(98) Escape - Two If by Sea

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – Escape: "Two If by Sea"

Episode 98 | August 12, 2026

Episode Overview

This classic episode from the anthology series "Escape" transports listeners to postwar Soviet Russia, unfurling a tense tale of love, danger, and courage as an English journalist risks everything to reunite with his Russian wife. Against the backdrop of oppressive bureaucracy and Cold War paranoia, "Two If by Sea" follows Philip and Maria Sutherland’s desperate efforts to escape Soviet control and reclaim their life together in the West.

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Key Discussion Points & Storyline Breakdown

1. The Departure and Sudden Separation

[02:56–05:18]

• Philip Sutherland, a British journalist, and his Russian ballerina wife, Maria, prepare to leave Moscow, eager to begin their new life in London after years apart during the war.
• At the airport, their happiness is shattered when Soviet officials revoke Maria’s travel permit at the last minute, citing suspicion of marriages between Russian women and foreigners.
• Philip is forcibly sent alone to London; Maria begs him to “come back for me. Please come back.”

Maria Sutherland: “Goodbye, darling. If I can’t get out, come back for me. Please come back.” (05:04)

2. Life in London and Bureaucratic Impediments

[05:18–07:18]

• Philip’s attempts to correspond with Maria fail—her letters never arrive.
• He approaches the Soviet Embassy for answers but is met with cold bureaucracy and the threat of an enforced divorce.

Soviet Embassy Official: “Forget Mariela Markina, Mr. Sutherland. She is a prominent ballerina…the state is arranging an official divorce.” (06:12)

3. The Escape Plan is Hatched

[07:18–09:36]

• Frustrated by diplomatic brick walls, Philip decides to take matters into his own hands.
• With friend (and American journalist) Steve Quillen and seafaring ally Denny, he plots a daring sea rescue: sail a small schooner to the Gulf of Finland, intercept Maria during her ballet troupe’s summer tour in the coastal town of Pirita, and spirit her away to the West.
• Steve agrees to help by relaying coded messages in his Moscow radio broadcasts, signaling Maria’s whereabouts and window for escape.

Steve Quillen: “Phil, do you mean you’re actually going through with this?” (08:54)

4. Preparing and Initiating the Plan

[10:50–12:52]

• The group meticulously plans the escape route and code.
• Code is rehearsed (every 9th word in Steve’s broadcast) to communicate updates while Philip and Denny await offshore in their boat.
• Finally, the signal arrives: Maria is in position and ready for the getaway.

Philip Sutherland: “This is what we’ve been waiting for…here, all set. Blonde on way. Good luck.” (12:46)

5. The Nighttime Rendezvous Goes Awry

[13:09–15:36]

• Under cover of darkness, Philip and Denny row ashore, searching for Maria.
• Instead, they find her friend, who delivers heartbreaking news: Maria’s been commanded to perform for a Soviet general and can’t escape. She sends a goodbye, believing she’ll never be free.

Soviet Messenger: “There is no hope of ever getting out of Russia. I will never stop loving you. But this must be goodbye forever.” (15:00)

6. Desperate Measures: A Daring Infiltration

[17:36–23:18]

• Philip refuses to accept defeat. Disguising himself in a stolen Red Army officer’s uniform, he sneaks into the ballet theater where Maria dances.
• He bluffs his way through, is invited to join General Obromov (the guest of honor), and manages to communicate with Maria backstage, pretending to be her brother.
• The general grows suspicious and exposes Philip’s ruse, threatening arrest.

General Obromov: “Do you know what I am going to do, Sergei? Put you under arrest. Stand where you are. I would be most happy to shoot you.” (25:01)

7. Escape Against the Odds

[25:25–28:26]

• In a moment of chaos, Maria incapacitates the general, allowing the lovers to flee into the night.
• Exhausted, chased, and nearly out of time, they race toward the beach for their rendezvous with Denny.
• Fighting off a final pursuer, they reach Denny’s boat just in time as the clock strikes two—leaving for England and freedom.

