcoat, same old Sam with the same old suit and the same old shreds.

[Effie]

Who did it this time?

[Sam Spade]

Thereby hangs the tail. Huh?

[Effie]

It's hanging out the back of your trousers, Sam.

[Sam Spade]

What?

[Effie]

You're sure? Tail.

[Sam Spade]

Well, better keep the coat on, Jawara. Hal won't mind. Who? Jawara Hell Barrah. It's his coat. We'll go into that right now. You ready?

[Effie]

Yes, sir.

[Sam Spade]

To Joarah Halbera J A W A.

[Effie]

R A H A L B H A R A huh?

[Sam Spade]

Well, speaking.

[Effie]

Brown Samuel. Say license number 127596.

[Sam Spade]

Subject, the cloak and dagger caper. Dear Jawara Hell. I'd been out Friday night until 4:00am watching Wedding Presents. So when Saturday turned up rainy, I did the mad, impulsive thing and decided to stay home. I plugged the phone, built a fire and a tall drink, invited Freddie, the neighbor's cat, in for a short milk, put my feet up and my head down, and reached for a magazine, a picture of peace. Jawara Hell. Freddy lay on the coffee table, purred and busied himself spinning the hand rub lazy Susan, my unpredictable Aunt Adelaide gave me for Christmas. The magazine turned out to be Time with a picture of an austere Asiatic gentleman on the COVID Two pages and I had the kind of headache you can only get from reading the news these days. So I turned it in on a slick pulp with a breathless yarn about an international gumshoe and a satin lined cloak who kept running into women with bosoms full of papers. See? She gazed up at him, her eyes smoldering, heavy lidded. You, she faltered. You are Sheridan Ballard, Mr. G2. He nodded. Her knife made a glistening arc, stopping as his hand met her wrist, gripping it like a vise.

[Dundee]

You.

[Sam Spade]

You liar. She hissed. With the other hand, he ripped away her veil, smothered her lips in hot, fierce kisses, felt her go limp in his arms. Now, Zelda, my girl, he whispered, let's have the plans for that plutonium powered rocket ship.

[Freddy]

Ah, male Ladies.

[Shalimar]

Yes, Mr. Spade.

[Sam Spade]

Huh? Well, what can I do for you, veil lady?

[Shalimar]

You do not mind that I come in?

[Sam Spade]

So, how did you come in?

[Shalimar]

So the door is open. I see, sitting in chair, an attractive man.

[Sam Spade]

So? So you are perhaps working on a remake of the Thief of Baghdad for television? Black tube, of course.

[Shalimar]

You mean this What I have on?

[Sam Spade]

Also this. What you haven't on. You keep out of this, Freddy. I saw her first. So you just happened to be wandering past my door and popped in, is that it, miss?

[Shalimar]

You may call me Shalimar. No, no. I do not just pop in. I come by design.

[Sam Spade]

Well, just what kind of designs do you have in mind, Mr. Spade?

[Shalimar]

You are private eyes, Shalimar.

[Sam Spade]

I am private eyes. You got troubles? Much. How much?

[Shalimar]

I am beloved of Achmed.

[Sam Spade]

Well, that's nice for Ahmed. Ahmed who?

[Shalimar]

McClatchy.

[Sam Spade]

Ahmed McClatchy. How do you explain that?

[Shalimar]

He has took American names.

[Sam Spade]

Oh, figures. Figures.

[Shalimar]

You are a friend of Ahmed, too.

[Sam Spade]

Never heard of him.

[Shalimar]

Oh, perhaps, Mr. Spade.

[Sam Spade]

Perhaps you forget Ahmed McClatchy. No, no. Never forget a face. What's the matter with Ahmed?

[Shalimar]

Hashish?

[Sam Spade]

Dope, much?

[Shalimar]

He has the wild dream, the night horse of what you call hallows the nation. You have told others of Ahmed's visit to you?

[Sam Spade]

I have told no one of Ahmed's visit to me for the simple reason that he.

