(107) Escape - The Shanghai Document

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode 107: Escape – The Shanghai Document

Release Date: August 12, 2026

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Overview

This episode revives a gripping 1940s "Escape" radio drama—The Shanghai Document. Set amid post-war turmoil in China, the episode follows American journalist Tony Dana as he becomes the unwitting courier for a document that could shape the nation's future. It's a classic tale of intrigue, suspense, and mistaken identity, colored by richly drawn characters: the tough but weary Tony, the resourceful Dr. Jane Roemer ("girl doctor"), the gruff Captain Ratigan, and the ever-present Lieutenant Chen. The show masterfully mixes the adventure of a river journey with spy-thriller tension and moral ambiguity.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Beats

1. Introduction to Danger and Intrigue

(01:23 - 02:39)

• The narrative establishes tension-laden post-war China along the Yangtze River.
• Tony Dana seeks transport from Chungking to Shanghai but lacks influence, not money.
• Vickers (The Eurasian) offers an illegal and dubious passage, highlighting the desperation and lawlessness of the period.

Quote:

"The Yangtze river is a gray gash through the heart of China, the artery that pulsates day and night with displaced humanity...a voyage dominated by fear and intrigue and danger."
— Tony Dana (01:50)

2. A Shady Deal and Assault

(02:39 - 05:15)

• Tony is nearly scammed into buying a dubious junk for river passage.
• After refusing, he’s attacked and awakens under the care of Dr. Jane Roemer, an American doctor in China.

Quote:

"Your back's not broken. Take your shirt off. I'm a doctor."
— Dr. Jane Roemer (05:21)

3. Allies and a Ticket Out

(05:57 - 08:41)

• Dr. Roemer, from Wichita, Kansas, helps Dana recover and offers a coveted ticket on the river steamer, displaying her influential connections.

Quote:

"What I like most is your ability to pull a steamer ticket out of the hat."
— Tony Dana (08:17)

• Dana notes the unusualness that nobody comments on Roemer being both a woman and a doctor, providing nuance about gender expectations.

4. Boarding the Steamer and Introductions

(09:29 - 11:26)

• Tony boards the steamer to Shanghai, met by the unfriendly Captain Ratigan and a restrictive baggage policy.
• He shares a cramped stateroom with Vickers, an English missionary.

Quote:

"If I can pick up one paying fare in place of your precious suitcase, I'm for it. See? You got your choice, mister."
— Captain Ratigan (10:28)

5. Suspicion and Spy Games

(13:56 - 16:58)

• Dr. Roemer abruptly distances herself, raising Dana’s suspicions.
• She is attacked in her cabin; reveals to Tony the existence of the Shanghai Document, vital to China’s future and being hunted by many.

Quotes:

"They're after the Shanghai document, but they didn't get it. Not this time."
— Dr. Jane Roemer (15:52)
"Just a piece of paper. But it might hold the destiny of China."
— Dr. Jane Roemer (16:02)

• Tony realizes he’s been used as a decoy by Dr. Roemer.

6. Detained and Double-Crossed

(18:20 - 21:50)

• Dana is detained at Ichang for "passport irregularities," missing the steamer departure.
• He's eventually released, guided to a sampan heading to Shanghai—accompanied by Lieutenant Chen in disguise as a coolie, which adds to his paranoia.

Quote:

"Mr. Dana, I should regret to have to kill you before we reach Shanghai. Come back in boat, please."
— Lieutenant Chen (23:28)

7. The Chase into Shanghai

(23:54 - 25:35)

• Tony attempts to escape Chen, leaping through a floating city of sampans, and finally loses his pursuers—only to run into Captain Ratigan and two Mongolians in Shanghai.
• He’s captured and chloroformed.

8. Revelation and the Truth About the Document

(25:58 - 27:41)

• Tony awakens in a hospital with Jane Roemer and Ratigan beside him.
• The major twist: The Shanghai Document was hidden under the surgical tape on Tony's back the whole time.
• Ratigan, Chen, and the soldiers were protecting him—not hunting him.
• Vickers, the friendly missionary roommate, was the true antagonist after the document.

Quotes:

"Thanks a lot for carrying the Shanghai document through safely. It was on your back under the adhesive tape. I put it there back in Chungking."
— Dr. Jane Roemer (26:36)
"Anyone can wear his collar backwards. Vickers was the one who was after the document."
— Dr. Jane Roemer (27:09)

9. Bittersweet Conclusion

(27:19 - 27:41)

• Tony feels duped but proud to have helped China, asks Jane out, only to discover she has a husband waiting.

