(61) Escape - Finger of Doom

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode 61: Escape – "Finger of Doom"

Date: August 9, 2026

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Main Theme

This episode features an adaptation of Cornell Woolrich’s suspenseful tale "Finger of Doom," originally aired on the classic radio series Escape. The story centers on Kenny, an everyday man whose fiancée vanishes during a routine package delivery, plunging him into a nightmarish mystery cloaked in paranoia, mistaken identity, and espionage. The atmospheric drama perfectly exemplifies the blend of suspense, romance, and noir intrigue typical of Golden Age radio.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. The Set-Up: A Normal Evening Turns Strange

• [02:06] Kenny's Voiceover: Listeners are introduced to Kenny and his fiancée Steffi. What should be a happy, normal evening takes a turn when Steffi needs to deliver a package for her boss before their night out.
• Bright, romantic banter:
  • "Thirteen and a half. Don't forget that half of it's to be a noon wedding. I don't like the 13 all by itself. I'll be glad when it's tomorrow." – Steffi ([03:35])

2. The Disappearance

• [05:01] At the Apartment: Steffi goes into a seemingly vacant building to deliver the package while Kenny waits outside.
• [05:35] Suspense grows: Steffi doesn’t return, and Kenny’s worry mounts as time drags on.
• [08:08] The Revelation: The janitor insists that apartment 4F, where Steffi was headed, has been vacant for six months.

3. Search and Doubt: Kenny’s Desperate Quest

• [09:53] Involving the Police: Kenny, met with skepticism, brings in Sergeant Gilman to help investigate.
• [11:54] Doubt creeps in:
  • "You make it sound like she didn't come here with me at all..." – Kenny ([11:54])
• [13:00] Visiting Steffi’s Office: No sign that Steffi even exists at her workplace; another woman is introduced as Stephanie.

4. The Mind Games: Identity and Reality Unravel

• [15:41] Encounter with the 'New' Stephanie: Kenny is confronted with a brunette claiming to be Steffi, complete with appropriate identification and Steffi's known address—but all details (looks, habits, memories) don’t match.
• [18:11] Emotional breakdown:
  • "But I tell you, this isn’t Steffi. Steffi is blonde. This girl is brunette." – Kenny ([18:11])

5. Contradictions at Every Turn

• [20:33] Visit to Steffi’s Apartment: The room doesn’t match Kenny’s description; even the landlady claims 'Steffi' is brunette and has always been so.
• Tutti-frutti gum: repeated as a motif, marking the imposter’s trail.
• Kenny accused: Police suspect Kenny of foul play against a nonexistent girl.

6. The Climax: The Truth Surfaces

• [24:41] The Package is Found: Discovery of the dropped package on a rooftop supports Kenny's story ([24:41]).
  • "Okay, kid. Somebody did bring a package here tonight. I'll give you that." – Sgt. Gilman ([24:48])
• [25:34] Suspicions of Espionage: The client list at Steffi’s workplace consists of many foreign addresses; the story’s scope widens to possible spy activity.
  • "This looks like a job for the FBI. Spy stuff. Maybe your girl had found something out." – Sgt. Gilman ([25:44])

7. Resolution: Rescue and Reveal

• [27:24] Search for Steffi: A smoky basement in Hessen's house leads to Steffi, bound and unconscious but alive.
• [28:10] Culprits Apprehended: The FBI apprehends the spies before they leave port.

8. Closing Moments: Reunited

• [28:44] Steffi returns:
  • "Kenny, you're cute. With stars in your..." – Steffi ([29:01]), echoing romantic banter from the start.
• Full circle: Kenny’s ordeal ends, but the emotional impact of nearly losing Steffi remains keen.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Steffi's playful superstition:
  • "I don't like the 13 all by itself. I'll be glad when it's tomorrow." ([03:35])
• Kenny’s desperation as reality warps:
  • "Things like this don't happen. They can. One minute she's here and then she's gone. No one will believe me." ([19:53])
• Sgt. Gilman’s suspicion and later belief:
  • "What's your racket, kid? ...Are you working off a grudge against this guy? Or did you do something to some little blonde?" ([19:42])
  • "Okay, kid. Somebody did bring a package here tonight. I'll give you that." ([24:48])
• Romantic reunion:
  • "Kenny, he said to tell you no hard feelings. But when anyone socks Dick Gilman over the head, he gets socked back. Even if they're the best of friends." – Steffi ([28:47])
  • "You're cute. With stars in your..." – Steffi ([29:01])

