Europe Confidential 57-10-10 (31) Blackmailed Spy Affair

Summary

Podcast Summary: Europe Confidential 57-10-10 (31) Blackmailed Spy Affair

Podcast Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Europe Confidential 57-10-10 (31) Blackmailed Spy Affair
Release Date: April 12, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

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Introduction

In the episode titled "Blackmailed Spy Affair", listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio, immersing them in a thrilling espionage narrative set against the backdrop of World War II Europe. Hosted by Basil Rathbone, the story follows Mike Canoy, a Paris correspondent for a prominent American newspaper, as he becomes entangled in a perilous spy mission fraught with deception, danger, and high-stakes intrigue.

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Characters

• Mike Canoy (Lionel Merton): The protagonist, a seasoned newspaper correspondent unexpectedly thrust into the world of espionage.
• Captain Smith (General): Mike's irascible commanding officer who harbors a disdain for journalists.
• General Reynal: A high-ranking agent involved in covert operations.
• George Beaton (Monsieur Racine): An old acquaintance of Mike, operating within Istanbul's clandestine circles.
• Ms. Grinnell: A skilled female agent suspected of being coerced by German forces.
• Julie: Ms. Grinnell's younger sister, a potential target of espionage manipulation.
• Gerhardt: An antagonist affiliated with the German Embassy in Istanbul.

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Plot Summary

1. _The Unexpected Assignment (00:45 - 06:19)_**

The episode opens with Captain Smith reprimanding Mike Canoy, emphasizing that his role in espionage is deemed "expendable" (03:17). Despite Mike's background as a journalist, he is coerced into a covert mission to uncover the whereabouts of a critical German rocket factory. The general outlines Mike's mission parameters, highlighting his "celebrated aptitude for the opposite sex" and "knowledge of Europe" as reasons for his selection (07:44).

2. _Journey to Istanbul (10:45 - 17:16)_**

Mike departs from Lisbon, where he enjoys a brief respite, before arriving in Istanbul under false pretenses. He reconnects with an old friend, George Beaton, in a nightclub that serves as a front for espionage activities. Their conversation reveals the precarious situation involving Ms. Grinnell and her sister Julie, who are being manipulated by German forces. Mike attempts to leverage information about the German Embassy to gain access and manipulate the situation to his advantage (18:05).

3. _Confrontation and Escape (17:42 - 24:41)_**

Within the German Embassy, Mike confronts the General (Ms. Grinnell) about her sister Julie's predicament. A tense standoff ensues, culminating in a dramatic escape attempt where Julie is forced to jump from a window to evade German guards. This scene underscores the high stakes and personal risks involved in Mike's mission (24:05).

4. _Resolution and Recognition (25:18 - 26:35)_**

Upon returning, Captain Smith informs Mike that the intel he provided has successfully disrupted the German rocket factory operations. Although Mike expected recognition, Smith downplays his contributions, highlighting the impersonal and expendable nature of his role within the military hierarchy. Nonetheless, Mike receives an address to return his tailored suits, implying the mission's closure and his removal from active duty (25:21).

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Key Scenes with Notable Quotes

• Captain Smith on Espionage and Expendability (03:17 - 03:30):

  Captain Smith: "Because you do not matter at all. That is why. Because they do not care what happens to you one little bit. Because you are, how do you say? Expendable."

• Mike's Reflection on Military and Journalism (05:31 - 07:15):

  Mike Canoy: "The whole thing was very cloak and dagger."

• Dialogue on the Nature of Espionage (08:03 - 08:20):

  Agent: "Don't call me sir. Remember, this isn't the army. Not strictly speaking, no. This is another show. What do you think of spying?"
  Mike Canoy: "Well, I don't know. I never tried."

• Confrontation with General Reynal (20:16 - 20:45):

  Mike Canoy: "Fact one, you know where that rocket factory really is. Fact two, I know where your kid's sister really is. And fact three, get me that rocket factory and I'll deliver Julie."