Philip Sutherland: “We’re going home, Mrs. Sutherland.” (28:26)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “London, with all its freedom, was a dark, cheerless prison without Maria.” — Philip Sutherland (05:18)
• “You may as well know this. Even now, the state is arranging an official divorce.” — Soviet Embassy Official (06:12)
• “If you are willing to take such a chance, I’m with you.” — Steve Quillen (09:03)
• “There is no hope of ever getting out of Russia. I will never stop loving you. But this must be goodbye forever.” — Soviet Messenger (15:00)
• “You don't look at her the way a brother looks at his sister... You hold Maria the way I would like to hold Maria.” — General Obromov (23:12)
• “We’re going home, Mrs. Sutherland.” — Philip Sutherland (28:26)

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Important Timestamps

• [02:56–05:18]: Maria’s travel revoked; heartbreak at the airport.
• [05:45–07:18]: Failed appeals at the Soviet Embassy.
• [08:44–09:03]: Steve agrees to help and aid the code system for rescue.
• [12:03–12:46]: Code message confirms Maria’s location.
• [14:25–15:10]: Maria’s friend delivers her tragic message.
• [18:35–20:54]: Philip, disguised, meets General Obromov at the theater.
• [23:45–25:01]: Philip’s deception exposed, threatened with arrest.
• [28:16–28:26]: Final escape—freedom at last.

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Tone and Style

The episode blends tension, romance, and Cold War intrigue, delivered in a dramatic, earnest midcentury radio style. The dialogue is direct, laden with emotion, and the suspense builds steadily to a high-stakes climax.

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Conclusion

"Two If by Sea" is a compelling tale of devotion, bravery, and the individual’s struggle against a repressive system, emblematic of radio’s power to transport and thrill. The dramatization, innovative for its time, still resonates with anyone longing for freedom and love beyond borders.

Transcript

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[Steve Quillen]

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

[Narrator]

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

[Steve Quillen]

Tonight we escape to Soviet Russ. To the story of a man and a woman who dared to defy a social system in order to be together as Roger Backs tells it in his tale of intrigue and excitement. Two if by sea.

[Narrator]

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[Ford Dealer Announcer]

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[Philip Sutherland]

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And now we bring you escape.

[Philip Sutherland]

Finally, the day arrived our last day in Moscow. We stood in the chill wind at the airport watching the huge 4 motor plane taxi to the loading ramp. A pair of newlyweds. Philip Sutherland, Moscow reporter for the London Press. Homeward bound after three years in the Soviet Union. And his bride, Maria, ballerina of the State Ballet. Oh, and Steve Quillen. American newscaster. He was there, too. Only Steve was green with envy.

[Steve Quillen]

Oh, I hate you both. This time tomorrow you'll be in London. And me, I must remain to languish midst the caviar and mud.

[Maria Lamartina / Maria Sutherland]

But don't forget, Steve, you've got a vacation coming soon and you're to spend it in London with us.

[Philip Sutherland]

Yes, that's right, Steve. We're looking forward to it.

[Denny Diddy]

Don't worry. I'll be there.

[Soviet Official / Messenger]

Lasting departure. Special sight too, for London.

[Philip Sutherland]

Well, that's us. Mrs. Sutherland.

[Maria Lamartina / Maria Sutherland]

Oh, darling, I can't believe it. At last.

[Philip Sutherland]

Oh, you're going to love London.

[Maria Lamartina / Maria Sutherland]

Love any place with you.

[Steve Quillen]

Well, this is goodbye, kids.

[Ford Dealer Announcer]

Well, Steve,

[Philip Sutherland]

we're in a hurry. Officer, they've just announced our plane.

[Soviet Officer]

I talked to the woman. You are Maria La Martina.

[Maria Lamartina / Maria Sutherland]

I'm Maria Sutherland now.

[Soviet Officer]

May I see your transportation papers, please?

[Philip Sutherland]

Oh, yes, yes, of course. I have them right here. They're all in order.

[Soviet Officer]

You may keep yours. Just the woman's. Give them.

[Philip Sutherland]

Thank you. Mariela Markin Up.

[Soviet Officer]

You will remain in Moscow.

[Philip Sutherland]

Your permission to travel has been revoked.

[Maria Lamartina / Maria Sutherland]

Revoked? Why?

[Philip Sutherland]

Just a moment. You can't do this.

[Soviet Officer]

No argument.

[Steve Quillen]

Why can't she leave the Commissar of

[Denny Diddy]

Travel or keep her?

[Soviet Officer]

I come from the office of the Commissar of Travel.

[Steve Quillen]

Is she under arrest?

[Soviet Officer]

No. She has simply been denied the privilege of travel.

[Philip Sutherland]

Well, if Marja can't go, I won't.

[Soviet Officer]

I have orders to see that you do go, Mrs. Sutherland.

[Maria Lamartina / Maria Sutherland]

Oh, Philip.