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Key Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |-----------|----------------------------------------------------------| | 02:06 | Kenny sets the scene for the evening | | 05:01 | Steffi goes up to the mysterious apartment | | 08:08 | Janitor reveals the apartment has been vacant for months | | 11:54 | Police involvement begins, suspicion of Kenny grows | | 15:41 | The imposter 'Stephanie' appears | | 18:11 | Kenny realizes the mind games are against him | | 20:33 | Visit to Steffi’s old room deepens the mystery | | 24:41 | Package is discovered, shifting the investigation | | 25:44 | Espionage angle emerges | | 27:24 | Steffi is rescued from the burning basement | | 29:01 | Final romantic exchange |

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Tone and Style

The episode unfolds with a tense, dramatic noir edge, accented with touches of romance and classic radio suspense. Kenny’s narration is earnest and panicked, Sergeant Gilman is skeptical but ultimately fair, and Steffi’s character brings warmth and light even in suspenseful circumstances. The frequent use of inner monologue and mounting evidence against Kenny heighten the listener’s sense of paranoia and mystery.

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Conclusion

Escape’s "Finger of Doom" is a masterful audio thriller blending romance, suspense, noir, and espionage. Familiar Golden Age radio voices and atmospheric storytelling keep listeners enthralled as a simple errand spins into international intrigue, ultimately restoring love and justice in true mid-century dramatic fashion.

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Transcript

[Narrator/Announcer]

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

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

you are searching frantically through the dark, empty rooms of an apartment, panic gripping your heart, terror at your heels, for the girl you love who was with you a moment before has disappeared, vanished as if into thin air.

Today we escape from reality with a gripping tale of a girl who vanished and the man who had to find her to save his life. As Cornell Woolrich told it in his great story Finger of Doom,

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

Nothing unusual ever happens to you, huh, in your comfortable American city. Nothing ever could, could it? Let me tell you something. Right on the common everyday street of a big city, I had the strangest, most fantastic adventure anyone could dream up. And I've had my fill of adventure for the rest of my life. This happened several years ago, before the war, on an ordinary evening in early spring. Well, not so ordinary because I had a couple of free tickets to a good show and I was picking Steffi up at her office for see. We were going to be married in less than two weeks, so naturally I was impatient as I waited there on the sidewalk in front of her office building. And of course she was late, last one to leave as usual. It felt like a picket pacing up and down in front of the door. But finally there she was, spun gold piled on her head, blue eyes shining and carrying.

[Steffi/Stephanie Riska (Fiancee)]

Hi darling, what's that? Have I kept you waiting long? I tried to hurry all I could with this. Just a package. I promised his nibs I'd deliver it on the way home.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

But you're not going home. We're eating out and going to a show.

[Steffi/Stephanie Riska (Fiancee)]

But it's right on the way. I have to leave it at a flat in Martin Street. It won't take a minute.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

Why can't he get somebody else to run his errands for him? We're late. Now, this will cut our eating time down.

[Steffi/Stephanie Riska (Fiancee)]

Woof. Grumpy. So this is what the 13th does to you.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

13th?

[Steffi/Stephanie Riska (Fiancee)]

You mean you've forgotten? You mean you aren't counting the days?

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

Oh, sure. Thirteen days left.

[Steffi/Stephanie Riska (Fiancee)]

Thirteen and a half. Don't forget that half of it's to be a noon wedding. I don't like the 13 all by itself. I'll be glad when it's tomorrow. And only 12 left.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

You know something? You're cute. The more I know you, the cuter you get.

[Steffi/Stephanie Riska (Fiancee)]

I bet you won't say that a year from now. I bet you'll be calling me your old lady. Then.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

Will you mind?

[Steffi/Stephanie Riska (Fiancee)]

Well, not right at first, maybe.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

Okay, come on. Let's make like delivery boys.

[Steffi/Stephanie Riska (Fiancee)]

Oh, what's the address, Mr. Mellor? 450, apartment 4F.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

We're on our way. Sure is a frowsy neighborhood.

[Steffi/Stephanie Riska (Fiancee)]

Everybody can't be rich, you know. 4 11. 4 13. Oh, there it is.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

Yeah, Some clients your boss must have. I'll be glad when you aren't working for him anymore.

