Dangerously Yours 44-06-20 Audition 1 Masquerade

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Dangerously Yours 44-06-20 Audition 1 Masquerade"

Introduction

"Dangerously Yours," brought to you by Harold's Old Time Radio, transports listeners to the Golden Age of Radio with its blend of romance, adventure, and espionage. This episode, titled "Masquerade," released on February 13, 2025, immerses the audience in the intricate world of early 20th-century Budapest. Set against the backdrop of 1915, the story weaves a tale of love, betrayal, and national duty, encapsulating the suspense and charm characteristic of classic radio dramas.

Plot Overview

The narrative centers on Countess Richola, a young and resourceful woman recruited for a clandestine mission by Mr. Kolenkov. Her task is to infiltrate the life of Count Rudolph Estefan, a man of charm and mystery, to extract vital information crucial to her country. As the plot unfolds, a complex interplay of duty and burgeoning romance emerges, leading to a dramatic and tragic conclusion.

---

1. Mission Initiation and Arrival in Budapest (00:41 - 05:00)

The episode opens with a vivid narration that sets the stage in Budapest, 1915. Mr. Kolenkov selects Countess Richola for a mission due to her youth, intelligence, and beauty, qualities deemed essential for espionage.

• [00:41] Adventure: "I am Adventurе... I am dangerously yours today."

• [02:29] Countess Richola: "I understand."

Upon arrival, Countess Richola checks into suite 913, establishing her presence in Budapest and setting the scene for her encounter with Count Estefan.

• [03:00] Narrator: "Good evening, madame."
• [03:19] Countess Richola: "Thank you. Baudry."

---

2. The First Encounter: Dinner with Count Estefan (05:00 - 10:30)

Countess Richola meets Rudolph Estefan for dinner, where their chemistry is evident despite the underlying tension of espionage.

• [07:45] Narrator (Estefan): "Catherine, I offer you the three things most dear to me. My heart, my country and my dream."

Their conversation reveals mutual attraction, yet both are acutely aware of their hidden agendas.

• [10:01] Countess Richola: "I mean just that."

The interplay between their personal feelings and professional duties begins to complicate their mission.

---

3. Rising Tensions and Conflicted Emotions (10:30 - 15:30)

As the evening progresses, Estefan discloses deeper emotions and the political stakes involved, while Countess Richola grapples with her loyalty to her nation versus her feelings for Estefan.

• [12:07] Narrator (Estefan): "That's not the way to look at it, Catherine."
• [12:09] Countess Richola: "You weren't so wise after all. Because you've lost."

Their dialogue intensifies, highlighting the internal and external conflicts faced by both characters.

---

4. Climax: The Confrontation (15:37 - 17:54)

The culmination of their emotional and ideological struggles leads to a dramatic confrontation. Countess Richola is forced to choose between her mission and her love, resulting in a tragic outcome.

• [15:57] Narrator (Estefan): "I love you, Katherine."
• [16:10] Countess Richola: "You're determined to die with a lie on your lips."

Estefan's demise and the subsequent actions solidify the episode's themes of sacrifice and betrayal.

---

Character Analysis

• Countess Richola: Embodies the conflict between duty and personal desire. Her intelligence and beauty make her a formidable spy, but her growing affection for Estefan complicates her mission.

• Rudolph Estefan: A charismatic and patriotic man torn between his love for Catherine and his commitment to his country. His internal struggle adds depth to his character, making him both vulnerable and resolute.

• Mr. Kolenkov: Represents authority and the pragmatic aspects of espionage. His interactions with Richola emphasize the high stakes of their mission.

• Albert: A supporting character who underscores the urgency and seriousness of the mission, providing assistance and conveying critical information.

---

Themes Explored

1. Love vs. Duty: The protagonists' struggle to balance personal emotions with national responsibilities is a central theme, driving the plot towards its tragic resolution.

2. Betrayal and Trust: The narrative delves into the complexities of trust in espionage, highlighting how deception can erode relationships and lead to unforeseen consequences.

3. Sacrifice: Both characters face significant sacrifices, showcasing the personal costs of serving one's country.

4. Identity and Deception: The masquerade motif underscores the dual lives led by spies, blurring the lines between their true selves and their undercover personas.

