Man Called X 44-08-28 Murder, Music and a Blonde Madonna

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Man Called X 44-08-28: Murder, Music and a Blonde Madonna
Date: January 26, 2026
Host: Herbert Marshall (as Globe Theater Host)
Show: The Man Called X

---

Episode Overview

This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio revives a classic from the Golden Age of Radio, presenting an episode of The Man Called X titled "Murder, Music and a Blonde Madonna" (originally aired August 28, 1944). Set against a backdrop of wartime intrigue, the story follows international adventurer Ken Thurston as he unravels a murder mystery entwined with espionage, coded secrets, and a mysterious "Blonde Madonna."
The play combines suspense, romance, witty repartee, and post-war European atmosphere, catering to those who loved old-school radio adventures.

---

Major Discussion Points & Plot Summary

1. Introduction and Setup

• [00:08–01:02] Herbert Marshall opens the episode, introducing the Globe Theater’s mission to bring top-tier radio drama to Allied service members and setting the stage for tonight’s play.
• Marshall hypes up the thrill of playing a romantic adventurer and introduces "The Man Called X."

2. The Lounge & The Murder

• [02:41–05:23]
  • Ken Thurston and his fiancée Nancy are in a Manhattan cocktail lounge.
  • Thurston ogles a mysterious blonde, sparking witty banter with Nancy.
  • Thurston’s friend Bill Nesbit, a renowned chemist, appears, en route to Italy for mysterious "secret stuff."
  • Bill suddenly dies, suspected of poisoning.
  • Notable quote:

    “I have a hunch the police chemist will find it was full of poison.” — Ken Thurston ([05:25])

3. The Clue & Journey to Italy

• [05:45–06:31]
  • Thurston finds a cryptic note in Bill’s pocket: “Luigi Antonelli, Umbrati, Italy.”
  • He resolves to follow the trail, driven by loyalty to his murdered friend.

4. In Umbrati: Characters and Deception

• [07:13–11:05]
  • Thurston, accompanied by humorous sidekick Egon Zellsmith (posing as a peddler), investigates the village.
  • They attend Professor Antonelli’s funeral, noticing only two female mourners—a supposed niece and her mother.
  • Suspicion: Thurston recognizes the younger woman from the New York bar, contradicting Egon’s claims.

5. Palazzo Antonelli & The Poisoned Wine

• [11:05–17:04]
  • Thurston gains entry to the Antonelli family villa, where he is greeted by the women posing as Antonelli’s kin.
  • They offer wine; Thurston cleverly stages a refusal, suspecting it of being poisoned.
  • Quote:

    “You did not really think I was going to drink it, did you, Signore?” — Tina ([17:04])

  • A gun is drawn, Thurston is betrayed by Egon and tied up in the cellar.

6. Double-crosses and the Great Escape

• [17:15–19:57]
  • Egon, driven by financial opportunity, switches allegiances several times, ultimately releasing Thurston for a price.
  • Thurston retrieves a key from Egon and goes to rescue Antonelli.

7. The Hidden Code and The Real Villains

• [20:45–23:15]
  • Antonelli, feigning madness, confides in Thurston the truth:
    • The women are Gestapo agents.
    • The formula the Nazis want is hidden in a musical code only Antonelli can decipher.
  • Quote:

    “When a musician plays the tune in the key of E… a musical code.” — Antonelli ([23:03])

8. Confrontation and Resolution

• [23:23–24:47]
  • The Gestapo agents try to abduct Antonelli to Germany.
  • Antonelli, momentarily tempted by revenge, is talked down by Thurston:

    “Let’s not use their tactics. There will be judges for them. Judges made up of your own people.” — Ken Thurston ([24:38])

  • Antonelli and Thurston subdue the villains.

9. Wrap-up and Epilogue

• [24:57–25:19]
  • The plot’s mystery is explained to Egon, who wonders about the secret.
  • Thurston hints at the formula without revealing it; the code remains safe.