[Steffi/Stephanie Riska (Fiancee)]

Oh, did you give him your notice yesterday? He gave me the funniest look. Good thing he doesn't know you. He'd eat you alive.

[Janitor]

Hey, wait.

[Stephanie (Impostor/Assistant)]

Huh?

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

Here it is.

[Steffi/Stephanie Riska (Fiancee)]

Oh, I was sailing right by. See how you affect me.

[Landlady]

Mm.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

Okay. Give it to the hall man or the janitor or somebody and let's get going.

[Steffi/Stephanie Riska (Fiancee)]

Oh, no, I've gotta take it up personally and get a receipt. Besides, there doesn't seem to be anybody here. It's one of those push button doors. What did I say the name was again?

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

Muller or something, wasn't it?

[Steffi/Stephanie Riska (Fiancee)]

What would I do without you? 4A. 4B. 4C. Oh, here it is. 4F. Well, no wonder I couldn't find it. The name card's falling out. This must be the button. You wait down here for me. I won't be a minute.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

A minute's too long.

[Steffi/Stephanie Riska (Fiancee)]

Well, this'll hold you until I get back. Oh, the door. Only a minute now.

[Stephanie (Impostor/Assistant)]

Bye.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Bye.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

For a minute I watched her through the glass. She Got into the little self service elevator and closed the door. Then all I could see was the gleam from the elevator in use light. Then she was gone. I lit a cigarette and waited. How long does it take to smoke a cigarette? 5 minutes? 10? Anyway, I finished it. Nothing happened. I stood around fidgeting, shifting from one foot to the other. From one shoulder leaning against the wall to the other. Woman came by with a squalling kid. Gave me a haughty look and went on in. Tried to figure out what could be taking so long. Maybe they didn't have a pencil to sign the receipt. Maybe they had to find one. Lit another cigarette. Took a couple of puffs. But now my patience was gone. What is this? Rattled the door first and then I pushed the button for apartment 4F. I still didn't plan to go up. I just wanted to let her know that I was still alive. But I got no answering buzz. I kept ringing it, holding my thumb down till it was white. Still no answer. Suddenly I wasn't angry anymore. So suddenly I was scared. I did the instinctive thing. I ran out into the street again and looked up at the face of the building, Searching the windows. But of course there was nothing to see. And that move cost me a chance to get in. While I was out on the sidewalk, a seedy looking character came out of the door. Letting it click shut before I could get back in. I tried the buzzer again. Couldn't be out of order. They'd answered it when Steffi pushed it. But now, nothing. Dead to the world up there by now. It was 20 minutes. 20 minutes since she left me. Now I was frightened. I knew I had to get up there. I pushed another button. Anyone at random. The door was released and I was in. Before F was at the back of the building. I stood out in the dark hallway and listened. It wasn't a sound at first. This was a relief. At least she wasn't in any difficulty as she'd be screaming. But then when I began to knock and kick the door. Practically break it down, and still nobody made a sound. I began to get panicky. Heads poked out of doors all along the hall.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

Hey, cut out the racket.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

Where will I find the janitor? Down in the basement, I suppose. I raced down to the basement, found the janitor eating his supper. I barged right in.

[Janitor]

You looking for something?

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

Come up with me quick, will you? Bring your pass key? I want to open one of the flats.

[Janitor]

What's the matter? What's wrong?

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

I don't like the looks of it. My girl took a package up. I've been waiting for her for over 20 minutes, and she never came down again. Now they won't answer the bell. Come on. Please hurry.

[Janitor]

Oh, which apartment is it?

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

On the fourth floor. Come on, I'll show you.

[Janitor]

Now, what number? 4F. But wait a minute. Couldn't be 4F. Not that one.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

Why not?

[Janitor]

Because there's nobody living there. That apartment's been vacant for six months.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

He took me up and showed me he was right. It was an empty flat. I went through its rooms calling Stephie's name, but she wasn't there. There was nobody there. Looked like there hadn't been anybody there for months. The dust was thick on the bare floor, on the sills of the locked window.

[Janitor]

See, mister, she couldn't have come in here.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

But I saw her. I saw her ring the bell and go in the door.

[Janitor]

In this door?

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

The downstairs door.