[Shalimar]

Oh, do not pile upon one falsehood another. Achmed has to. You paid a visit, this I know. Now, if you will be so kindly, I will join you in the day.

[Sam Spade]

Now, wait a minute. Why don't we.

[Shalimar]

You do not want to talk with Shalimar?

[Sam Spade]

Well, I just think we ought to clear up this Miss Anderson. Now, what do you have? Had I been the sultan and she Scheherazade, the book would have gone on for 20 more volumes. It was all there. The veil below the eyes, the jackets and long satin pants, plus a superabundance of what sultans look for when they are employing a harem. I fumbled around putting I don't know what into a couple of martini, found more milk for Freddy's saucer, and then set all three between us on Aunt Adelaide's Lazy Susan.

[Shalimar]

This I like, Mr. Spade.

[Sam Spade]

Fine, fine. Now we talk. Drink your milk, Freddy.

[Shalimar]

Now we talk. Oh, you have match. Oh, my purse.

[Sam Spade]

Oh, I'll get it for you. Don't move now. You're almost stepping on it.

[Shalimar]

Oh, so clumsy. The lipstick is around the chair.

[Sam Spade]

Yeah, I see it.

[Freddy]

I.

[Sam Spade]

There we are.

[Shalimar]

Thank you. Now the light.

[Sam Spade]

Got it.

[Shalimar]

Now, Mr. Spade, before we talk of Ahmed, let us bring to him, huh?

[Sam Spade]

Right. To Ahmed.

[Shalimar]

To Ahmed.

[Sam Spade]

Oh. What's the matter, Freddy?

[Dundee]

Oh.

[Sam Spade]

Oh, cat. Yeah. Look, Milk's on the wrong side. He did it again.

[Shalimar]

Did what?

[Sam Spade]

Well, he likes to spin the Lazy Susan.

[Shalimar]

Lazy Susan? What did he do now?

[Sam Spade]

Take it easy, honey. The thing spins. See? You Got my drink. I got yours. And Freddy got left out.

[Jack]

Oh, no, Daryl, baby, please don't go.

[Sam Spade]

Off the deep end. Take it easy. What's the. What's the matter with you, huh? Shalimar. Shalimar, baby, come out of it now, will you? Where's the glass? Oh, cyanate. So that took care of Shalimar. The purse had nothing except the usual feminine clap trap. Hairpins, makeup and cigarettes. No keys, no identification, Nothing except for a locket around her neck, which was something you don't run into every day. A strange hand wrought disclosed shaped thing with what looked like the face of a clock on it. 12 Arabic symbols where the hours should be in a pair of hands pointing to four in some jawara hell. It was a sort of thing Sheridan Ballard, the man called G2 yawns over which struck humdrum me as a little bit out of the ordinary. It struck lieutenant Dundee of homicide the same way.

[Freddy]

Look at me, Sam. Look into my eyes.

[Sam Spade]

Dundee, I didn't know you cared.

[Freddy]

Well, I don't care.

[Sam Spade]

Yeah.

[Freddy]

Now, I am not an idiot, Sam. I've been in this business for 25 years. I've looked at a lot of stiffs in my lifetime, but this is the first hoochie coochie girl in my book who ever walked in out of the rain and tried to poison a total stranger.

[Sam Spade]

Well said, Dundee. Hear, hear. So? So?

[Freddy]

So. Use your head, Sam. Where have you seen her before?

[Sam Spade]

I told you, I don't know her, Dundee.

[Freddy]

Then why did she try to kill you?

[Sam Spade]

Ask her.

[Freddy]

Ah, this whole thing's impossible. Harem costume poison.

[Sam Spade]

Fantastic. I know. I'm sorry.

[Freddy]

All right, get out of here. The print man, the ME and the photographers will be here in a minute. You'll only get in the way.

[Sam Spade]

Where'll I go?

[Freddy]

Anywhere. Find out who this dame is.

[Sam Spade]

Who's gonna pay my fee?

[Freddy]

Well, I scram.