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• Romantic Banter:

  "I look at other women only to remind myself that not one of them can compare with you, my sweet."
  — Ken Thurston to Nancy ([02:50])

• Sudden Suspicion and Dark Humor:

  "Don’t wash that glass he was drinking from. I have a hunch the police chemist will find it was full of poison."
  — Ken Thurston ([05:25])

• Clever Parrying with Villains:

  “You did not really think I was going to drink it, did you, Signore?”
  — Tina, as faux-innocent murderess ([17:04])

• The Code Concealed in Music:

  "When a musician plays the tune in the key of E using B flat as the chord for the letter A… a musical code."
  — Signor Antonelli ([23:03])

• On Justice and Mercy:

  “Let’s not use their tactics. There will be judges for them. Judges made up of your own people.”
  — Ken Thurston ([24:38])

• Comic Relief and Egon's Opportunism:

  "Mr. X, believe me, it is very difficult to have both a conscience and a bank book at the same time."
  — Egon Zellsmith ([18:03])

---

Important Segment Timestamps

• Intro and Play Introduction: 00:08–02:41
• Murder in the Lounge: 02:41–05:23
• Clue Discovery and Decision: 05:45–06:31
• Arrival in Italy, Antonelli’s Funeral: 07:13–09:53
• Villa Intrigue and Attempted Poisoning: 11:05–17:04
• Ken’s Imprisonment and Escape: 17:15–19:57
• Antonelli’s Revelation: 20:45–23:13
• Confrontation and Capture: 23:23–24:47
• Resolution and Closing: 24:57–25:19

---

Tone & Atmosphere

The episode balances suave, light-hearted exchanges with sharp-tongued wit and the tension of espionage and murder. Thurston is both romantic and sardonic, often deploying humor amid danger. The dialogue blends old-world intrigue with modern (for the time) international stakes.

---

Conclusion

This Man Called X episode is a prime example of Golden Age radio: a charismatic hero, coded secrets, twisty betrayals, and glamorous (if deadly) women. For listeners nostalgic for family evenings around the radio, or for fans of mystery and adventure, this episode showcases the enduring appeal of classic audio drama.

---

For the next episode: Listeners are teased with “Phantom Lady,” promising more intrigue and suspense on the Globe Theater stage.

---

Transcript

[Herbert Marshall]

Here's your pass to the Globe Theater. This is the Globe Theater, the radio playhouse, especially for men and women of the armed forces of the United Nations. Just as the Globe Theater has meant the best in entertainment since the days of Shakespeare, today it means the best in radio drama for servicemen and women all over the globe. Here to tell you about tonight's play is your host at the Globe Theater, Herbert Marshall.

[Ken Thurston]

Thank you and hello, everyone. Your favorite seat is ready and waiting for you here at the Globe Theater. No extra charge for Logis. And tonight's bill is one that I trust will be well worth the hearing. There is one type of character that every actor longs to play, whether he be Sir Aubrey smith or Roddy McDowell. That is the role of the quick witted romantic adventurer who moves through Monte Cristo esque experiences, confronted with innumerable dangers, but usually confounding his adversaries by sharp thinking and subtle humor. Always, of course, there is a lovely girl who makes the confounding all the more worthwhile. As I say, such is the part that every actor longs to play. Now, there are decided advantages about being your host here at the Globe Theater, for that means that I'm also the casting director. And when a fat, juicy part of the title I've just described turns up, whom do you suppose was chosen to portray it? Well, not Sir Aubrey smith or Roddy McDowell. I need only add that the title of this play is the Man Called X. What happens is of an exciting nature, I think you'll agree. So let's up the curtain and let the play begin. Tonight he finds himself involved with murder, music and a blonde Madonna. But at the moment, he and Nancy, his best girl, are sitting in a booth in a smart cocktail lounge in midtown Manhattan.

[Nancy Bessington]

Ken, darling.

[Ken Thurston]

Yes, dear?

[Nancy Bessington]

You'll get a kink in your neck staring at that blonde.

[Narrator]

Why don't you just go over and.

[Nancy Bessington]

Sit with her at the bar?

[Ken Thurston]

I won't mind, Nancy. I look at other women only to remind myself that not one of them can compare with you, my sweet.

[Nancy Bessington]

Ah, that's better, angel.

[Ken Thurston]

Pietro. Yes, sir? Two martinis with onions. Yes.

[Narrator]

I don't know why I ever fell in love with you, Ken.

[Nancy Bessington]

You know, I should have gone for a really attractive gent like that one over there.

[Ken Thurston]

Where?

[Nancy Bessington]

At the bar, sitting next to that blond gal you've been ogling. You see him?

[Ken Thurston]

Yes, my great Bill. Bill Nesbit.

[Bill Nesbit]

Huh?

[Ken Thurston]

Somebody call me Bill over here. Oh, for the love of Ken person. I haven't seen you since last college reunion. Nancy. This is Bill Nesbit, my old roommate and the best All American tackle ever. Bill, this is my fiance, Nancy Bessington. She thinks she's a reporter. I'm glad to meet you, Nancy.

