(56) Escape - Orient Express

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold’s Old Time Radio

Episode 56: Escape – Orient Express
Release Date: August 9, 2026
Theme: A classic broadcast drama from radio’s golden age, “Escape – Orient Express” immerses listeners in intrigue and suspense aboard the legendary train, as characters are swept into a dangerous political plot inspired by Graham Greene’s novel.

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Episode Overview

This episode features a rebroadcast of CBS’s “Escape,” dramatizing Graham Greene’s Orient Express. The host, Harold, invites listeners back to a pre-television era where suspenseful radio shows like this were a family event. The story follows Gregory Myatt, an American businessman, on the famous train, only to find himself entangled in a labyrinth of espionage, mistaken identity, and perilous romance, playing out against the tense backdrop of 1930s Europe.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Highlights

1. Setting the Stage: Journey Begins (01:18 – 04:49)

• Gregory Myatt boards the Orient Express in Ostend, Belgium, headed for Istanbul on business, illustrating the allure and danger of international train travel at the time.
• Early encounters foreshadow intrigue:
  • A mysterious young woman—Carol Musker—bumps into Myatt.
  • In his compartment, Myatt discovers a stranger (Dr. Richard John/Dr. Zinner) rifling through his overcoat, which raises suspicion.

Notable Quote:

“You are aboard the Orient Express, rushing through the European night, bound for Istanbul. And in your compartment...a gun pointed at your head, a mysterious stranger is about to take your life.”
— Narrator / Escape Host (01:21)

2. First-Class Tensions and Unlikely Alliances (04:49 – 08:30)

• Carol faints, revealing her poverty; Myatt invites her to dinner, and emotional bonds quickly form.
• Dr. John’s dual identity emerges—a naturalized American or something more?
• The suspicious conductor and other passengers, especially Joseph Grundlich, elevate the tension.

Notable Interaction:

“You have the wrong compartment.”
“And you have the wrong overcoat.”
— Gregory Myatt and Dr. Zinner (02:50)

3. Fears Confirmed, Identities Exposed (08:30 – 13:39)

• At Cologne, a reporter (Mabel Warren) recognizes “Dr. Zinner”—exposing her quarry’s real identity and setting journalistic stakes in the mix.
• Myatt forcibly arranges for Carol to get his compartment, demanding to bunk with Dr. Zinner—a move escalating the sense of imminent danger.
• Dr. Zinner, now holding the pair at gunpoint, reveals his role as a political exile returning to lead a coup; paranoia and mistrust pervade.

Key Quote:

“You could put that gun away now that you believe we’re who we say we are.”
— Myatt (12:47)

4. Nightfall: Abductions and Deceptions (13:39 – 15:05, 17:37 – 22:01)

• Myatt and Carol are kept hostage. During the night, Myatt attempts to overpower Zinner but is knocked unconscious.
• On waking, he finds the coach empty and his possessions missing, creating a surreal Kafkaesque experience before reconnecting with the main train.

Memorable Moment:

“I opened every door in the coach...as if I were going crazy. And I lost consciousness again.”
— Myatt (18:28)

5. Web of Lies Unravels (22:01 – 24:17)

• Myatt finds Grundlich has tied up Mabel Warren; Grundlich confesses allegiance to Zinner but soon reveals himself as a government agent scheming against Zinner.
• Carol and Zinner disappear at a border stop—Myatt suspects both as government spies, with Warren clarifying Carol is likely just an innocent bystander/target.

6. Rescue and Escape from Execution (24:17 – 28:29)

• Myatt and Warren race to the border town (Subotica), discovering plans for Zinner’s execution.
• In a tense exchange, Warren cleverly distracts the guard, allowing Myatt to interfere and orchestrate Zinner and Carol’s escape.
• A chase and scuffle with Grundlich and his associates ensues, culminating in the heroes’ escape to Belgrade.

Notable Exchange:

“You don’t have a gun, I suppose?”
“No.”
— Carol & Mabel Warren, planning the rescue (25:47)

7. Resolution: Fate and New Beginnings (28:29 – 29:45)

• Zinner opts to stay in Belgrade; Carol and Myatt, their ordeal over, look towards a future together in Istanbul, despite her failed job opportunity.