• Dramatic Escape Scene (24:23 - 24:41):

  Mike Canoy: "There's the window."
  Narrator: "Put that gun down."
  Mike Canoy: "Look out below. Julie, I'm coming after you."

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Insights and Themes

1. _The Blurring Lines Between Journalism and Espionage:_
Mike Canoy's transition from a journalist to a spy highlights the precarious balance between unbiased reporting and the murky waters of intelligence work. His skills as a correspondent—keen observation, networking, and communication—are repurposed for clandestine operations.

2. _Expendability in Warfare:_
Captain Smith's blunt assertion of Mike's expendability underscores a recurring theme in wartime narratives: the individual's value versus the greater strategic objectives. It raises questions about loyalty, personal sacrifice, and the dehumanizing aspects of military hierarchy.

3. _Manipulation and Deception:_
The episode delves into the tactics of manipulation, especially through the characters of Ms. Grinnell and her sister Julie. The use of blackmail and coercion by the Germans illustrates the ethical ambiguities inherent in spycraft.

4. _Personal Sacrifice for the Greater Good:_
Mike's willingness to risk his safety for vital intelligence speaks to the sacrifices individuals make in service of a larger cause. His actions, driven by a sense of duty and curiosity, highlight the personal costs associated with espionage.

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Conclusion

"Blackmailed Spy Affair" delivers a compelling espionage tale that intertwines personal vendettas, high-stakes missions, and the ever-present danger of war. Through Mike Canoy's journey, listeners are exposed to the intricate dance of loyalty, deceit, and survival that defines the life of a spy. The episode masterfully captures the essence of old-time radio dramas, offering suspenseful storytelling complemented by memorable dialogues and dramatic twists.

For those unfamiliar with the series, this episode stands as a testament to the enduring allure of spy adventures, blending historical context with timeless themes of courage and resilience.

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Timestamps Referenced:

• 03:17 - Captain Smith discussing Mike's expendability.
• 05:31 - Mike reflecting on cloak and dagger operations.
• 08:03 - Conversation on the nature of spying.
• 20:16 - Mike presenting facts to General Reynal.
• 24:23 - Climactic escape scene with Julie.

Transcript

[Stiles MacKenzie]

We interrupt this program to bring you an important Wayfair message. Wayfair's got style tips for every home. This is Styles MacKenzie helping you make those rooms sing. Today's style tip when it comes to making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals. Go wild like an untamed animal. Print area rug under a rustic farmhouse table. From wayfair.com fierce this has been your Wayfair style tip to keep those interiors superior. Wayfair Every style, Every home.

[Narrator]

Presenting the world's greatest mysteries. And now your host.

[Basil Rathbone]

This is Basil Rathbone. In drama and fiction, newspaper men are invariably tough, hard boiled characters. In real life, this is. Well, it's not necessarily true, although several newspaper men I've known were as colorful as anything fiction has ever had to offer. Mike, whom you'll meet in a moment, is based on a real person who actually works for the European edition of a famous American newspaper. Not only is the character real, but, well, many of the stories which Mike tells are also based on fact. The tale you're going to hear today, for instance, you may even recognize from the headlines in your newspaper of, well, not so long ago. In a moment, Mike will introduce you to another mystery solved and signed with his own unmistakable trademark. Europe Confidential.

[Narrator]

Presenting Europe Confidential.

[General]

Why have they sent you, Mike? Because you are so experienced in espionage?

[Mike Canoy]

Well, of course not. That isn't the reason.

[General]

Then you know, Mike, you know why people like you are sent on missions like this?

[Mike Canoy]

No, I can't say I do.

[General]

Because you do not matter at all. That is why. Because they do not care what happens to you one little bit. Because you are, how do you say? Expendable.