[Nancy Bessington]

Oh, thanks, Bill.

[Ken Thurston]

I've been following your career, Ken. Congratulations.

[Signor Antonelli]

You always were interested in solving unsolvable puzzles.

[Ken Thurston]

How about you? I understand you're. You're the finest synthetic chemist in the country.

[Signor Antonelli]

I've done a little in synthetics.

[Ken Thurston]

You're a drinker. Fine. Join us, Bill. What?

[Nancy Bessington]

And take him away from his beautiful blonde?

[Signor Antonelli]

What blonde?

[Nancy Bessington]

That girl sitting next to you at the bar.

[Ken Thurston]

Oh, she's not with me. I don't even know her.

[Nancy Bessington]

Fine. Sit with us, huh?

[Ken Thurston]

Well, I've still got half a drink at the bar. I'll get it.

[Nancy Bessington]

Seems like a nice guy.

[Ken Thurston]

He is. David.

[Signor Antonelli]

It's swell seeing you again.

[Ken Thurston]

Ken. Come on, sit down. What are you doing? Well, I'm on my way to Italy. Italy? Sounds mighty mysterious.

[Signor Antonelli]

Secret stuff.

[Ken Thurston]

Say, have either of you the time? Four, ten. Oh, gee, I've got to make a phone call to the office. When do you leave?

[Signor Antonelli]

Well, I've got to catch a bus at the airline terminal in 15 minutes.

[Ken Thurston]

Don't have too much time.

[Signor Antonelli]

No, I'll be right back.

[Ken Thurston]

I wonder why Bill is going to Italy. Harder the place for a civilian to go these days.

[Nancy Bessington]

Stop acting like a bird dog in October.

[Ken Thurston]

Darling, you know I promised you I'd.

[Nancy Bessington]

Settle down, and I'm going to Stop me to it that you keep that promise, baby. Bartender. Bartender.

[Ken Thurston]

Yes, sir.

[Nancy Bessington]

Oh, looks like your blonde friend is shutting off. How much do I owe you? Quick, please tell me.

[Herbert Marshall]

That'll be 75 cents, please.

[Ken Thurston]

Here you are.

[Nancy Bessington]

I think she dresses in horrible taste.

[Ken Thurston]

Oh, Nancy, aren't you being a little hard on her? Lady. Come back, lady.

[Castro the Peddler]

You left change out of a $5bill.

[Ken Thurston]

Now I wonder why she was in such a rush.

[Nancy Bessington]

Probably just remembered her date with her boyfriend.

[Ken Thurston]

Maybe so. Pardon me, darling, will you? Pietro, where's the phone booth? All right there, sir. Oh, thank you. Hey, Bill, are you all right? Hey, Bill. Good Lord. Ken. Ken, what's happening here? It's Bill.

[Narrator]

Oh, no.

[Ken Thurston]

How. Pietro. Yes, sir? Don't wash that glass he was drinking from.

[Narrator]

Why not, Ken?

[Ken Thurston]

I have a hunch the police chemist will find it was full of poison.

[Nancy Bessington]

Oh, it's good to get back in my own apartment.

[Narrator]

You know, I'm not as used to.

[Nancy Bessington]

Looking at corpses as you are.

[Ken Thurston]

I feel a little sick. I know. I don't feel particularly chipper myself. Poor Bill. He would have won the Nobel Prize for chemistry one of these days, Ken.

[Nancy Bessington]

Who could have done such a thing?

[Ken Thurston]

I don't know. What?

[Nancy Bessington]

What's that you're looking at?

[Ken Thurston]

Something I found in Bill's pocket.

[Narrator]

Oh, but Ken, the police should have that.

[Ken Thurston]

They will, after I've read it.

[Narrator]

What does it say?

[Ken Thurston]

There's just a name and address on it. Look.

[Narrator]

Luigi Antonelli, Umbrati, Italy.

[Ken Thurston]

Umbrati? Never even heard of it. Must be just a tiny village.

[Narrator]

Wonder who Antonelli is.

[Ken Thurston]

You can bet whoever Antonelli is, he's mixed up in this affair somehow.

[Narrator]

I wonder in what way.

[Ken Thurston]

So do I. And I intend to find out.

[Narrator]

Oh, no, Ken, no. Not Italy.

[Nancy Bessington]

Why poke your nose into this?