[Philip Sutherland]

No, no, it's all right, darling. Now, look, I'm not leaving here without my wife. You have no right.

[Soviet Officer]

You will be escorted to your plane.

[Philip Sutherland]

I'm not going to be escorted anywhere. Ivan Masino.

[Maria Lamartina / Maria Sutherland]

Oh, Phillip. You'd better do what they say or it might be worse for London.

[Soviet Official / Messenger]

Will board their place immediately.

[Soviet Officer]

All right, Mr. Sutherland.

[Philip Sutherland]

That's your plane.

[Maria Lamartina / Maria Sutherland]

Philip. Oh, Philip.

[Steve Quillen]

Don't worry, Phil. I'll take care of her. We'll get this all straightened out. You better go.

[Philip Sutherland]

Well, goodbye, Maria.

[Maria Lamartina / Maria Sutherland]

Goodbye, darling. If I can't get out, come back for me. Please come back.

[Philip Sutherland]

For the next couple of months, those two words rang in my ears a thousand times a day. They never let me rest. Come back. Come back. London, with all its freedom, was a dark, cheerless prison without Maria. I wrote every day. And when, as the weeks passed, I heard no word from her, it became unbearable. Finally, my newspaper arranged a personal interview at the Soviet Embassy. No, no, no.

[Soviet Embassy Official]

Absolutely not.

[Philip Sutherland]

But Maria's my wife. She isn't married to the Soviet Union.

[Soviet Embassy Official]

You knew the official attitude when you married?

[Denny]

No.

[Soviet Embassy Official]

The state frowns on Russian women marrying foreigners. And when such a marriage occurs, you take your own risk.

[Denny]

Very well, then.

[Philip Sutherland]

Grant me a visa to return to the Soviet Union.

[Soviet Embassy Official]

Mr. Sutherland, I am forced to be blunt. You are no longer welcome in my country. And besides, to return would only work a hardship on both of you.

[Philip Sutherland]

What do you mean?

[Soviet Embassy Official]

Forget Mariela Markina, Mr. Sutherland. She is a prominent ballerina, the premier dansouza Moscow. A girl of exceptional talent. And you may as well know this. Even now, the state is arranging an official divorce.

[Steve Quillen]

Would they?

[Philip Sutherland]

It was monstrous. Incredible. Never would I believe that Maria had requested a divorce. I was sure of the love we had shared all too briefly, even though I never received a single letter from her. No, no, no. It was something bigger than the frowning labyrinth of bureaucracy. It was a giant conspiracy to keep us apart. I used the influence I could bring to bear on the people in high places. The matter went at last to the British Foreign Office. Red tape, it would seem, was not a monopoly of red Russia.

[Denny Diddy]

No.

[Philip Sutherland]

We grew a vigorous and hardy variety in Whitehall. So I made my own plan. And by the time Steve Quillen arrived on his vacation, I was ready to put it into action.

[Steve Quillen]

Oh, Phil. Phil, you're crazy.

[Denny Diddy]

It can't be done.

[Philip Sutherland]

Oh, yes, it can, Steve.

[Denny Diddy]

Here, look, look.

[Philip Sutherland]

Look at this map. Now, here, a small boat could sail out of Southfleet, cross the North Sea, work into the Baltic through the Skagerrack, and then sail northeast into the Gulf of Finland.

[Denny Diddy]

Phil.

[Philip Sutherland]

Yes?

[Steve Quillen]

I know how badly you want Maria, but that kind of a trip would be impossible.

[Philip Sutherland]

It can be done if it's planned, right.

[Denny Diddy]

All right, look.

[Steve Quillen]

Suppose you get as far as the Gulf.

[Denny Diddy]

Yes.

[Steve Quillen]

And suppose no patrol boat or observation plane uses you for target practice. What then? Maria's in Moscow. That's in the heart of White Russia.

[Denny]

Ah, yes.

[Philip Sutherland]

But every summer her ballet troupe goes on tour through the north, and they always hit Pirita. A summer resort.

[Denny Diddy]

Here.

[Philip Sutherland]

Look here on the map. It's right here on the coast. I was there once. It's just a little town. No harbor. The small craft could put in there one night and pick someone up with no trouble at all.

[Denny Diddy]

At night?

[Philip Sutherland]

Yes.

[Steve Quillen]

How could you possibly get in?

[Philip Sutherland]

Follow the vimcy light about four miles up from the main beach at Pirita. Somewhere in that dark stretch.

