Man Called X 44-10-14 (xx) International Blackmail Racket

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – "Man Called X 44-10-14 International Blackmail Racket"

Release Date: April 21, 2025
Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Title: Man Called X 44-10-14 (xx) International Blackmail Racket

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Introduction

In this gripping episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio, immersing themselves in the suspense-filled narrative of "The Man Called X." This installment, titled "International Blackmail Racket," masterfully weaves a tale of intrigue, betrayal, and espionage set against the backdrop of post-war tensions in Sofia, Bulgaria.

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Main Plot Overview

The story centers around Mr. X, portrayed by Herbert Marshall, a seasoned investigator from Lockheed Aircraft, who embarks on a mission to uncover the truth behind the mysterious murder of his friend, Petko Todorovich. Petko, a Yugoslavian representative, was found dead under suspicious circumstances in New York City, with cryptic evidence pointing towards an international blackmail scheme involving Nazi collaborators.

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Key Characters

• Mr. X (Herbert Marshall): The protagonist, determined to solve Petko's murder and dismantle the blackmail racket.
• Nancy Bessington: Mr. X's fiancée, unaware of the full extent of the danger surrounding them.
• Anna Todorovich: Petko's wife, whose mysterious past and connections become pivotal to the investigation.
• Anton Gubeck: A dubious Yugoslav banker suspected of involvement in the blackmail scheme.
• Zegon Zelsmith: A multifaceted character—poet, scientist, musician—who holds crucial information about the case.
• Chief: The local law enforcement officer assisting Mr. X in his investigation.

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Detailed Plot Progression

1. A Suspicious Encounter (00:32 - 03:09)

   • The episode opens with Mr. X and his fiancée Nancy Bessington enjoying a serene moment in a music shop in New York.
   • Their peaceful evening is abruptly interrupted when Mr. X spots a man named Petko Todorovich leaving the shop. (03:05)
   • Despite Mr. X's attempt to engage Petko, he loses sight of him amidst the bustling crowd, setting off alarms about Petko's imminent danger.

2. Unveiling Clues (04:22 - 05:56)

   • Upon investigating Petko's belongings, Mr. X discovers a letter addressed to Anna Todorovich and a mysterious microfilm hidden within a violin.
   • The letter hints at Petko's deep emotional struggles and a possible connection to dark dealings involving the Reichsbank and the Belgard State Bank. (04:45)
   • The microfilm reveals financial transactions fraught with Nazi influence, pointing directly to Anton Gubeck.

3. Confronting Anton Gubeck (08:48 - 09:56)

   • Mr. X seeks out Anton Gubeck to question him about the microfilm. However, upon arrival, he finds Gubeck dead, raising more questions. (08:48)
   • The apparent murder deepens the mystery, compelling Mr. X to delve deeper into Anna Todorovich's involvement and her connection to the blackmail racket.

4. Encounter with Zegon Zelsmith (11:03 - 12:05)

   • Zegon Zelsmith makes his entrance, presenting himself as a potential ally with vital information about Anton Gubeck.
   • Despite initial mistrust, Mr. X recognizes that Zegon holds the key to unraveling the blackmail network. (11:34)
   • Their interaction hints at a larger conspiracy, with Zegon introducing the names of other suspects like Mr. Maciek and Mr. Dobrovci.

5. Revelations and Deceptions (19:21 - 22:50)

   • In a pivotal scene, Mr. X confronts Anna Todorovich, revealing that the letter Petko wrote was tampered with to serve as her alibi in his murder.
   • Anna's facade begins to crumble as Mr. X connects the dots between her actions and the international blackmail operations. (21:13)
   • The tension escalates when Anton Gubeck reappears alive, exposing himself as a key player in the blackmail scheme and directly implicating Anna. (23:19)

6. Climactic Showdown (24:11 - 27:08)

   • A dramatic confrontation ensues, with Anton Gubeck threatening Mr. X and Zegon Zelsmith attempting to manipulate the situation to his advantage.
   • The discovery of a concealed microfilm within a violin reveals the extent of the blackmail racket, linking high-profile Nazi collaborators to financial manipulations. (25:53)
   • In a thrilling turn, Zegon aids Mr. X by revealing Gancho's involvement and the locations leading to the mastermind behind the racket.