[Narrator]

In a moment, we'll bring you Lionel Merton as Mike Canoy, the Paris correspondent of a famous American newspaper. In another exciting story in our series, Europe Confidential. SA.

[Mike Canoy]

I write a column called Europe Confidential for the Paris edition of an American paper. It's a strange thing, but the army and I never got along very well together. Somehow I never rose above the rank of private. And maybe it was because the brass hats and I never quite saw eye to eye. Well, this story I want to tell you is about my same old European beat. But switch the clock back a few years, 1943, to be precise. And picture private detention before a certain general who is about as happy as a nature lover in the wintertime. And the reason for his happiness. Yeah, yours truly.

[Captain Smith]

I don't know why they don't take you out of here and put you behind a newspaper desk as a soldier. You're about the Worst I have in my army.

[Mike Canoy]

Well, thank you, General. Nice to have confirmation.

[Captain Smith]

You mean you agree?

[Mike Canoy]

No, sir. I mean your officers have been telling me that ever since we hit the English coast.

[Captain Smith]

Trouble with you newspaper guys, you don't know the meaning of discipline.

[Mike Canoy]

Sir, I'd like to see you in the City Room of the Chronicle. Making us slope typewriters, you'd be a riot.

[Captain Smith]

I'd like you to remember I am your commanding officer.

[Mike Canoy]

Yes, sir. Would the fact that you don't like me as a soldier have anything to do with the fact that we worked for rival newspapers back home? That I once scooped you on a very important assignment?

[Captain Smith]

Nothing at all. The newspaper business is a long way behind me. The army's my career now.

[Mike Canoy]

Yes, sir. Now, listen.

[Captain Smith]

You report to the address on this slip of paper. It's a tailor on Saville Road. The tailor has his instructions. He's to make you three suits, including the full suit and fish and the whole outfit. So it'll be ready in 48 hours.

[Mike Canoy]

What?

[Captain Smith]

Wait a minute. It gets worse. You go to the Savoy Hotel. You know where that is?

[Mike Canoy]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Smith]

A room is reserved there for you. You'll register as a civilian. For purposes of cutting red tape, you're going to be a civilian. But here are your papers. You'll be taking a trip. Ready soon. Yes. We're sending you away from all these bombs. Isn't that awful?

[Mike Canoy]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Smith]

I wish we were dropping you by parachute into Beckta Skadden. But as it is, you're going to a nice, cozy, neutral country to have a long visit with a beautiful girl. It's discouraging. I tell you, this whole army is as nutty as a fruitcake. I didn't say that, did I?

[Mike Canoy]

No, sir, you didn't.

[Captain Smith]

Yes. The Allied Command is sending you on a holiday. And you're traveling as a civilian with the rank of a full colonel.

[Mike Canoy]

That's what I mean about brass. An unfriendly attitude. Unnecessary, I call it. Since we were old newspaper buddies, why couldn't the general have been nice? Well, if he was, I guess he wouldn't have been a general. Of course, if you look at it that way, I was going to have to begin changing my loyalties. Because according to my papers, I was part of the brass now myself. I got my new suits and then they sent me to see a certain Captain Smith. I don't think that was his real name. He was something very high in the Hush hush department. Was all set up for midnight on the right side of Cleopatra's Needle. Oh, I can tell you. The whole thing was very cloak and dagger.

[Agent]

I said, could you give me a light?

[Mike Canoy]

We're not supposed to shove a light.

[Agent]

That's correct. What was in the bottle?

[Mike Canoy]

Jenkins ear put out.

[Agent]

How did Morgan die?

[Mike Canoy]

He died a governor.

[Agent]

Splendid. All the answers perfectly correct. Silly questions. What? Silly answers, too, come to think of it. The silliness makes it easier to remember, I always think.

[Mike Canoy]

All right, if you say so, Captain Smith.

[Agent]

Let's get down to cases. We have borrowed you from your people because of your special qualification. Languages. Looks, a certain rather celebrated aptitude for the opposite sex. And a fair share of unmitigated gall. Plus a knowledge of Europe and some of the people you'll be meeting.