[Janitor]

Oh, well, she could have gone to any apartment then.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

But she was coming here. She rang this bell and somebody answered.

[Janitor]

Nobody could have answered. Nobody's been here. She must have rung another bell.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

Is there somebody in this apartment named Muller?

[Janitor]

No, we never had anybody by that name. Not in the whole 12 years I've been here.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

Somebody must have gotten in and was waiting for her.

[Janitor]

Will you tell me how they could. It was locked. You saw me open it with me pass key, didn't you?

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

Listen, we're gonna ask all the tenants on this floor. Maybe they heard something.

[Janitor]

Now, wait a minute. I don't like to disturb them. Maybe this girl just walked out on you.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

Maybe it had a quarrel. No, no, there was nothing like that. I know she wouldn't just walk out. Besides, how could she? Is there a back way?

[Janitor]

Yes, but only through the basement. She would have had to pass right by me.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

And you didn't see her. And I was waiting downstairs at the front door, and she didn't come out that way. Then obviously she's still in here.

[Janitor]

Well, maybe. Or maybe what? I. Are you sure she ever come in?

[Landlady]

Of course.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

You mean, am I sure there ever was a girl?

[Janitor]

Well, now, don't get excited, mister. All right, we'll look, we'll ask. Take it easy. Take it easy. Okay.

[Mr. Hessen (Boss)]

Hear anything in 4F? How could I? The place is empty.

[Janitor]

I know, but didn't you hear something, anything?

[Narrator/Announcer]

No.

[Mr. Hessen (Boss)]

Yeah, the buzzer was going like crazy. Like somebody was leaning on the button

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

downstairs, but that was me. Yeah.

[Mr. Hessen (Boss)]

Then a little later, this guy banging on the door. He asked me where to find you.

[Janitor]

Never mind. Thank you. Sorry. To have disturbed you. Okay, well, that's all of them. No trace at all.

[Narrator/Announcer]

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[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

And now get early access to our biggest sale of the year. Save 25% on the new Comfort Next luxe for a limited time only at a Sleep number store or sleepnumber.com

[Car Salesman]

evening. Buyer's remorse. Buy a new car. I'll be moving in. Let's get started.

[Car Buyer]

Sorry, I think there's been a mistake. I bought it from Carvana.

[Car Salesman]

You what?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah.

[Car Buyer]

Great price. I even have seven days to love it or return it.

[Car Salesman]

So there's no.

[Car Buyer]

No. No buyer's remorse. More like buyers rejoice.

[Car Salesman]

I guess I'll let myself out. Congratulations. I mean it.

[Car Buyer]

Buyers rejoice. Buy your car today on Carvana. Limitations and exclusions may apply.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

See our seven day return [e-mail].

[Janitor]

maybe now you let me get back to me supper. There's nothing more we can do. Maybe if you go where she lives or works, you might find.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

Wait here. I'm gonna call the police. First. I got a patrolman from the corner. He asked a lot of questions and then called his station. A few minutes later, a detective was dropped off. A fellow by the name of Gilman. I must admit, he was thorough. He checked on every apartment in the building. The only thing he learned was about the false ring, which let me in. But there was only one, not two. And that meant that whoever buzzed for Steffi was expecting her. Gilman checked apartment 4F thoroughly. The windows with their undisturbed layer of dust, the door, the keyhole, everything. And then he said there's nothing to

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

show that she or anyone else ever came in here.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

Bud, look, don't do this to me. You make it sound like she didn't come here with me at all.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

That's what it does sound like.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

But don't you see? Look, I was gonna take her to a show.

[Stephanie (Impostor/Assistant)]

Here.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

Here are the tickets.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

Don't mean a thing. We're gonna build this from the ground up and see what we've got. You say her name is Stephanie Riska. Address?

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

120 Farragut.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

What's she look like?

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

She's blonde and she came up to about here. I mean.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

Okay, okay. Don't let it get you I'm not

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

scared because she's gone. It's because she's gone in such a fairytale way. She just disappeared into thin air.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

All right, let's get about finding her then. You met her at 6:15 outside the Bailey Goodwin Building with a packet's to be delivered here. Who'd she worked for?

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

A press clipping service called A Green Star. It's a one man organization operated by a man named Hessen. One dinky little room on the ground floor of the building.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

What do they do?