7. Resolution and Cliffhanger (28:02 - 30:48)

   • The episode concludes with Mr. X dismantling the immediate threat posed by Anton Gubeck and Zegon Zelsmith.
   • However, the revelation of a larger network and the mention of a forthcoming adventure in the West Indies leave listeners eagerly anticipating the next installment. (30:14)

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Mr. Herbert (Mr. X):

  • "He is the man who fights today's war in his unique fashion so that tomorrow's peace will make the world a neighborhood for all of us." (00:36)
  • "Anna, the person who began this letter didn't finish it. Yes, Petko started typing. But see, beginning here, the touch is different." (21:53)
  • "Whoever this man is, he's dreamed up an insidious blackmail racket using photostatic records of secret negotiations between the Nazis and bankers in some of the occupied countries." (22:50)

• Anna Todorovich:

  • "Oh, poor Petko." (21:40)
  • "Ken, dear, let us not talk about this tonight." (19:40)

• Zegon Zelsmith:

  • "I swear by the father of my father of my father. I am innocent. I didn't do it." (28:06)
  • "I must return this property to the beautiful lady." (18:33)

• Anton Gubeck:

  • "You are speaking about me, Mr. X." (23:19)
  • "Why should I change my mind?" (08:58)

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Insights and Themes

• Espionage and Betrayal: The episode delves deep into themes of trust and deception, showcasing how personal relationships can be exploited for larger, more sinister purposes.

• Moral Ambiguity: Characters like Anna Todorovich and Zegon Zelsmith embody the complexities of moral choices in a post-war landscape, highlighting the gray areas between right and wrong.

• International Conspiracies: The intricate plot underscores the far-reaching impacts of international politics and the lingering shadows of wartime collaborations.

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Conclusion

"Man Called X 44-10-14 International Blackmail Racket" is a captivating episode that skillfully blends suspense with intricate storytelling. Through its well-developed characters and unexpected plot twists, the episode keeps listeners on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the next chapter of Mr. X's relentless pursuit of justice. This narrative not only entertains but also offers a reflective look at the moral dilemmas faced in the aftermath of global conflict.

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Stay Tuned:
Next week's episode promises even more excitement as Mr. X flies to the colorful West Indies, encountering a mysterious death within the walls of an ancient church—all leading to a explosive climax. Don't miss out on the continued adventures of "The Man Called X."

Transcript

[Nicole Byer]

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[Ken]

Wayfair.

[Talkspace]

Every style, every home.

[Mr. Herbert]

Ladies and gentlemen, Lockheed presents Mr. Herbert.

[Herbert Marshall]

Marshall as the Man Called X. Look to Lockheed for leadership. The men and women of Lockheed Aircraft present Herbert Marshall in the Man Called X, produced and directed by Jack Johnstone. The Man Called X. He is the man who crosses the ocean as readily as you or I cross town. He's the man who travels today as you and I will travel tomorrow. He is the man who fights today's war in his unique fashion so that tomorrow's peace will make the world a neighborhood for all of us. He is the man called X. Tonight, Mr. X spins the globe and puts his finger on the Balkans, where he searches for an unknown but notorious international criminal. But right now, his mind is far from the troubled world as he and his fiance, Nancy Bessington, listen to Valse Bluett in the Gamut Music shop on East 44th street in New York.

[Ken]

Oh, that's beautiful, Ken.

[Mr. Herbert]

Then we'll take it, my dear.

[Ken]

Do you think they could play that for our wedding march, darling?

[Mr. Herbert]

Well, it might be rather tough to waltz down the aisle, too. And Mendelssohn and Waglan will probably turn over in their graves. But if you insist.

[Ken]

Have you decided to take it, sir?

[Herbert Marshall]

Yes.

[Mr. Herbert]

Will you wrap it, please?

[Ken]

Certainly. It'll just take a moment. Ah, darling, do you realize how many things we have in common? Good music, good books, good. Ken. Ken, are you listening?

[Mr. Herbert]

Petko?

[Ken]

What did you say? Ken?

[Mr. Herbert]

Petko Todorovich.

[Ken]

Pet who? Ken. Where are you going?