[Mike Canoy]

Yes, sir.

[Agent]

Don't call me sir. Remember, this isn't the army. Not strictly speaking, no. This is another show. What do you think of spying?

[Mike Canoy]

Well, I don't know. I never tried.

[Agent]

It's a dirty business, of course. Absolutely filthy. Then it's a profession like anything else.

[Mike Canoy]

Yeah, I suppose so.

[Agent]

For one thing, the pay is abominable. That's why so many of the regular pros turn double agent on us. You know what a double agent is, don't you?

[Mike Canoy]

Well, yeah, I guess so. An agent who sells out to another power.

[Agent]

Yes. They're on to most of that lot, of course. We use them when we can, but it's always sticky. No doubt about that. Sticky.

[Mike Canoy]

Another one of those V2s that was.

[Agent]

In Chelsea, I'd say. Appalling weapons, aren't they? Guided missiles?

[Mike Canoy]

Yeah.

[Agent]

I'll tell you something, because it's going to be part of your job. This V2 is nothing. Jerry is getting ready with some. Something a great deal worse in the same line. About 10 times worse, according to our information. Yes. Somewhere in Europe, more than 100ft underground, there's a factory where they're busy perfecting quite a new thing. We have got to stop them. Want to help?

[Mike Canoy]

Well, sure, but how?

[Agent]

Your work has to do with an agent of ours working in Istanbul. You didn't ever happen to meet a female named Greenall, did you?

[Mike Canoy]

No, I don't think so.

[Agent]

Reddish blonde, sometimes auburn grey eyes rather tall, Speaks eight languages perfectly. Five or six more well enough. She's been a professional agent for more than 15 years. Good at her work, too. Yes, she's been quite valuable to us, off and on. This, it appears, is one of the off times. Oh, very much off. She was due to send us something rather important, you know. I gave you a hint about that.

[Mike Canoy]

You mean this new Rocket factory. Grinol has the information about where it is, and she won't send it.

[Agent]

Worse, she's given us false information. We think the Germans have some sort of hold over her. Blackmail or something beastly. We'd like you to see if you can't get some sort of line on just what it is. We don't really expect you to succeed, but go down and have a try, won't you?

[Mike Canoy]

Yeah, but what do I do? Where do I go?

[Agent]

You'll receive sealed instructions when you get on the plane. Details, background, all that sort of thing.

[Mike Canoy]

But look.

[Agent]

See that car across the way?

[Mike Canoy]

Yeah.

[Agent]

It's waiting to take you to the airport. Well, good hunting.

[Mike Canoy]

Hey, pilot. Pilot.

[Narrator]

Yes?

[Mike Canoy]

That doesn't look like the Bosphorus to me.

[Narrator]

No, it doesn't at that.

[Mike Canoy]

Looks like the Atlantic Ocean.

[Narrator]

Yes, it does, doesn't it?

[Mike Canoy]

But don't you know what it says in my instructions?

[Narrator]

Oh, mustn't tell that. You know, those instructions are supposed to be secret.

[Mike Canoy]

That's all very well, but I'm under orders to proceed to Istanbul. And here we are in. Where are we anyway?

[Narrator]

Well, this flight isn't part of your show at all. We just happen to be carrying you, if you see what I mean. A little out of your way, of course, but there's an awful lot of red tape attached to getting in and out of these neutral countries.

[Mike Canoy]

Yeah, but look, my instructions.

[Narrator]

Don't worry. There's bound to be someone of our chaps waiting to take you the rest of your journey tomorrow morning. Meanwhile, relax and enjoy Lisbon. We're coming in now.

[Mike Canoy]

Oh, so that's where we are.

[Captain Smith]

Yes.

[Narrator]

Better fasten your seat belt. Wizard place, Lisbon.