[Steve Quillen]

Do you realize how that would have to be timed?

[Denny Diddy]

Well, you'd have to be there not

[Steve Quillen]

only on the right day, but almost at the right minute.

[Denny Diddy]

And you have no way of knowing

[Steve Quillen]

exactly when Mario will be in Perita.

[Philip Sutherland]

Well, I was sort of counting on you for that, Steve.

[Steve Quillen]

I'd be glad to write and tell you, Phil, but suppose there were some last minute changes in her schedule and you were out at sea waiting to.

[Philip Sutherland]

Now you have a schedule that doesn't change. Steve.

[Denny Diddy]

What?

[Philip Sutherland]

Here you broadcast from Moscow to New York once a day. That's your job. Now, perhaps some way we could work out a code system and I could tune in on your newscast from aboard ship and keep informed.

[Steve Quillen]

What ship?

[Philip Sutherland]

Oh, well, the boat. The one I bought yesterday.

[Steve Quillen]

What?

[Philip Sutherland]

There's the Dawn. I spent every shilling I had on her. She's a small schooner with an auxiliary engine, but she can make that trip.

[Steve Quillen]

Phil, do you mean you're actually going through with this?

[Philip Sutherland]

Well, of course, Steve. I love Maria and she loves me. And this is all I can see to do about it.

[Denny Diddy]

All right, Phil.

[Steve Quillen]

If you're willing to take such a chance, I'm with you.

[Philip Sutherland]

Oh, thank you, Steve. Thank you.

[Steve Quillen]

But, Phil, you can't sail all alone. I know you're a good sailor.

[Philip Sutherland]

Oh, no, no, no, no. I don't intend to. I have a friend who knows the Baltic waters like he knows his own bathtub.

[Steve Quillen]

And he's going with you? You've already talked to him?

[Philip Sutherland]

Oh, yes. He's a fine chap that must be. Asked him to come over tonight.

[Ford Owner Ralph Shanessy]

Hello.

[Philip Sutherland]

Denny Diddy. Good to see you. Come in.

[Denny]

This must be Mr. Quillen. I'm Denny.

[Steve Quillen]

Hello, fellow conspirator.

[Denny]

It's going to be something, don't you think?

[Steve Quillen]

That, Mr. Denny, is the understatement of the week.

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[Philip Sutherland]

We spent the next seven days working out a careful timetable and a code. And when Steve went back to Moscow, we rehearsed the code and it worked. Every ninth word on his daily broadcast was a message to us. And one day a month later, we put out for the Baltic Sea, keeping daily radio contact with Steve. Finally, we dropped anchor in the Gulf of Finland, 30 miles off the beach at Pirit, and waited for the final message. This is radio this is it broadcasting

[Soviet Official / Messenger]

system in New York. Mr. Stephen Quillian, correspondent for Standard Broadcasting System, with broadcast for 2 minutes beginning 5 minutes past 4 o'. Clock.

[Denny Diddy]

Hello, New York. Hello, New York. This is Quillen. Here's a time check coming up on my watch. Four minutes and thirty seconds past four. Woof. That was four minutes and thirty seconds past four. I'll go ahead at exactly fifteen seconds after Wolf. Whoa.

[Philip Sutherland]

Double check this, Denny.

[Denny]

Don't worry, I will.

[Denny Diddy]

This is Steve Quillen reporting to you from Leningrad. I've been touring this battered city, studying all the reconstruction work in progress. Leningraders have certainly set themselves tremendous tasks. One of the architects, a blonde, vital woman of 40, told me that on all occasions on Leningrad had reckoned to show the way other parts of Soviet Russia in making good progress with its economic plan. And that with luck and hard work, it should keep the lead.

[Philip Sutherland]

Okay, Denny, that's all of it.

[Denny Diddy]

Cut it off.

[Denny]

What did he say?

[Philip Sutherland]

This is what we've been waiting for here. All set. Blonde on way. Good luck.

[Denny]

Good. That means by 10 o' clock tonight you'll be holding Mari in your arms. Oh, wouldn't Uncle Joe just bite the stem off his pipe if he knew he was going to lose one of his prettiest citizens tonight.

[Philip Sutherland]

The seconds ticked slowly into sluggish minutes. The minutes stretched into unending hours until sundown, when we would start our dash for the beach. I had waited too long and traveled too far to let any hitch upset our plan. But to wait those long hours was pure agony. At last darkness fell and we turned over our engines and started to the beach, Our running lights extinguished.