[Sam Spade]

Bidding farewell to the gentle lieutenant, I took off into the rainbow I knew not where. I bought a paper and settled down in a one arm coffee joint, drank three cups of coffee and came up with three leads. First, the ballet master at the opera house, Shaherazade.

[Jack]

We are not doing till three weeks yet. The costumes are all packed up still and I am missing no ballerinas. Now again, Golden Apple Princesses 1 and.

[Sam Spade]

2 and 1 and 2.

[Podcast Host]

This podcast is sponsored by Talkspace. May is mental health awareness month and Talkspace, the leading virtual therapy provider, is telling everyone, let's face it, in therapy by talking or texting with a supportive licensed therapist at Talkspace. You can face whatever is holding you back, whether it's mental health symptoms, relationship drama, past trauma, bad habits, or another challenge that you need support to work through. It's easy to sign up. Just go to talkspace.com and you'll be paired with a provider, typically within 48 hours. And because you'll meet your therapist online, you don't have to take time off work or arrange childcare. You'll meet on your schedule. Plus, Talkspace is in network with most major insurers and most insured members have a $0 copay. Make your mental health a priority and start today. If you're not covered by Insurance, get $80 off your first month with Talkspace when you go to talkspace.com and enter promo code SPACE80. That's S P, a CE83. To match with a licensed therapist today, go to talkspace.com and Enter promo code SPACE80.

[Dundee]

Yes.

[Freddy]

She wiggles and waggles, she shimmies and shakes. You never, never saw anything like this, folks.

[Sam Spade]

So hurry, hurry, hurry.

[Freddy]

Direct from a Turkish harem, little Fatima.

[Jack]

The girl with the double jointed.

[Sam Spade]

Jack. Yeah. Jack, you sure she's in there? Jack?

[Freddy]

Wait a minute.

[Sam Spade]

Jack.

[Freddy]

Yeah, she's in there, man.

[Sam Spade]

Thanks, man.

[Jack]

All right, folks, step in a little closer.

[Dundee]

Sorry, Bug, can't help you a bit. This here Turkish bat is 100% stag.

[Sam Spade]

Homeward bound. I was walking down Grant Avenue when I passed a little shop near Pine Street. Gold lettering on one corner of the window spelled out Hachadourian J. Pappas, Importer Curios. How do you do, sir? Hachadourian J. Papas. You get the pleasure? What's the J for?

[Jack]

Never mind, kiddo. You can pronounce it.

[Sam Spade]

I accept your apology. Now, when you take a look at this. Huh?

[Jack]

Oh, locket. Yes. Locket it is. Where do you get this locket, sir?

[Sam Spade]

I. I found it. I thought you might recognize it.

[Jack]

Yeah, I think I do. You know, strange you should have come here. And yet not so strange either, if you want to look on it.

[Sam Spade]

Well, which is it?

[Jack]

Sure, sure. You know, I'm perhaps the only fellow in town who might have dealt in this kind of stuff. Here is quite genuine.

[Sam Spade]

Oh, you mean you sold this?

[Jack]

Probably. Sure, sure.

[Dundee]

Who to?

[Jack]

I'm trying to remember a girl. A girl? Or was it a fella? A young fella or old fella?

[Sam Spade]

Well, that leaves only one more category.

[Jack]

Huh?

[Sam Spade]

An old woman.

[Jack]

Oh, you know her, dad?

[Sam Spade]

No, I don't know her. No.

[Jack]

You know, I wish I could remember to whom I sold it to.

[Dundee]

Yes.

[Jack]

It's been such a long time, you know. Of course I can look it up and call you sport.

[Sam Spade]

Good. Here's. Here's my card.

[Jack]

Oh, Sam. Sport.

[Sam Spade]

Well, if you want to look at it. You said it's genuine. Huh?

[Jack]

Oh, sure, sure. Secret Society medallion, 16th century. It's from the Indian state of Kashmir.

[Sam Spade]

Kashmir?

[Jack]

Sure, kiddo. Kazmir. What's the matter with you? Don't you understand English?