“Well, we’ll be in Istanbul tomorrow, a day late... I probably lost that chorus job.”
— Carol Musker (29:01)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments with Timestamps

• Life onboard the Orient Express:

  “I made my way down the platform...but there was a stranger in my compartment, going through my overcoat.”
  — Gregory Myatt (02:44)

• Atmospheric Suspense:

  “We ran into a string of tunnels. All pitch black. I was just about to ring for the guard...then the train was crashing to a stop. We were in a tunnel.”
  — Gregory Myatt (03:44)

• Deception Unfolded:

  “He was a political exile from his own country...now going back to lead a rebellion.”
  — Gregory Myatt narrates Zinner’s confession (12:18)

• The Kafkaesque Empty Train:

  “Why was it so quiet? Where were all the other passengers?”
  — Gregory Myatt (18:18)

• Adrenaline Rescue:

  “I'm going back there to...look, there's a small town up ahead...I'm going to pull the emergency cord.”
  — Gregory Myatt (24:07)

• Wry Romance:

  “Have any idea what you’ll do then?”
  “Oh, I think so...I have an idea.”
  — Gregory Myatt and Carol Musker (29:13)

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Important Segment Timestamps

• 01:18 – Opening: Allure and Dangers of the Orient Express
• 04:49 – Carol’s Plight and Dinner Invitation
• 08:30 – Compartment Swap & Zinner’s True Identity Emerges
• 11:04 – Hostage Standoff Begins
• 13:39 – Tense Night in the Compartment; Attempted Disarm
• 17:37 – Myatt Awakens: The Disorienting, Empty Train
• 20:01 – Myatt Discovers Mabel Warren Bound; Grundlich’s Reveal
• 23:34 – Warren Explains Government Plot, Urgent Rescue Plan
• 25:47 – Train Station Rescue: The Distraction Tactic
• 28:04 – Final Confrontation & Escape
• 29:07 – Affectionate Ending in Istanbul

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Style and Tone Notes

• The tone is urgent and suspenseful, laced with classic old-time radio narration, sharp dialogue, and romantic undertones.
• The actors’ delivery is dramatic, swift, and tightly structured—true to original radio drama form.
• Dialogue is laced with irony and mid-century humor, even as paranoia and threat loom.

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For listeners who missed the episode:
This gripping radio drama doesn’t just evoke the glamour and anxiety of 1930s European travel; it’s a taut tale of trust, betrayal, and survival, told with snappy dialogue and strong performances. An absolute treat for fans of classic suspense, espionage, and “escape” fiction.

Skip ads, settle in for 30 minutes of old-time thrill—highly recommended for lovers of vintage radio and timeless mystery storytelling.

Transcript

[Narrator (She's Birdie Ad)]

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[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

fed up

[Carol Musker]

with the everyday grind, Tired out by the dull routine, you want to get away from it all.

[Narrator / Escape Host]

We offer you Escape. Escape. Transcribed to free you from the four walls of today for a half hour of high adventure,

[Gregory Myatt]

you're aboard the Orient Express, right?

[Carol Musker]

Rushing through the European night, bound for Istanbul.

[Gregory Myatt]

And in your compartment with you, a

[Carol Musker]

gun pointed at your head, a small,

[Gregory Myatt]

mysterious stranger is about to take your life.

[Narrator / Escape Host]

Today we escape from reality to the tense world of Balkan intrigue as Graham Greene pictured it in his famous novel Orient Express.

[Train Conductor / Brakeman]

Orient Express.

[Joseph Grundlich]

Orient Express. Now leaving.

[Gregory Myatt]

My name is Gregory Myatt. In 1932, I had to go to Istanbul on business and I decided to take the Orient Express. After an uneventful trip across the channel, I found myself at the station in Austin, Belgium, where the Orient Express began. The porter took my bags and overcoat to my first class compartment. While I lingered on the platform and inevitably somebody bumped into me.

[Carol Musker (alternate tag or continuation)]

Oh, I'm sorry.

[Gregory Myatt]

That's quite all right.

[Carol Musker (alternate tag or continuation)]

I wonder which way are the second class coaches placed?

[Train Conductor / Brakeman]

That way.

[Gregory Myatt]

I think your suitcase looks heavy.

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

May I?

[Carol Musker (alternate tag or continuation)]

Oh, no, thanks. I can manage all right. I always have.

[Carol Musker]

She had a very nice figure, trim and erect.

[Gregory Myatt]

I wondered whether she was going as far as Istanbul.

[Train Conductor / Brakeman]

Orient Express what do you.

[Gregory Myatt]

I made my way down the platform

[Carol Musker]

to my coach, but there was a

[Gregory Myatt]

stranger in my compartment going through my overcoat.

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

Young man, you have the wrong compartment.

[Gregory Myatt]

And you have the wrong overcoat.

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

This coat is mine also. This compartment, number seven.

[Gregory Myatt]

It happens to be number eight.

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

Eight. I have made a mistake. A thousand apologies, sir.

[Gregory Myatt]

That's all right.

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

Thank you. You are going to Belgrade.

[Gregory Myatt]

Perhaps no, no. I'm for Istanbul.

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

So allow me. My name is Richard John.

[Gregory Myatt]

How do you do? My name's Myatt. Gregory Myatt.

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

I am grateful you are a fellow countryman. These little mistakes can be so difficult to explain.