[Mike Canoy]

Sure enough, they had me all fixed up for a flight to Turkey in the morning. Well, I wasn't complaining. There weren't any rockets falling on Lisbon. And anyway, it's always been one of my favorite places for having a good time. I checked into the hotel, changed into my new white tie and tails, and took a cab out to the casino at Estoril.

[General]

Come on, vacuum.

[Mike Canoy]

Genevieve, what are you doing in Lisbon?

[General]

Oh, my dear, in this city, there are two things we try to avoid. The first is never unless it is absolutely necessary to address a friend by name. After all, you know, one's name may not be one's name anymore.

[Mike Canoy]

All right, honey, but what's the second rule?

[General]

It is a more strict one. We observe it very carefully.

[Mike Canoy]

Fine, but you can't expect me to obey the law if I don't know it.

[General]

You asked me what I was doing in this country. Oh, that's it, Sherry. No matter what the provocation, we never, never, under any circumstances ask each other what we are doing in Lisbon.

[Mike Canoy]

Well, I'm perfectly willing to tell you what I'm doing.

[General]

Oh, don't bother.

[Mike Canoy]

Why not? I've got a good job. Oh? Yep. I represent the biggest Swedish manufacturers of ball bearings. And tomorrow I'm going up to Stockholm.

[General]

To Stockholm? By way of Istanbul.

[Mike Canoy]

You mean you now.

[General]

Oh, Sherry. In Lisbon these days, everyone knows everything about everybody. And no one asks anybody anything. The first is the question of pride, and the second, polite. Oh, it's very warm in here. Shall we go out on the terrace?

[Mike Canoy]

Am I allowed to answer that one, or must I tell you in code? What are we allowed to talk about now?

[General]

Why should we talk?

[Mike Canoy]

That's true. Why should we?

[General]

It was a nice kiss. You still do that very nicely, Mike.

[Mike Canoy]

But what's the joke?

[General]

You're such a terrible spy.

[Mike Canoy]

Yeah, I guess I am at that.

[General]

Now, listen, Mike, I've always liked you. I am not working for your people, but I know what you are up to. Don't go to Istanbul.

[Mike Canoy]

Well, I haven't got any choice, honey. But I think I'd go anyway. You know me, curious as a cat. Why shouldn't I go?

[General]

They put you onto something terribly big, Mike. Terribly important.

[Mike Canoy]

Well, that's very flattering, isn't it? Tell me, what do you know about a woman called Grinol?

[General]

Oh, she's been an agent a long time. I do not know her, but I have seen her. Once in St. Moritz and again in Deauville. Please, Mike, do not go to Istanbul. It is not a woman, Reynal. It is a situation. I tell you, it is too big for an amateur. It is too big for anyone.

[Mike Canoy]

Maybe. But I am a lousy soldier. This is more like the old newspaper days. They've at least given me a chance to handle this deal.

[General]

And why? Why have they sent you, Max? Because you are so experienced in espionage?

[Mike Canoy]

Of course not. That isn't the reason.

[General]

Then you know, Max. You know why people like you are sent on missions like this?

[Mike Canoy]

No, I can't say I do.

[General]

Because you do not matter at all. That is why. Because they do not care what happens to you one little bit. Because you are, oh, how do you say? Expendable.

[Stiles MacKenzie]

We interrupt this program to bring you an important Wayfair message. Wayfair's got style tips for every home. This is Stiles MacKenzie helping you make those rooms sing. Today's style tip. When it comes to making A statement. Treat bold patterns like neutrals. Go wild like an untamed animal. Print area rug under a rustic farmhouse table. From wayfair.com fierce this has been your Wayfair style tip to keep those interiors superior.

[General]

Wayfair.

[Stiles MacKenzie]

Every style, every home.