Quote:

"Suppose you do something for me. Okay, get dressed up. Let's go out on the town and have dinner."
— Tony Dana (27:29)
"My husband and I. Jerry—you'll love him, Tony. He's from Kansas, too."
— Dr. Jane Roemer (27:42)

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Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• Introduction to the Foggy River World:
  "The Yangtze river is a gray gash..." — Tony Dana (01:50)
• On Being a Woman Doctor in China:
  "You're the first man I've ever met who didn't comment on my being both a woman and a doctor." — Dr. Jane Roemer (08:05)
• Twist of the Tape:
  "It was on your back under the adhesive tape. I put it there back in Chungking." — Dr. Jane Roemer (26:41)
• Misdirection Revealed:
  "Vickers was the one who was after the document." — Dr. Jane Roemer (27:09)
• Dry Irony:
  "Okay, get dressed up. Let's go out on the town and have dinner…My husband and I." — Tony & Jane (27:29–27:42)

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Timeline of Key Segments

• 01:23 – Introduction: The setting and the mission
• 05:15 – Dr. Jane Roemer introduced, helps Tony
• 09:29 – Boarding the river steamer
• 13:56 – Dr. Roemer attacked; the Shanghai Document revealed
• 18:20 – Tony detained at Ichang
• 22:32 – Sampan journey with Chen
• 24:48 – Escape into Shanghai, encounter with Ratigan
• 25:58 – Hospital scene: Revelation of the true plot
• 27:29 – Epilogue: Tony asks Jane out, her husband enters the picture

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Episode Tone & Style

The episode delivers a classic hard-boiled, noir-flavored tale, with snappy dialogue, dry wit, and layers of intrigue. The perspective is earnest yet world-weary, with Tony’s narration wry and matter-of-fact, balanced by Jane’s brisk competence and the general air of postwar suspicion.

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Final Thoughts

The Shanghai Document stands out as a superbly structured radio mystery, full of reversals, period atmosphere, and a mix of humor and high stakes. The script, acting, and immersive sound design make for an engaging listen—one that highlights both the strengths and limitations of early 20th-century audio drama.

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For more Old Time Radio tales, tune in to future Harold’s Old Time Radio episodes!

Transcript

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

Ch. Ch.

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Tired of the everyday routine? Ever dream of a life of romantic adventure? Want to get away from it all?

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[Narrator]

Tonight we escape to the interior of China and a journey of terror down the Yangtze river from Chungking to Shanghai. As John and Gwen Bagney tell it in their gripping story of a people in turmoil. The Shanghai Document.

[Tony Dana]

The Yangtze river is a gray gash through the heart of China, the artery that pulsates day and night with displaced humanity. From Chungking to Shanghai, it's 1500 crooked miles through deep gutted gorges. But for those of us who took the steamer downriver in those frantic months just after the war, it was a voyage dominated by fear and intrigue and danger. It started in the saloon of the ten golden pieces, over a glass of gin, in the company of the man whose face wore many racial strains but no pride of ancestry and no hope for his descendants. And no names as far as I could discover, other than the Eurasian.

[Vickers]

The word re echoes in the marketplace that you desperately seek transportation to Shanghai.

[Tony Dana]

The word is correct. The word is also correct. And I'm straight.

[Vickers]

One wonders if you lack money.

[Tony Dana]

No, I lack influence.

[Vickers]

One knows of a way to Shanghai.

[Lieutenant Chen]

What?

[Tony Dana]

You know of a way.

[Vickers]

Have you the courage to attempt the Yangtze in a junk?

[Tony Dana]

Well, at this point I would consider doing it in a canoe.

[Vickers]

One hears of a junk that is obtainable for a price.

[Tony Dana]

How much?

[Vickers]

One can always make a deal.

[Tony Dana]

Where is this junk? Can I see it?

[Vickers]

It's on the opposite bank of the Kialin at the dock at Kiangpei.

[Tony Dana]

Could I rent it or could I hire it?

[Vickers]

You would have to buy it.

[Tony Dana]

Buy It. I couldn't navigate it myself.

[Vickers]

I have thought of that. The owner would take you to Shanghai where you would, in gratitude, return the junk to him as a gift.

[Tony Dana]

Oh, I see. I buy it here and give it back to him at Shanghai. That's a cute wrinkle.

[Vickers]

You do not favor the wrinkle?

[Tony Dana]

Oh, no, no, no, no. Don't get me wrong. If I can get out of Chung King, I'm crazy about it. Come on, come on, let's go.

[Vickers]

One moment. The money. It must be an American dollar.