[Gregory Myatt]

Fellow countrymen. But I'm American.

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

I also. I am a naturalized American. All these many years. But the accent remains.

[Gregory Myatt]

Yes, I suppose it does.

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

We are underway. I will go to my compartment. A most pleasant journey, sir. And again, a thousand apologies.

[Gregory Myatt]

I looked at the landscape a while and then got out a book and settled down to read. And at that moment, of course, we ran into a string of tunnels. All of them pitch black. I was just about to ring for the guard to ask to have the lights switched on. The train was crashing to a stop. We were in a tunnel. I got up and groped for the door. Went into the corridor just as the lights went on. Lying on the floor was the girl who had bumped into me. Excuse me, please. One side, please. Excuse me.

[Mabel Warren (Reporter)]

Please call the emergency cord at once.

[Train Conductor / Brakeman]

Madame Esconductor, it is my duty to inform you it is not allowed for a passenger to stop the Orient Express.

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

Mr. Myatt, if you will allow me, please.

[Gregory Myatt]

Oh, Mr. John. Hadn't we better get a doctor?

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

I am a doctor, Mr. Myatt. Allow me. So there is nothing wrong with this young lady? She has only fainted.

[Gregory Myatt]

Oh, good, Good. Give me a hand, Mr. John. Let's get her into my compartment.

[Carol Musker (alternate tag or continuation)]

I'm all right now. Really I am.

[Gregory Myatt]

Yes, of course you are.

[Train Conductor / Brakeman]

Here you are.

[Gregory Myatt]

Drink this.

[Carol Musker]

It's brandy.

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

Drink it, young lady. It will help you.

[Carol Musker (alternate tag or continuation)]

Good. I don't know why I fainted. I never did before.

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

When did you last have a decent meal? Yesterday. The day before.

[Carol Musker (alternate tag or continuation)]

I suppose it was the day before. That's my affair.

[Carol Musker]

You have no money?

[Carol Musker (alternate tag or continuation)]

No.

[Gregory Myatt]

How would you like to have dinner with me? Please say yes.

[Carol Musker (alternate tag or continuation)]

I won't say no.

[Gregory Myatt]

Fine.

[Carol Musker]

Fine.

[Gregory Myatt]

Will you join us, Mr. John?

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

No, I prefer to remain in my compartment.

[Gregory Myatt]

As we dined, I learned her name was Carol Musker. She was a chorus girl, and she

[Carol Musker]

had a job waiting for her in Istanbul. I felt a bit sorry for her, but. Well, more than that. I remembered how she felt in my arms when I carried her into my compartment. And I wanted to hold her again.

[Carol Musker (alternate tag or continuation)]

I ate a lot, Mr. Myatt. I hope you can afford the check.

[Gregory Myatt]

I think I can.

[Carol Musker (alternate tag or continuation)]

Oh, good.

[Gregory Myatt]

Now, how about breakfast tomorrow and all the rest of your meals till we reach Istanbul?

[Carol Musker (alternate tag or continuation)]

Mr. Myatt, I hope you don't have any ideas about me.

[Carol Musker]

Of course.

[Gregory Myatt]

I have.

[Carol Musker]

You're very attractive.

[Carol Musker (alternate tag or continuation)]

Well, I don't know anything about you. For all I know, you're married and have six children.

[Gregory Myatt]

I am not and I haven't.

[Carol Musker]

How about you?

[Carol Musker (alternate tag or continuation)]

I have no one.

[Gregory Myatt]

Well, then there's no reason why we

[Carol Musker]

shouldn't have ideas about each other. Is that by the way, my first name's Gregory. More coffee or dessert?

[Carol Musker (alternate tag or continuation)]

No, thanks.

[Gregory Myatt]

Well, then, as soon as I paid the.

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

Mr. Myatt.

[Gregory Myatt]

Oh, Mr. John.

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

Excuse me. Is this yours?

[Carol Musker]

That's my pocketbook.

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

I found it in the corridor outside my compartment. You must have dropped it when you lifted this young lady.

[Gregory Myatt]

He gave me my pocketbook and left the dining car. All my money was there.

[Carol Musker]

But one thing I knew, I had

[Gregory Myatt]

not dropped my pocketbook. Mr. John had taken it. Carol and I started through the train. It was about 9 o' clock and the lights were already dimmed and the second class coaches people were asleep, sitting

[Carol Musker]

up in the crowded compartments.

[Carol Musker (alternate tag or continuation)]

Mr. Myatt, here's my compartment. Thank you for dinner.

[Gregory Myatt]

It's very early.

[Carol Musker]

You have to go in.

[Carol Musker (alternate tag or continuation)]

Oh, I'm tired.

[Gregory Myatt]

Oh, it's too crowded in there for comfortable sleeping. And besides, you never know who's next to you.