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

I don't know much about it. They have a list of clients and they go through the paper and clip out any story which mentions one of the clients. They get about a nickel of clipping.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

How is there any money in that?

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

I don't know.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

Okay, we're going up there. We'll find out.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

The night watchman let us in after Gilman showed him his badge. It was a tiny room with only a desk, a telephone and another table and a filing cabinet. Except for a lone can of Canadian Ace Brew, all of them were bare as bones.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

This is no office. This is a telephone booth.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

Not a big business. I guess.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

This is their list of clients. They can't be making very much money at those prices.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

Stephie got paid every week.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

There's nobody named Muller in the file.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

What do you think?

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

I don't see anything here to indicate he even has a secretary.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

You could ask the night watchman.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

I already have. He's never seen her.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

Well, but. But that doesn't mean anything. He works at night and she works in the daytime.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

Okay. I only said he's never seen her, doesn't know anything about her.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

Hessen, her boss. You can ask him.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

We're going there next and I guess you'll have a chance. Wait a minute, here's something.

[Stephanie (Impostor/Assistant)]

What?

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

What kind of gum does your girl chew?

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

She doesn't. Likes Lifesavers, hates gum.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

Whoever sits at this table chews gum, lots of it. It's all over the bottom. Tutti frutti.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

Oh, that doesn't mean anything. Maybe somebody came in, put it there. Maybe it's all. Maybe Hessen.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

Okay, let's go. We'll see what he has.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

Hessen lived in a swanky bungalow type home in the suburbs. As Gilman and I left the police car and walked up the drive to the house, I got the strangest feeling of unreality. Like this was all a horrible nightmare, couldn't be happening. My knees were sagging. But then Gilman was knocking on the door and it was Answered by an ugly foreign looking character who went away and returned to usher us into Hessen's presence. I'd seen him a time or two, but he didn't know me, so he gave no sign of recognition.

[Mr. Hessen (Boss)]

Good evening, gentlemen.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

Mr. Hessen, I'm Sergeant Gilman, Police Force.

[Mr. Hessen (Boss)]

Oh, yes, I'm pleased to know you.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

I won't take up much of your time, but I need a little help.

[Mr. Hessen (Boss)]

Gladly, if it is within my power.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

Did you ever see this young fellow before?

[Mr. Hessen (Boss)]

No. What has he done?

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

I'm not sure yet. You know anyone named Muller at 415 Martine Street.

[Mr. Hessen (Boss)]

Muller? No, I don't know anyone by that name. I think we have a Miller, Mrs. Elsie Miller, on our list to all the time divorces and remarries. Will that do? She owes us $29.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

Then you didn't send the package over to Muller, apartment 4F, 415 Martine Street. At 6:15 this evening?

[Narrator/Announcer]

No, why?

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

You hold it. You keep quiet.

[Mr. Hessen (Boss)]

I'm sure I didn't, Sergeant. But wait, it's easy enough to confirm it or Ms. Riska.

[Stephanie (Impostor/Assistant)]

Yes?

[Mr. Hessen (Boss)]

Stephanie, will you please come in a moment?

[Stephanie (Impostor/Assistant)]

What?

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

Steady.

[Mr. Hessen (Boss)]

My assistant happens to be right here at the house tonight. I had some dictation to give her and she's transcribing it. We usually mail out clippings. Only when there's some urgent request do I send them by personal messenger.

[Stephanie (Impostor/Assistant)]

Yes, sir.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

Suddenly the room was spinning in front of my eyes. I was looking at it, trying to see it, but lights kept streaking across the room like comets and their voices came to me through a thick fog.

[Mr. Hessen (Boss)]

Stephanie, did we send a package to 415 Martine street this evening to a Mr. Mr. Mermuller?

[Stephanie (Impostor/Assistant)]

No, sir, not that I know of.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

I see. And tell me, did you ever see this young man before? Do you know him?

[Stephanie (Impostor/Assistant)]

Why, no, I don't believe I did.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

Wait, wait. This isn't Stephanie. He's calling somebody else by her name. This isn't Stephanie, I tell you that.

[Mr. Hessen (Boss)]

My dear sir, this is the only young lady I have working for me.