[Narrator]

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[Mike Canoy]

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[Mike Canoy]

21/ Terms and Conditions apply. Well, I was on my way and I'd been warned. Promptly at 6 the following morning, we took off from Lisbon Airport and made Istanbul in good time and without incident. Well, when you're on a story assignment and you don't know where to start, what do you do first? That's right. You look up some old friends. Which was why. Around 11 o'clock that night, once again in the white tie and tails, I made my way to Georgette's, an upholstered sewer masquerading as a nightclub. I left my top hat with a Czech girl and called for the head waiter.

[Agent]

Good evening, sir. You are alone, monsieur? Perhaps I can get my nearer table near the floor. Seigneur.

[Mike Canoy]

Where's Georgette?

[General]

I beg pardon?

[Mike Canoy]

Come on, you heard me. Georgette.

[Agent]

Georgette.

[Mike Canoy]

Yes. Where is he?

[General]

There's no one here by that name, sir. Unless possibly you are referring to Monsieur Racine.

[Mike Canoy]

I wouldn't know unless. Mr. Racine used to be doing an act on a trapeze dressed like a girl in a blonde wig. Of course, that's a long time ago in Berlin.

[General]

I have never in all my life traveled outside of Istanbul.

[Agent]

I wouldn't.

[Mike Canoy]

But why all this hocus pocus and the mystery? Georgette's real name was George Beaton. Why I'm standing here telling you the story of your boss's life? I don't know. Look, wait a minute, I'll tell you. I hadn't bothered to show you the color of the bell. Here it is. This is for you.

[Agent]

Oh, thank you, sir.

[General]

Thank you. Please come this way. Through here, sir.

[Mike Canoy]

Thanks.

[General]

If you will step through the kitchen, sir.

[Agent]

Here we are. Excuse me.

[I]

Yes? What is It.

[General]

There is a gentleman here who says he knows you.

[I]

Oh, yes?

[Mike Canoy]

And who. Hiya, George. Mike.

[I]

Well, for Pete's sake, don't you think.

[Mike Canoy]

We'D better be alone?

[I]

Leave us alone.

[General]

Yes.

[I]

Well, Mike, it's been a long time.

[Mike Canoy]

Yes, it has. You're getting fat, old boy. You're also getting rich.

[I]

Not so fat, Mike, and not so rich.

[Mike Canoy]

How's the opium rug?

[I]

Now, Mike, you know I don't have a monkey with that stuff. You newspaper guys are all the same. Just when the man thinks you're a real pal, you start the old snoop. What are you after?

[Mike Canoy]

Information. And I'm willing to pay for it with money. With money. And top market price, too. You know an agent called Grinnell?

[I]

Suppose I did.

[Mike Canoy]

Who's shaking her down?

[I]

Who wants to know?

[Mike Canoy]

People with the dough, George. 500 English pounds.

[I]

I could use it.

[Mike Canoy]

All right, Georgie boy, let's get down to cases, eh?

[I]

Grinol? She's a good looker. She has a sister.

[Mike Canoy]

Oh, is that it?

[I]

A younger sister called Julie. Mm.

[Mike Canoy]

Where is she now?

[I]

She's in Istanbul, too. But she isn't free to move around very much. You might say she's a guest at a certain embassy.

[Mike Canoy]

What embassy?

[I]

I prefer not to use proper names, Mike.

[Mike Canoy]

Okay, I can guess. The sister's being held in the German embassy. How long do they figure they can keep her?

[I]

Your guess is as good as mine. I'd say for as long as Grinol herself can deforce the function effectively.

[Mike Canoy]

You mean as a double agent?

[Agent]

Of course.

[I]

She must have got onto something good. And the Germans must be particularly anxious for her not to spill it. They're probably hoping to use her to lead your people just as far away from the truth as possible and for as long as possible.

[Mike Canoy]

And what happens when Grenall gets tired of cooperating?

[I]

She's very fond of that kid sister.

[Mike Canoy]

Yeah, but what happens to her finally, to Julie, I mean? They knock her off, won't they?