[Mr. Herbert]

Nancy, that man just leaving the shop. Darn it. Now, which way did he go?

[Ken]

Ken? What under the sun are you Petko?

[Mr. Herbert]

I lost him in the crowd.

[Ken]

And just who is Petko, if you don't mind?

[Mr. Herbert]

I haven't seen him since we were at school together in Switzerland.

[Ken]

School? Oh, an old friend.

[Mr. Herbert]

Very close friend, Nancy.

[Ken]

Well, thank goodness. For a minute, I thought you were getting mixed up in one of those things again. But, Ken, you still haven't told me how you got Petko's address.

[Mr. Herbert]

From Jimmy Hale on the Globe. Come on, Petko, open up. I'd heard he was coming over here as representative of Tito's government. Oh.

[Ken]

Well, then this isn't just a social call after all.

[Mr. Herbert]

Funny. Why, it's open. Petko, are you home or.

[Ken]

Ken. Ken, in that chair.

[Mr. Herbert]

Petko, look at Amy's. Here's Nancy, shot through the heart.

[Ken]

But, Ken, why?

[Mr. Herbert]

I don't know. But he was here on important business for his government, and he must have.

[Ken]

Been working when it happened. See, here's his typewriter. Oh, he. He was just writing a letter. It's to somebody named Anna, but it may give us some idea.

[Mr. Herbert]

Anna?

[Ken]

You know her, Ken.

[Mr. Herbert]

His wife, Nancy. Anna was in Switzerland the year I met Petko. She was very lovely. Oh, I was in love with her too. Oh. But I left after that summer, and they were married a couple of years later. It'll be a terrible shock to her. They would have voted.

[Ken]

Well, what does the letter say, Ken?

[Mr. Herbert]

Dearest Anna, you will never know the agonies I've suffered being away from you. And you will never know how I feel having to leave you again. But, my darling, day and night I dream of the time when we may be together once more. So bless you and a million kisses from your loving Petko.

[Ken]

I didn't know either of them, but. Makes me feel terrible.

[Mr. Herbert]

Nancy, you had the right hunch. When I saw Petko leave the music shop. This is one of those things.

[Chief]

Mrs. Anna Todorowicz. 1719 Czar Horse for the Dietl Street, Sophia, Bulgaria.

[Mr. Herbert]

Yes, Chief. That envelope, already addressed, lay beside the typewriter. They must have moved from Belgrade when Yugoslavia was overrun by the Nazis.

[Chief]

Find anything else, Ken?

[Ken]

The violin, Ken.

[Mr. Herbert]

Yes, a violin I didn't know he played. But here's the important thing, Chief. In the medicine cabinet, wrapped inside an ordinary gauze bandage roll, I found this here.

[Chief]

Microfilm. Let's see.

[Mr. Herbert]

Hmm.

[Chief]

Look at it through this glass, ken.

[Mr. Herbert]

I know. 3 million marks. Borrowed by the Reichsbank from the Belgard State Bank. Anton Gubeck.

[Chief]

Director Anton Gubeck. Just a minute. Miller, Wrovsky, Ratcheck, Goubeck. I thought I saw that name on the list. Anton Gubeck left New York on a plane this morning for Sofia, Bulgaria.

[Mr. Herbert]

I. But why, Sophia?

[Chief]

There's a branch of the Belgrade bank there.

[Mr. Herbert]

So that's why Petko was here. He must have had evidence that one of his fellow Yugoslavs was in secret collaboration with the Nazis. He traced him to New York and was about to expose him.

[Chief]

But Glubeck got to him first.

[Mr. Herbert]

Could be. Chief, do me a favor.

[Chief]

Well?

[Mr. Herbert]

Keep this quiet until I have a chance to See Anna Todorovich and tell her about Petko.

[Ken]

But Kayana is in Bulgaria.

[Mr. Herbert]

Yes, my darling, Bulgaria.

[Ken]

Oh.

[Herbert Marshall]

Landing at Sophia in five minutes. Sophia.

[Mr. Herbert]

Sir, the plane continues on to Istanbul.

[Herbert Marshall]

Cairo Salon and Sydney, Australia. You may change for planes for Bucharest, Moscow.

[Mr. Herbert]

I'm sorry, Anna. You and Petko must have been so happy together.