[Narrator/Announcer]

In just a moment we will return to escape. But first, Mr. And Mrs. X thought they were pretty smart. Smarter than the Narcotics Bureau and the Bureau of Customs combined. But they overlooked a casual passenger aboard the luxury liner for a fascinating true live tale of crime and smuggling on the high seas. Hear Gangbusters tonight. And along with it, CBS's other great Saturday night thrill a minute show, the Adventures of Philip Marlowe. Both of these programs are regular Saturday night features on most of these same CBS network Stations Gangbusters recreates famous crimes and their solutions by national, state and local agencies. The adventures of Philip Marlowe are based on the character of the famous private eye created by Raymond Chandler, the noted mystery story writer. And now with our stars, Harry Bartel as Kenny. And with Ed Begley as Gilman, we return to the second act of Escape and Finger of Doom.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

Essen stood there and blandly said it. This strange girl was. My fiance was Stephanie Riska. He stood there looking surprised and hurt, and she stared at me with a just right puzzled expression on her face. Gilman was holding me with a sort of a half nelson and gritting.

[Janitor]

Stop it. Stop it.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

But I tell you, this isn't Steffi. Stephie is blonde. This girl is brunette. Steffi short, comes up to here. This one's tall, I tell you.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

Shut up. You're asking for trouble. Now calm down, Sergeant.

[Mr. Hessen (Boss)]

I don't believe I understand.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

I'm just beginning to myself. Miss, how long have you been working for Mr. Hessen?

[Stephanie (Impostor/Assistant)]

Why, since October of last year, about six months.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

And your name is Stephanie Risker?

[Stephanie (Impostor/Assistant)]

Why, yes, of course.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

She's lying, I tell you.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

Shut up. I. I don't mean to doubt your word, Miss, but just for the record, I suppose you could show me some proof of your identity.

[Stephanie (Impostor/Assistant)]

Why, yes, I. Right here in my bag. My driver's license.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

Oh, wait. The bag has initials. Oh, yeah.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

SR of course.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

SR and the driver's license.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

Stephanie doesn't drive. She has no car.

[Stephanie (Impostor/Assistant)]

But I do. It isn't a very good one.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

Anything else?

[Stephanie (Impostor/Assistant)]

This letter addressed to me.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

Address 120Farragut. May I look?

[Stephanie (Impostor/Assistant)]

Why yes, of course.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

Uh huh. It's genuine. All right. Here you are.

[Stephanie (Impostor/Assistant)]

And I don't know what else I have here, but.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

Oh, I'll get it. Here you are.

[Stephanie (Impostor/Assistant)]

Oh, thank you.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

I see you carry a chewing gum in your purse.

[Stephanie (Impostor/Assistant)]

Why, yes.

[Mr. Hessen (Boss)]

Mmm.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

Tutti Frutti. Not many people like that flavor.

[Stephanie (Impostor/Assistant)]

I never chew any other.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

Well, thanks. Sorry to have bothered you both. Come on, chum.

[Mr. Hessen (Boss)]

I hope we've been able to help, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

A lot. Thanks. Good night.

[Mr. Hessen (Boss)]

Good night, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

Okay. What's your racket, kid? Are you a pushover for the mental ward or are you working off a grudge against this guy? Or did you do something to some little blonde blue eyed number and you're trying to set up an alibi even before we find out about it?

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

Things like this don't happen. They can. One minute she's here and then she's gone. No one will believe me.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

Why should We? You haven't produced a single person all night who actually saw this blonde of yours.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

Where'd I get her name and address then?

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

That's one thing I'm not sure of. So I'll give you one more spin for your money. You stand or fall by the place you live. 120 Farragut Street. Come on, let's go. Okay, this is it. Come on. What is it, a rooming house? Yeah.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

She lived alone. Just a room. She only came here from Harrisburg six months ago. But the landlet.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

Now what's the matter?

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

I just remembered. Hessen recommended this place to her.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

Now look, you want to go in or you want to go to headquarters? The tougher you get with me, the tougher I'll be on you.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

Listen. You gotta listen. I was only up there once, but I remember it. Sticking in the mirror of the dresser is a litho of the Holy Mother. On the radiator is a rag doll I won for her at Coney island and a Hickok wallet I gave her last Christmas. And on a shelf against the wall is a gas ring.

[Steffi/Stephanie Riska (Fiancee)]

And.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

And from the light fixture to the gas jet is a string where she hangs stockings to dry. Will you remember those things? The bedspread's green and there's a green and yellow upholstered chair. Don't you see? I couldn't make these things up. She must be real.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

You almost convinced me. Come on. When we get inside, you keep your mouth shut. One peep and I'll split your lip.