[Denny]

There it is, Phil. Over there. Yes, those are the Vemsey lights. Aha. Now down there, about a mile down the beach, where you see all the smaller lights.

[Philip Sutherland]

Yes, yes.

[Denny]

That's the bathing beach in the dancing pavilion. The town's farther in. Maria should be right opposite us now on the dark stretch straight ahead.

[Philip Sutherland]

Denia, I can hardly believe It Maria only a mile away.

[Denny]

Oh, come on. Let's drop the hook and get the dengue over the side.

[Philip Sutherland]

We rode silently toward this shadowy shore. And I strained my eyes for the sight of Maria standing on the beach. But it was too dark to see anything but the line of sullen, brooding hills against the sky. And then suddenly. Suddenly I made out a figure. Standing alone, quiet, waiting.

[Denny]

Do you see something?

[Philip Sutherland]

Maria. Maria. She's there, you see?

[Denny]

Be quiet. Sit down. You'll capsize us. It's only a few yards.

[Philip Sutherland]

We can.

[Ford Dealer Announcer]

I can't wait.

[Philip Sutherland]

Denny, feel your fool.

[Soviet Embassy Official]

Be careful.

[Philip Sutherland]

Maria.

[Maria Lamartina / Maria Sutherland]

Maria.

[Philip Sutherland]

Maria.

[Maria Lamartina / Maria Sutherland]

Here I am. Oh.

[Philip Sutherland]

Oh, Maria, darling. You.

[Soviet Official / Messenger]

You are Philip Sutherland.

[Philip Sutherland]

Why, you. Where's Maria?

[Soviet Official / Messenger]

Do not be afraid of me. I am a friend of Maria Lamartina.

[Philip Sutherland]

Where is she?

[Soviet Official / Messenger]

Maria cannot meet you tonight.

[Steve Quillen]

Why?

[Philip Sutherland]

What has happened?

[Soviet Official / Messenger]

Listen to me carefully, Mr. Sutherland. She tried desperately.

[Philip Sutherland]

Yes, yes, yes.

[Soviet Official / Messenger]

But it was impossible. So she sent me to give you message.

[Maria Lamartina / Maria Sutherland]

What?

[Philip Sutherland]

What?

[Soviet Official / Messenger]

I repeat word for word. There is no hope of ever getting out of Rasha. I will never stop loving you. But this must be goodbye forever.

[Philip Sutherland]

Phil.

[Maria Lamartina / Maria Sutherland]

Phil.

[Denny]

Come on, you two. You can talk later. Let's get out of this place.

[Philip Sutherland]

Denny, this isn't Maria. This is a friend of hers. She says Maria's not coming and she'll never come.

[Denny]

Why not?

[Philip Sutherland]

I don't know.

[Soviet Official / Messenger]

Tonight, Maria Lamartina is with ballet at Pitine. She has been commanded to give special performance Arvin Colonel General Abyomov of Red Army. There was no possible way she could.

[Philip Sutherland]

Where is this ballet?

[Soviet Official / Messenger]

A theater in Purita, three miles from here.

[Denny]

Oh, no.

[Soviet Official / Messenger]

Now I must go before they find me. I am sorry. My heart goes out to you.

[Philip Sutherland]

No, no, no, wait.

[Denny Diddy]

Let her go.

[Denny]

Let her go. She risked her life to come here at all.

[Philip Sutherland]

I'm going into that theater and get Maria and bring her back to the boat.

[Denny]

Phil, sailing into a dark beach is one thing, but trying to walk through a Russian town and kidnap a well known ballerina is quite another.

[Philip Sutherland]

Phil, don't leave me. Listen, I'm going in. And if I'm not back here in four hours at 2am with her, then leave by yourself. Dene.

[Denny]

Oh, Phil, I couldn't.

[Philip Sutherland]

Look, I'll be here with her by 2 o' clock or I won't be back at all.

[Narrator]

In just a moment, we will return to escape. But first, a message from the Ford Dealers of America.

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[Narrator]

And now we return you to the second act of Escape.

[Philip Sutherland]

It was three long, dangerous miles into the town of Purita and somehow I had to get Maria out of the ballet theater and back aboard our schooner. But in spite of the fact I spoke Russian fluently, dressed the way I was in soiled sailing clothes, I didn't stand a chance. For the next half hour I walked steadily, passing a few night swimmers along the beach. Then I came to a crowded area where there was a dancing pavilion. And a sudden idea came to me. I walked over to a man in uniform standing by a pile of clothes, on top of which was a Red army caporal. What is it you want, comrade? I am glad I found you. There is some trouble on the road back there. Someone tried to steal a car.

