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

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Man Called X 44-08-28 Murder, Music and a Blonde Madonna"

Podcast Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Title: Man Called X 44-08-28 Murder, Music and a Blonde Madonna
Release Date: January 13, 2025
Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio

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Overview

"Man Called X 44-08-28 Murder, Music and a Blonde Madonna" is a riveting episode from Harold's Old Time Radio series that transports listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio. This episode masterfully intertwines elements of mystery, suspense, and romance, all set against the backdrop of midtown Manhattan and the historical tensions of post-war Italy. The narrative follows the enigmatic Ken Thurston, whose quest to uncover the truth behind a murder leads him into a web of deceit, encoded secrets, and unexpected alliances.

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Key Characters

• Ken Thurston: The protagonist, a quick-witted romantic adventurer with a knack for solving puzzles.
• Nancy Bessington: Ken's fiancée, supportive yet concerned about Ken's dangerous pursuits.
• Bill Nesbit: Ken's old college roommate, a renowned synthetic chemist hiding a crucial secret.
• Pietro: The bartender at the cocktail lounge in Manhattan.
• Agar: A seemingly benign peddler with hidden motives.
• Luigi Antonelli: A professor of music at the University of Florence, initially believed to be deceased.
• Signora Antonelli: Luigi's sister, protective and mysterious.
• Tina: Signora Antonelli's daughter, involved in the unfolding drama.

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Plot Summary

Initial Setup

The episode opens in a chic cocktail lounge in midtown Manhattan, where Ken Thurston and his fiancée, Nancy Bessington, are enjoying a quiet evening. Their tranquil night takes a turn when Ken's old roommate, Bill Nesbit, suddenly appears. Bill, described as "the best All American tackle ever," brings an air of mystery with his sudden reappearance and secretive demeanor.

Ken Thurston [02:44]: "I look at other women only to remind myself that not one of them can compare with you, my sweet."

The Discovery

Shortly after reuniting, Bill excuses himself hurriedly to make a phone call, leaving behind a glass Ken discovers later. Ken suspects foul play when he notices the glass wasn't washed, hinting that it was poisoned.

Ken Thurston [05:25]: "I have a hunch the police chemist will find it was full of poison."

Back at his apartment, Ken and Nancy recover Bill's lifeless body, leading Ken to uncover a mysterious name and address: Luigi Antonelli, Umbrati, Italy. Intrigued by the obscure location, Ken resolves to investigate further, suspecting that Luigi's demise is no ordinary affair.

The Investigation

Ken's quest takes him to Umbrati, a seemingly quiet Italian village. Here, he encounters Agar, the peddler, who initially appears trustworthy but soon reveals his duplicity. Through a series of confrontations and negotiations, Ken learns that Luigi Antonelli, the murdered professor, was not truly dead but held captive.

Ken Thurston [10:29]: "So do I. And I intend to find out."

Delving deeper, Ken uncovers that Luigi possessed a groundbreaking synthetic formula, encoded within a musical composition. This formula is coveted by nefarious individuals, including Nazi agents, who aim to exploit it for their sinister purposes.

The Confrontation

Ken's investigation leads him to the Antonelli mansion, where he disguises his true intentions under the guise of paying condolences. He meets Signora Antonelli and her daughter, Tina, who are ostensibly grieving Luigi's death. However, tensions escalate as Ken becomes entangled in a perilous game of deception and survival.

Ken Thurston [16:24]: "With you, I take no chances."

A dramatic showdown ensues when Ken is captured by Signora Antonelli and Tina, only to be unexpectedly rescued by Agar—revealed to have a conscience and a desire to aid Ken. This twist highlights the complex web of alliances and betrayals at play.

Ken Thurston [19:01]: "205 either my prize or I sit here and starve. Which will it be?"

Resolution

In the climactic finale, Ken confronts Luigi Antonelli, uncovering the truth behind the encoded formula. Bill Nesbit reveals that the women orchestrating the chaos are agents of the Gestapo, intent on obtaining the formula for their own ends. The episode concludes with Ken outsmarting his adversaries, ensuring the safety of the formula, and dismantling the Nazi plot.

Ken Thurston [25:04]: "Wouldn't you like to know?"

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Notable Quotes

• Ken Thurston [02:44]: "I look at other women only to remind myself that not one of them can compare with you, my sweet."

• Ken Thurston [05:25]: "I have a hunch the police chemist will find it was full of poison."

• Ken Thurston [10:29]: "So do I. And I intend to find out."

• Ken Thurston [16:24]: "With you, I take no chances."

• Ken Thurston [19:01]: "205 either my prize or I sit here and starve. Which will it be?"