[Carol Musker (alternate tag or continuation)]

Oh, but I do. That little fat man, see, his name's Joseph Grunlich. He introduced himself.

[Gregory Myatt]

Oh, he did, did he?

[Carol Musker (alternate tag or continuation)]

You're not jealous?

[Gregory Myatt]

No, but what do you know about him? He might be a thief or a bigamish.

[Carol Musker (alternate tag or continuation)]

Now you're being ridiculous. Well, good night, Mr. Meyer. Gregory.

[Train Conductor / Brakeman]

Carol.

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

Yes?

[Carol Musker]

You might kiss me good night. No one will notice.

[Carol Musker (alternate tag or continuation)]

All right.

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

Well, young lovers, eh?

[Carol Musker (alternate tag or continuation)]

Oh, Mr. Grumlich.

[Gregory Myatt]

If you're going somewhere, sir, why don't you go ahead?

[Joseph Grundlich]

Do not be angry, please. I was not spying, Mr. Meyer.

[Gregory Myatt]

How do you know my name?

[Joseph Grundlich]

We all heard of the gentleman gallant enough to take Ms. Musker to dinner at the good doctor's suggestion.

[Gregory Myatt]

Doctor?

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

What doctor?

[Joseph Grundlich]

Mr. John. He's a doctor, is he not? Now, if you'll please excuse me, I must get some water. I'm quite thirsty.

[Gregory Myatt]

I don't think I like that guy.

[Carol Musker]

Carol, how about taking my compartment?

[Carol Musker (alternate tag or continuation)]

Your compartment?

[Train Conductor / Brakeman]

All right.

[Carol Musker]

I'll get you another one.

[Gregory Myatt]

We'll speak to the conductor. Right now.

[Train Conductor / Brakeman]

A first class compartment for the young lady. Monsieur, you must wait until we arrive at Cologne. No tickets are sold aboard the Orient Express. We arrive in Cologne in, let me see, precisely 15 minutes.

[Gregory Myatt]

On track 2. Orient Express leaving in 10 minutes. As we walked up to the first class ticket window, a woman elbowed us out of the way.

[Mabel Warren (Reporter)]

Please excuse me. You don't mind if I go first, do you? My train for Paris leaves any minute.

[Gregory Myatt]

Well, in that case, go right ahead.

[Carol Musker (alternate tag or continuation)]

Thank you.

[Mabel Warren (Reporter)]

Oh, Hans. Hans Bitterschner.

[Gregory Myatt]

Ah, Freudine glory.

[Mabel Warren (Reporter)]

One to Paris, Hans. My editor's got me all.

[Gregory Myatt]

She was a reporter, apparently. While waiting for her change, her eyes went past me to the Orient Express. Suddenly, they widened. I followed a glance. Mr. John was just stepping back into his compartment.

[Mabel Warren (Reporter)]

One moment. Hans, Change this ticket for a sleeper on the Orient Express. Make it Belgrade.

[Carol Musker]

You are lucky, Miss Warren. There is only one accommodation on the Orient Express lift.

[Gregory Myatt]

Just a moment. There we were first. I thought you were going to Paris.

[Mabel Warren (Reporter)]

Not when I see Dr. Zinner on the Orient Express.

[Gregory Myatt]

Dr. Zenner. The man you were looking at was Richard John.

[Mabel Warren (Reporter)]

Is that the name he's using now? Oh, thank you, Hans.

[Gregory Myatt]

Just a moment.

[Train Conductor / Brakeman]

There.

[Gregory Myatt]

I'm taking that ticket, mein hair.

[Carol Musker]

I regret, but the lady asked for it before you did, and she is an old customer. Here. Here's the ticket, Miss War.

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

Who is it?

[Gregory Myatt]

Gregory Myatt, Mr. John. I'd like to talk to you for a moment. May we come in?

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

Why, yes. Yes, of course. You are feeling better, Miss Musker? You are getting enough rest?

[Carol Musker (alternate tag or continuation)]

Yes, thanks.

[Gregory Myatt]

That's why we're here. Miss Musker's taking my compartment and I'm staying in here with you.

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

I wish I could oblige, but. But I prefer my privacy.

[Gregory Myatt]

Why is that, Dr. Zinner?

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

My name is Richard John. Where did you hear otherwise?

[Gregory Myatt]

From a newspaper reporter who saw you in the station at Cologne. Oh, I don't know what it's all about and I don't much care, but Miss Musker is going to have my compartment and I'm going to move into this one with you. Any objections?

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

No. In fact, both of you shall stay here with me.

[Gregory Myatt]

What's the devil?

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

Gently, Mr. Mayatt. He has a gun. I am an excellent shot, believe me. We shall all stay. I insist. Lock the door, Mr. Myatt. That's fine. Now, just who are you, Mr. Myatt?