[Denny Diddy]

Where?

[Philip Sutherland]

What sort of car? Tovaris. He was a Black Army.

[Denny]

This.

[Soviet Officer]

This.

[Philip Sutherland]

Oh no, it's not yours, is it? The militia are making trouble about the missing chauffeur. Tovarish, help me, I beg you. Keep your eye on the colonel's uniform while I go see the colonel's in swimming.

[Denny]

Now.

[Philip Sutherland]

I didn't hesitate a single minute. As soon as he got out of sight, I grabbed the bundle of clothes, stepped into the shadows behind the pavilion. In three minutes I was wearing a loose fitting uniform that told the world I was a colonel in the 12th Guard Division, wearer of the rarely conferred order of the Suvorov and a hero of the Soviet Union. And also there was a billfold in my pocket packed with Russian currency and military papers. I was now prepared to make my entrance in the ballet theater of Puritan. I would like a ticket Please.

[Colonel General Vladimir Obromov]

Oh, Comrade Colonel, I'm so sorry, but

[Philip Sutherland]

there's not one to be had, not one in the entire house.

[Colonel General Vladimir Obromov]

Yes, there is. Clerk. The colonel is invited to sit in my box.

[Philip Sutherland]

His collar insignia and his decorations glittered in the light of the theater lobby. I recognized him immediately as Colonel General Vladimir Obromov, a famous soldier of the Soviet. I had interviewed him back in 1945 and written a long story about him for my newspaper. He looked straight into my face, and his eyes seemed to say, well, Philip Sutherland, when did you join the Red Army?

[Colonel General Vladimir Obromov]

I see you wear the Order of the Tivarov, even as I. I would be pleased if you would join me in my private box.

[Philip Sutherland]

Well, thank you just the same, General, but it wouldn't be right.

[Colonel General Vladimir Obromov]

Nonsense. I insist. I am alone, and you can still see the last part of the ballet. Maria Lamarkina is beautiful. Come take a look at her.

[Philip Sutherland]

He took me by the arm and led me conspicuously down the aisle to his box. It was easy to see that he was the guest of honor. The whole thing was like a dream. I couldn't believe that I was really sitting there, watching my Maria looking so incredibly beautiful. I almost stopped breathing. Time was our enemy. I thought the ballet would never end. When it was finally over, I knew I had to do something to make my presence known to her, or she might be lost to me forever.

[Maria Lamartina / Maria Sutherland]

Maria. Maria. Maria.

[Colonel General Vladimir Obromov]

You know her, Comrade Colonel?

[Philip Sutherland]

Yes, sir. I know her, sir.

[Colonel General Vladimir Obromov]

Rather well, really. An old lover, perhaps?

[Philip Sutherland]

Well, I. I'm. I'm her brother, Sergei.

[Colonel General Vladimir Obromov]

Ah, brother. Well, that is good. It would not do for two Russian soldiers, two orders of the Suvarov, to fight over the same woman. Come, Brother Sergei. Let us go backstage and talk to little Maria. She will be most anxious to see you. And me. I am having supper with her tonight. Maria, look. I have surprise for you. Your brother, Maria. Well, Mario, don't you know your own brother? Or has he grown too fat on Red army rations, huh?

[Philip Sutherland]

It's really me, Maria. Sergei.

[Maria Lamartina / Maria Sutherland]

Oh, Sergey. Sergey. It's been so long.

[Philip Sutherland]

Too long. Maria.

[Colonel General Vladimir Obromov]

Tender.

[Philip Sutherland]

Hey, how are you, my little sister? How's the family?

[Denny Diddy]

How?

[Philip Sutherland]

Shura And Mishikov? Is he still in the factory at Donets?

[Maria Lamartina / Maria Sutherland]

I can't answer all your questions in one breath, Sergey.

[Colonel General Vladimir Obromov]

Ah, this is very happy occasion. I will go prepare drinks.

[Philip Sutherland]

Fine, fine.

[Steve Quillen]

Yes.

[Maria Lamartina / Maria Sutherland]

Philip. Darling. Darling, what are you doing here? They'll kill you if they find out.

[Philip Sutherland]

Why didn't you come to the beach?

[Maria Lamartina / Maria Sutherland]

He was with me all day.