• Ken Thurston [25:04]: "Wouldn't you like to know?"

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Conclusion

"Man Called X 44-08-28 Murder, Music and a Blonde Madonna" delivers an enthralling narrative that encapsulates the essence of old-time radio dramas. Through its intricate plot, dynamic characters, and clever integration of music and mystery, the episode keeps listeners on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Ken Thurston's relentless pursuit of the truth, coupled with the atmospheric setting and the suspenseful twists, make this episode a standout installment in the Harold's Old Time Radio series.

Listeners are left eagerly anticipating the next adventure, as hinted by the preview of upcoming episodes featuring notable actors like Walter Abel and Louise Alberton in "Phantom Lady."

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Note: This summary encapsulates the main storyline and key moments of the episode, providing an engaging overview for both regular listeners and newcomers alike.

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 loges. 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. Why don't you just go over and sit with her at the bar? I won't mind, Nancy.

[Ken Thurston]

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.

[Nancy Bessington]

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

[Bill Nesbit]

Somebody call me Bill over here. Oh, for the love of Ken person.

[Ken Thurston]

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.

[Bill Nesbit]

I'm glad to meet you, Nancy.

[Nancy Bessington]

Oh, thanks, Bill.

[Bill Nesbit]

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

[Bill Nesbit]

I've done a little in synthetics.

[Ken Thurston]

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

[Nancy Bessington]

What? And take him away from his beautiful blonde?

[Bill Nesbit]

What blonde?

[Nancy Bessington]

That girl sitting next to you at the bar.

[Bill Nesbit]

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

[Nancy Bessington]

Fine. Sit with us, huh?

[Bill Nesbit]

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

[Ken Thurston]

I'll get it.

[Nancy Bessington]

Seems like a nice guy.

[Ken Thurston]

He is. David. It's swell seeing you again.

[Bill Nesbit]

Ken.

[Ken Thurston]

Come on, sit down. What are you doing?

[Bill Nesbit]

Well, I'm on my way to Italy.

[Ken Thurston]

Italy? Sounds mighty mysterious.

[Bill Nesbit]

Secret stuff. Say, have either of you the time?

[Nancy Bessington]

Four, ten.

[Bill Nesbit]

Oh, gee, I've got to make a phone call to the office.

[Ken Thurston]

When do you leave?

[Bill Nesbit]

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

[Ken Thurston]

Don't have too much time.

[Bill Nesbit]

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 me to it that you keep that promise, baby.

[Pietro]

Bartender.

[Ken Thurston]

Bartender. Yes, sir.

[Nancy Bessington]

Oh, looks like your blonde friend is shutting off.

[Pietro]

How much do I owe you?

[Nancy Bessington]

Quick, please tell me.

[Agar]

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?

[Herbert Marshall]

Lady?

[Ken Thurston]

Come back, lady. You left change out of a $5bill. 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.

[Nancy Bessington]

Oh, no. How.

[Ken Thurston]

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

[Nancy Bessington]

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. You know, I'm not as used to 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.

[Pietro]

What?

[Nancy Bessington]

What's that you're looking at?

[Ken Thurston]

Something I found in Bill's pocket.

[Nancy Bessington]

Oh, but Ken, the police should have that.

[Ken Thurston]

They will, after I've read it.

[Nancy Bessington]

What does it say?

[Ken Thurston]

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

[Nancy Bessington]

Luigi Antonelli, Umbrati, Italy.

[Ken Thurston]

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

[Nancy Bessington]

Wonder who Antonelli is.

[Ken Thurston]

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

[Nancy Bessington]

I wonder in what way.

[Ken Thurston]

So do I. And I intend to find out.

[Nancy Bessington]

Oh, no, Ken, no.

[Tina]

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. All I say is give me back my five bucks. Yeah, before we stop. Yeah, before we stop.

[Agar]

You've made a great mistake.

[Ken Thurston]

Make you look like Mussolini's gone. 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 from Castro the peddler. See him over there? Castro the peddler, eh? That's good.

[Agar]

You know him?

[Ken Thurston]

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?

[Agar]

You are a savior.

[Ken Thurston]

And why is he. What's he done, boys? This drifter tells us he's a genuine Italian curiosity. Look what mine says on the bottom. 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.

[Agar]

Mr. Thurston, you are a sadist. Here you are a fellow. $20.

[Bill Nesbit]

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?

[Agar]

No, no. I'm just a poor peddler that pedals.

[Ken Thurston]

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

[Agar]

Those words are like the soft wings of a bird. How much? 50.

[Ken Thurston]

150.