[I]

Yes, I should think so. Oh, Mike, it's been pleasant meeting you. Goodbye.

[General]

Yes.

[Mike Canoy]

What is it, Ms. Grinnell? What do you want? I came here to see you about Captain Jenkins.

[General]

What about him?

[Mike Canoy]

His ear is in a bottle. Also, there's Governor Morgan.

[General]

Come in, come in. Okay, no need for all that rigamarole. I know who you are. You used to work on the American Chronicle in Marseille in 37. I met you once in Monte Carlo. Now they've sent you from London. What is your message?

[Mike Canoy]

Well, the message is supposed to come from you, Ms. Grennell. There's about 500 RAF planes waiting for the address of a certain rocket factory. The information is past due.

[General]

I've always given perfect satisfaction, my little.

[Mike Canoy]

Save it, honey. Let's cut the whole thing down to facts, eh? Fact one, you know where that rocket factory really is. Fact two, I know where your kid's sister really is. And fact three, get me that rocket factory and I'll deliver Julie.

[General]

How can you do that? There are over 60 people in the embassy. She's up on the third floor. There are armed guards.

[Mike Canoy]

Yes, they're giving a reception, aren't they? Tomorrow night.

[General]

Who?

[Mike Canoy]

The German Embassy. Honey. No, don't go stupid on me. I want an invitation.

[General]

But how can I do that?

[Mike Canoy]

You can do it. You're working for them, aren't you? They don't know me here. I've got a pocket full of papers to prove I'm an American businessman from Columbus, Ohio, interested in opening a factory. Here's the name. Get me an invitation for that party and get yourself two tickets for Switzerland. Leaves at 4:30 in the morning. Bring all the information on that rocket factory to the airport and I'll bring Julie. Well, goodbye now. Sorry, but I've got to run.

[General]

Where are you going?

[Mike Canoy]

You'd never guess. I'm going to play pinochle with the chief of the Turkish fire department. Goodbye for now.

[Narrator]

Good evening. My here. Mr. Cotton, isn't it? Yeah, I believe that is the name. Mr. Cotton.

[Mike Canoy]

Good evening, Mr. Ambassador. Very nice of you to invite me.

[Narrator]

It is our pleasure, Mr. Cotton. The chairman Reich is particularly interested in the development of industries.

[Mike Canoy]

Yes, indeed.

[Narrator]

I would like to put a few questions to you privately. Mr. Cutler, won't you please step this way?

[Mike Canoy]

Well, Mr. Ambassador, I. I won't keep you very long. Well, all right.

[Basil Rathbone]

Thank you.

[Narrator]

It is rash to talk serious business in this large public gathering. We will be much quieter in my study.

[Mike Canoy]

Yes, I dare say through him.

[Narrator]

Hey, Put up your hands, ay, and keep them there. This gentleman, as you can see, is armed. And this room is quite soundproof. He will not hesitate to use his gun.

[Mike Canoy]

Okay, now what happens?

[Narrator]

We will discuss that a bit later. Now I must return to my guests. I will be interested to learn why you were so stupid as to come here. I must say that in my entire diplomatic career I have never had anything made quite so simple for me. I will return later. Meanwhile, Gerhardt here will keep you company.

[Mike Canoy]

Well, Gerhardt, here we are.

[Agent]

Keep your hands up.

[Mike Canoy]

The Ambassador says I'm stupid. Gerhardt, you agree with him also?

[Agent]

Americans are stupid.

[Mike Canoy]

You think it would Be stupid of me to try and get that gun away from you, Gerhardt. Yeah, I suppose it would. But anyway, I'm gonna try. Sorry I only got you in the leg, old boy, but I never was much of a shot.

[Narrator]

Shrine.