[Gregory Myatt]

Who am I?

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

A police spy here to keep me from getting to Belgrade.

[Gregory Myatt]

That's ridiculous.

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

You surely don't expect me to believe your story about some.

[Mabel Warren (Reporter)]

Mr. Don. Mr. John.

[Gregory Myatt]

That sounds like the reporter from Cologne.

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

Tell her she has made a mistake. Tell her, Mayatt.

[Carol Musker (alternate tag or continuation)]

Go away.

[Gregory Myatt]

You've got the wrong compartment. My name is Myatt.

[Mabel Warren (Reporter)]

I'm a reporter. Mabel Warren, London Clarion.

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

Myatt. Put your arm around Miss Musker. Open the door. Partway. Just enough for her to see both of you. I shall be behind the door. And remember, I have a gun.

[Mabel Warren (Reporter)]

I. Oh. You're not the man I'm after, are you?

[Gregory Myatt]

My name is Myatt. I haven't the slightest idea where you can find your Mr. John.

[Mabel Warren (Reporter)]

Well, I'll find him. He's on the Orient Express somewhere. Excuse me for interrupting your. Excuse me for interrupting you. Good night, Mr. Myatt.

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

Bolt the door, please. Perhaps you really are only an American businessman, Mr. Mayett. In that case, I owe you an explanation. Sit down.

[Gregory Myatt]

He told us a fantastic story. He was a political exile from his own country. He'd been forced to leave five years

[Carol Musker]

ago, and now he was going back

[Gregory Myatt]

to lead a rebellion to overthrow the

[Carol Musker]

government by a coup d'. Etat. Made very little sense.

[Gregory Myatt]

Had it not been for the gun in his hand, I might have laughed in his face.

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

If I am captured before this trouble, I will be executed. Once in Belgrade, however, I am safe. I am very popular. I know the city. There are thousands ready to hide me.

[Gregory Myatt]

That's very interesting. Now that you believe we're who we say we are, you could put that gun away. I'll buck here with you, and Miss Musker can go to my compartment.

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

I cannot allow that. Among the passengers on this train are many of my countrymen. Some would be loyal if they knew about me. But others would not.

[Carol Musker (alternate tag or continuation)]

Dr. Zinner will tell no one.

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

I am sure you would. Not intentionally, but it might slip out. No. I cannot permit you to leave this compartment.

[Gregory Myatt]

I'm warning you, if I can, I'm going to take that gun away from you.

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

Don't try it, my friend.

[Gregory Myatt]

You're older than I am. Dr. Zinner, you're tired. Just how long can you stay awake? I sat with Carol on one seat. He was across from us, the revolver in his hand. And it got later and later and later.

[Carol Musker (alternate tag or continuation)]

I'm tired, Greg.

[Carol Musker]

Now, just close your eyes then, Carol.

[Gregory Myatt]

Are you sleepy, Dr. Zinner?

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

Not yet, Mr. Meyer.

[Carol Musker]

Carol was asleep on my shoulder.

[Gregory Myatt]

I fought to keep my eyes open, but I dozed off. And then, somehow, I came awake.

[Carol Musker]

I lifted my head.

[Gregory Myatt]

Dr. Zenner was asleep.

[Carol Musker]

I reached across and grabbed the gun.

[Gregory Myatt]

It's all right, Carol. I've got it. Well, Dr. Zenner?

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

You are right, sir. I tried to stay awake.

[Gregory Myatt]

Stay here, Carol. I'm going to locate the conductor. I'm going to tell him what's been going on.

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

Oh, no, you must not. I shall never get the condition.

[Carol Musker (alternate tag or continuation)]

Greg, they'll kill him.

[Gregory Myatt]

No. We're still outside his country. He won't be hurt.

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

But if you report me to the conductor, I shall be put off the train.

[Gregory Myatt]

Hell. In short, no harm done. I'll be back soon, Carol. I left the compartment and started down the corridor. I heard a noise behind me and as I turned I caught a glimpse of a shadowy figure, one arm raised high above my head. Then the arm swung down and something hard and heavy crashed against my skull and I fell into a pool of blackness and I knew nothing more.

[Narrator / Escape Host]

In just a moment we will return to escape.

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[Narrator / Escape Host]

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[Gregory Myatt]

How much later it was when I opened my eyes. I don't know. Whoever had hit me had done an expert job. Might have been Senna or. Or even Carol had no way of knowing. The gun was gone. I dragged myself to my feet and stumbled down the corridor back to compartment number seven. But it was empty. Perhaps they'd moved to my compartment. I hurried to it.

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

No, no.

[Gregory Myatt]

There was nothing in my compartment. My bags were gone, even my overcoat. Inside, I began to feel a strange, unreasoning fear. Why was it so quiet? Where were all the other passengers? I went along the entire corridor. I opened every door in the coach.

