(68) Escape - The Great Impersonation

Summary

Harold’s Old Time Radio

Episode 68: Escape – The Great Impersonation

Date: August 10, 2026
Source: Adapted from E. Phillips Oppenheim's novel

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Episode Overview

This episode features an audio dramatization of "The Great Impersonation" as broadcast on the classic radio series Escape. Set against the backdrop of September 1939, the precipice of World War II, the story is a tense tale of espionage, mistaken identity, and personal redemption. The plot centers on the uncanny resemblance between an English baronet and a German spy, and the consequences of a daring plan to swap identities at a crucial moment in world history.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Highlights

1. Setup: The Chance Encounter in Africa

• Tense Introductions (02:06):

  • Sir Everard Dominey, an English baronet, and Leopold von Ragastein, a German spy, meet in Africa. Both men realize they look almost identical.
  • Dialogue highlights the plan:
    • Sir Everard: "You and he are as alike as... but I would swear it was you lying here on the cot... Identical features." (02:16)
    • Von Ragastein: "And we have the same color eyes. And there is not an inch of difference in our height." (02:36)

• Espionage Proposal (04:13):

  • Von Ragastein convinces his superior, Dr. Schmidt, that he could return to Britain impersonating Dominey, enabling him to operate as a high-level Nazi agent.

2. The Impersonation: Return to England

• Arrival and Suspicion (05:29 - 08:41):

  • Von Ragastein travels to England as "Sir Everard Dominey", meeting with the family solicitor Mr. Mangan, discussing old debts and the state of the estate.
  • An awkward encounter with actress Stephanie Strom, who nearly exposes him:
    • Stephanie: "Leopold. Leopold, why didn't you let me know you're in England? ... Darwin, do you deny knowing me?" (07:50)

• Haunted Past (11:30):

  • Discussion of Roger Unthank’s mysterious disappearance and rumors of his ghost haunting Blackwood, the estate's woods.

• Hostility at Home (13:47):

  • Mrs. Unthank, Roger's mother, confronts the returned "Dominey":
    • "Face me, Edward Daubeny. You who murdered my son and made a madwoman of your wife." (13:54)

3. Layers of Deceit: The Double Life

• Rose's Torment and Suspicion (15:28):

  • Rose, Dominey's wife, struggles with trauma and confusion, but is the first to suspect the impersonation:
    • Rose: "I've just realized you aren't Everard at all... that's why you needn't fear that I shall kill you. Because you're not Everard at all." (16:26)

• Espionage Machinery (18:54):

  • Seaman, the Nazi coordinator, delivers secret orders and microfilms, prepping Dominey for major espionage activities:
    • "From now until September, £3 million will be given to you..." (19:18)

4. Climaxes and Revelations

• Pressure Mounts (21:29):

  • Stephanie confronts "Dominey" about his coldness and contemplates returning to Africa to seek answers.

• Crucial Confrontations:

  • Rose begins to recover, doubting both the ghost and her husband’s guilt.
  • The "ghost" is unmasked when Dominey and Parkins catch Roger Unthank, alive, beneath Rose’s window (25:20).
    • Mr. Mangan: “It’s Roger Unthank.” (26:04)
    • Dominey: “If Lady Dominie recovers, I will forgive both you and your son for this revolting hoax.” (26:20)

• Final Showdown (28:09):

  • Stephanie and Dr. Schmidt confront "Dominey," who reveals the truth—he is the real Sir Everard; Leopold von Ragastein died.
    • Stephanie: "Tell me Dr. Schmidt, who is this man, Leopold or the Englishman?" (28:11)
    • Sir Everard: "He met with the fate he prepared for me. His body sleeps on the bed of the Ruma River." (28:34)
    • Dominey: “He has the lists of agents. Yes, and they should prove of great interest to His Majesty's government.” (29:04)