[Agar]

All right. What do I feel?

[Ken Thurston]

Not yet. Do you know a man called Antonelli?

[Agar]

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

[Ken Thurston]

Who is he?

[Agar]

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?

[Agar]

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

[Ken Thurston]

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

[Agar]

I dislike graveyard intense.

[Ken Thurston]

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

[Agar]

Signor Antonelli had but few friends.

[Ken Thurston]

Who are those two women?

[Agar]

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

[Ken Thurston]

So they just came down from Rome, did they?

[Agar]

Yes.

[Ken Thurston]

Well, a few days ago I saw that girl sitting at a bar in New York.

[Agar]

Impossible. She just came.

[Ken Thurston]

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

[Agar]

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.

[Agar]

I have never spoken to them.

[Ken Thurston]

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

[Agar]

Aha.

[Ken Thurston]

In that case, I thought so.

[Agar]

But cash?

[Ken Thurston]

In a cemetery?

[Agar]

The dead will not object to a small financial transaction. Cash, please.

[Ken Thurston]

All right. Here you are.

[Agar]

Good. 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 try to get near their house.

[Ken Thurston]

Why are they so eager to keep people away from that house?

[Agar]

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?

[Agar]

Palazzo Antonelli dates back to the Borg.

[Ken Thurston]

Where would Antonelli be? I do not know.

[Agar]

I've never seen him.

[Ken Thurston]

Where does that staircase lead?

[Agar]

Oh, to the bedchamber.

[Ken Thurston]

Let's try it.

[Agar]

Mr. Thurston, the women will be back soon.

[Ken Thurston]

Courage.

[Agar]

This staircase was built to steep.

[Ken Thurston]

Listen. Behind that door. Door's locked. Senor Antonelli. Can you hear it?

[Agar]

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.

[Agar]

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?

[Agar]

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, Mr. Preston.

[Agar]

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.

[Pietro]

Won't you come in, Mama? This is Senor Thurston. He knew Uncle Luigi and he has come to pay his respects.

[Signora Antonelli]

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.

[Signora Antonelli]

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?

[Signora Antonelli]

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

[Pietro]

Don't cry, Mama.

[Ken Thurston]

They passed it over. I came here to Umbrati, hoping to talk over old times with him. I was shocked to hear.

[Signora Antonelli]

You are very kind, Senor Torno. We are being ungracious, Tina. I will get some wine for Signor Thurston.

[Pietro]

Yes, Mama.

[Signora Antonelli]

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.

[Pietro]

Why do you look at me like that?

[Ken Thurston]

I came to find death. And I found beauty.

[Pietro]

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.

[Pietro]

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

[Ken Thurston]

One tender kiss of, shall we say, friendship.

[Pietro]

What would my mother think?

[Ken Thurston]

She's still in the wine cellar.

[Pietro]

Well, then. One. Three.

[Ken Thurston]

Your name?

[Pietro]

Tina.

[Ken Thurston]

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

[Pietro]

Please. Mother is coming back.

[Ken Thurston]

Mother has no sense of timing.

[Signora Antonelli]

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

[Ken Thurston]

What an explosive goblet.

[Signora Antonelli]

Yes. Botticelli made it for our ancestors.

[Ken Thurston]

Probably the Borgias.

[Signora Antonelli]

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

[Ken Thurston]

So they were.

[Pietro]

Here, signore.

[Ken Thurston]

Taste it.

[Pietro]

And tell me if you ever had a sign of Barolo.

[Signora Antonelli]

Yes. Drink, signore.

[Ken Thurston]

But neither of you joining me.

[Signora Antonelli]

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.

[Signora Antonelli]

Tina is too young to drink.

[Ken Thurston]

Surely an exception can be made.

[Signora Antonelli]

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.

[Signora Antonelli]

You have not touched your wine, Signore.

[Ken Thurston]

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

[Signora Antonelli]

I have told you I cannot allow my daughter to.

[Ken Thurston]

But I insist.

[Signora Antonelli]

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

[Ken Thurston]

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

[Pietro]

Of course not. No, certainly not.

[Ken Thurston]

Well then. Very well, Tina.

[Pietro]

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.

[Pietro]

And now the comedy is over, Signore.

[Ken Thurston]

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

[Pietro]

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

[Signora Antonelli]

Egon.

[Agar]

Yes, Senior.

[Ken Thurston]

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

[Agar]

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

[Pietro]

Egon, take care of this gentleman.

[Agar]

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

[Signora Antonelli]

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?

[Agar]

With you, I take no chances.

[Ken Thurston]

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

[Agar]

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?