[Carol Musker]

The comp was completely empty. I felt as.

[Gregory Myatt]

As if I were going crazy. And I lost consciousness again.

[Narrator / Escape Host]

Here, Here.

[Carol Musker (alternate tag or continuation)]

You.

[Train Conductor / Brakeman]

Mister, wake up. Wake up.

[Gregory Myatt]

Who are you?

[Train Conductor / Brakeman]

I, sir, I am the brakeman.

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

No.

[Gregory Myatt]

Tell me what happened to everyone. This coach was full. I got on at Austin. Dozens of people got on at Austin.

[Train Conductor / Brakeman]

Oh, no, sir. This coach is empty and comes only from Regensburg.

[Gregory Myatt]

Regensburg? No, it's from Ostend, I tell you.

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

Look.

[Gregory Myatt]

Compartment eight. This was mine. My bags, my overcoat. They were here and now they've disappeared. What was that?

[Train Conductor / Brakeman]

That is only the switch engine. We are on the yards outside Vienna. This coach is a deadhead. It was put on at the Orient Express at Regensburg and now we take it off.

[Gregory Myatt]

Deadhead, you mean?

[Carol Musker]

No, it's not my coach at all.

[Gregory Myatt]

The regular coaches are.

[Train Conductor / Brakeman]

The Orient Express is in front of us. If you do not want it to leave without you, you had better hurry, sir.

[Gregory Myatt]

Don't worry. I'll make it. The Orient Express was just getting underway when I dropped off the front of the deadhead. I had plenty of time to run up alongside and swing aboard. I made my way through the train to my coach and knocked on the door of Senna's compartment. Open up in there.

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

Who is this?

[Gregory Myatt]

Gregory Myatt. Open the door.

[Joseph Grundlich]

Come in, please.

[Gregory Myatt]

Lying on the berth, bound and gagged, was the reporter, Ms. Warren. And standing beside her, gun in hand, was not Dr. Zinner, but Joseph Grundlich.

[Joseph Grundlich]

You have a very tough skull, Mr. Meyer. I should have hit you a little harder.

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

No.

[Gregory Myatt]

Where is Carol? Where is Dr. Zinner? Why have you tied up this reporter?

[Joseph Grundlich]

Please, please, not so fast. First, as to Ms. Warren. I have tied her to prevent her from interfering with Dr. Zinner. Had I allowed her to file her newspaper story, Dr. Zinner would never get to Belgrade. I happen to be a nard and follower of Dr. Zinner. I was standing watch last night when you dashed into the corridor, Mr. Meyer. You had this very gun in your hand. You had obviously broken away from Dr. Zinner. Fortunately, I had a blackjack.

[Gregory Myatt]

Where is Carol and Dr. Zinner?

[Joseph Grundlich]

Do you promise to do nothing to interfere with Dr. Zinner's plan?

[Gregory Myatt]

I promise nothing.

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

No.

[Joseph Grundlich]

Be reasonable. The Orient Express will soon cross the border into my own country. It makes only one stop at the border for passport identification. After that, you are involved no longer. Why be stubborn?

[Gregory Myatt]

All right, Grundlich, I won't understand.

[Joseph Grundlich]

Mr. Myatt, I thank you. You may go now. Dr. Zinner and Ms. Musker are next door in your compartment.

[Gregory Myatt]

Doctor Zinner was seated on one berth,

[Carol Musker]

dozing, and Carol lay on the opposite berth, fast asleep, traces of tears on her cheeks. She shivered. I covered her with my overcoat and she woke up.

[Carol Musker (alternate tag or continuation)]

Up. Gregory. Gregory. I didn't know where you were.

[Carol Musker]

Go back to sleep.

[Carol Musker (alternate tag or continuation)]

Oh, I searched everywhere. I didn't know what to do when I came back here. Oh, I was so tired. Dr. Zinner made me go to sleep.

[Carol Musker]

Everything's all right. In a few hours, everything will be fine. Now close your eyes and go back to sleep.

[Gregory Myatt]

I left the compartment and went to

[Carol Musker]

the second class coach.

[Gregory Myatt]

With both Carol and Grundlich gone, there

[Carol Musker]

was space for me.

[Gregory Myatt]

I slept until I was awakened by a Hungarian passport inspector. The train had stopped in a town named Shiboteka, just inside the border.

[Carol Musker]

I showed him my passport.

[Gregory Myatt]

Then I went to the dining car. The breakfast rush was just starting, so I gave a waiter a pound note

[Carol Musker]

and had him get me breakfast for two.