5. Resolution and Redemption

• Love and Forgiveness (29:53):
  • Rose, now healthy and lucid, finally recognizes her husband:
    • Rose: “There were times when I couldn't believe you were my Everard... Now I know.” (30:05)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Dangers of Impersonation:
  • Von Ragastein: “A German agent in England operating at the highest social level would be invaluable.” (04:13)
• On Haunted Guilt:
  • Mr. Mangan: “There’s not a soul for miles around Domini Hall who doesn’t believe the ghost of Roger Unthank still haunts the Blackwood.” (11:48)
• On Identity:
  • Rose: “Because you’re not Everard at all.” (16:26)
• Expose and Turning the Tables:
  • Dominey: “He has the lists of agents. Yes, and they should prove of great interest to His Majesty’s government.” (29:04)

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Key Timestamps

• [02:06] – The initial scene in Africa: discovery of the uncanny resemblance and espionage plan
• [05:29] – The arrival of “Sir Everard” in London; setting the stage for deception
• [07:50] – Encounter with Stephanie Strom, the first threat to the impersonation
• [11:30] – Discussion of the haunted estate and local legends
• [13:47] – Mrs. Unthank’s accusation
• [15:28] – Rose’s confrontation and first suspicions
• [18:54] – Seaman delivers espionage orders and funding
• [21:29] – Stephanie’s emotional challenge
• [25:20] – Unmasking the mystery of Roger Unthank
• [28:09] – Stephanie and Dr. Schmidt’s confrontation; the truth revealed
• [29:53] – The final reconciliation between Sir Everard and Rose

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Episode Tone & Style

The drama maintains a tense, suspenseful atmosphere characteristic of classic radio thrillers. The dialogue is clipped and urgent, filled with coded references and emotional undercurrents. Themes of identity, guilt, trust, and national duty are explored with gravitas and a dash of melodrama.

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For New Listeners

This dramatization is a classic tale of wartime espionage with mistaken identity at its heart, featuring secret Nazi agents, psychological intrigue, a haunted English manor, and a redemptive climax. Even without prior context, the story stands alone as a gripping mystery thriller, with well-marked twists and a satisfying resolution.

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A must-listen for fans of radio drama, spy thrillers, or Golden Age storytelling.

Transcript

[Narrator/Advertiser]

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[Leopold von Ragastein]

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[Narrator]

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[Leopold von Ragastein]

It is September of 1939. The Germans are about to march into Poland, and you are standing in an English manor house with a complete list of Nazi agents in your possession. While facing you, guns drawn, are three people who, to get that list, would gladly kill you.

[Narrator]

Today, with Ben Riott starred as Sir Everard Dominey, we bring you an exciting story of superespionage. As E. Phillips Oppenheim told it in his fascinating novel, the Great Impersonation.

[Sir Everard Dominey]

Incredible Von Ragastein. This is incredible. He is drunk.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Dead drunk? Yes. Seldom otherwise.

[Sir Everard Dominey]

Hold the light closer to the cut so I can see it better. Truly incredible, von Ragastein. You and he are as alike as. But I would swear it was you lying here on the cot. Hair, nose, mouth, everything like a smudged and smeared portrait of yourself. Identical features.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

And we have the same color eyes. And there is not an inch of difference in our height.

[Sir Everard Dominey]

Where did you find him?

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Oh, he staggered into camp three days ago. He had been hunting lion upriver until his boys deserted him.

[Rose Unthank]

He.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

He had not paid them in several months, I gather. I sent a runner to fetch you at once.

[Sir Everard Dominey]

That is something I shall have to report to Berlin as a serious breach of discipline. Von Ragastein, you were to avoid all contact with me except through the usual channels.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

I'm Dr. Schmidt. May I?

[Sir Everard Dominey]

Permit me to finish. Obedience to orders is as necessary in the secret service as it is in any other branch of the German army.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

I understand.

[Sir Everard Dominey]

I have spent 20 years here in Tanganyika establishing myself as a harmless old archaeologist. During that time I have created an espionage organization second to none right under the noses of the English. And not once have they suspected me. Is all that to be ruined because you choose to engage in a little frolic of your own?

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

This was not a frolic, sir. I weighed the risk very carefully and considered it worthwhile. I believe you will agree with me when I tell you that this man is Sir Everard Dominie, an English baronet and that we attended Oxford together. Shall I continue?