[Philip Sutherland]

Oh, Maria, Maria, I have never seen you perform.

[Denny]

So?

[Philip Sutherland]

Well, tonight, you. You danced my eyes out.

[Maria Lamartina / Maria Sutherland]

How long are you going to be in town, Sergei?

[Philip Sutherland]

I live with the dawn, Maria, darling.

[Colonel General Vladimir Obromov]

Ah, well, in that case, we haven't much time. We must do our best to entertain Sergei, huh? Maria.

[Maria Lamartina / Maria Sutherland]

Of course, Colonel, General.

[Colonel General Vladimir Obromov]

Oh, please, just call me plain General.

[Narrator]

Here, your glasses.

[Philip Sutherland]

Thank you.

[Colonel General Vladimir Obromov]

And now a toast. Until the dawn. And to brothers and sisters, wherever they find themselves. Brother. Huh? You don't look at her the way a brother looks at his sister. You don't hold her the way a brother holds his sister. You hold Maria the way I would like to hold Maria.

[Philip Sutherland]

I guess I was a little emotional, sir. I haven't seen her for almost a year.

[Colonel General Vladimir Obromov]

Brother, how is it you have not seen Maria for almost a year when your 12th guard division is stationed just outside Moscow, Hmm? Tell me that.

[Philip Sutherland]

Well, I was.

[Denny Diddy]

I was.

[Colonel General Vladimir Obromov]

You have trouble answering, huh?

[Maria Lamartina / Maria Sutherland]

We were both busy.

[Colonel General Vladimir Obromov]

Oh, yes, I understand, Maria. Busy, busy. Come to think of it, I don't remember a Colonel Lamarkinov ever winning the Order of Shivarov. When did you get it, Sergei?

[Philip Sutherland]

After the Battle of Kiev.

[Denny Diddy]

Kiev?

[Colonel General Vladimir Obromov]

Oh, a great battle.

[Denny Diddy]

A great battle.

[Colonel General Vladimir Obromov]

Only I thought that was the 10th Division.

[Philip Sutherland]

Oh, well, I was with them for six months.

[Colonel General Vladimir Obromov]

With the 10th Division?

[Ford Owner Ralph Shanessy]

Yes.

[Colonel General Vladimir Obromov]

Who was your commanding officer?

[Philip Sutherland]

It's been so long, sir, I. I can't remember his name.

[Colonel General Vladimir Obromov]

I'll refresh your memory, Brother Sergey. It was Borowski. And, of course, now I know you lied.

[Maria Lamartina / Maria Sutherland]

My brother does not lie.

[Colonel General Vladimir Obromov]

I'm afraid, Maria, I've trapped him. That Kiev was not the 10th division or the 12th division, but Tamoshenko's seventh. Now, let me see your papers. Brothers again?

[Philip Sutherland]

I'm afraid I left them in my car.

[Colonel General Vladimir Obromov]

Let me see them. And be careful how you hand them over.

[Denny]

Hmm?

[Colonel General Vladimir Obromov]

Very interesting. Brother Sergei has suddenly become Colonel Joseph Rakowsky Scalia. What do you think of that, Sister? Maria.

[Maria Lamartina / Maria Sutherland]

General, it wasn't his fault. I made him do it. Don't do anything to me.

[Philip Sutherland]

No, no, no, Maria. It was my idea.

[Colonel General Vladimir Obromov]

Ah, young love and mutual sacrifice. And touching. Do you know what I am going to do, Sergei?

[Philip Sutherland]

No, what?

[Colonel General Vladimir Obromov]

Put you under arrest. Stand where you are. I would be most happy to shoot you. I will get to the bottom of this soon.

[Philip Sutherland]

Copperas. Maria.

[Maria Lamartina / Maria Sutherland]

Do you. Do you think I killed him?

[Philip Sutherland]

I don't know. But you did him in thoroughly with that decanter.

[Maria Lamartina / Maria Sutherland]

Philip, I'm frightened.

[Philip Sutherland]

Yes, so am I. But let's talk about that after we get aboard the schooner. We slipped out of the theater and raced along the deserted Cobbled streets. The town clock sounded 1:33 miles to cover in 30 minutes. Maria was running to keep up with my long strides. Nowhere in sight was a car I could commandeer or even a bicycle. We could count on nothing but our own strength and the driving need. We both had to spend the rest

[Denny]

of our lives together.