---

Notable Quotes and Attributions

• Mr. Kolenkov:

  • [02:29] "I understand."

• Rudolph Estefan:

  • [07:45] "Catherine, I offer you the three things most dear to me. My heart, my country and my dream."
  • [12:07] "That's not the way to look at it, Catherine."
  • [15:57] "I love you, Katherine."

• Countess Richola:

  • [10:26] "I will betray you."
  • [11:17] "If I betray you, I betray myself at the same time."
  • [16:10] "You're determined to die with a lie on your lips."

These quotes highlight pivotal moments of character development and plot progression, encapsulating the emotional and narrative stakes.

---

Conclusion

"Dangerously Yours: Masquerade" captivates listeners with its intricate plot and well-developed characters, staying true to the rich storytelling of the Golden Age of Radio. The episode masterfully intertwines themes of love, duty, and betrayal, leading to a poignant and memorable conclusion. Through engaging dialogue and dramatic tension, Harold's Old Time Radio delivers a compelling narrative that resonates with both longtime fans and newcomers alike, reaffirming the timeless appeal of classic radio dramas.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Dangerously yours. Dangerously yours. A half hour of romance and adventure. Brought to you at this time each Sunday by the Vic Chemical Company. And today, bringing you a special short version of Masquerade, an exciting tale of espionage in The Budapest of 1915.

[Adventure]

I am adventure. In my name, men have traversed the highways, the byways, the skyways of the world. I have tramped the jungles with explorers. I have ridden the wilderness road on horseback and in covered wagons. I have gone 20,000 leagues under the seas. And as many leagues above them I have been the fire of Captain Kidd and Walter Raleigh and John Paul Jones and Francois Villon. That fire that burns in the heart of youth, that makes men dream and dare and conquer. I am the spirit of romantic adventure. I am dangerously yours today. Follow me to a dark room in the Europe of 25 years ago, where a woman sits looking across a desk into eyes that are focused on history. Masquerade.

[Mr. Kolenkov]

And so, my Countess Rashola, you have our reasons for choosing you for this mission. You are very young, you are clever, and you are very beautiful. Because of your youth, you should be exceptionally valuable to us.

[Countess Richola]

I am at your command. Excellent.

[Mr. Kolenkov]

From now on, you will forget my title. In all our communications, you will address me as Mr. Kolenkov. Now, let us get on to facts. I hope the Count will not be too difficult. For you is a shrewd man. When you have obtained our information, you will conceal the message in this silver pencil. Send it to me immediately. Trust no one. We rely on your discussion.

[Countess Richola]

I understand.

[Mr. Kolenkov]

Well, now. In these papers you will find all the necessary information about Count Estefan. It has already been arranged just how you will meet him. Tonight you will take the train to Budapest.

[Narrator]

Good evening, madame.

[Countess Richola]

Have my bag sent to suite 9 13.

[Narrator]

Yes, ma'am.

[Albert]

Calling Mr. Engram for Mr. England.

[Adventure]

Good evening, Countess Richola.

[Countess Richola]

Good evening.

[Narrator]

Welcome back, Countess Richola.

[Countess Richola]

Thank you. Baudry.

[Mr. Kolenkov]

Our table for one, Madame.

[Countess Richola]

Is Count Estefan dining?

[Mr. Kolenkov]

Oh, he's at the table by the window, madame.

[Countess Richola]

My dear, I can't imagine whatever possessed it to wear that head. I wouldn't.

[Narrator]

I told Benson my price was $5,000. This morning when I was riding in the park, I saw Duffy on the bridal car and he. I beg your pardon, madame.

[Countess Richola]

Here is the necklace and the rings and the bracelet you gave me. Luigi, take them back. I'm through.

[Narrator]

Just a moment, madame. You've made a Madame, wait.

[Adventure]

Can I be of service?

[Narrator]

Count Estefan, did you see the young lady who stopped at my table? Yes. She left these jewels. I don't understand. Do you know who she is?

[Adventure]

She is the Countess Richola. She's in suite 913.

[Narrator]

Just a moment, Madame. You have made a mistake. My name is not Luigi. I have never seen you or these girls before.