[Ken Thurston]

Because I don't like old friends of mine being poisoned. I'm funny that way. This is the town of Umbra, see? Senor Resistant. Not much of it left, huh? The Nazis, they make ruin everything before the Americas succumb. They didn't ruin your spaghetti. It's a masterpiece.

[Castro the Peddler]

All I say is give me back my five bucks.

[Ken Thurston]

Yeah, before we stop. Yeah, before we stop.

[Egon Zellsmith]

You've made a great mistake.

[Castro the Peddler]

Make you look like Mussolini's gone.

[Ken Thurston]

What's all the trouble over there? Those GIs look as though they're going to lose their tempers. The American nostalgia. They no likely souvenirs what they buy.

[Castro the Peddler]

From Castro the peddler.

[Ken Thurston]

See him over there? Castro the peddler, eh? That's good. You know him? That, my friend, is an understatement. I must meet Castro the peddler. This is the last time we asked polite. Come on, boys. One, two. Here, here, boys. What's the trouble, Mr. Bellston? Aegon Zellsmith. What mess are you in now?

[Egon Zellsmith]

You are a savior.

[Ken Thurston]

What's he done, boys?

[Castro the Peddler]

This drifter tells us he's a genuine Italian curiosity. Look what mine says on the bottom.

[Ken Thurston]

Made in Newark, usa. Egon, give the gentleman back their money. If you don't, they'll tear you limb from limb. And I'll sit and applaud.

[Egon Zellsmith]

Mr. Thurston, you are a sadist. Here you are a fellow.

[Ken Thurston]

$20.

[Egon Zellsmith]

That's better.

[Ken Thurston]

I'm shocked agar you was a common peddler. There's more to this than meets the eye, though, isn't there?

[Bill Nesbit]

No, no.

[Egon Zellsmith]

I'm just a poor peddler that pedals.

[Ken Thurston]

Yes, yes. I can make you a better financial proposition, Mr. Thurston.

[Egon Zellsmith]

Those words are like the soft wings of a bird.

[Ken Thurston]

How much? 50. 150. All right.

[Egon Zellsmith]

What do I feel?

[Ken Thurston]

Not yet. Do you know a Man called Antonelli.

[Egon Zellsmith]

You are lucky. I am more than familiar with that name.

[Ken Thurston]

Who is he?

[Egon Zellsmith]

Luigi Antonelli was professor of music at the University of Florence.

[Ken Thurston]

What the devil would Bill want with the profess? Did you say was? Yes.

[Egon Zellsmith]

Alas, Signor Professori, Antonelli died yesterday. Today is his fun.

[Ken Thurston]

Stand back. Here you go. Here, behind this tombstone.

[Egon Zellsmith]

I dislike graveyard intense.

[Ken Thurston]

But this funeral fascinates me. Why are only those two mourners?

[Egon Zellsmith]

And our Signor Antonelli had but few friends.

[Ken Thurston]

Who are those two women?

[Egon Zellsmith]

His sister and her daughter. They just arrived from home recently.

[Ken Thurston]

So they just came down from Rome, did they? Yes. Well, a few days ago I saw that girl sitting at a bar in New York.

[Egon Zellsmith]

Impossible. She just came.

[Ken Thurston]

Agar agrees me to tell you this, but you are lying, Mr. Thurston.

[Egon Zellsmith]

If you did not pay me so well, I would be hurt to the quick.

[Ken Thurston]

How well do you really know these two women? Tell me the truth.

[Egon Zellsmith]

I have never spoken to them.

[Ken Thurston]

For $50 more, would you tell me the real truth? Aha.

[Senora/Tina]

In that case, I thought so.

[Ken Thurston]

But cash? In a cemetery, the dead will not.

[Egon Zellsmith]

Object to a small financial transaction. Cash, please.

[Ken Thurston]

All right. Here you are. Good.

[Egon Zellsmith]

Now, the truth is this. I pretend to be a peddler. Those charming ladies pay me to stay in this town. So I can notify them should anyone.

[Ken Thurston]

Try to get near their house. Why are they so eager to keep people away from that house?

[Egon Zellsmith]

Who knows? Perhaps I merely say perhaps. Signor Antonelli is not in that coffin at all. Quiet mistake. The women will be back soon from the funeral.

[Ken Thurston]

This mansion is quite a dump, huh?

[Egon Zellsmith]

Palazzo Antonelli dates back to the Borges.

[Ken Thurston]

Where would Antonelli be?