[Tony Dana]

Oh, well, of course.

[Vickers]

Then as you say. Okay, let's go.

[Tony Dana]

We slogged through the slime of the gutters. The night was misty. A chill wind carried with it the stench of the river. And it carried to the unforgettable stench of poverty and death. The Eurasian led me down the thousand stone steps to the waterfront. Where a sampan ferried us across to the suburb known as Kiang Bay. There, at an ill lit makeshift dock, the Eurasian talked to a wizened coolie while I inspected the junk. What's the matter? What's he saying?

[Vickers]

He does not wish to take you.

[Tony Dana]

Oh, well, you can tell him it's okay with me. Junk's a good name for this boat. It's exactly what it is. I wouldn't risk my life in it back in the Arkansas River.

[Lieutenant Chen]

Oh, wait.

[Vickers]

Where are you going?

[Tony Dana]

Back across the river. Chung King.

[Vickers]

But you are anxious to get to Shanghai.

[Tony Dana]

Not that anxious.

[Vickers]

But what about my commission?

[Tony Dana]

Look, I didn't buy the boat, did I?

[Vickers]

I've gone through a good deal of trouble for you tonight. You have money?

[Tony Dana]

I'm sorry. I can't help it.

[Vickers]

Oh, no, you don't leave me alike.

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

Wait a minute. Lie still.

[Tony Dana]

Huh?

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

I said lie still.

[Tony Dana]

Who are you? Where is that? Oh, my back. He broke my back.

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

Your back's not broken. Take your shirt off. I'm a doctor.

[Tony Dana]

Oh, how did I get here?

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

A dirty man in a white suit brought you.

[Lieutenant Chen]

Yeah?

[Captain Ratigan]

Yeah.

[Tony Dana]

The oration.

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

He said he found you in the street.

[Tony Dana]

He did, huh?

[Captain Ratigan]

Why?

[Tony Dana]

Hey, wait a minute.

[Lieutenant Chen]

My money.

[Tony Dana]

My money is gone.

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

Turn over on your stomach.

[Captain Ratigan]

No, wait a minute.

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

Lie face down, please.

[Lieutenant Chen]

Huh?

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

Now, where does your back hurt?

[Tony Dana]

All over.

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

Here?

[Lieutenant Chen]

Yeah.

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

What about here? Well, it's nothing. Just a pull ligament sprain. I'll get my bag and tape it for you.

[Tony Dana]

You're an American, aren't you?

[Lieutenant Chen]

Mm.

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

Kansas.

[Tony Dana]

I'm kidding. So am I. Wichita.

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

What happened to you tonight? Saloon brawl?

[Tony Dana]

No, no. I guess I was just a little too anxious. To get to Shanghai. I was. I was even considering a leaky junk down the Yanktzeam.

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

Why do you want to go to Shanghai?

[Tony Dana]

I'm correspondent. That's where the biggest story is today.

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

Well, if you want to go, why don't you take the river steamer?

[Tony Dana]

That's funny. I've only been trying for months to get a ticket on the thing.

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

Lie still, please. Now, inhale, Exhale. Hold it.

[Lieutenant Chen]

All right.

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

I want this adhesive to be good and tight. You know, I'm taking the boat to Shanghai tomorrow.

[Lieutenant Chen]

You are?

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

Don't talk, please. I didn't have any trouble getting a ticket.

[Tony Dana]

Yeah, but.

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

Hold still, please. This tape isn't tied. It won't do you any good. Got to have connections in China today. I was lucky. I've been out here six years. I know a lot of people there. Is that too tight? Well, it's tight, and that's the way you want it.

[Tony Dana]

Well, feels a lot better.

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

That'll do the trick, though. You'll have to keep it on at least a week.

[Lieutenant Chen]

Yeah.

[Tony Dana]

Well, how much do I owe you, Doc?

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

Oh, make it a pack of cigarettes.

[Tony Dana]

Oh, that's pretty high. Matter of fact, I haven't got quite a full pack, but you can have it.

[Lieutenant Chen]

Here.

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

Thanks.

[Tony Dana]

What do they call you back in Kansas?

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

Well, in Kansas, they call me Jane Roma. In China, I'm known as girl doctor. You know, I was just thinking. If you're really serious about wanting to go to Shanghai.

[Tony Dana]

Serious?

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

I can get you a ticket on the downriver boat tomorrow.

[Tony Dana]

It's almost impossible to get a ticket.

[Lieutenant Chen]

How?

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

Does it matter how I get it as long as I get it?

[Tony Dana]

Lady, if you can get me out of Chung King, nothing matters. I'll pay you back in Shanghai.