[Anna Todorovich]

Oh, it too happy again. Why? Why Petko?

[Mr. Herbert]

Later, Anna. We'll talk about that later.

[Anna Todorovich]

But I must know. What did he say to you when you saw him?

[Mr. Herbert]

Unfortunately, the only time I saw him was just a glimpse as he was leaving a music shop. Oh, by the way, I never knew Petko was a violinist.

[Anna Todorovich]

Oh, he just played for his own amusement. He loved music. He loved everything.

[Mr. Herbert]

Beau. No, Anna, dear, don't.

[Anna Todorovich]

Oh, I don't. I'm all right now, Ken.

[Mr. Herbert]

Anna, do you know a man named Anton Gubec?

[Anna Todorovich]

Anton Gubec? No, Ken. Should I?

[Mr. Herbert]

Not particularly. I have an idea he's not a very nice man.

[Anna Todorovich]

But who is he, Ken?

[Mr. Herbert]

A director of the Belgrade Bank. He has offices here in Sofia.

[Anna Todorovich]

But Ken, what has this to do with Petko?

[Mr. Herbert]

That's exactly what I want to find out from Mr. Gubeck. Mr. Gubeck? Yes. My name's Thurston.

[Anton Gubeck]

Well, what can I do for you?

[Mr. Herbert]

Mr. Gobeck, do you know a man named Petko Todovich Todorovich?

[Anton Gubeck]

No, I'm afraid I don't.

[Mr. Herbert]

Todovitch was found dead a few days ago in New York City.

[Anton Gubeck]

So what does that to do with me?

[Mr. Herbert]

He was in possession of a photostatic record of dealings between this bank and the Reichsbank.

[Anton Gubeck]

My dear man, what bank has not had dealings at one time or another with banks of other countries? After all, finance is international. I'm afraid I fail to understand the purpose of your visits.

[Mr. Herbert]

Oh, I think you do understand. And is there any reason why you shouldn't tell me what you know?

[Anton Gubeck]

I haven't said I know anything.

[Mr. Herbert]

Well, in case you change your mind, you can reach me at the Grand Palace Hotel.

[Anton Gubeck]

Why should I change my mind?

[Mr. Herbert]

Because the police might be interested in knowing that you left New York on the day Torovich was murdered. More coffee, Anna?

[Anna Todorovich]

No, thank you, Ken.

[Mr. Herbert]

Feel better now?

[Anna Todorovich]

Much thanks to your dear self. Petko always had the best cure for grief was music, food and laughter. You have given me all three tonight.

[Mr. Herbert]

Anna, think a minute. Are you sure Petko never mentioned Anton Goubeck?

[Anna Todorovich]

I have been thinking ever since you spoke of him. But you see, I knew very little about Petko's business affairs. And since we came to Sofia practically Nothing at all.

[Mr. Herbert]

What will you do now, Anna?

[Anna Todorovich]

Go back to Belgrade? Or perhaps even to your America?

[Mr. Herbert]

Ah, Gypsy music is the same all over the world. But this is one of the best groups I've heard in a long time.

[Anna Todorovich]

Gancho's Gypsy violins are very popular. Do you see how some of the players wander around among the tables?

[Mr. Herbert]

I certainly do. Believe me, Anna, no gypsy wrote that song and that arrangement.

[Zegon Zelsmith]

So you do not care for my improvisations? Well, what else can one play in a cheese box like that?

[Mr. Herbert]

Zegon Zelsmith.

[Zegon Zelsmith]

Hello, Mr. Turston. I thought you'd never get here to Sofia. But it was worth waiting for. Will you introduce me?

[Mr. Herbert]

Oh, yes, yes. Madame Todorovich, Mr. Zellsmith.

[Anna Todorovich]

Hello.

[Zegon Zelsmith]

Poet, scientist, musician and admirer of beautiful women. I kiss your hand, madame.

[Mr. Herbert]

Well, you might as well sit down, Zega. I suppose it's pointless for me to ask you how you happen to be in Sofia. Or is it just an unhappy coincidence?

[Zegon Zelsmith]

Surely, Mr. Thurston, you didn't expect me to abandon you in such a crisis.

[Mr. Herbert]

Why not? You've done it before.