[Egon Zellsmith]

I do not know. I've never seen him.

[Ken Thurston]

Where does that staircase lead?

[Egon Zellsmith]

Oh, to the bedchamber.

[Ken Thurston]

Let's try it.

[Egon Zellsmith]

Mr. Thurston, the women will be back soon.

[Ken Thurston]

Courage.

[Egon Zellsmith]

This staircase was built to steep.

[Ken Thurston]

Listen. Behind that door. Door is locked, Senor Antonelli. Can you hear. It?

[Egon Zellsmith]

Gives me goose nimbles to listen to.

[Ken Thurston]

That sounds out of his mind. Then why is he being kept a prisoner? I will give you 50 if you.

[Egon Zellsmith]

Were to offer me a million. I could not tell you. These women confide very little to me.

[Ken Thurston]

And you're slipping, Agar. Signor Antonelli, I am an American. I know. You are being held a prisoner. Can you hear me?

[Egon Zellsmith]

This is like a lunatic asylum. Let us get out of here.

[Ken Thurston]

Yes, the ladies will be back soon. Anyway, I don't want to meet them. This way.

[Egon Zellsmith]

Mr. Preston, what does this Signor Antonelli mean to you?

[Ken Thurston]

I haven't the faintest idea yet. Maybe I'll know more after a formal call. I intend to pay this afternoo. I have come to offer my condolences at your loss. I'm Senior Thurston from America. I studied music under your uncle at the University of Florence.

[Nancy Bessington]

Won't you come in.

[Ken Thurston]

Mama?

[Nancy Bessington]

This is Senor Thurston. He knew Uncle Luigi and he has come to pay his respects.

[Senora/Tina]

You come at an unhappy time, signore. But since you are here. Want to sit down?

[Ken Thurston]

Senora? I too, feel your loss very keenly. Your brother taught me much about music and more about life. He was a great man.

[Senora/Tina]

You are right. I am glad to know that someone young and a foreigner still holds his memory dear.

[Ken Thurston]

What. What was the cause of his death, Signora?

[Senora/Tina]

While my daughter and I were at Rome, the Nazis occupied this village. They knew how my brother felt for them.

[Nancy Bessington]

Don't cry, Mama.

[Senora/Tina]

They passed it over.

[Ken Thurston]

I came here to Umbrati, hoping to talk over old times with him. I was shocked to hear. You are very kind, Senor Torno.

[Senora/Tina]

We are being ungracious, Tina. I will get some wine for Signor Thurston.

[Nancy Bessington]

Yes, Mama.

[Senora/Tina]

The Nazi swine, in their retreat from you wonderful Americanis at least forgot to loot our wine cellar. I believe he will enjoy our wine. It is the finest in this part. You will excuse me?

[Ken Thurston]

Certainly. Strange.

[Nancy Bessington]

Why do you look at me like that?

[Ken Thurston]

I came to find death. And I found beauty.

[Nancy Bessington]

You are making love to me, signore. To choose a most unhappy time.

[Ken Thurston]

When a man is swept off his feet, as I am now. Love does not wait on birth or death.

[Nancy Bessington]

I had heard her impetuous Americans were. No, signore.

[Ken Thurston]

One tender kiss of, shall we say, friendship.

[Nancy Bessington]

What would my mother think?

[Ken Thurston]

She's still in the wine cellar.

[Nancy Bessington]

Well, then. One.

[Narrator]

Three.

[Ken Thurston]

Your name?

[Nancy Bessington]

Tina.

[Ken Thurston]

Tina. Tina. I could compose a tone poem to that name. Please.

[Nancy Bessington]

Mother is coming back.

[Ken Thurston]

Mother has no sense of timing.

[Senora/Tina]

Those steps are hard on an old woman. It's enough. Poor Senior Thurston's glass.

[Ken Thurston]

What an explosive goblet.

[Nancy Bessington]

Yes.

[Senora/Tina]

Botticelli made it for our ancestors.

[Ken Thurston]

Probably the Borgias.

[Senora/Tina]

Signore does not know his history. The Borgias were poisoners.

[Ken Thurston]

So they were.

[Nancy Bessington]

Here, signore. Taste it and tell me if you ever had a sign of Barolo.

[Ken Thurston]

Yes.

[Senora/Tina]

Drink, signore.

[Ken Thurston]

But neither of you joining me.

[Senora/Tina]

No, signore.