[Landlady]

Yes?

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

You got a girl named Stephanie Riska living here?

[Landlady]

Yep. Fourth floor, front.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

How long she been here, Riska?

[Landlady]

Six months.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

What does she look like?

[Landlady]

Dark hair, dark skin, about as tall as this young fella talks. Kind of husky. Why?

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

Police. I want to see her room.

[Janitor]

Sure, sure.

[Landlady]

Come right in.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

Gilman practically had to support me all the way up. My knees just weren't functioning. But that was nothing to the shock I got when the landlady opened Steffi's door. Room was all different. Not one thing was the same. As I had told Gilman, he didn't even look at me.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

Has she always had it fixed up this way?

[Landlady]

Always. Since the first week she moved in.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

Does she drive a car?

[Landlady]

Yeah, a little old coupe. She's a real clean roomer. Only one thing I got to complain about. Oh, there it is again. Under the washstand.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

Oh, yes, chewing gum. Yeah. Let me see it. Uh huh. Tutti frutti.

[Landlady]

You better watch your friend. He looks like he's gonna faint.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

Let him fold up that Isn't anything to the falls. He'll be taken in a few minutes.

[Landlady]

What did he do?

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

Murderer.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

Not her. But I got a good hunch he murdered somebody. And he picked the wrong name out of the hat.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

He don't look like I hit him and ran. I knew I had to. He was going to take me to the police station. Then I wouldn't have any chance to find Steffi. Not for a long time. Maybe too long a time. And I had to find her. I went back to the Martine street flat. Was the only place to go back to where she disappeared. Start from there. I knew Gilman would catch up with me sooner or later. But I might be able to turn up something. First. I told the janitor the cops had sent me back to take another look at the apartment. And got him to give me the pass key. He fell for it. I went up to the apartment alone. But once there, I couldn't find a thing. I wandered through the empty rooms, calling her name helplessly. I tapped the walls, scraped the place, tested the windows. I'd been there about 10 minutes when I heard a little sound out in the hall. Like somebody coming up the stairs. Very quietly. I slipped out the door and stood at the top of the stairs. It was the janitor with Gilman and two cops. They were coming up the stairs. There was only one way for me to go up. So up I went. And then they saw me one flight up. I came to the top of the stairs. A sort of skylight window opened onto the roof. Was standing loose, partly open. I ran out across the roof, tried to hurdle the low wall to the next roof. I missed, fell.

[Car Salesman]

Don't move.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

I got you, you little. Get you down to hell.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

All right. Quietly. It's no use now.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

Well, I'll be.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

What's the matter, Calhoun?

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

Throw your light over here.

[Mr. Hessen (Boss)]

Okay. What?

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

It's a package.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

Package lying here on the roof. Addressed to Muller, apartment 4S.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

That's it. Don't you see? That's what she brought.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

Holy smoke. Okay, kid. Somebody did bring a package here tonight. I'll give you that. When I give you that, I guess I give you all of it. She's a blonde. Never chews gum, doesn't drive.

[Janitor]

All of it.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

Somebody must have jumped her, brought her up this way, across the roofs and down through some other house. They dropped the package on the way. Maybe didn't have time to come back and pick it up.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

What'll we do?

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

Calhoun? Yeah. Call in. Have a radio car, keep Hesson's house on Myrtle Drive. Spotted until we get there. I want to stop off at that office again first.

[Janitor]

Right.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

Sergeant, do you think.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

No, no, kid. Not yet. They would have done it right here in the empty flat. And let you take the wrap. Come on, buck up. We got work to do.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

At Hessen's office we found two things.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

These files are funny about. Every third name is a foreign one with a foreign mailing address. Why would those people want local press clippings?

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

What do you mean?

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

I mean this looks like a job for the FBI. Spy stuff. Maybe your girl had found something out. That's why they figured she was too dangerous. Did she ever say anything?

[Janitor]

No.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

But she told them she was quitting

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

next week to get married, so she didn't suspect anything. But they thought she did. Same thing. Come on. We'll stop off at that rooming house. I want that landlady picked up. Obviously, she's one of them. Changed the room all around, stuck the gum under the washstand, everything.