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

What's your name?

[Tony Dana]

Tony Dana.

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

Well, Tony Dana, there'll be a ticket waiting for you at the steamship office tomorrow morning. And a little money for traveling expenses.

[Tony Dana]

What? I. I can't believe it.

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

I.

[Tony Dana]

What are you looking at me so funny for?

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

You're amazing. Why, you're the first man I've ever met who didn't comment on my being both a woman and a doctor.

[Tony Dana]

Oh, well, now, don't get me wrong, girl doctor. The combination fascinates me. But what I like most is your ability to pull a steamer ticket out of the hat.

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

Oh, I have many talents.

[Tony Dana]

Well, let's kick him around.

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

No, you go to your room and rest. Take care of that back. Okay, you're the doctor, but I can tell you this.

[Tony Dana]

What?

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

I'm glad you're going To Shanghai with me.

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[Tony Dana]

The boat was a squat, ugly gray thing. As dirty as the river she sat in. Already her decks were cracked, crawling with discarded bits of humanity. Some asleep, some curled around their meager possessions. But in one way, they were all alike. On their faces was the great patience that is so often worn by the have nots of this world. At the head of the gang plank, a beefy looking white man was herding us aboard.

[Captain Ratigan]

Get these people on. Now, where's your ticket? Ticky, ticky, ticky. Okay, move along. Okay, you, next ticket.

[Tony Dana]

Yeah, just a minute. I got it here someplace.

[Captain Ratigan]

Hurry up. Get it out. I got a schedule to keep. Come on, come on.

[Tony Dana]

You see, my hands are full.

[Captain Ratigan]

Two suitcases. Nobody needs two suitcases. Leave one of them behind.

[Tony Dana]

But I need them both.

[Captain Ratigan]

I said leave one of them behind.

[Tony Dana]

My books are in there.

[Captain Ratigan]

Then leave the other one. I don't care.

[Tony Dana]

There's nothing on the ticket that says how much you can carry. Who are you to be pushing me around?

[Captain Ratigan]

I'm skipper of the scow. Ratigan. That's the name. Keep it in mind.

[Tony Dana]

It's just a suitcase.

[Captain Ratigan]

Listen, I want this river to make money. If I can pick up one paying fare in place of your precious suitcase, I'm for it. See? You got your choice, mister. Either put one suitcase off, or I put you off.

[Tony Dana]

He, you got a crummy racket.

[Captain Ratigan]

So I'm a crummy guy. Well, which is it? I'm in a hurry.

[Tony Dana]

Okay, okay. Now this one.

[Captain Ratigan]

That's better. Now let's see your ticket and your passport.

[Lieutenant Chen]

Here.

[Captain Ratigan]

Anthony Dana.

[Narrator]

America.

[Captain Ratigan]

Okay, move along. If this river wasn't so lousy. Loaded up with foreigners who don't have any business being here. Maybe we could move some Chinese.

[Tony Dana]

And that was my introduction to Captain Ratigan, skipper of the scow. As obnoxious a personality as I've run into, he considered every accidental a foreigner except himself. Well, I picked my way across the littered deck, climbing over soldiers and whining children. I was one of the lucky passengers. Mine was a first class ticket entitling me to a stateroom, or should I say to half a stateroom. And I was on my way to it when the Chinese officer stopped me.

[Lieutenant Chen]

See your papers, please.

[Tony Dana]

Well, I just showed my papers to the captain.

[Lieutenant Chen]

See your papers, your passport, everything.

[Tony Dana]

What is this? Everybody wants to look at my papers. Who are you anyway?

[Lieutenant Chen]

I am Lieutenant Chen. Will you show me your papers or shall we create unfortunate incident for you?

[Tony Dana]

Oh, for Pete's sake. All right, here you are.

[Lieutenant Chen]

That is better. It says here your name is Anthony Dener. You are American circumstances citizen. Your occupation is correspondent.

[Tony Dana]

Yeah, look, I know what it says. You don't have to read it to me.

[Lieutenant Chen]

Papers are in no doubt.

[Tony Dana]

I could have told you that.

[Lieutenant Chen]

The matter is closed. Paper in order. You may proceed to your stateroom.

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[Vickers]

Hello there.

[Tony Dana]

Ah, hello. I guess we're roommates. I'm D. Oh, I am.

[Vickers]

I. I mean, you are.

[Lieutenant Chen]

Oh, yeah.

[Vickers]

Well, I'm Vickers. Come in, come in, come in. Welcome, my friend.

[Tony Dana]

Thanks.