[Zegon Zelsmith]

Yes, but only for money. And in case of extreme necessity. And Speaking of necessity, Mr. Thurson, there is a little item not already. Well, in addition to the normal traveling expenses, it was expensive to find out your destination. Taxi drivers, baggage masters.

[Mr. Herbert]

Not a penny Zagar. Our relationship at the present is purely social.

[Zegon Zelsmith]

Oh, well, I. In that case, I guess I better get back to my wretched job.

[Mr. Herbert]

Just a minute. What does Anton Gubeck mean to you?

[Zegon Zelsmith]

Oh, you are a very fine psychologist, Mr. Thorsten. When you say go back, I think of money.

[Mr. Herbert]

Go on. What else?

[Zegon Zelsmith]

What else is there to think of, Mr. Thurston?

[Mr. Herbert]

All right. What do you know about go back?

[Zegon Zelsmith]

Well, I know he returned to Sofia on this afternoon's plane.

[Mr. Herbert]

This afternoon? Yes.

[Zegon Zelsmith]

I understand that Mr. Gubac was delayed in Cairo. As a matter of fact, on my way down to my miserable work this evening, I saw him enter his own house with his luggage. Oh, a perfect abomination of rococo. It's over there in 47 Koshkovo Bo.

[Mr. Herbert]

47 Kashkovo Boulevard.

[Zegon Zelsmith]

Yes. And now, excuse me, Mr. X. And the beautiful Madame, I must return. It is my turn to play a solo. Au revoir, madame. And if you should need further assistance, Mr. X, I have very flexible business hours.

[Anna Todorovich]

Your friend Zegon is a comedian, kid.

[Mr. Herbert]

Oh, he's amusing enough, but he's got a price list for every laugh. Anna, I hate to bring such a charming evening to a close so quickly, but I. I want to talk to Goobeck tonight. So if you don't mind, I'll see you home first.

[Anna Todorovich]

Oh, don't. Don't bother, Kane. Just put me in a cab. After all, my house is a long way from Kaskovo Boulevard.

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[Mr. Herbert]

Yes? What do you want? Oh, Officer, I came here to see Mr. Gubeck. There's Mr. Grubeck in there on the floor, dead. Wait a minute. This isn't Gubeck. No. Well, who do you think it is? This isn't the man I talked to at Gubeck's office yesterday afternoon. I don't know anything about that. But this man is Anton Gubeck. Then who is the man I talked to?

[Herbert Marshall]

Just a moment. We will continue with act two of tomorrow. Tonight's exploit of the Man Called X starring Herbert Marshall. But first, a word from the men and women of Lockheed. Ladies and gentlemen, the Lockheed Constellation is the largest, fastest, highest flying land transport in use today. It is capable of carrying 64 passengers, crew and cargo across the nation in seven hours. Its four engines provide a cruising speed of better than 300 miles an hour and a flight ceiling of well over 20,000ft. Now, all these facts might indicate to you that while the Constellation is a fine airplane, its use will be confined to long flights between super airports. This isn't true, of course. For all its size and speed and power, the Constellation easily takes off and lands in any standard airport Furthermore, even on short flights of 100 and 200 miles, it has been found to operate more efficiently and more economically than the ordinary two engine transport you fly in today. Thus, while the Constellation is serving the air forces now, tomorrow it may serve the airport in your town as an airline local or as a transcontinental express. It will offer you swift, comfortable, safe transportation to neighboring cities or to lands beyond the horizon. Again, ladies and gentlemen, remember the name the Lockheed Constellation. Another example of Lockheed leadership. Now to return to tonight's exploit of Mr. X, whose search for the murderer of his friend Petko Todorovich, has led him to Sofia, Bulgaria, only to discover that his only suspect, Anton Gubec, dubious Yugoslav banker, also has been murdered. As we join him, he is in his hotel room with the ubiquitous Zagon Zelsnip.

[Zegon Zelsmith]

Mr. X, I am humiliated at having to bring up such a personal subject.

[Mr. Herbert]

But you don't look very humiliated to me, Zagon.

[Zegon Zelsmith]

Oh, well, I was so excited with my first solo appearance as a violinist that I neglected to conclude my negotiations with you at the cafe.