[Sir Everard Dominey]

Yes, yes, continue. Von Ragastein.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

He is a ne' er do. Well. He lives on a small sum that comes to him each month from his estate in Norfolk. He has been here in Africa almost as long as I. 11 years. But I could go on for hours. I know as much about him as he does himself. And I've been thinking that you could

[Sir Everard Dominey]

go to England as Sir Everard Dominie and no one there would be the wiser.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Dr. Schmidt, a German agent in England operating at the highest social level would be invaluable.

[Sir Everard Dominey]

I agree, but.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

But what, sir?

[Sir Everard Dominey]

The proposal raises three questions in my mind. So what about the assignment upon which you are engaged here?

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

A certain flexibility is necessary in these matters.

[Sir Everard Dominey]

We. And how will Dr. Goebbels feel about your leaving Africa?

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Surely by this time he has either forgiven me or forgotten the entire incident.

[Sir Everard Dominey]

You don't know the little doctor. If you think that when someone steals away one of his women. As you did. What was her name?

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Stephanie Strom.

[Sir Everard Dominey]

Yeah. As you did. Stephanie Strom. He never forgets and never forgives. But I will undertake the responsibility for initiating your plan. Prepare to leave for England at once. You will receive further orders before you embark.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Thank you, sir.

[Sir Everard Dominey]

I must go now. There are many arrangements to be made.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Sir, you said that there were three questions raised in your mind.

[Sir Everard Dominey]

Oh, yeah. I was wondering what to do with this Englishman. Kill him as soon as possible and dispose of his body. Good luck, Von Ragastein. Heil Hitler.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Thank you, sir. Thank you very much. Heil Hitler. That night, a new Sir Everard Domini was born and Leopold Ragastein vanished from the face of the earth. Dr. Schmidt's arrangements were most thorough and I arrived in London less than a month later.

[Leopold von Ragastein]

Mr. Mangan will see you now, sir.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Thank you.

[Mr. Mangan]

My dear Sir Everard. A most unexpected pleasure. Most Dear me. How changed you are and how well you look.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Credit Africa, Mr. Mangan. A wonderful country.

[Mr. Mangan]

It's done wonders for you. Dear me. Are you thinking of settling down here for a time?

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Well, that depends a little upon what you have to tell me.

[Mr. Mangan]

Oh, yes. Yes, of course. Regarding the matter of Raja Unthank. Nothing has been heard of him since the day you left England. His body has never been found. And my wife, her ladyship's condition is, I believe, unchanged. She is in excellent physical health.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

But mentally, she still swears to take my life if ever I sleep under the same roof as she.

[Mr. Mangan]

Well, I.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

I may very likely settle down at Dominy Hall.

[Mr. Mangan]

Oh, I'm afraid the estate is still not in very good condition. All those debts you left behind me.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Quite, quite. The business object of my visit to you is to ask you to make arrangements as quickly as possible for the paying off of the mortgages of the Dominey estates.

[Mr. Mangan]

What?

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

I've been making a good deal of money in Africa.

[Mr. Mangan]

Great Scott. A Domine making money. In the 40 years I've managed the Domini interests, I've never known that to happen. Dear, dear, I can hardly believe it.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Well, have lunch with me, Mr. Mangan and I'll tell you something of my speculations in Africa.

[Mr. Mangan]

Why, thank you, Sir Everard.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Oh, my knowledge of restaurants in London is a bit dated.

[Mr. Mangan]

May I suggest the Carlton?

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Oh, excellent.

[Mr. Mangan]

Give me your hat, Sir Everard. I shall check it. I'll be with you down.

[Parkins]

All right.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

I'll wait for you right here.

[Stephanie Strom]

Leopold. Leopold, why didn't you let me know you're in England? Ah, Leopold. How happy I am.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

I think you're making a mistake. My name is not Leopold.

[Stephanie Strom]

Darling, do you deny knowing me?