[Sam Spade]

Kashmir. A typical spade blunder. All I could think of was the girl on the cigarette package, thereby confining my operations to Turkey. But this opened new doors. The first, the most obvious and ultimately the correct choice was a flossy nightclub known to the town's well heeled party folk as the Vale of Cashmere. It was dark when I got there, but the front doors hadn't opened yet. Around at the side an alley led up to the trade entrance, next to which stood a huge wedge shaped character with a swarthy complexion marred by a scar down one cheek. And to make him even more Oppenheimer, he was wrapped in a black tent sized opera cloak. I nodded politely, he spat and I went inside. The Veil of Cashmere is a sumptuous bistro, even on ordinary nights. And this night was obviously to be more than ordinary. The table across the end of the floor was banquet size. The place was hung with Kashmiri flags and the picture of an old man who looked familiar was hung from the middle of one wall. The maitre d was talking to an important looking gent near the long table and I walked over to them, pausing only to note one of the dancing girls practicing in a corner in her Shalimar type costume. Felt like I was close to home.

[Dundee]

And the curry. You understand?

[Proconsul Singh]

Not too hard. Yes, excellency. It shall be as you wish.

[Dundee]

The florist will be here promptly with the flowers. I trust you will be prepared to take care of her.

[Sam Spade]

Excuse me, gentlemen. My name is Spade Rajput.

[Dundee]

Sing, sir. At your service. Please.

[Proconsul Singh]

Mr. Spade, we have.

[Dundee]

No, not at all, not at all. My goodness. What is it? Mr. Spade?

[Sam Spade]

Are you in charge here?

[Proconsul Singh]

I am the head waiter, sir. This gentleman is the Kashmiri proconsul. Oh, forgive me, your excellency, but.

[Sam Spade]

Yeah, sorry.

[Dundee]

Not at all.

[Sam Spade]

Do you have a dancing girl here named Shalimar?

[Proconsul Singh]

Shalimar?

[Jack]

No.

[Sam Spade]

What? Probably use another name. How about Achman McClatchy? Right. Where is he?

[Proconsul Singh]

A former employee as of this afternoon is Ahmed McClatchy.

[Sam Spade]

Who?

[Dundee]

Who is he?

[Freddy]

My chef.

[Proconsul Singh]

Today of all times he does not show up.

[Sam Spade]

You know where he Lives. Well, I can look it up.

[Proconsul Singh]

But please, sir, the pro consul and I in the banquet tonight, the arrangements, the prime minister himself.

[Sam Spade]

Sure, sure. Just one more thing, pro consul. Have you ever seen one of these before?

[Dundee]

H. What is it?

[Sam Spade]

A secret society medallion, they tell me. Who?

[Dundee]

Who tells you this?

[Sam Spade]

Thatchadourian papas runs a little curio store on Grand Avenue. Know anything about it?

[Dundee]

Secret society is right. A circle of 12. You see here, the hands point to four.

[Proconsul Singh]

Yes. The fourth member, this means the hand straight up is the leader.

[Dundee]

You seem to know what you are talking about, head waiter.

[Proconsul Singh]

Kashmiri culture is a hobby of mine, Excellency. This is an ancient, how do you say, Subversive organization dating from the time of the Mughal conquest of the 16th century.

[Dundee]

Very interest, but of little significance now. The Circle of 12 has been dead for three centuries.

[Proconsul Singh]

If you will excuse me, Excellency, I'll get for Mr. Spade Ahmed's address and then I will hold it. Ahmed.

[Sam Spade]

He just made it to the table. Swept the sugar bowl off it and followed it to the deck. When I saw the dagger in his back, I grabbed my gun and set sail for the owl, looking for the cloak that went with it. But he was gone. So was Ahmed. I bent down over him, took a closer look and saw why he spilled the sugar. With his finger, he traced a design in it, a round design. The circle of 12.