[Mr. Herbert]

I don't recall any negotiations.

[Zegon Zelsmith]

But Mr. X, remember I devised invaluable information about the unfortunate Mr. Go back.

[Mr. Herbert]

Oh, in that case, you owe me money. Your invaluable information ran me right up a blind alley.

[Zegon Zelsmith]

Well, then perhaps you'll be even more interested in Mr. Maciek, president of the Macedonian National Bank. Such an interesting story. And not too expensive. Or perhaps Mr. Dobrovci, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Sofia Exchange.

[Mr. Herbert]

Now wait a minute. What kind of double talk is this, Zagon?

[Zegon Zelsmith]

No, no, not talk. Names and figures all here. See?

[Mr. Herbert]

On this microfilm. Zegon, where did you get this?

[Zegon Zelsmith]

Do not misunderstand me, Mr. X. I'm a man of scruples. But she was so beautiful. And I was only looking for her address.

[Mr. Herbert]

Whose address? Looking where?

[Zegon Zelsmith]

Why, your beautiful friend, of course. When her handbag lay on the table in the cafe.

[Mr. Herbert]

Segar, it's hard to believe there could be worse scoundrels than you. But there are. And not half so amusing.

[Zegon Zelsmith]

Again, I am humiliated having to bring up a personal subject.

[Mr. Herbert]

Perhaps these American dollars will save you from further embarrassment.

[Zegon Zelsmith]

They do. I now recovered my dignity. And now, as an honorable man, I must return this property to the beautiful lady.

[Mr. Herbert]

That, Zar, is a pleasure I shall reserve for myself.

[Anna Todorovich]

Ken.

[Mr. Herbert]

Good evening, Anna.

[Anna Todorovich]

I wondered what happened to you. You didn't call You?

[Mr. Herbert]

It was just a comedy of errors and mistaken identity, that's all.

[Anna Todorovich]

What?

[Mr. Herbert]

Now, you see, Goobeck, isn't Goobeck at all. Or wasn't, I should say.

[Anna Todorovich]

What do you mean?

[Mr. Herbert]

Oh, I could put it this way. Goobeck is dead. Long live Gubeck.

[Anna Todorovich]

Go Back is dead.

[Mr. Herbert]

Yes, but the man I thought was Goobeck is still alive. And most important of all, whoever he is, he's the murderer of Petko, and he's here in Sofia.

[Anna Todorovich]

How could he be? Petko was. Was murdered in New York and. Oh, but, Ken, dear, let us not talk about this tonight.

[Mr. Herbert]

All right? Shall we? Shall we talk about a summer in Switzerland long ago?

[Anna Todorovich]

Oh, yes.

[Mr. Herbert]

About our scrambling for hours to get to the top of some place, only to ski down in a few seconds, laughing at time and space.

[Anna Todorovich]

Ken, you remember too. We were above the world. Out of the world. Out.

[Mr. Herbert]

Did this violin belong to Petro?

[Anna Todorovich]

Yes, Ken. I told you. He loved to play just for himself.

[Mr. Herbert]

Then he must have picked up the one he had in New York. At the music shop where I saw him.

[Anna Todorovich]

I wondered why he did not take this one with him. But he left so suddenly. Oh, but, Ken, let us turn back the clock again and remember you returned to America without my ever telling you.

[Mr. Herbert]

Telling me what, Anna?

[Anna Todorovich]

That it was you. Ken, you darling, kiss me like you once did.

[Mr. Herbert]

When. Anna, something I must tell you about.

[Anna Todorovich]

Yes, mine.

[Mr. Herbert]

A letter for you from Petko. You wrote it just before you died.

[Anna Todorovich]

Oh. Oh, you read it to me again.

[Mr. Herbert]

Dearest Anna, you will never know the agonies I've suffered being away from you. You will never know how I feel having to leave you again. But, my darling, day and night I dream of the time when we may be together once more. So bless you and a million kisses from your loving Petko.

[Anna Todorovich]

Oh, poor Petko.

[Mr. Herbert]

Now let me read it again. Dearest Anna, you will never know the agonies I've suffered being away from you. And you will never know how I feel.

[Anna Todorovich]

Ken. Ken, why don't you go on?