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Madam, I do not have the pleasure. My name is Dominie Everard. Dominie.

[Stephanie Strom]

I don't. Leopold. My address is 17 Belgrave Square. Come there at 7 this evening. But, my dear lady, I shall expect you at seven. Seven. Charlotte.

[Mr. Mangan]

Dear me, Sir Everard, Wasn't that Stephanie Stone?

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Well, I. I don't know. She mistook me for someone else.

[Mr. Mangan]

Oh, she's a marvelous actress. Marvellous. I saw her in Macbeth last month and she. Table for two?

[Sir Everard Dominey]

Yes, sir. This way, please.

[Mr. Mangan]

She played Lady Macbeth, you know, and in that scene.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Excuse me one moment, Mr. Mangan.

[Parkins]

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[Narrator]

She's.

[Parkins]

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[Narrator/Advertiser]

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[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Seaman. Seaman, my dear fellow. How are you? Everard, what a surprise. May I introduce my friend and legal adviser, Mr. Mangan. Mr. Mangan. Mr. Seaman. Seaman and I were business associates in Africa. Will you join us at lunch, Seaman?

[Leopold von Ragastein]

Thank you, but I cannot. Where are you staying, Evram?

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

At my estate in Norfolk, near Flankney. I. I'm driving there this evening.

[Leopold von Ragastein]

Why? I have to be in Norfolk on business tomorrow.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Be my guest, will you?

[Leopold von Ragastein]

Thank you, Everard. Thank you. Good day, Mr. Mangan.

[Mr. Mangan]

Good day, sir. Now, as I was saying, I. What was I saying?

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

You were about to ask me if I cared for a drink and I was about to say yes. A Scotch and soda.

[Mr. Mangan]

Oh, yes, the same for me. Yes, sir. Sir. Everard, do you think it wise to return to Domini Hall? Before Lady Dominie has been prepared for it.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Mr. Mangan, does she really regard me still as the murderer of Roger Unthank?

[Mr. Mangan]

The mystery has never been solved. It's well known that you two fought that night and that you staggered home almost senseless. Roger Unthank has never been seen since.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

If I'd killed him, why wasn't his body found?

[Mr. Mangan]

Oh, there are many theories and quite a few superstitions. You may as well be prepared for one of them. There's not a soul for miles around Dominy hall who doesn't believe the ghost of Roger Unthank still haunts the Black wood near where you fought.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

But that's incredible.

[Mr. Mangan]

Yes. Yes, I would agree. Except that from time to time it has been heard shrieking and sobbing. Oh, come on, Sir Everard. I have heard it. My.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Tired, Mr. Mangan.

[Mr. Mangan]

Just a bit. But we shall be there in a few minutes. I telephoned before we left London and they have rooms ready for us.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Any of the old servants still left?

[Mr. Mangan]

Oh, none. Every servant and caretaker we've had there has given notice. Within a month, at least a dozen swore that they had seen the ghost of Roger Unthank and heard his call at night. That's the sole reason why I haven't recommended long ago that you should get rid of Mrs. Unthank.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Oh, she is still in attendance upon Lady Dominie.

[Mr. Mangan]

We couldn't get anyone else to stay there. And her ladyship absolutely declines to leave the hall. Through that gate, Sir Everard.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Yes, I remember. Oh, some of the old wall is down. I see.

[Mr. Mangan]

That wall has been down, to my knowledge for 30 years.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Of course, I'd forgotten.

[Mr. Mangan]

We've kept the old place weather tight. And I don't think you will miss the timber we were forced to sell.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Oh, Any from the Blackwood.

[Mr. Mangan]

Not a twig. Not one of the woodmen would ever go near the place.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

You and I will take a look at the Blackwood in the morning.

[Mr. Mangan]

Well, if you insist, Sir Everard.

[Rose Unthank]

How.

[Mr. Mangan]

How does it feel to be at home after all these years?

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

I feel as though this is my first visit.

[Mr. Mangan]

Oh, good evening, Mrs. Unthank.

[Stephanie Strom]

There's no place in this house for you, Everard Daubeny. No place here for a murderer.