[Vickers]

Yes. You know, I've just been wondering what sort of a chap I'd draw to bunk with. Of course, I don't mind, you understand, when I'm out in the field, a missionary gets conditioned, if you know what I mean. I mean, conditioned what? A stable bit of straw or bare ground. But indoors, I remember I'm an Englishman. I like comfort, you know, pleasant company.

[Tony Dana]

Yeah. I hope you like cockroaches because they've got us outnumbered.

[Vickers]

Oh, yeah. Oh, yes. Cockroaches and I are old friends. I say, look here, why don't you stow your gear and come up on deck? You know, it's quite something to see when Ratigan starts his old steamer downriver. You would think it was the Queen Mary. You would, really. All the ceremony he puts into it.

[Tony Dana]

I wouldn't watch Ratigan launch a rocket to the moon.

[Vickers]

Well, that's not likely, you know. I mean, what happened? The old sea dog get your backup or something?

[Tony Dana]

Oh, well, he made me leave a suitcase behind. It was full of books I've been years collecting.

[Vickers]

Well, that sounds like him. Are you coming?

[Tony Dana]

No, no. You go ahead, Vickers. I'll see you later.

[Lieutenant Chen]

Yeah, right.

[Tony Dana]

As I unpacked what I needed for the trip, I could feel the old boat gather all her strength together and move groaning into the deep water channel. And I forgot about my lost books. I was on the Yangtze, on my way at last to Shanghai, on my way to the big story. And I felt a curious kind of thrill. I was part of China on the move. The cabin was close and stuffy. I went up on deck to get some air. I was kind of hoping to run into girl doctor. Then I saw her standing at the prow of the boat, talking animatedly with my roommate, the missionary.

[Vickers]

Ah, there you are, Dana. Glad you came up. Come on over and meet a charming fellow passenger. Dr. Roma, may I present Mr. Dana?

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

How do you do? Dana, did you say? It's an odd name. Have you been in China long?

[Tony Dana]

Well, wait a minute.

[Vickers]

He's an American. You know, one of your countrymen, Dr. Romer.

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

Oh, really?

[Tony Dana]

Yeah. Kansas.

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

Is that so?

[Vickers]

I say, we're lucky, aren't we, Dana? Having such a beautiful doctor aboard, huh? It might make it worth a man's while to be ill or something, eh?

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

I hope that won't happen. And now, if you'll excuse me, I have some unpacking to do. Awfully nice to have met you, Mr. Daner. Oh, yes. I'll see you later, Mr. Vickers.

[Tony Dana]

She smiled at me like you smile at a stranger you've just met. There was no sign, no sign at all of recognition. And from then on, she avoided me. At first, it made me a little sore. My male ego was wounded. I guess I thought she'd gotten me a ticket because she wanted to see me again. Now I wondered why. Had she gotten it? Nah, there was something wrong with this whole business. We were scheduled to tie up at Ichang overnight, and I was looking forward to breaking up the trip by night ashore. I was on my way to my stateroom to get my bag girl. Doctor. Doctor Roma. It's Tony. Tony Danar. What's wrong?

[Narrator]

Go away.

[Tony Dana]

I'm coming in.

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

Please.

[Tony Dana]

What's the matter? What's happened?

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

Nothing. Nothing, nothing. Nothing happened.

[Tony Dana]

You always wear your hair mussed like that? Your blouse ripped and your luggage. That's the way you like it, I suppose. Dumped sprawl all over the room.

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

It's none of your affair, Tony. Keep out of it.

[Tony Dana]

Look, you're gonna tell me what's going

[Captain Ratigan]

on in the house.

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

Please keep out of it.

[Tony Dana]

Oh, you're scared. You need help.

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

Just get out and leave me alone, all right?

[Tony Dana]

Maybe Captain Ratigan knows the answer.

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

No, wait a minute, Tony.

[Tony Dana]

What?

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

All right, I. I came into my stateroom. It was dark, but I Could tell there was somebody in here. Then he grabbed me. I tried to fight away from him. I screamed, but he got out. I turned on the light.

[Tony Dana]

Who was it?

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

I don't know. A soldier, I think. Chinese soldier.

[Tony Dana]

Well, what was he looking for? What are you carrying? The crown jewel.

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

It isn't funny, Tony. They're after the Shanghai document, but they didn't get it. Not this time.

[Tony Dana]

The Shanghai document? What's that?

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

Just a piece of paper. But it might hold the destiny of China.

[Lieutenant Chen]

Oh?

In what way?