[Mr. Herbert]

Anna, the person who began this letter didn't finish it. Yes, Petko started typing. But see, beginning here, the touch is different. A much lighter touch. Somebody else finished the letter.

[Anna Todorovich]

But who?

[Mr. Herbert]

Somebody who didn't want to be exposed as an accomplice in an international blackmail racket. Someone connected with a music shop in New York City. Sounds incredible, doesn't it? But you did use the music shop, didn't you, Anna?

[Anna Todorovich]

Is this some kind of fairy tale? Ken?

[Mr. Herbert]

Petko got suspicious. He had evidence in microfilm. And when he traced you to that music shop in New York, he had a hard decision to make.

[Anna Todorovich]

Go on, Ken.

[Mr. Herbert]

And so when he went back to the hotel. He sat down to write you a letter. What he intended to write was. You'll never know how I feel having discovered what you really are. So, Anna, you had to shoot him, complete the letter as your alibi and get back here.

[Anna Todorovich]

And by what magic do you know all this?

[Mr. Herbert]

No magic at all. I believed this letter until you yourself showed me how wrong I was.

[Anna Todorovich]

I showed you?

[Mr. Herbert]

You were the only one who knew. I came here to see Gubeck. And you made sure I wouldn't see him. Who was the man I talked to at Gubeck's office?

[Anna Todorovich]

Anna, you must be joking.

[Mr. Herbert]

Unfortunately, this microfilm here is not very funny. Whoever this man is, he's dreamed up an insidious blackmail racket using photostatic records of secret negotiations between the Nazis and bankers in some of the occupied countries. And he's making them pay off to save their necks from their own people as their countries are liberated.

[Anton Gubeck]

You are speaking about me, Mr. X.

[Mr. Herbert]

Oh, there you are, whoever you are.

[Anton Gubeck]

But not Guber, eh Schmutzger.

[Mr. Herbert]

Schreinegal. So, the trademark of a Nazi. And the portrait is complete, even to the gun in your hand.

[Anton Gubeck]

This isn't a picture, Mr. X.

[Mr. Herbert]

It works. I don't doubt it. I've seen enough evidence that it does. Your gun worked too, didn't it, Anna? No wonder Petko didn't look me up when he came to New York. He was ashamed to let me know that his devoted Anna had turned traitor. Not only to his great love for her, but to her people, to her country. Stop it. Why did you do it, Anna? Was it money? Was it because Petko lost everything he had when the Nazis moved here? Stop. I can imagine what Petko went through when he found you in New York. When he discovered what you were doing, what you become. He tried to tell you in a letter, but you never let him finish it.

[Anna Todorovich]

Kill him, Willie. Don't let him talk anymore.

[Anton Gubeck]

Now stand aside.

[Zegon Zelsmith]

Anna. The lights.

[Mr. Herbert]

Who turned them off? Willie.

[Zegon Zelsmith]

I swear by the father of my father of my father. I am innocent. I didn't do it.

[Mr. Herbert]

Zegon. You.

[Zegon Zelsmith]

Oh, it's you, Mr. Thurston. What big hands you have.

[Mr. Herbert]

Can you. Can you find the light switch, Zeigon?

[Zegon Zelsmith]

Naturally.

[Mr. Herbert]

I just turned it off there and they've got away.

[Zegon Zelsmith]

You mean the beautiful lady and my friend Gancho.

[Mr. Herbert]

Gancho? So that's who he is.

[Zegon Zelsmith]

No, he's a lot of people. But mostly he was really Heineke. A very high man once. A useful aid to von Papen himself.

[Mr. Herbert]

An unpleasant character. Well, Zegar you saved my life by turning off that light.

[Zegon Zelsmith]

Yes, and for no compensation either. But alas, now I am in a pickle. Gensho and his gypsies gone. My violin, gone. And without a violin, Zegon is without a picnic tongue.

[Mr. Herbert]

That'll be a new experience. But if it's a violin you want, there's one.

[Zegon Zelsmith]

Oh. Oh, that's a treasure. When I played with the Amsterdam Symphony, I had a Guarus. On my last concert touring Budapest, it was an Amati. And now.

[Mr. Herbert]

Oh, Fu.

[Zegon Zelsmith]

Another one of Gancho's cheese boxes.