[Mr. Mangan]

Really, my good woman.

[Stephanie Strom]

Face me, Edvard d'. Urbeny. You who murdered my son and made a madwoman of your wife.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Mrs. Unthank, return to your duties at once and understand that this house is mine to enter or leave when I choose.

[Mr. Mangan]

And you will treat Sir Everard with respect. Have rooms been prepared for us?

[Stephanie Strom]

You will be in the west wing, Mr. Mangan. And the Oak Room has been prepared for Sir Everard. You mentioned respect, Mr. Mangan. If he stays here against my bidding, perhaps her Ladyship will show him what respect means. Good night.

[Rose Unthank]

Oh, dear, dear, dear.

[Mr. Mangan]

My dear Sir Levonard, I'm dreadfully sorry that.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Oh, that's quite all right. Quite all right. Well, I. I think I'll turn in immediately. We'll make the rounds at the estate after breakfast.

[Mr. Mangan]

Sir. Reverend, Are you really going to sleep in the Oak Room?

[Rose Unthank]

Yes.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Why?

[Mr. Mangan]

Have you forgotten? It's next to Her Ladyship's and.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

And no, I have not forgotten. Good night, Mr. Mangle. I do not know how long I had been asleep when I felt the thin, cold pressure against my throat. I opened my eyes and I saw a hand. A small, slim hand in the moonlight, just beneath my chin.

[Rose Unthank]

If you move, you will die. Remain still. I wish to look at you, Rose. You're very brave to have come here. Braver than I remembered.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Why do you wish to kill me?

[Rose Unthank]

Doesn't it say somewhere, a life for a life? You killed Roger Unthank. Last night, his spirit called to me below my window. No, don't move. Let me look at you. My husband. It's a strange thing to own after all these years. A husband.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

What. What do you see?

[Rose Unthank]

You're wonderfully changed. Better looking.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

I have changed, Rose. And I've come back a rich man. I shall bring some wonderful doctors here and they'll make you quite strong and well again.

[Rose Unthank]

I've been wondering why I don't kill you, Everard, as I've sworn to. I know. Now I know why. I don't. Why, Rose, Because I've just realized you aren't Everard at all. Yes. That's why you needn't fear ever that I shall kill you. Because you're not ever at all.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

I spent the most of the next day going over the estate with Mengan. And when he left for London in the afternoon, he carried with him my cheque for £90,000 to settle the mortgage on Domini. And soon after his departure, Seaman arrives.

[Leopold von Ragastein]

And it was very good of you to have invited me.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Come into the library. And how was your trip here?

[Leopold von Ragastein]

Oh, very pleasant, very pleasant. The countryside is lovely this time of year. And how did it go, Leopold?

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Well, I think good. Mangan accepted me completely as Everard Dominie. And if I say so myself, I think that I have made a very convincing transformation into an English country gentleman. Of course, it's been uncommonly expensive. Every penny you gave me when we met at Cape Town is gone. To pay off the mortgage of Sir Everard's. Excuse me? On my estate.

[Leopold von Ragastein]

We could not have you return home to a poverty stricken domain. You'd have held no place whatsoever in English social life. And no welcome from those with whom we desired you to stand. Well now there is no bottom to our purse in these matters. And more will be deposited to your account.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

From my African investments?

[Leopold von Ragastein]

Yeah, yeah. From your African investments. So all has gone smoothly?

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Yeah, yeah. All except for one thing. Stephanie Strom met me by chance in a restaurant yesterday. She recognized me at once of course, and seemed quite piqued when I denied knowing her. She demanded I called upon her at her home yesterday evening. Well, has it occurred to you that she has claims upon Leopold von Ragastein which would altogether interfere with the career of Everard Dominique? Our relationship before I left Germany was fairly well known. And if we are seen together now, someone might put two and two together.

[Leopold von Ragastein]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, you're right. Of course. I'll see what I can do.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

It will not be easy. Stephanie is extremely strong willed and impetuous.

[Leopold von Ragastein]

She will do as she is told. Anything else?