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

A new leader has been found in the west of China. But only a few trusted people know his identity. A man who very possibly could unite his people, lead them out of war. I don't have to tell you what that means to China, Tony. The document contains his name, his plan of action and his written acceptance of the great responsibility. And it must get into the right hands in Shanghai.

[Tony Dana]

And if it doesn't, a lot of

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

heads will fall and China will have lost a chance for peace.

[Tony Dana]

And you, you're the messenger, huh?

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

Why, I'm a sympathizer. I was chosen because I'm an American. We thought they wouldn't suspect an American.

[Tony Dana]

Well, Ratigan's an American. I'm an American. Why pick on. Oh, hey, wait a minute. And that's the reason you got my ticket for me. That's why you've been giving me the wide berth. You were using me as a decoy in case they got wise.

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

I'm sorry, Tony. But you did want to get to Shanghai.

[Tony Dana]

Yeah, yeah. But with one stipulation. I like to get there alive.

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[Tony Dana]

I didn't see Girl Doctor, as the boat tied up at I Cheng. But I worried about her. Plenty girl has no business carrying a thing as explosive as the Shanghai document. Now that she dragged me into it to confuse whoever was after it. I was a little jumpy myself.

[Lieutenant Chen]

Mr. Dana.

[Tony Dana]

Oh, Lieutenant Chen.

[Lieutenant Chen]

You are planning to go ashore?

[Tony Dana]

Yeah, that was my plan.

[Vickers]

Why?

[Lieutenant Chen]

Very dangerous for American to be alone in China nowadays. Many bandits, thieves.

[Tony Dana]

Yeah, yeah, I know. But I hope it won't throw army regulations in an uproar if I go ashore.

[Lieutenant Chen]

Anyway, solly your business merely suggestion.

[Tony Dana]

Yeah, well, thanks. See you around, Chen.

[Captain Ratigan]

Hey, Dana. Dana. Where do you think you're going?

[Tony Dana]

Ashore? Do you mind?

[Captain Ratigan]

Matter of fact, I do. When I start out with a boatload of people, I like to deliver them. I don't like no trouble. And your going ashore is just asking for it.

[Tony Dana]

Are you trying to tell me I can't go ashore, Captain Ratigan?

[Captain Ratigan]

Look, sweetheart, the only thing I'm trying to tell you is what you said.

[Tony Dana]

So you've told me. I've been warned. Now I'd like to get going.

[Captain Ratigan]

Okay, bilgehead, it's your neck.

[Vickers]

Oh, I say. Dinner. Dinner.

[Tony Dana]

Here we go again.

[Vickers]

Are you going ashore?

[Tony Dana]

And what's your objection, Vickers?

[Vickers]

Objection? I don't get it, old boy. I was going ashore myself and I thought we might make a party of it. You know, I speak the dialect and I thought it might come in handy.

[Tony Dana]

Well, I thought for a minute.

[Vickers]

You thought what?

[Tony Dana]

Ah, nevermind. Come on.

[Vickers]

You know, the last time I was in Ichang, there was a very nice hotel. Let's try it. That is, of course, if it hasn't been bombed. The proprietor, Chinese, very good friend of mine serves Vickers.

[Richfield Oil Announcer]

Wait a minute.

[Tony Dana]

What's that?

[Lieutenant Chen]

What's what? Where?

[Tony Dana]

There, at the foot of the gangplank. A whole platoon of soldiers.

[Vickers]

Oh, they're probably on the lookout for a deserter.

[Lieutenant Chen]

Yeah.

[Tony Dana]

Well, come on, let's get off the boat.

[Vickers]

Yeah. Oh, I say, look, they're going to stop us.

[Lieutenant Chen]

Your passport, please.

[Vickers]

Certainly. Right here.

[Lieutenant Chen]

Oh, passport in order. Proceed.

[Tony Dana]

Oh, thanks awfully.

[Lieutenant Chen]

And I see your passport.

[Tony Dana]

Look, I've been checked and double checked. You better do as he says, old boy. Okay. Here it gets messy.

[Vickers]

This red tape necessary, I suppose, but sometimes I do think they overdo it.

[Lieutenant Chen]

Oh, your passport not in order.

[Tony Dana]

Not in order.

[Lieutenant Chen]

Oh, please. Better you come with me.

[Tony Dana]

Wait a minute. Where to? What for?

[Lieutenant Chen]

Impossible. Proceed to Shanghai. Papers not clarified.

[Tony Dana]

What are you talking about?

[Vickers]

But I say you can't take him off the boat like this.

[Lieutenant Chen]

Oh, dodging Passport not in order.