[Ken Thurston]

Then I insist your daughter at least take part in an old American custom. It is called the loving cup. When a man meets a girl as exquisite as you are, Tina, he asks her to Drink first from his dust.

[Senora/Tina]

Tina is too young to drink.

[Ken Thurston]

Surely an exception can be made.

[Senora/Tina]

My daughter accepts your flattery, Signore.

[Ken Thurston]

However, it isn't flattery to look at your daughter is to have some of the chill taken from the memory of her dead uncle.

[Senora/Tina]

You have not touched your wine, Signore.

[Ken Thurston]

I wouldn't think of it until your daughter first sipped from my glass.

[Narrator]

I have told you I cannot allow my daughter to.

[Ken Thurston]

But I insist.

[Senora/Tina]

It is difficult to know where flattery ends and rudeness begins. With you.

[Ken Thurston]

Come now, Tina. Surely you can't object to drinking your own wine? Or can you?

[Narrator]

Of course not.

[Nancy Bessington]

No, certainly not.

[Ken Thurston]

Well then.

[Nancy Bessington]

Very well, Tina. No, you did not really think I was going to drink it, did you, Signore?

[Ken Thurston]

Considering that it would probably kill you, I doubted it very much.

[Nancy Bessington]

And now the comedy is over, Signore.

[Ken Thurston]

Oh, I see you know how to use a revolver also. Yes.

[Nancy Bessington]

And I must insist that you stand quite still or I will shoot a hole between your very attractive eyes.

[Ken Thurston]

Egon.

[Egon Zellsmith]

Yes, Senior.

[Ken Thurston]

Aha, Egon, of course. Hiding behind the screen.

[Egon Zellsmith]

I'm coming, signore. Poor Mr. Thurston. You should not have come here.

[Nancy Bessington]

Egon, take care of this gentleman.

[Egon Zellsmith]

As always, it is a pleasure to take care of Mr. Furstone.

[Senora/Tina]

Show him to the cellar and tie him up securely.

[Ken Thurston]

Just my luck. Here I am having a quiet little party with two of the loveliest ladies in Italy. And I have to go to a nasty cellar with Aegon. Aegon, don't you think that gun is superfluous?

[Egon Zellsmith]

With you, I take no chances.

[Ken Thurston]

Where is your shame? Taking my money and then telling those women who I am.

[Egon Zellsmith]

Mr. X, believe me, it is very difficult to have both a conscience and a bank book at the same time.

[Ken Thurston]

Oh dear. What wouldn't you do for money?

[Egon Zellsmith]

Offhand, I can't really imagine.

[Ken Thurston]

How much did they pay you to double cross me?

[Egon Zellsmith]

1000 lira.

[Ken Thurston]

I thought so. A thousand lira? Not worth the paper. It's printed on the paper. Of course not.

[Egon Zellsmith]

You're beginning to make me very nervous.

[Ken Thurston]

Italy is an occupied country. But that money wasn't worth one good American nickel if I thought you were.

[Egon Zellsmith]

Telling me the truth.

[Ken Thurston]

Have I ever lied to you? Yes, yes.

[Egon Zellsmith]

But always with such charm.

[Ken Thurston]

Mr. Eggs, are they asleep by now?

[Egon Zellsmith]

Oh, yes. I hear Tina say that they would take Antonelli across the German lines just before dawn.

[Ken Thurston]

You have no sentiment, Aegon. Think of that poor old man locked up.

[Egon Zellsmith]

For $500 I could reap bucket and at the same time cut those ropes.

[Ken Thurston]

205. Either my prize Or I sit here and starve. Which will it be?

[Egon Zellsmith]

Naturally, I cannot let you die. It's a deal.

[Ken Thurston]

It is no use unless I can get to Antonelli's room.

[Egon Zellsmith]

By the merest chance. I have a key to the room for 50 more.

[Ken Thurston]

No. 200 net.

[Egon Zellsmith]

What can I do?

[Ken Thurston]

My heart will not allow me to.

[Egon Zellsmith]

Permit you to be eaten by those rats.

[Ken Thurston]

Wait. I cut you free. Ah. You have a noble soul, Aegon. Sometimes it's amazing how money will make.

[Egon Zellsmith]

Me a softest party.

[Ken Thurston]

There.

[Signor Antonelli]

You are, free now.

[Egon Zellsmith]

And here is the key.

[Ken Thurston]

Thank you. Now, come with me upstairs to antonelli.