[Narrator]

You are listening to the weekly adventure of radio's most famous detective, Sam Spade. There's a bright newcomer to your NBC Sunday lineup. Starting this Sunday, it's Mr. And Mrs. Blanding's. Now you can follow the further delightful adventures of the beleaguered Blandings in their famous dream house every Sunday. Starring as Mr. And Mrs. Blandings will be Carrie Grant and his charming wife, Betsy Drake. Mr. And Mrs. Blanding's is followed over most of these NBC stations by the big show. And this Sunday, hostess Tallulah Bankhead will present such bright stars as Fred Allen, Judy Holiday, Patrice Munsell, Gypsy Rose Lee, Vaughn Monroe and many, many more. The chimes are your invitation. And now back to the cloak and dagger caper. Tonight's Adventure with Sam sp.

[Sam Spade]

Well, Jawara Al. All the ingredients of a first class international goulash were here. The cloak, the dagger, the man with the scar on his face, the lady with a veil over hers and two corpses. By now, Dundee had completed activities with corpse number one at my apartment. So I hustled him down to the Vale of Cashmere and put him to work on number two. Then I hustled Back to my office. The big question had yet to be answered. Another.

[Effie]

Oh, Sam, now, you always have your phone. I've been trying to call you for hours.

[Sam Spade]

About Auchman McClatchy, right.

[Effie]

And the girl with the veil.

[Sam Spade]

Shalimar.

[Effie]

Is that her name?

[Sam Spade]

Probably not, but it doesn't matter to her now. What about Ackman?

[Effie]

Oh, he was frightened out of his wits. He said somebody was going to kill him. And I told him he'd gone to just the right place. Because you were strong and brave and wonderful. And he cried.

[Sam Spade]

Good.

[Effie]

And I cried.

[Sam Spade]

Good. Good. But wait, wait, wait. Hold it. F. Yes, Sam. What happened? When all the crying was over, I.

[Effie]

Sent him up to see you, Sam. I couldn't find him.

[Sam Spade]

He just told you somebody was gonna kill him, that's all.

[Effie]

Yes, Sam.

[Sam Spade]

That's why he was crying.

[Effie]

Oh, no, Sam.

[Sam Spade]

No.

[Effie]

That's not why Ahmed was crying. Why, he didn't care for himself. He's the selfless, generous child.

[Sam Spade]

Angel child. Who was Ahmed crying over?

[Effie]

The man in the paper.

[Sam Spade]

What paper?

[Effie]

He's in all the papers, Sam. The Chronicle and the examiner and the Call. And even on the COVID of Time this week.

[Sam Spade]

You see a banquet. That's whose picture it was.

[Effie]

Sir Jarwar Hall Barra, the prime minister of Kashmir. Look at the small print underneath, Sam.

[Sam Spade]

On him, the hopes of Asia.

[Effie]

See, that's what hurt Ahmed, Sam. Not for himself, he said. They're going to kill Sir Jawara Hall.

[Sam Spade]

Two paragraphs later, my taciturn secretary let slip the information that Shalimar had arrived at the office five minutes after Ahmed left and departed for my home in hearth, loaded for bears. The hullabaloo over you, Jawara Hull was due to the fact that you were at this moment arriving on the steamer Pacifica en route to Washington with, as the article put it, the destiny of the Middle east in your briefcase. Ten minutes later, I was fighting my way through the Mob at Pier 42. Not just a mob, mind you, but an assortment of bands, a Hindu delegation, the full membership of the Sanskrit Society at the University of California. With a huge banner reading jawara. Hal, we're with you. And an overripe soprano on a pedestal singing Pale Hands, I love. I struggled through this to the curb just in time to see you pull away in your special limousine. Then climbed over some more backs to a phone booth.

[Dundee]

Kashmiri Consulate, Rajput.

[Sam Spade]

Singh.

[Dundee]

Speak.

[Sam Spade]

Look, this is Sam Spade, Mr. Singh. Oh. Oh, yes. Has the prime minister arrived there yet?

[Dundee]

He's due any minute. Why?

[Sam Spade]

Well, you better call out the guard. They're going to try to assassinate him.

[Dundee]

Tonight, my good man.

[Sam Spade]

Do you realize, my good man, I know whereof I speak.