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

No.

[Rose Unthank]

Good.

[Leopold von Ragastein]

Now listen very carefully. I have instructions for you.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

I am listening.

[Leopold von Ragastein]

We move upon Poland in September. Now if England declares war it will of course render espionage work here extremely difficult in two major respects. One, the English will redouble security precautions. And two, it will be almost impossible to bring in money with which to pay our agents each. It is with the second difficulty that you will be concerned. Your function will be that of paymaster.

[Sir Everard Dominey]

Go on.

[Leopold von Ragastein]

Now. From now until September, £3 million will be given to you.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

To whom do I disburse this money?

[Leopold von Ragastein]

Ah, the day we begin to conquer Poland. Written instructions together with a list of all our agents here and in Ireland will be placed in your hands.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Understood?

[Leopold von Ragastein]

So until then, live the life of Sir Everard Dominique, Baronet. So I will visit you from time to time to keep you a bust of a pence. So goodbye for the present. Leopold, I have a million things to do. Oh, and good luck in your impersonation.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Thank you. I think I shall need it.

[Narrator]

In just a moment we will return to escape. But first, May 16 will see the opening of the United States Treasury's opportunity drive. A drive to acquaint all those Americans who aren't already saving via U.S. savings bonds with the opportunities they are missing. Men and women who know through experience the many merits of this kind of saving are Urged to become volunteer salesmen for the U.S. treasury. If you would like to help sell American opportunity, get in touch with your County Savings Bond chairman right away. And now with our star, Ben Wright as Van Ragastein and Sir Everard Dominey, we return to the second act of escape and the great Impersonation.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

I followed Seaman's instructions to the letter and pursued exactly the course I thought Sir Everard Dominie himself would be likely to take. I put Lady Dominie in the hands of a Dr. Harrison, a psychiatrist. I pensioned Mrs. Anthankoff, but to my surprise she remained in the vicinity. I began to entertain upon a lavish scale, shooting parties, hunts, dinners and dances. Unavoidably, Stephanie appeared among my guests from time to time and it was evident from her manner that Seaman had spoken to her concerning me. And quite forcibly it was also evident that she did not like it. I could see her patience wearing thinner and thinner. And one Friday to Monday, as I was walking through the garden after breakfast,

[Stephanie Strom]

I wish to speak to you alone.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

My guests will be.

[Stephanie Strom]

Your guests are well occupied and in any case, I'm one of them.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

What is it, Stephanie?

[Stephanie Strom]

Leopold. Can it be you've lost your love for me? You've changed so much and in so many ways, Stephanie.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

I thought it had been impressed upon you. I am not Leopold, but Evora Dominie, an Englishman and the owner of this house and the husband of Lady Dominie.

[Stephanie Strom]

I can almost believe you are an Englishman. You stand there cold and aloof as one. You, whose tears have fallen upon my hand, whose lips you speak of.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

One who is dead.

[Stephanie Strom]

What has changed you like this? What has dried up all the passion in you?

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Careful, Stephanie. Someone is coming. Yes, what is it, Parkins? Beg pardon, sir, but Lady Dominey's returned. Oh, thank you, Parkinson. Stephanie. Will you excuse me, Leopold?

[Stephanie Strom]

Something has just occurred to me and I shall not see you or rather trouble you for a while. I'm going to take a sea voyage.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

A sea voyage? Where to?

[Stephanie Strom]

Africa, Leopold. To Africa.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

May I see my wife, Dr. Harrison?

[Leopold von Ragastein]

This evening perhaps. It's been a fatiguing journey for her and I would prefer to rest as much as possible.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

How is she? Well, except for one hallucination, she's in perfect health. And this one hallucination? That you're not her husband. It's not within my power to dispel this hallucination.

[Leopold von Ragastein]

You are the one to do it.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

That's why I brought her home. What can I do, Doctor?

[Mr. Mangan]

She needs warmth and affections over art.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

I See, I. I'm very grateful to you, Doctor. I. I shall do everything I can to complete her recovery.

[Rose Unthank]

Thank you.