[Egon Zellsmith]

I'm sorry, Mr. Thurston, I must refuse. I'm really quite tired. I've had enough and made enough for one day. And so, Mr. X, we come now to the parting of the waves. I go back to town and you go to the.

[Ken Thurston]

Yes, that's probably right. Egg. Senor Antonelli? Signor Antonelli.

[Bill Nesbit]

Who are you? I don't know you.

[Ken Thurston]

Go away.

[Bill Nesbit]

I don't know you.

[Ken Thurston]

Please try to understand what I'm saying. It's very important. I've come to take you away. Away from those women.

[Bill Nesbit]

I don't annoy you. I don't.

[Ken Thurston]

Yes, yes, I know all that. How can I make you understand? I'll take you to a hospital. I'll take care of you. You'll be well again. Stop humming and listen to me.

[Bill Nesbit]

I do not know you. I do not know you. I do not.

[Ken Thurston]

My name is Ken Thurston. Go away.

[Bill Nesbit]

You want to hurt me like the women hurt me?

[Ken Thurston]

No. I'm a friend of Bill Nesbit and a friend of yours. Ah, now I believe you. Great Scott. But I had to make sure. Thank heaven you've come. You mean you've been.

[Signor Antonelli]

It was the only way to keep those women from finding anything out.

[Ken Thurston]

So you pretended to be out of your mind? Yes.

[Signor Antonelli]

I fooled them completely.

[Ken Thurston]

Now, how is my friend Bill Nesbitt? He's dead. Dead? Yes. Murdered. Poisoned by your niece, Tina.

[Signor Antonelli]

She is not my niece. She and the other one are agents of the Gestapo.

[Ken Thurston]

I thought so. But why did they kill Nesbitt?

[Signor Antonelli]

He wanted me to sell to his company my brother's formula.

[Ken Thurston]

Your brother? Yes.

[Signor Antonelli]

Before the war. My brother was one of the great chemists of Europe.

[Ken Thurston]

Oh, so that was it. What happened to your brother?

[Signor Antonelli]

He was killed by the Nazis.

[Ken Thurston]

You say he had a formula that Bill Nesbitt wanted?

[Signor Antonelli]

Yes, for a new type of synthetic.

[Ken Thurston]

What synthetic?

[Signor Antonelli]

Well, I really don't know. I. I'm a musician. I know nothing of Science. But my brother handed the formula to me to keep for the day when Italy would be free.

[Ken Thurston]

Did the women get the formula from you? No, no, no.

[Signor Antonelli]

They tried to get it day after day, day after day, but I fooled.

[Ken Thurston]

Good work, Signor Antonella. Have you got it with you? Yes. Where is it?

[Signor Antonelli]

In this room.

[Ken Thurston]

So you hid it where? Oh, no. Good heaven, Antonella, this is. No, no time to. That's it.

[Signor Antonelli]

That's the formula.

[Ken Thurston]

I don't understand. What do you mean?

[Signor Antonelli]

When a musician plays the tune in the key of E using B flat as the chord for the letter A. I see.

[Ken Thurston]

A musical code.

[Signor Antonelli]

Exactly. Played and varied five times. Only I know the variations. When it's decoded, the entire formula is spelled out.

[Ken Thurston]

And you've kept it in your mind all this time? Yes.

[Signor Antonelli]

Yes. I assure you it has been nerve wracking to hum that same tune over and over. But I had to do it so I wouldn't forget.

[Nancy Bessington]

Not quite so fast there, Mr. X.

[Ken Thurston]

Good evening, ladies. Or shall I say, good morning?

[Senora/Tina]

This is no time for your cheap American wits in your Thurston, my daughter is a very good shot. I would advise you to stand quite still.

[Bill Nesbit]

What are you going to do with me?

[Senora/Tina]

It's all right, Antonelli. We are taking you to Berlin.

[Bill Nesbit]

Ah, they will beat me in Berlin.

[Castro the Peddler]

Don't beat me again.

[Senora/Tina]

Shut up, you fool.

[Ken Thurston]

So you're taking him to Germany? Yes.

[Nancy Bessington]

We have doctors there who can make that idiotic mind of his spill out its secrets.

[Ken Thurston]

Please.

[Senora/Tina]

Still, you dithering lunatic.

[Nancy Bessington]

Let him alone, Mother. He is hard.

[Senora/Tina]

Cannot stand that humming over and over again. If he does not stop humming, I'll gag him.

[Bill Nesbit]

Don't hurt me. I'm just an old man who hates a fascism.