[Agar]

Offhand, I can't really imagine.

[Ken Thurston]

How much did they pay you to double cross me?

[Agar]

1000 lira.

[Ken Thurston]

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

[Agar]

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.

[Agar]

Telling me the truth.

[Ken Thurston]

Have I ever lied to you?

[Agar]

Yes, yes. But always with such charm.

[Ken Thurston]

Mr. Eggs, are they asleep by now?

[Agar]

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.

[Agar]

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?

[Agar]

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

[Ken Thurston]

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

[Agar]

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

[Ken Thurston]

No. 200 net.

[Agar]

What can I do? My heart will not allow me to permit you to be eaten by those rats. Wait. I cut you free.

[Ken Thurston]

Ah. You have a noble soul, Aegon.

[Bill Nesbit]

Sometimes it's amazing how money will make.

[Agar]

Me a softest party.

[Ken Thurston]

There.

[Agar]

You are, free now. And here is the key.

[Ken Thurston]

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

[Agar]

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.

[Luigi Antonelli]

Who are you? I don't know you. Go away. 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.

[Luigi Antonelli]

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.

[Luigi Antonelli]

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

[Ken Thurston]

My name is Ken Thurston.

[Luigi Antonelli]

Go away. 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.

[Bill Nesbit]

Ah, now I believe you.

[Ken Thurston]

Great Scott.

[Bill Nesbit]

But I had to make sure. Thank heaven you've come.

[Ken Thurston]

You mean you've been.

[Bill Nesbit]

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.

[Bill Nesbit]

I fooled them completely. Now, how is my friend Bill Nesbitt?

[Ken Thurston]

He's dead. Dead? Yes. Murdered. Poisoned by your niece, Tina.

[Bill Nesbit]

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?

[Bill Nesbit]

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

[Ken Thurston]

Your brother?

[Bill Nesbit]

Yes. 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?

[Bill Nesbit]

He was killed by the Nazis.

[Ken Thurston]

You say he had a formula that Bill Nesbitt wanted?

[Bill Nesbit]

Yes, for a new type of synthetic.

[Ken Thurston]

What? Synthetic?

[Bill Nesbit]

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?

[Bill Nesbit]

No, no, no. 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?

[Bill Nesbit]

In this room.

[Ken Thurston]

So you hid it. Where? Oh, no. Good heaven, Antonella, this is. No, no time to.

[Bill Nesbit]

That's it. That's the formula.

[Ken Thurston]

I don't understand. What do you mean?

[Bill Nesbit]

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.

[Bill Nesbit]

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.

[Bill Nesbit]

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.

[Pietro]

Not quite so fast there, Mr. X.

[Ken Thurston]

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

[Signora Antonelli]

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.

[Luigi Antonelli]

What are you going to do with me?

[Signora Antonelli]

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

[Luigi Antonelli]

Ah, they will beat me in Berlin. Don't beat me again.

[Signora Antonelli]

Shut up, you fool.

[Ken Thurston]

So you're taking him to Germany?

[Pietro]

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

[Ken Thurston]

Please.

[Signora Antonelli]

Still, you dithering lunatic.

[Pietro]

Let him alone, Mother.

[Nancy Bessington]

He is hard.

[Signora Antonelli]

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

[Luigi Antonelli]

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.

[Pietro]

Let me go.

[Ken Thurston]

Get the gun, Antonelli. I have it, Mr. X. Fine. Don't move, Ladies.

[Bill Nesbit]

Shall I shoot them?

[Ken Thurston]

Both of them?

[Signora Antonelli]

What is this? 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.

[Bill Nesbit]

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.

[Pietro]

Mother, I am afraid.

[Signora Antonelli]

Do not let him kill us.

[Bill Nesbit]

Senor Thirst, 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.

[Agar]

Hold up your hands, ladies. Oh, you've caught me.

[Ken Thurston]

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

[Agar]

Is there anything I can do?

[Ken Thurston]

I'm afraid not. Go to sleep now.

[Agar]

Did you find out why they wanted this old man?

[Ken Thurston]

Naturally.

[Agar]

Why?

[Ken Thurston]

Senor Antonelli had a formula.

[Agar]

Tell me. Mistakes. What was it?

[Ken Thurston]

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

[Agar]

Yes, yes. 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.

[Tina]

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.

[Unknown]

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

[Tina]

You have something to tell me?

[Unknown]

You're wasting your time.

[Tina]

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

[Unknown]

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

[Tina]

Gave you what?

[Unknown]

Nothing, Nothing.

[Tina]

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

[Unknown]

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 all over the globe. Listen for our next Globe Theater production soon.