[Philip Sutherland]

25 minutes later, we were hurrying down the long slope toward the beach. Ahead of us, the Vim's delight twinkled mockingly and seemed just as far away. Mario's breath was coming in little sobs. My lungs ached with an agony unendurable. And then I heard it. The town clock struck 2. We had failed. So near to the beach, and yet too far. The planning of months lost by seconds.

[Maria Lamartina / Maria Sutherland]

Oh, Philip, I'm sorry. I couldn't go any farther.

[Philip Sutherland]

No, no, no, dear. It wasn't your fault. It was just too much against us.

[Maria Lamartina / Maria Sutherland]

Philip. Shh. Quiet.

[Soviet Officer]

I apologize for bothering you, comrade, but I have orders to check all persons along the beach. The colonel's uniform has been stolen.

[Philip Sutherland]

I hit him with all the strength I had left in me. As he fell, I dived after him. He rolled down the hill onto the rocks. I couldn't feel any pain or blows. All I wanted to do was get my hands around his throat and squeeze the life out of him. He fell away from me, and I crawled over to where Maria lay, her breath coming in painful sobs, and I collapsed beside her. I could barely lift one arm to put it around her. And then. Then another man's figure loomed up out of the dark, walking slowly towards us. And with him, all of my hopes of rescuing Maria, all of the working and planning, all of the reason for living seemed gone. But I couldn't go down without a fight. Somehow, somewhere, I stood, dragged up enough strength to struggle to my feet to meet him. He grabbed my arm and we went down.

[Maria Lamartina / Maria Sutherland]

Phil.

[Denny]

Phil, it's me, Danny.

[Maria Lamartina / Maria Sutherland]

Don't.

[Soviet Embassy Official]

Denny.

[Philip Sutherland]

Denny. I couldn't tell in the dark. I. I thought you'd come.

[Denny Diddy]

I thought.

[Denny]

You didn't really think I'd leave without you and Murray, did you? Come on, Phil. Let's get Murray aboard the schooner.

[Soviet Officer]

We're.

[Philip Sutherland]

We're going to make it.

[Denny]

Certainly we are. We'll be in England in a week.

[Philip Sutherland]

Yes, darling.

[Maria Lamartina / Maria Sutherland]

Where are we?

[Philip Sutherland]

Far enough. You can stop looking over your shoulder.

[Maria Lamartina / Maria Sutherland]

Really? Really?

[Philip Sutherland]

Yes, really. We're going home, Mrs. Sutherland.

[Narrator]

In just a moment, a word about next week's exciting story of escape. But first, a message from your local Ford dealer.

[Ford Dealer Announcer]

If housewives bought trucks, they'd rush down to their Ford dealers. And place their orders right now. Why? Because the American housewife can spot a bargain a mile away. And Ford truck prices have just been reduced, making Ford America's biggest truck bargain. That's right, friends. Price reductions up to $80. These reductions are made possible by engineering advances and improved production methods. Ford trucks for 50 at these new reduced prices have all the extra value features that have enabled Ford trucks to score greater sales gains than all other makes combined. They are packed with truck advancements that give more performance at less cost. See them at your Ford dealers today. And remember, Ford trucks cost less because Ford trucks last longer. Latest available registrations prove it.

[Narrator]

Escape is produced and directed by William N. Robeson. Tonight we have presented two if by Sea by Roger Backs. Adapted for radio by E. Jack Newman and John Michael Hayes. Featured in the cast were John Boehner as Philip, Barton, Yarborough as Denny, Paul Fries as Steve Quillen and Marta Mitrovich as Maria. Also heard were Inga Yolis, Jack Crushen, Bill Conrad and Paul Dubov. Special music was arranged and conducted by Del Castillo. Next week

[Steve Quillen]

you are within a few days of your release after eight years of horror on the prison island of New Caledonia. But between you and final freedom stands the love of a beautiful girl and the monstrous figure of Monsieur Denou, the official executioner.

[Narrator]

Next week we are still Escape with John Russell's terrifying story, the Red Mark. Good night then until this same time next week when once again we offer you Escape. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[Colonel General Vladimir Obromov]

Oh, beautiful through all of us. Hands in the dirt, hearts in the dust. Let's be the people, yeah, we enough to build again from the broken trust.

[Philip Sutherland]

We the ones still showing up holding hands when times are tough, you and me, yeah, we're enough.

[Community Song Narrator]

All of us can make an impact, yeah, even you. Listen to the full Gotta be us song and Be the people share playlist to get inspired.

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