[Gregory Myatt]

By the time the Orient Express was 10 minutes out of Cubotica, we were going down the corridor, the loaded tray tinkling as the waiter followed me. We arrived at my compartment, but it was empty. No sign of Zenner. No sign of Carol. A torn piece of paper was tucked under the cuff of my overcoat. It was a note I have left with Dr. Zenna.

[Carol Musker]

I'm afraid this is goodbye sign. Carol Musker, serve the breakfast.

[Train Conductor / Brakeman]

Where shall I put the tray?

[Gregory Myatt]

What?

[Train Conductor / Brakeman]

The breakfast.

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

Oh,

[Gregory Myatt]

take it back.

[Carol Musker]

I don't want it.

[Gregory Myatt]

I sat near the window and watched

[Carol Musker]

the landscape drift past.

[Gregory Myatt]

My suspicions had been right all along. Dr. Zenna had played me for a fool. And so had Carol. After a while, I became conscious of a tapping sound on the wall of my compartment. It kept on, and suddenly I realized that it was coming from the compartment next to mine. Someone's heel banging against the wall. It took only a minute to get next door. It was Ms. Warren, the reporter, all tied and gagged.

[Mabel Warren (Reporter)]

Oh, thank goodness. I thought you'd never hear me.

[Gregory Myatt]

Where's Grundlich? Where are the others?

[Mabel Warren (Reporter)]

You mean you don't know what's happened? Zinner's going to be executed.

[Gregory Myatt]

Executed?

[Mabel Warren (Reporter)]

Why? They took him off the train at Subotica. Grundlich arranged the whole thing. He's a government spy.

[Gregory Myatt]

He can't be.

[Mabel Warren (Reporter)]

Well, he is. They're probably holding a drone drumhead court martial on Dr. Zinner back in Subotica this minute.

[Gregory Myatt]

I see. And Carol Musker's a government spy too.

[Mabel Warren (Reporter)]

The girl? No.

[Gregory Myatt]

She must be. They took her off the train.

[Mabel Warren (Reporter)]

Well, they had to. They couldn't have any witnesses.

[Gregory Myatt]

What will they do with her?

[Mabel Warren (Reporter)]

Probably kill her. Hey. Here. What are you doing? You can't jump out. The train's going 60 at least.

[Gregory Myatt]

I'm going back there to the.

[Mabel Warren (Reporter)]

You're insane.

[Gregory Myatt]

Look, there's a small town up ahead. I saw it when I leaned out. Some cars are parked at the station. I saw them. I'm going to pull the emergency cord. Take one of those cars.

[Mabel Warren (Reporter)]

What can you possibly do in support of.

[Gregory Myatt]

I don't know, but I'll do something.

[Mabel Warren (Reporter)]

Go ahead, Mr. Myatt. I'm going with you.

[Gregory Myatt]

I pulled the emergency cord, and in the matter of seconds, the Orient Express was screeching to a halt right at the station. I flung open the door, and with Ms. Warren close behind me, I ran toward the parked cars. Here, you.

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

You.

[Gregory Myatt]

Come here. Do you speak English?

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

A car, gentleman. The car.

[Mabel Warren (Reporter)]

Very cheap.

[Gregory Myatt]

I want to go to siabotica.

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

He's too far. 50 kilometers.

[Gregory Myatt]

I'll give you 20 pounds.

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

Get in, gentleman.

[Train Conductor / Brakeman]

Get in.

[Gregory Myatt]

We were at Sjobotica inside of an hour. I had the driver stop just before we got into the center of town and told him to wait. Ms. Warren and I started down the main street.

[Mabel Warren (Reporter)]

Mr. Myatt, look.

[Carol Musker]

In the doorway of a small restaurant, his back to us, talking to a chef, was Joseph Grundlich. Just keep walking. Try to hear what he's saying. Did you hear what he said?

[Mabel Warren (Reporter)]

Something about a last meal for two people to be taken to the railroad station.

[Carol Musker]

Don't turn your head. Just keep walking.

[Gregory Myatt]

The railroad station platform was empty.

[Carol Musker]

So was the ticket office.

[Gregory Myatt]

But through the window we could see the waiting room. And beyond it was a closed door to a baggage room.

[Carol Musker]

There was a large old fashioned key in the lock. And standing beside the door was a soldier with a rifle. That's why they must be in the baggage room. You don't have a gun, I suppose.

[Mabel Warren (Reporter)]

No.

[Carol Musker]

Neither do I. The key's in the lock. If I can get to it without the soldiers noticing. We've got to get the soldier away from the door, Ms. Warren.

[Mabel Warren (Reporter)]

How?

[Carol Musker]

Look. Do you see that telephone over there in the far corner? If we could somehow get the soldier over the telephone, his view of the baggage room door would be cut off.

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

Look.

[Carol Musker]

That'll be your job, Ms. Warren.

[Carol Musker (alternate tag or continuation)]

Mine?