[Stephanie Strom]

Yes?

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

It's I.

[Narrator]

Rose.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

May I come in?

[Stephanie Strom]

Yes.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Rose, I. I couldn't go to sleep before welcoming you home.

[Rose Unthank]

Thank you, Everard, dear. That makes me very happy.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

You're looking well and extremely lovely.

[Rose Unthank]

I am well. All the foolishness is gone. I know that whatever happened to poor Roger was not you who killed him. I know that. I never really heard his ghost call to me. It. It was my imagination. I can't think why I ever wanted to hurt you. I'm sure I love you.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Then why do you doubt that I am your husband?

[Rose Unthank]

You're so lightened, yet so unlike him. He's dead. He died in Africa.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Then who am I, Rose?

[Rose Unthank]

I don't know. But you're kind to me. And when you're near, I'm happy.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Rose, look at me. I am, Everard. I am. Can't you see?

[Rose Unthank]

It's Roger.

[Stephanie Strom]

He's calling ever.

[Rose Unthank]

I do hear it, don't I?

[Stephanie Strom]

It's not just in my head.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Rose.

[Stephanie Strom]

Let me go. I must wave to him from the window. He never rests until I wave to him from the window.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Please, Rose. Rose, if you love me, do one great favor for me. Do not go to the window. Don't wave.

[Stephanie Strom]

I must wave. I can't stand his cry at me.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Rose, as you love me.

[Narrator]

Please.

[Rose Unthank]

All right. I'll do as you say.

[Stephanie Strom]

But hurry. Hurry. Please hurry.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

I ran out of her suite and down the stairs. Parkins was standing in the entrance to Domini Hall, a heavy walking stick in his hand. I told him to follow me and we hurried through the garden. And there, beneath Rose's window, I saw a dark shape. Slowly now, Parkins. Slowly and quietly. Parkins. Parkins, help me.

[Sir Everard Dominey]

Come on.

[Leopold von Ragastein]

Your stick.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Oh, well. Well done, Parkins.

[Rose Unthank]

How.

[Sir Everard Dominey]

Do you have a match?

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Yes, sir. Well, strike it, man. Strike it.

[Leopold von Ragastein]

Oh, very good, sir.

[Mr. Mangan]

Ay.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Take a look. And who is it?

[Leopold von Ragastein]

It's.

[Mr. Mangan]

It's Roger Unthank.

[Rose Unthank]

Ah.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Telephone the hospital in Plankner to send an ambulance for him at once. Right.

[Stephanie Strom]

Roger.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Oh, you've.

[Rose Unthank]

You've killed him.

[Stephanie Strom]

You've killed my son.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

He's not dead, Mrs. Unthank. Though he deserves to be.

[Stephanie Strom]

His jealousy drove him mad.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

If Lady Dominie recovers, I will forgive both you and your son for this revolting hoax. If she does not, I wish you both the blackest corner of hell. Rose had received a great shock that night. But as the summer wore on, she began to mend. And Dr. Harrison told me toward the end of August that he had every hope for her complete recovery. Meanwhile, the drift toward war quickened. And on the morning of the 1st of September, the German army smashed its way across the border into Poland. Seaman telephoned me that morning to inform me that he would be at Domini hall that evening for a business conference. And about nine o' clock he arrived. Mr. Seaman is here, sir. Thank you, Parkins. Oh, hello, Seaman. Oh, have you heard the terrible news?

[Leopold von Ragastein]

Revrad? Have you heard the wonderful news, Leopold, Our army is simply leaping ahead.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

I know. I have been listening to the wireless.

[Leopold von Ragastein]

We have to work quickly, very quickly. I must be in Ireland by tomorrow morning. Here, take these.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

What is it?

[Leopold von Ragastein]

These are microfilms no larger than postage stamps. They contain your orders and the list of all our agents in these islands. Now, Leopold, the fate of our espionage service here is now in your hands.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Yeah, I understand.