[Countess Richola]

I know. Won't you come in, Count Estefan?

[Narrator]

You. You know who I am?

[Countess Richola]

But of course. You were the most handsome man in the dining room. And I was very lonely, so I thought. Tonight I will have an adventure. I will make the acquaintance of the distinguished Count Estefan.

[Narrator]

How do you know my name?

[Countess Richola]

It was not difficult to find out.

[Narrator]

How did you know I wouldn't run off with your jewels?

[Countess Richola]

I took that chance. Besides, they're insured. Are you angry?

[Narrator]

No, I am not angry. If some kind fate wishes to send a beautiful lady to dine with me, I can only be grateful. You will do me the honor, won't you, Madame?

[Countess Richola]

I shall be delighted.

[Narrator]

What would you like for dinner?

[Countess Richola]

What does a count eat? Pheasants, wings and peacock's breasts. And what do you usually eat?

[Narrator]

What does a countess usually eat?

[Countess Richola]

Almost anything.

[Narrator]

Well, then, how about roast beef?

[Countess Richola]

All right.

[Adventure]

Step right up, face your down and watch mademoiselle in the red hat shoot the little clay pigeon.

[Narrator]

Step right up.

[Countess Richola]

I'll never be able to hit a thing.

[Narrator]

Don't let me down before all these people.

[Countess Richola]

I'll try. Good heavens.

[Adventure]

Hand the little lady down. A dancing doll.

[Narrator]

Look, Catherine, a shooting star. Did you wish?

[Countess Richola]

I didn't have time.

[Narrator]

And there is something you wish for?

[Countess Richola]

Yes.

[Narrator]

What did you wish?

[Countess Richola]

I was wishing that we were two other people. Two people who need not say goodbye.

[Narrator]

Perhaps it can be that way.

[Albert]

Forgive me, your lordship, but I'm not easy in my mind about this business. I wish you would and go to see that woman tonight, sir.

[Narrator]

How could I stay away, Albert, for the first time in my life, I'm completely head over heels in love.

[Albert]

Can't.

[Narrator]

Estefan, I know what you're thinking. I have a mission to perform and I have no right to fall in love. But things don't always work out the way we'd like to have them work out.

[Albert]

Oh, I don't know what's to come of all this, sir.

[Narrator]

No, Albert, neither do I. Neither do I. But perhaps we shall find out tonight.

[Maid]

Catherine, I have received a message for you from Mr. Kalinkov.

[Countess Richola]

What is it?

[Maid]

He said that you must obtain our information immediately that you've taken too long. You have to get it tonight.

[Countess Richola]

Tonight?

[Maid]

Mr. Kelenkov has been lenient with you because this is your first mission. But he will not be lenient any longer. It is not wise to anger Mr. Kalinkov. He is a dangerous enemy. Forgive me, Catherine. I was sent to serve you as a maid, not to give you advice.

[Countess Richola]

You're right. Don't worry. The mission will be completed tonight.

[Maid]

You have the silver pencil?

[Countess Richola]

Yes.

[Maid]

Then I will wait for you at the appointed place. Do not fail us. The mission will be completed tonight.

[Narrator]

Catherine, I offer you the three things most dear to me. My heart, my country and my dream.

[Countess Richola]

You are too generous.

[Narrator]

Catherine, you must listen to me. Since that first hour we met, I've been completely yours. There's never been anyone else for me. There never will.

[Countess Richola]

Oh, please. Please don't say anymore. There are worlds between us. Worlds that can't be bridged with words.

[Narrator]

You said one night that you wished we were two different people. I think you may have that wish, Catherine.

[Countess Richola]

What do you mean?

[Narrator]

Only that my country is close to its victory and may not need so much of my service any longer.

[Countess Richola]

Close to victory?

[Narrator]

I'm going to tell you something tonight, Catherine. Something that will put my life in your hands.

[Countess Richola]

Your life?

[Narrator]

It would mean my life? Were the news to get to certain circles, yes.

[Countess Richola]

Then don't tell me. How do you know you can trust me?

[Narrator]

I love you. And I believe you love me.