[Carol Musker]

Go into the waiting room and up to the telephone booth. Smile at the soldiers you go by. Then pretend you're having some trouble with the phone. Appeal to him for help. When he joins you with the phone booth, keep him occupied while I go in and let him out.

[Mabel Warren (Reporter)]

But he might look around.

[Carol Musker]

Just talk to him. Zinner and Carol and I will try to make the car.

[Mabel Warren (Reporter)]

You'll have to hurry, Grunelik. And that last meal may be here any minute.

[Carol Musker]

We'll hurry, all right.

[Gregory Myatt]

Through the grimy window, I watched as Ms. Warren crossed the waiting room to the door telephone.

[Carol Musker]

Smiling at the soldier, she left the booth and walked over to him. Couldn't hear what they were saying. She smiled at him again, putting her

[Gregory Myatt]

hand on his arm.

[Carol Musker]

They went over the booth. I took a deep breath and entered the waiting room. I could hear them talking as I

[Gregory Myatt]

started toward the baggage room.

[Mabel Warren (Reporter)]

Anything about telephones? It's so nice of you to help me.

[Gregory Myatt]

Oh, lovely lady.

[Mabel Warren (Reporter)]

I'm glad.

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

What number do you mean?

[Mabel Warren (Reporter)]

Oh, yes, it's the number. Oh, here. I have it right here.

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

Carol.

[Carol Musker (alternate tag or continuation)]

Gregory.

[Mabel Warren (Reporter)]

Shh.

[Carol Musker]

No noise. Dr. Zinner. Carol, go to the station platform now. No noise. Come on,

[Mabel Warren (Reporter)]

follow me.

[Gregory Myatt]

We started back toward the open door that led to the station platform. We went out slowly, not making a sound. Ms. Warren was still talking to the soldier. And then suddenly their voices stopped.

[Carol Musker]

I glanced back. The soldier's gun had fallen to the floor. He was kissing Ms. Warren. We got out to the platform and I shut the door quietly. All right, follow me. The car's two blocks away.

[Gregory Myatt]

What about her? She's a reporter.

[Carol Musker]

They won't dare touch her. Now, come on.

[Carol Musker (alternate tag or continuation)]

All right.

[Gregory Myatt]

In a few moments the station was behind us. The car was only a block away. Now we turned the corner, and walking toward us, not 10ft away, was Joseph Grundlich. And awaited from the restaurant. Before he could collect his wits, I ran at him. He crumpled to the ground. Then I hit the waiter. All right, run for it.

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

All right.

[Gregory Myatt]

Grundlicht fired a few shots at us, but hit no. Then we were in the car and he fired at us no longer. Goodbye, Dr. Zenner. You sure you won't come along?

[Dr. Richard John / Dr. Zinner]

Oh, I stay here in Belgrade. I shall be all right now, thanks to you. Goodbye, Mr. Maya.

[Gregory Myatt]

Goodbye. Hello.

[Carol Musker (alternate tag or continuation)]

Hello.

[Gregory Myatt]

You

[Carol Musker]

mind if I sit down?

[Carol Musker (alternate tag or continuation)]

No, not at all.

[Carol Musker]

Well, we'll be in Istanbul tomorrow, a day late.

[Carol Musker (alternate tag or continuation)]

You know, I probably lost that chorus job.

[Carol Musker]

Have any idea what you'll do then?

[Carol Musker (alternate tag or continuation)]

Oh, I think so. I have an idea.

[Carol Musker]

Yeah, so have I. A very good idea. Come here.

[Narrator / Escape Host]

Escape is produced and directed by Norman McDonald. Today we have presented transcribed Orient Express by Graham Greene. Adapted for radio by Sheldon Stark and Walter Newman with Ed editorial supervision by John Dunkle. Starred as Gregory Myatt was Bill Conrad. Featured players were Edgar Barrier, Hans Conrad, Gloria Grant, Harry Bartel, Ann Morrison, Jack Crucian and John Danar. The special music was arranged and played by Ivan Ditmars.

[Gregory Myatt]

Next week you are alone in the steaming jungle with three men. You know that one of them is a desperate criminal.

[Carol Musker]

A man you have come here to arrest. But you don't know which one.

[Gregory Myatt]

You'll have to find him before he

[Carol Musker]

can save himself by killing you.

[Narrator / Escape Host]

Next week we escape with LG Blockman's exciting tale of a manhunt. Red wine. Goodbye. Then until this same time next week when once again CBS offers you escape. Looking for more escape drama. There'll be more coming along on CBS tonight when most of these same CBS stations will bring you the adventures of Philip Marlowe and Gangbusters. They're both regular Saturday night features on cbs. Now stay tuned for five minutes of the latest news to be followed immediately by the let's Pretend program over most of these same CBS network stations. This is Roy Rowan speaking for cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.

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