Podcast Summary: "Counterspy 42-06-08 (004) Washington Woman Spy aka Cherchez la Femme"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Date: August 19, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Show Originally Aired: June 8, 1942
Episode: Counterspy – Washington Woman Spy (aka Cherchez la Femme)

Overview

This episode of Counterspy, from the classic "Golden Age of Radio," plunges listeners into the shadowy world of American counter-espionage during World War II. Chief Counterspy David Harding investigates the suspicious suicide of prominent Washington bachelor William R. Terriss and uncovers a cunning female spy ring leveraging romance and manipulation to target key figures in the U.S. war effort. The episode explores themes of espionage, trust, betrayal, and sacrifice, all set in a high-stakes wartime atmosphere.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. A Suspicious Suicide in Washington

• William R. Terriss, a wealthy bachelor, is found dead, apparently by suicide with a note blaming ill health. David Harding, however, suspects foul play, given the potential for enemy agents to cover up murders as suicides, especially during wartime.

  • Quote:
    • Harding: "The Gestapo are experts at making a murder appear to be a suicide." (04:00)

• Initial investigation rules out ill health and financial troubles as suicide motives.

  • A doctor's testimony: "From everything I know, Mr. Terriss was in perfect health." (04:30)
  • Bank inquiry: "Mr. Terriss's finances were in perfect condition." (04:45)

2. The Search for the 'Woman' Motive

• Because Terriss had no documented romantic entanglements, Harding orders a meticulous search for any woman who might have been close to him.

• Investigation into Terriss’s absences and spending reveals he traveled four times, each with an unknown, attractive, dark-haired woman; an $8,000 jewelry purchase (a large diamond ring) further suggests a clandestine relationship.

  • Quote:
    • Harding: "When a man commits suicide and it isn't his health and it isn't finances, look for the woman." (05:00)

• Insurance records point to Ms. Avery Rollins—a prominent, sophisticated high-society woman—but discrepancies in physical descriptions hint something is amiss.

3. Trap for a Spy

• Harding hatches a plan involving Colonel Reynolds, a respected and eligible Washington bachelor, to attract and surveil the mysterious Ms. Rollins.

• Colonel Reynolds is hesitant:

  • Quote:
    • Reynolds: "Oh no, Harding, that's a little too much. I don't wish to get mixed up with women." (09:40)
  • Harding persuades him: "You could be the principal factor in exposing one of the most cunning spy rings in this country today." (09:55)

• Reynolds and Rollins begin a relationship under the watchful eyes of Harding’s agents; evidence mounts that Rollins is disguising herself, using wigs and makeup, to pose as the 'dark' woman previously seen with Terriss.

4. The Classic Honey Trap: Espionage through Romance

• The relationship between Reynolds and Rollins intensifies. Reynolds shares intimate moments and even considers trusting her with sensitive government keys, further showing her skill in manipulation.
  • Quote:
    • Reynolds: "I love her...But I do. I think she’s innocent. She never tried to ask me questions about secret government affairs." (18:15)

5. Climax: The Reveal and Confrontation

(22:00 - 28:00)

• Harding arranges for Rollins to visit Reynolds’ apartment for a staged dinner, intending to catch her in the act.

• The butler, Martin, is exposed as Herr Franz Bergmann, a notorious Austrian spy—her accomplice and husband.

  • Quote:
    • Harding: "Your butler, Colonel Reynolds, is Herr Franz Bergman, one of the cleverest Austrian spies." (25:47)

• A secretly recorded conversation between Rollins and Bergmann reveals their contempt for their marks and their chilling intent to obtain classified information and force Reynolds’ suicide, replayed for maximum dramatic impact.

  • Memorable Moment / Quote:
    • Rollins (recorded, sneering): "That old fool. I want to spit in his face every time I get near him. I can't stand to touch him... I would have made him kill himself, just like I made Terriss. Kill him!" (27:05-27:23)

• Harding reveals Rollins' real identity as Marie Schmitz of Hungary, a mercenary spy, and states that “Franz Bergmann” is both her accomplice and husband.

6. Aftermath: The Emotional Toll

• Harding consoles the devastated Reynolds, emphasizing the sacrifices made by those safeguarding the nation.
  • Quote:
    • Harding: "You may have saved the lives, Colonel, of thousands of our boys. Every one of us has got to sacrifice. Some one way, some another, I guess." (29:22)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Harding: "When a man commits suicide and it isn't his health and it isn't finances, look for the woman." (05:00)
• Harding: "You could be the principal factor in possibly exposing one of the most cunning spy rings in this country today." (09:55)
• Reynolds (anguished): "I love her. But I do. I think she's innocent. She didn't try to copy the key. She never tried to ask me questions about secret government affairs." (18:15)
• Harding (re: butler): "Your butler, Colonel Reynolds, is Herr Franz Bergman, one of the cleverest Austrian spies." (25:47)
• Rollins/Schmitz (secret recording): "I want to spit in his face every time I get near him. I can’t stand to touch him." (27:01)
• Rollins/Schmitz: "I would have made him kill himself, just like I made Terriss. Kill him!" (27:18)
• Harding: "This woman is one of the cleverest, if not the cleverest, paid woman spy in this country... And that butler of yours, Franz Bergman, is her husband." (28:02)
• Harding: “You may have saved the lives, Colonel, of thousands of our boys. Every one of us has got to sacrifice. Some one way, some another, I guess.” (29:22)

Important Timestamps

• 00:29–01:12 — Opening, introduction of David Harding and the counterspy concept
• 01:54–04:30 — Discovery of Terriss's suicide, initial investigation
• 05:00–08:00 — The hunt for the mysterious woman; the jewelry clue
• 09:40–13:20 — The plan to ensnare Ms. Rollins; Reynolds recruited as bait
• 14:44–16:54 — Reynolds grows attached to Rollins; evidence of manipulation
• 18:15–19:30 — Reynolds admits his feelings, conflict of duty and emotion
• 22:00–28:00 — Dinner setup, revelation of the butler’s true identity, exposure of the spy ring
• 27:00–27:40 — Secret recording exposes Rollins/Schmitz’s true nature
• 28:00–29:40 — Harding and Reynolds discuss sacrifice after the case is closed

Tone & Style

This suspenseful episode combines patriotic fervor, wartime urgency, and noir-tinged psychological drama. The dialogue is earnest and direct, often carrying the gravitas of its era. The characters speak with clipped certainty, and there's a dramatic candor, especially in the emotional conversations between Harding and Reynolds.

Closing

"Counterspy" dramatizes the often-unseen emotional sacrifices made by those serving on the intelligence front lines. Through the unraveling of a sophisticated honey trap operation, this episode paints an evocative picture of the silent war waged at home during times of conflict—a relentless battle where trust, loyalty, and love can be potent weapons or fatal vulnerabilities.

For listeners who missed the episode:
This summary captures the full arc, tension, and dramatic payoff of a thrilling piece of vintage radio storytelling—a tale as gripping now as it was during the war years.