[Vickers]

Complete.

[Tony Dana]

He took me to a command car which drove me to field headquarters on the hills above Ichang. No matter what I said to him, no matter how much I argued, all I got out of him was, passport not an order. Well, they gave me a place to sleep and something to eat and a couple of guards to watch me. The river steamer was scheduled to leave Ichang at dawn. I was hoping they'd release me by then. But the dawn slipped in and the steamer slipped out. And I heard it in the distance, a whistle. And I felt sunk. How was I to explain to these guys that I was just a decoy? They'd picked off the wrong American, that the thing they wanted, the Shanghai document, was on its way down the Yangtze, and I heard them coming down the hall. I didn't know what I was in for, but I braced myself. At least I'd go down fighting.

[Lieutenant Chen]

Mr. Dino. Yeah? Passport is in order. Can go now.

[Tony Dana]

Go now. You tell me. Look, did you hear that whistle? The steamer's gone. How do I get to Shanghai now? Swim.

[Lieutenant Chen]

A thousand apology for ignorant mistake. Malecon passport. Very confusing.

[Vickers]

Yeah. Yeah, sure.

[Tony Dana]

But what do I do now?

[Lieutenant Chen]

Please come with me. I've made arrangements.

[Tony Dana]

I was apologized to in several dialects. Then I got back into the command car and was driven down past the river landing to a secluded street spot where a sampan tended by two coolies was waiting. I was politely but forcibly put aboard. I turned around to protest, but it was too late. The coolies had pulled the sampan away from shore into the center of the river and back on shore. The Chinese officer was smiling broadly. Well, anyway, I was on my way to Shanghai again when I sat back to smoke a cigarette. But I was out of matches and I nudged the coulee in front of me. Hey, you. Ketchum. Matchy Matchy.

[Lieutenant Chen]

You know.

Certainly, Mr. Dana. Here you are. May I light it for you?

[Tony Dana]

Lieutenant Chandwell, what are you doing on this sampan?

[Lieutenant Chen]

I also have missed the boat.

[Tony Dana]

Yeah, but why the coolie outfit?

[Lieutenant Chen]

It's not safe for lone soldier to travel by himself. I am, as you Americans say, coming along for the ride.

[Tony Dana]

You know what I think, Chen? I think I'm the one that's being taken for a ride. I couldn't understand it. If they had thought I had the document, why hadn't they searched me? Why'd they let me go? Why was Chen on my tail? I decided to find out just how much of a watchdog Chen was. We'd been on the river all Day, and it was just getting dark when we pulled up at a rickety bamboo landing. Chen was singing as he helped the coolie repair a sail. They weren't paying any attention to me. I crawled silently off the boat onto the dock.

[Lieutenant Chen]

Mr. Dana, I should regret to have to kill you before we reach Shanghai. Come back in boat, please.

[Tony Dana]

Well, you can't blame a guy for trying.

[Lieutenant Chen]

If you are wise, you will not try again.

[Tony Dana]

We passed Nanking, turned off the Yangtze, into the Yunhou Canal. Chen never seemed to sleep. He watched me constantly. But as he and the other coolie maneuvered the sampan into Soochow Creek on the Shanghai waterfront, I realized that I had one final chance. It was dusk. The creek was filled with a floating city. Thousands of sampans, each with their family washings flying aloft there, their babies, their suppers cooking. They were on either side of us, within scraping distance. And suddenly I leaped across the one on the left.

[Lieutenant Chen]

Mr. Taylor, stop.

[Tony Dana]

He wouldn't dare shoot in such a crowded place. He couldn't hope to hit me. But he jumped across, and I was already on the next sampan. And jumping from sampan to sampan, I zigzagged my way to the bank and lunged into the crowded, filthy waterfront of Shanghai. I looked back once. I couldn't see Lieutenant Chen anywhere. I lost him. I took a deep breath. I felt free, safe from the crowd. And then I saw him, not 10ft away. Captain Ratigan. And with him, two huge Mongolians.

[Captain Ratigan]

Dana, don't try to get away. Dana, come back.

[Tony Dana]

I moved fast, elbowing my way through the matted humanity and ran down the bun like the devil himself was after me. And I finally stopped, out of breath, in a cluttered back alley. It was dark. Ratigan was no place to be seen. Neither were the Mongolians. I was quite alone. Well, I had one friend in Shanghai. Vickers the missionary had given me his address. I found a rickshaw driver who knew where it was, and he took me there. It was one of those old Chinese dwellings with a high wall around it. I knocked at the gate, but nobody answered. I opened the gate, walked into the garden.