[Countess Richola]

You're quite wrong. This has been only an adventure to me.

[Narrator]

That isn't true, Catherine.

[Countess Richola]

It is true. You smiled at me. I was flattered. It was an adventure for a holiday mood.

[Narrator]

You may as well take my heart, Catherine. It's already full of you. You walked into it the day we met.

[Countess Richola]

You're a fool, Rudolph Estefan.

[Narrator]

Oh, but isn't any man who falls in love? Do you know what you are to me? You're something to believe in again. You're a type of person that had ceased to exist for me. A fine and honest woman.

[Countess Richola]

Oh, my darling, you're such a child. Take your foolish little dream in your heart and go. Please.

[Narrator]

Go. What is it? What's wrong?

[Countess Richola]

My dear, you know nothing about me. You've known me only three weeks.

[Narrator]

Three weeks? Catherine, I've known you all my life.

[Countess Richola]

All your life?

[Narrator]

True. I've seen you in a thousand plays, read you in as many books. When I've heard beautiful music. I've thought she'd like that. I've looked at flowers and known that one day I'd give them to you.

[Countess Richola]

Oh, stop. Stop. You must listen to me. I'm not that woman. Perhaps I was once, but I'm not now. You see, you were wrong. You can't trust me?

[Narrator]

Are you trying to tell me that someone whose name we both know and won't mention sent you?

[Countess Richola]

What are you saying?

[Narrator]

You see, I've known all along. I had Albert look you up the day you arrived.

[Countess Richola]

And didn't make any difference.

[Narrator]

It didn't make any difference. You see, I trust you. You came here to betray me and to betray my country. That is your mission, Countess Richola. And yet I am so sure of your love that I will trust you with my life. And what is far more valuable, the.

[Countess Richola]

Life of my country, I will betray you.

[Narrator]

If you do, you will betray yourself at the same time.

[Countess Richola]

Yes. Yes, I know.

[Narrator]

So you shall know my secret. Even now, as we sit here, there is a great network growing tighter around the foremost nations of the world. Treaties, pacts, alliances being formed against the man who sent you. Tonight, I will sign a pact that will set the wheels in motion to destroy him.

[Countess Richola]

Destroy him? No.

[Narrator]

He's made a great many mistakes. The greatest of all was sending you here, Catherine.

[Countess Richola]

Why?

[Narrator]

He knew I should love you. But he did not guess that you would fall in love with me.

[Countess Richola]

No, he didn't guess that.

[Narrator]

Then you do see that you cannot betray him.

[Countess Richola]

If I betray you, I betray myself. If I betray him, I betray my country. My country is very dear to me.

[Narrator]

Dearer than I?

[Countess Richola]

No, no, not dearer than you.

[Narrator]

Then will you help me defeat him?

[Countess Richola]

Help you defeat him?

[Narrator]

By telling me his plans? That's the only way I can hope to defeat him. We can't both win. You'll see, Catherine.

[Countess Richola]

I'm beginning to see.

[Narrator]

And you will help me?

[Countess Richola]

By giving you any information I may possess concerning our plans.

[Narrator]

Yes.

[Countess Richola]

You're very clever, aren't you? Oh, I can read you like a book now. You thought I was young and easily swayed. That you could make me love you and I would throw over my country, my duty, for you.

[Narrator]

That's not the way to look at it, Catherine.

[Countess Richola]

You weren't so wise after all. Because you've lost. You hear me? Lost. You guessed wrong. In our little duel of wits, you forgot how close hate is to love.

[Narrator]

You don't know what you're saying.

[Countess Richola]

You never loved me. You knew that I loved you, and you used that.

[Narrator]

Catherine, stop talking like a child. We're playing for countries now.

[Countess Richola]

Yes, we are, aren't we? This is a gun in my hand, Rudolph. I'd advise you to be careful what you say.

[Narrator]

Well, rather melodramatic, aren't you? Tell me, will I be the seventh notch on the gun or the eighth. Do you mind if I smoke?

[Countess Richola]

Smoke?

[Narrator]

I always smoke at the theater. Somehow it enhances the performance.

[Countess Richola]

You can do anything you please, Rudolph, but you have very little time to do it in.