[Mike Canoy]

Yeah. What I need today is to practice my marksmanship. And since this is such a nice soundproof room. What are you doing? What'll I try for, Gerhardt? An arm or another leg? No. All right then. Where's the girl? That was your right hand, wasn't it, Gerhardt? You see, my aim is getting better. It's practice that does it. Now let's try for a foot. No, no.

[Agent]

She's in there.

[Narrator]

Screw that door.

[Mike Canoy]

Okay, thanks. Julie. Julie.

[General]

What do you want?

[Mike Canoy]

I'm not one of the Nazis, Julie. You have to take my word for it. I'm your sister's friend.

[General]

Listen. They're coming.

[Mike Canoy]

We've just got time. Hold the door.

[General]

It won't do any good. This is the only way out.

[Mike Canoy]

There's the window.

[General]

Of no use.

[Mike Canoy]

Yeah, the window's locked, isn't it? Here, give me that chair.

[General]

I tell you it's no use.

[Mike Canoy]

One, two, three.

[General]

I tell you, it's hopeless. There'll be gardens on this side of the house. No one will hear. And besides, the embassy guards will be.

[Mike Canoy]

They're starting to break down the door. Jump, Julie.

[General]

Through the window?

[Mike Canoy]

Where else, you little fool?

[General]

It's four stories to the ground. I'll be killed.

[Mike Canoy]

Jump, Julie. Go on, jump.

[General]

Oh, very well. It doesn't matter. Perhaps it's better to die this way.

[Mike Canoy]

Oh, shut up and jump. That's a girl.

[Narrator]

Put that gun down.

[Mike Canoy]

Look out below. Julie, I'm coming after you.

[Narrator]

You wish to kill yourself?

[Mike Canoy]

Well, Mr. Ambassador, you told me I was stupid. Don't be the same. That night there was seen in the streets of Istanbul, one of the strangest sites in the history of that historic city. A procession of firemen bearing two bundles wrapped in canvas rushed out of the German compound and boarded a hook and ladder. Then out of the bundles, which were of course, firemen's jumping nets, there emerged two figures. There too. Mr. Bento, we take you to the airport and step on it.

[Captain Smith]

I've been reading your report. Very interesting.

[Mike Canoy]

Oh, thank you, sir.

[Captain Smith]

There's just one thing. Turkey is a neutral country. How did you manage to get all that cooperation from the fire department?

[Mike Canoy]

Well, I used persuasion, sir. You'll find it all down on the expense account.

[Captain Smith]

I thought you might like to know, Private, there was quite an air raid the other night over a certain Factory on the Baltic Sea. The Germans won't be making that new rocket, Private. Not for some time, anyway.

[Mike Canoy]

I'm glad to hear it, sir.

[Captain Smith]

And I suppose you think we owe the whole thing to you, don't you, Private? Well, we don't.

[Mike Canoy]

No, sir.

[Captain Smith]

That air raid was held three nights ago when you were in Lisbon. But Grannel wasn't the only source of information, not by a long shot. I'm instructed to tell you that the facts we were looking for were sent to us from Portugal from an agent by the name of Genevieve. However, the Allied command are very grateful for your help. They've asked me to give you this. Now, wait a minute. Where did I put it? Sometimes I think this isn't a war at all, but a grand convention of lunatics. I didn't say that, did I, Private?

[Mike Canoy]

No, sir, you didn't.

[Captain Smith]

No, I didn't think I did. Here you are. This is from the Allied Command with their compliments.

[Mike Canoy]

Thank you, sir. What is it?

[Captain Smith]

It's an address. They thought you might have lost it. It's that tailor in Savile Row. They want you to return the suits.

[Narrator]

You have been listening to Lionel Merton as Mike Kanoy in another exciting episode in the series Europe Confidential.

[Basil Rathbone]

This is Dazzle Rathbone again as Mike takes the copy out of his typewriter to file his story. Our play for today comes to an end. Well, goodbye now. Till we meet again to listen to another of the world's greatest mysteries.

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[Mike Canoy]

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