[Leopold von Ragastein]

Good.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

And speaking of precaution, as you stooped to sit down just now, I distinctly saw the shape of your revolver in your hip pocket. Do you think it is wise to be carrying firearms about just now? Oh, yeah, yeah, quite right.

[Leopold von Ragastein]

Here, here.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Take care of it for me.

[Leopold von Ragastein]

Quick, quick. Get the films out of sight into this drawer.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Yes, what is it? Sorry to disturb you, sir, but Ms.

[Mr. Mangan]

Stromm is here and she and insists

[Stephanie Strom]

upon seeing you, Stephanie.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Thank you, Parkins. That will be all.

[Narrator]

Yes, sir.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Stephanie, I did not know you had

[Stephanie Strom]

returned from Africa this afternoon. And I brought a visitor with me. Now, tell me, Dr. Schmidt, who is this man? Leopold or the Englishman?

[Sir Everard Dominey]

Why, he is. He is the Englishman.

[Rose Unthank]

The English.

[Stephanie Strom]

What have you done with Leopold?

[Rose Unthank]

What have you done with him?

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

He met with the fate he prepared for me. His body sleeps on the bed of the Ruma River.

[Leopold von Ragastein]

I don't understand. You came to me at Cape Town. You had all von Hagerstein's letters. You know his history.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

We exchanged the most intimate competencies in his camp. The letters and papers I took from him.

[Leopold von Ragastein]

And the money.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

The £3 million if the German Secret Service wishes to formulate a claim and sue.

[Stephanie Strom]

What are you, you two lumps of earth clods. You let this Englishman stand.

[Mr. Mangan]

The lists.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

He has the lists of agents. Yes, and they should prove of great interest to His Majesty's government.

[Stephanie Strom]

Do something. We are three against one, seaman.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

That doctor. Not another step or I'll shoot.

[Sir Everard Dominey]

Seaman. Grab him.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Get back, Seaman.

[Mr. Mangan]

Oh, no, no, no, no.

[Leopold von Ragastein]

Don't. Don't shoot.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Don't shoot me. Don't shoot.

[Leopold von Ragastein]

Don't shoot.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Yes, don't shoot. Telephone the military barracks at Norwich. Ask him to send a car and a strong escort immediately. Yes, sir. And then, Parkins, come back here and see what my guest will have.

[Narrator]

We're going now.

[Leopold von Ragastein]

Sevurade.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

How is she? She's well.

[Narrator]

She's entirely well. See for yourself.

[Rose Unthank]

Everard.

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Oh, Rose, my darling.

[Rose Unthank]

Oh, my dearest. There were times when I couldn't believe you were my Everard. And now?

[Leopold von Ragastein / Sir Everard Dominey (impersonation)]

Now?

[Rose Unthank]

Now I know.

[Narrator]

Escape is produced and directed by Norman MacDonald. Today we presented transcribed the great impersonation by E. Phillips Oppenheim adapted for radio by Walter Newman with editorial supervision by John Dunkle. Starred as Sir Everard Dominy was Ben Wright with Gene Bates, John Dana, Gabriel Windsor, Ted von Eltz, Edgar Barrier, Anne Morrison, Parley Bear and Ramsay Hill. Special music was arranged and played by Ivan Ditmar. Next week at the same time you will hear Tell it again, bringing you the great stories you all remember. Be sure to listen again next week when we tell it again. It's Sunday night and you think the troubles of the week lie ahead of you. But your troubles are nothing compared to the risks and hazards of running a general store. As Lum and Abner run their Jot Em down emporium in Pine Ridge, Arkansas. Your troubles of business and your troubles in love dissolve like bubbles when Amos and Andy encountered the Kingfish and his latest gold bricks. Your troubles of trying to make good in the social world, in the worlds of music, sport and fashion, of just trying to make good vanish like a dream once you've heard Jack Benny, Amos and Andy and Lum and Abner are heard on most of these same CBS stations. Jack Benny is heard on them all. This is Roy Rowan speaking. Now stay tuned for five minutes of the latest news and let's pretend which follow over most of these same stations. This is cbs, the Columbia broadcast.

[Commercial Narrator]

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