[Narrator]

You mean you're actually going to kill me?

[Countess Richola]

I mean just that.

[Narrator]

Well, go ahead.

[Countess Richola]

I'll do this my own way. Look, you already know my purpose in being here. Now, you will either give me my information or I will kill you. You have until 9:00.

[Narrator]

You won't do it. You can't pull the trigger. You can't pull it because you love me. It takes a very brave and a very cold woman to do that, Catherine. I don't think you can. Isn't that true? Isn't that why you're waiting?

[Countess Richola]

That's not true.

[Narrator]

Or is it that you want to watch your victim? You want my heart to constrict with agony, my hands to shake? You want me to plead for my life so you can make a generous gesture and spare me? Sorry, Catherine. I don't seem to be in the mood for prayers tonight.

[Countess Richola]

You don't think I'll do it. That's why you're so brave. You don't think I'll do it. You wouldn't be so brave otherwise. You're a coward at heart. You lied to me. You deceived me.

[Narrator]

You try to deceive me.

[Countess Richola]

I'm tired of listening to you.

[Narrator]

You gave me your heart. You know you'd like me to hand it back whole again. But I won't. You live a long time yet, Catherine. An eternity without me. You will look into the faces of passersby, hoping for something that will, for an instant, bring me back to you. You will find moonlit nights strangely empty. Because when you call my name through them, there will be no answer. Always your heart will be aching for me. And your mind will give you the doubtful consolation that you did a brave thing.

[Countess Richola]

You dare to talk of bravery?

[Narrator]

What else do we have to talk about, Catherine? For me, there will never be another woman but you. But for my heart, there is another love that must come before you. My country. You are so still. Your face is like ice. What are you thinking, Katherine?

[Countess Richola]

What does anything you can say matter? You betrayed me with words. What good are words? Your heart is breaking. If I fail now, I should deserve to die. You tricked me into loving you.

[Narrator]

Aren't you forgetting that you came here for the same purpose?

[Countess Richola]

I couldn't have betrayed you. I tried to tell you. You said you already knew. I was as honest as I knew how to Be.

[Narrator]

Do you think I wanted to love you, knowing where you came from and what your mission was? Don't you suppose that every hour we were together I was thinking, she's just pretending.

[Countess Richola]

I wasn't loved you.

[Narrator]

And I loved you so much. I let you pretend because you brought something to my days I couldn't stand the thought of losing. Listen to your heart, Catherine. Feel it pounding.

[Countess Richola]

Your time is up.

[Narrator]

Then my last words. I love you, Katherine.

[Countess Richola]

You're determined to die with a lie on your lips.

[Narrator]

I love you, Catherine.

[Countess Richola]

Oh, God.

[Narrator]

Albert. Albert, where are you?

[Albert]

Sir, I heard a shot.

[Narrator]

Help me up. I'll be all right. Help me up.

[Albert]

Oh. I knew you should never have come here. I'll get a dog.

[Narrator]

No, no, no, no, no. It's too late.

[Albert]

I waited right by the door like you told me to. Sir, the other woman went downstairs about 10 minutes ago. Please let me get a doctor, sir.

[Narrator]

No, no, I. I want you to send a message, though. At once. The usual destination? Yes, sir. Kalenkov. The masquerade is over. X32 reports that Countess Richolin is trustworthy and loyal. You may entrust in her care any documents. She will not betray you. Report. Case 255 closed. X32 conceal it as usual, Albert, in the silver pencil.

[Albert]

Please, let me call her back. You must tell her the truth before it's. Before it's too late.

[Narrator]

Tell her the truth. Tell her the truth so that she will watch the stars through tears instead of following the one cold star that is her destiny. No, no, Albert. Let her think I never loved her. One day she will follow a flag to the same fate as mine. We must leave her the strength. For that.

[Adventure]

I am Adventure. Today you have shared the adventure of masquerade with me. Next week I bring you Jungle Harvest. Take you to the tropic paradise of Samburan to share the adventure of a gentle, peace loving man suddenly forced to pit his wits against the sinister and the dangerous in order to save his own life and the life of the girl he loves. Until then, I am dangerously yours.