[Dundee]

The cook at the restaurant, Ahmed, that is what.

[Sam Spade]

Yes, you're getting the idea all right. It's the old circle of 12 with a brand new paint job. Now get on it. My next move may sound to you like a combination of negligence, indolence and ennui Joarahel. But I must remind you that I was not employed on this caper, was receiving no stipend for risking my ever loving neck, and had added up the figures in the problem of primary interest to me, namely the lady who tried to kill me on page two. I therefore entrusted responsibility for your health and that of the Middle east to the proconsul. Made my way home, put on my slippers and set the lazy Susan on the floor. This time for Freddie to play with. Let me see now, where was I? Oh, yeah, yeah. Now, Zelda, my girl, he whispered, let's have the plans for that plutonium powered rocket ship. Somehow this all seems logical now. Never. She breathed rather death, Mr. G2, than to betray my country. Quiet, Freddy. Oh, no, no, no, not the buzzy.

[Dundee]

Mr. Spade.

[Sam Spade]

Oh, hello, Procastor.

[Dundee]

May I?

[Sam Spade]

Do, do, do.

[Dundee]

I have taken every precaution. The Prime Minister is on his way to the banquet now.

[Sam Spade]

Good.

[Dundee]

There's one thing I must ask of you.

[Sam Spade]

How?

[Dundee]

Absolute secrecy. The mere knowledge of that such an organization as this, this circle of 12. Yes. Exists. Would give added strength to a disloyal opposition in our country that may express itself in a manner disastrous to our purposes in sending Jawarajal to Washington. You understand?

[Sam Spade]

Well, it's taken me a while to learn the ground rules in the International League, but I get the general idea.

[Dundee]

You have spoken of this to no one?

[Sam Spade]

No. Oh, excuse me. Hello.

[Jack]

This is Hachidurian, the papa, sir.

[Sam Spade]

Oh, yes, yes.

[Jack]

It took me a great deal of long time to check my records, Mr. Spade, but I finally found it.

[Sam Spade]

Oh, what's that?

[Jack]

The gentleman who bought the set of 12 Kashmiri medallions. Like the one you saw me in my shop.

[Sam Spade]

Oh, yes, yes.

[Jack]

His name is Rasput Singh, a foreigner. Fell. I think he's the kmiri proconsil. He is?

[Sam Spade]

Oh. Oh, well, gosh, thanks. Dorothy.

[Jack]

This is Hagadurian, the papa, sir. If I found it just now.

[Sam Spade]

Look, Dorothy, after all you've done for Alice, the least she could do is thank you. And you can tell her that from me now. Bye, honey. Silly. Let's see now where. Where we.

[Dundee]

You had just given Me? Your assurance you would maintain stand the secrecy in this unfortunate matter?

[Sam Spade]

Oh, yes, yes.

[Dundee]

Now I must go. They're expecting me at the banquet. Thank you again, sir.

[Sam Spade]

Not at all.

[Dundee]

Your service to our country and the world will find expression, I hope, on some later day. Good night.

[Sam Spade]

Good night. Freddy, please. Not now. Down the phone. Well, cloak and dagger in the flesh. Going modern on me with that gun. Put down the phone. What if I told you I'd already made the call?

[Freddy]

I'd say you were lying. The line is tapped outside.

[Sam Spade]

You figure the angles hefty in my.

[Freddy]

Business I have to.

[Sam Spade]

When's it coming off? The Prime Minister?

[Freddy]

Any minute.

[Jack]

For you, right now.

[Sam Spade]

Oh, he's got you fooled too, huh?

[Jack]

They're right there.

[Proconsul Singh]

Who?

[Sam Spade]

Rash. But you're a fall guy, you know, doing the heavy stuff. If the kick's back, you get it. And the other 10 laugh. You think you could talk me out of it, huh? Why, that's the last thing in my mind. I'd never. Everything happened at once, as near as I can recall. It began when coke and dagger backed onto Freddy's tail. Freddy yowl spun like a top. And C and D, off balance, put his other foot on Aunt Adelaide's lazy Susan. Hardly a place for a big off balance man to place his only remaining foot about. Then I kicked him in the stomach, grabbed at the gun which skidded into a corner and we went over and over for a while. C and D tore at my suit.