[Nancy Bessington]

Take your hands off of me.

[Ken Thurston]

Smart work, Antonelli. Hold up. No, you don't, you little witch.

[Nancy Bessington]

Let me go.

[Ken Thurston]

Get the gun, Antonelli. I have it, Mr. X. Fine. Don't move, Ladies. Shall I shoot them? Both of them?

[Nancy Bessington]

What is this?

[Senora/Tina]

I. I don't understand.

[Ken Thurston]

It's very simple. Signor Antonelli is not the fool you presumed him to be.

[Nancy Bessington]

He is not insane.

[Signor Antonelli]

No, senor. It is you and your daughter and people like you who are the insane ones. But now I think I shall do with you what they do with all mad dogs.

[Narrator]

Mother, I am afraid.

[Senora/Tina]

Do not let him kill us. Senor Thirst.

[Signor Antonelli]

It will be a pleasure to destroy you both.

[Ken Thurston]

No, Signor Antonella, let's not use their tactics. There will be judges for them. Judges made up of your own people. Hold up your Hands, ladies.

[Egon Zellsmith]

Oh, you've caught me.

[Ken Thurston]

Say, I'm afraid your heroics have come a little late. Ego.

[Egon Zellsmith]

Is there anything I can do?

[Ken Thurston]

I'm afraid not. Go to sleep now.

[Egon Zellsmith]

Did you find out why they wanted this old man?

[Ken Thurston]

Naturally.

[Egon Zellsmith]

Why?

[Ken Thurston]

Senor Antonelli had a formula. Tell me. Mistakes.

[Egon Zellsmith]

What was it?

[Ken Thurston]

If the first note stood for clorine and the next three notes stood for oxygen, carbon and nitrogen. Yes, yes.

[Bill Nesbit]

What would it all mean?

[Ken Thurston]

Wouldn't you like to know? So ends tonight's Globe Theater production of the Man Called X. I know you'll join me in thanking Bernie Schoenfeld for his excellent script, Felix Mill for composing and conducting the score, and Bill Robeson, who presided in the control room. By the way, the role of Agar was played by Hans Conreid as a farewell gesture to an active life in radio theaters, and as a prelude to an even more active life in theaters of a different nature. Mr. Conrad, I might add, relinquish the finest head of hair in the Western Hemisphere to become Private Con Reed, his army serial number. Escaping me for the moment. Watch out for him. If his performance as Aegon is any indication, he'll be a slippery man to deal with on the evening of payday. By the way, it was really was fun to play the role of Ken Thurston for you, and I trust you enjoyed the Adventures of a Man Called X. As for the next performance, from the Grove, you'll hear Walter Abel, Louise Alberton, Ralph Bellamy and David Bruce in a neat little thriller called Phantom Lady. Here's a short preview.

[Narrator]

That hit him hard. I could tell by the way he looked, by the way he watched me all night as I sat there at the bar, just staring at him, never saying another word. And when he left at closing time, I followed him. He managed to walk rather slowly at first, almost defiantly, as if he didn't care. And then he went a little faster and faster and faster until he was almost running. And then suddenly he stopped and cursed.

[Castro the Peddler]

What do you want? Why do you keep on following me?

[Narrator]

You have something to tell me?

[Castro the Peddler]

You're wasting your time.

[Narrator]

You know what's going to happen to him. You can prevent it. Get it off your conscience.

[Castro the Peddler]

Don't ask me. Go ask the guy to give it to me.

[Nancy Bessington]

Gave you what?

[Castro the Peddler]

Nothing, nothing.

[Narrator]

It was money, wasn't it? Somebody gave you a bra.

[Castro the Peddler]

I ain't talking, I tell you. And I ain't staying around here either. I'm going to get so far away from here.

[Ken Thurston]

Look out. It's going to be a good show and I know you'll want to hear it. So jot down on the inside of your helmet liner that you have an appointment at the Globe Theater with Phantom lady, starring Walter Abel, Louise Alberton, Ralph Bellamy and David Bruce. I'll be on hand to show you your seat and take care of the introduction. Till next performance, then. This is Herbert Marshall wishing you all the best and I'll be seeing you. It's you have been listening to the Globe Theater.

[Herbert Marshall]

With Herbert Marshall as host and master of ceremonies. The Globe Theater is presented for servicemen and women of the Allied armed forces.

[Ken Thurston]

All over the globe.

[Herbert Marshall]

Listen for our next Globe Theater production soon.