[Janitor]

Hey, wait.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

Look on the floor next to the baseboard.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

Gilt hairpin. So she was blonde. Okay, let's go.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

At the roaming house with the landlady turned over to a cop downstairs. Gilman went over the room once more, fished into the wash basin drain and came out with a couple of blond hairs.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

Now, why didn't I think of that the first time? Girl shampoos her hair once in a while.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

Then we were on our way to Hessen's house on Myrtle Drive. All the way, I was praying. When we arrived, it was dark, deserted. Even the police car Gilman had ordered wasn't there. We went in shooting the lock off the door. We searched the ground floor, then upstairs in an attic room, we found a shortwave radio. But not Steffi. Just as we got back downstairs, Calhoun came in with a report from the radio car.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

They trailed him to Pier 07, North River. Three of them got on a tramp

[Narrator/Announcer]

steamer that sailed immediately.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

Then they're gone. It's too late.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

They won't get out of the harbor. We'll have them picked off at quarantine. Three of them, you say, Calhoun? A blonde girl?

[Narrator/Announcer]

No, they said two men and a dark girl.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

Then where's Steffie?

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

Still here, probably.

[Narrator/Announcer]

But where?

[Mr. Hessen (Boss)]

Wait.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

You smell something? Smoke?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah, and gasoline.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

The basement. Come on, hurry.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

Smoke. The basement's filled with smoke.

[Mr. Hessen (Boss)]

Here.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

Over this way.

[Car Salesman]

Stephie.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

Stephie, hurry.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

This place will be a mass of flames in a minute.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

I can't see. Stephie.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

Here, here, give me a hand.

[Mr. Hessen (Boss)]

Here she is.

[Car Salesman]

Hurry.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

Oh, Stephie. Steffi.

[Landlady]

Is she.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

No, no, she's breathing.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

Hurry.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

Let's get her out of here fast.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

The next few minutes, there was a lot of excitement around there. While the fire companies fought the fire, we cut the ropes off Stephie and revived her. She was all right. And I sat there in the police car with my arms around her as if I'd never let her go again. And that's just how I felt, too. Then a radio report came in.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

They got them off the ship at quarantine. They'll be turned over to the FBI eventually, but first. Well, they better hadn't let me get my hands on them. You know, kid, she is pretty.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

Gee, thanks for everything.

[Sergeant Gilman (Detective)]

It's okay. Well, I gotta go and. Oh, say, I've got something I want to return to you.

[Mr. Hessen (Boss)]

Yeah?

[Stephanie (Impostor/Assistant)]

What?

[Narrator/Announcer]

This.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

I went out like a light when he hit me. And a few minutes later, when I came to, Stephie was holding me in her arms.

[Steffi/Stephanie Riska (Fiancee)]

Kenny.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

Stroking my head and smiling.

[Steffi/Stephanie Riska (Fiancee)]

Kenny, he said to tell you no hard feelings. But when anyone socks Dick Gilman over the head, he gets socked back. Even if they're the best of friends.

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

Stefi, you know something?

[Steffi/Stephanie Riska (Fiancee)]

What, darling?

[Kenny (Main Male Character)]

You're cute. With stars in your.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Escape is produced and directed by Norman MacDonald. Today we have presented transcribed Finger of Doom by Cornell Woolrich, adapted for radio by John Dunkle. Starred as Kenny was Harry Bartel, with Ed Begley as Gilman. Featured in the cast were Joy Terry, Edgar Barrier, Louise Arthur, Peter Prowse and Kay Miller. Special music was arranged and played by Ivan Ditmars.

Next week you are clinging to a narrow window ledge, your strength running out, while before your eyes seen through the window, the most beautiful girl in the world is about to die. Because of.

Next week, we escape with an unusual story, the Adaptive ultimate by John Jessel. Be sure to tune in again at the same time next week when once again we offer you escape. You can escape again tomorrow night when CBS's famous dramatic series presents screen star Edmund O' Brien in another special Sunday night escape, broadcast at 6:30 Eastern Standard Time. Mr. O' Brien will star as an explorer who becomes a prisoner in a beautiful and strange country populated by blind men. Be sure to hear tomorrow night's escape starring Edmund O' Brien in H.G. wells famous story country of the Blind on most of these same CBS network stations. Now stay tuned for five minutes of the latest news to be followed by let's Pretend over most of these same stations. This is Roy Rowan speaking for cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.