[Narrator]

With his claws and teeth.

[Sam Spade]

I beat his head with an ashtray. And Freddy sat quietly in the corner and washed himself at length, firing of the ashtray. I beat his head on the radiator and dear cloak and dagger gave it up with a long unhappy s. But.

[Proconsul Singh]

Mr. Spade, this is a dress up A.

[Sam Spade]

Get out of my way, head waiter, or I'll walk right over that white shirt front.

[Proconsul Singh]

Please, I.

[Sam Spade]

Have they been served anything yet?

[Proconsul Singh]

The drinks are just coming on.

[Sam Spade]

I. Wait, wait.

[Dundee]

And now, now, my countrymen, before we introduce our guest of honor so Jawara Halbara, our beloved Prime Minister, I suggest we rise and toast our country to cashmere.

[Sam Spade]

May she go ahead, Pro consul. Don't let me interrupt, please, not here. The standard remark is, what is the meaning of this? Aren't you going to ask me? I'm supposed to be dead. Is that what's throwing you?

[Proconsul Singh]

Mr. Smith, please, a puss is about to be drunk.

[Sam Spade]

Where's my drink? Pro consul.

[Dundee]

Gentlemen, Gentlemen. There was at one time a custom in our country for the host to exchange glasses with the guest. Of honor. Permit me. Jawarahal To Kashmir.

[Sam Spade]

And the moral of this story, if there is one, is when danger threatens, don't hire a bodyguard. Buy a cat and a lazy Susan. Period. End of report.

[Effie]

Oh, Sam, why do people do these things?

[Sam Spade]

Oh, we all have different loyalties, have different ideas about duty.

[Effie]

Yes.

[Sam Spade]

My duty, for instance, is to pick up a knot in my head and a suit full of holes once a week. While your duty is.

[Effie]

You don't need to draw a diagram, Sam. I. I can take a hand.

[Sam Spade]

Scoot.

[Narrator]

Three chimes mean good times on NBC. This Sunday, Theater Guild on the air presents a light, laughable, lovable comedy. It's the Fortune Hunter and it stars Jean Crane and John Lund. You're invited Sunday to another outstanding one hour production by Theater Guild on the Air. And a reminder, there's a bright newcomer to your big Sunday lineup on NBC. Mr. And Mrs. Blanding, starring Cary Grant and Betsy Drake.

[Effie]

Oh, what are you reading?

[Sam Spade]

Ah, how can I do this?

[Effie]

Something wrong?

[Sam Spade]

Wrong? The papers.

[Effie]

The plutonium powered rocket ship.

[Sam Spade]

What else? A dumper if I ever read one. If the plans turned out source.

[Effie]

What were they?

[Sam Spade]

The veil lady had entered a breakfast cereal contest. Well, that's life, little one. We struggle, we strive, we think we have success in our grasp. And it turns out dross.

[Effie]

Oh, that reminds me. How do you like it?

[Sam Spade]

What?

[Effie]

My new dross.

[Sam Spade]

And that concludes the dialogue for tonight, except for one thing, of course.

[Effie]

Oh, I'm ready, Sam.

[Sam Spade]

Who wants to be the man called X? He has a different one every week. I am the man called Spade. Constant faithful. Semper Fidelis. That's me.

[Effie]

Good night, Mr. Fidelis.

[Sam Spade]

Good night, sweetheart.

[Narrator]

The adventures of Sam Spade are produced, edited and directed by William Speer. Sam Spade was played by Stephen Dunn. Loreen Tuttle as Effie. Script for tonight's adventure by Harold Swanton. Musical scoring by Lud Gluskin conducted by Robert Armbruster. Join us again next week, same time for another adventure with Sam Spade, the Magnificent Montague.

[Dundee]

Next.

[Narrator]

Then it's Duffy's Tavern on NBC.