[Captain Ratigan]

Well, it's about time you showed up, Dana.

[Tony Dana]

Ratigan.

[Captain Ratigan]

We've been waiting a long time for you.

[Tony Dana]

Ratigan. What are you. It took me a minute to recognize the smell of the cloth on my face. Chloroform.

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

How do you feel?

[Lieutenant Chen]

Huh?

[Tony Dana]

Oh, you again.

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

Don't try to get up and don't yell. This is a hospital. You'll disturb the other patients.

[Tony Dana]

A hospital? Why is it every time I come to you, are there. What do you do? Follow your patients around?

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

I'm sorry, Tony.

[Tony Dana]

Yeah, sure.

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

You were going to see Vickers. We couldn't let you do that. Captain Ratigan.

[Captain Ratigan]

Yeah, Doctor.

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

Give me a hand, will you?

[Tony Dana]

Oh, no. Get away from me. Hey, what are you gonna.

[Captain Ratigan]

Now, come on, Dana. On your stomach.

[Tony Dana]

Let me go.

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

Just relax, Tony. It's time for your bandage to come off now. Thanks a lot, Tony.

[Tony Dana]

Dana, that adhesive tape. You want to pull the skin off my back? What do you think?

[Lieutenant Chen]

I.

[Tony Dana]

What did you say?

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

I said, thanks a lot for carrying the Shanghai document through safely.

[Tony Dana]

The document?

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

It was on your back under the adhesive tape. I put it there back in Chongqing.

[Narrator]

You did?

[Tony Dana]

Then Ratigan.

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

Ratigan and Lt. Chen and the soldiers who took you off the boat were all working under orders, protecting you.

[Tony Dana]

Yeah, well, I ran away from them. I thought that they would.

[Captain Ratigan]

Yeah, you sure gave us a bum time.

[Tony Dana]

What do you want me to do? Apologize?

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

Tony. Tony, please. We treated you badly, I know. But we couldn't let you go to Vickers.

[Tony Dana]

Vickers, the missionary?

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

Anyone can wear his collar backwards. Vickers was the one who was after the document. We had to get you off the boat and away from him before he discovered that I didn't have it.

[Tony Dana]

Oh, very Vickers.

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

Tony, I hope you know you've done a great thing for China.

[Tony Dana]

Yeah?

[Lieutenant Chen]

Yeah.

[Tony Dana]

Well, now that I've done so much for China, suppose you do something for me.

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

Well, anything.

[Tony Dana]

Okay, get dressed up. Let's go out on the town and have dinner.

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

Oh, Tony, we'd love it. We can meet you in an hour.

[Lieutenant Chen]

We?

[Dr. Jane Roemer]

My husband and I. Jerry, you're your husband? You'll love him, Tony. He's a wonderful guy. He's from Kansas, too.

[Richfield Oil Announcer]

This is the age of science. An age in which science has made vast strides in medicine, in nuclear energy and in the field of petroleum chemistry. For example, petroleum chemists have discovered new super octane gasoline components of great importance to every motorist. And one of the highest octane components ever discovered is xylene. Now, listen to this. Today, every gallon of Richfield Gasoline contains xylene. The xylene component of Richfield Gasoline helps give your car that high Antonoc performance, that extra zip in traffic, that velvet smoothness under the hood. Try Richfield Gasoline with xylene. Take your choice of Richfield High Octane at regular price for the average motor, or Richfield Ethyl for best results. In the highest compression motors, stop where you see the Richfield eagle on the cream and blue pumps. Get Richfield gasoline containing xylene. Tomorrow. Escape is produced and directed by William N. Robeson and has tonight presented Shanghai Document by John and Gwen Bagnet. Featured in the cast were John Dana as Tony, Joan Banks as Dr. Jane Roemer, Ben Wright as Vickers and the Eurasian Bill Conrad as Ratigan, Benson Fong as Lieutenant Chen, Charles Lung as the officer and Paul Fries as the voice of Escape. Special music was arranged and played by Ivan Dittmars. Next week

[Narrator]

you were on a small launch off the California coast, about to dive 20ft below the surface to reach a man's body and to recover an object identifying his murderer, who is standing at your side and from whom there is no escape.

[Richfield Oil Announcer]

Next week at the same time, the Richfield Oil Corporation of New York invites you to Escape with the story of a man who stumbled onto what seemed the easiest way in the world to make a million dollars. As H.V. dixon tells it in his exciting new book, Something for Nothing. Be listening. Goodbye, then, until this same time next week, when once again, we offer you Escape. Tom Hanlon speaking. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting.

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