[Mr. Herbert]

Wait. Give me that fiddle. Why didn't I think of this before? That flat tone.

[Zegon Zelsmith]

It may not be a Stradivarius, Mr. X, but that is vandalism.

[Mr. Herbert]

Look, Zagon, the sound post.

[Zegon Zelsmith]

It should be cheese.

[Mr. Herbert]

Instead of a solid piece of hardwood, it's a hollow tube. In it, a roll of microfilm. So this is how your friend Gancho concealed his blackmailing evidence and shipped it abroad.

[Zegon Zelsmith]

No wonder I could never play the Paganinica dancer from Mendel's own concerto on a Gancho violin.

[Mr. Herbert]

Zagon, you wanted a job. You have one.

[Zegon Zelsmith]

I'm open to suggestion for a slight consideration. Of course.

[Mr. Herbert]

You know where gun show has gone?

[Zegon Zelsmith]

Not yet, Mr. X. But Zegon is not only a virtuoso, he's also a bloodhound. And so, Gancho, I risked my very life crossing the border to find you here in Yugoslavia.

[Anton Gubeck]

And how did you know where we'd be? Saigon.

[Zegon Zelsmith]

Do you not remember? You said the man who makes all your violins was here in this village.

[Anna Todorovich]

You are a friend of Thurston's. Why did you follow us?

[Zegon Zelsmith]

Oh, my dear lady, is that not obvious? You and Ganjo are now in a flourishing condition, so to speak. And you will be interested in the information about Mr. Tyson. At a reasonable price, of course.

[Anton Gubeck]

So it would be much cheaper to liquidate you than to bargain with you.

[Mr. Herbert]

But information, I'll give it to you for nothing, Kim.

[Zegon Zelsmith]

Mr. X, don't surprise me like that. And please, Mr. Th, just put down that gun. Surely you don't think that I say when.

[Mr. Herbert]

I know you too well. You always try to double your profit. So I followed you.

[Anna Todorovich]

And now, I suppose, you will kill us.

[Mr. Herbert]

I'm neither judge nor executioner, my dear. I'll leave that to the proper authorities. In this case, who would be more property to judge you than your own people of Yugoslavia, whom you betrayed?

[Zegon Zelsmith]

What are they doing, Mr. X? I can't bear to look.

[Mr. Herbert]

I don't wonder. You're lucky you're not against that wall yourself.

[Zegon Zelsmith]

Please don't say things like that.

[Mr. Herbert]

How different from a pleasant summer in Switzerland a long time ago. A fine friend and a beautiful girl. Seems like two different worlds they gone. One of those worlds has ended. A world of treachery and terror.

[Herbert Marshall]

Before our star, Mr. Herbert Marshall returns to tell you about next week's exploit of the man called X. Here is an announcement from Lockheed. Ladies and gentlemen, when the war is over and final count is taken on those American industries contributing most to victory, the nation's airlines will stand near the top of the list. Here at home, the airlines have worked tirelessly night and day to speed essential passengers and cargo. Overseas, the nation's airline crews operating for the Air Transport Command have flown to almost every point on the globe. Many notables have been piloted by airline men on over ocean trips. President Roosevelt, Generalissimo and Madam Chiang Kai Shek, Generals Marshall, Eisenhower and Arnold, Admirals King and Leahy, Queen Wilhelmina, Secretary of War Stimson and many others. Taken together, airline crews have crossed the oceans thousands of times and have flown many millions of miles to foreign shores. Yes, the airlines of America are doing a vital job in the war effort. A job that foretells a great age of flight that you and every American will enjoy in peacetime days to come.

[Mr. Herbert]

Now, Mr. Herbert Marshall, next week I look forward to flying to the colorful West Indies. But a strange death occurs within the walls of an ancient church where the only clue is a message that says nothing but okay. All leading to a climax involving a ton of high explosives. So join us, won't you, when next I return as the Man Called X.

[Herbert Marshall]

Plan Called X is presented by the Lockheed Aircraft cor. Tonight's exploit was written by Milton Merlin. Original music was composed and conducted by Felix Mills. The entire production was under the direction of Jack Johnstone. Mr. Marshall's appearance is through courtesy of Metro Goldwyn Mayer, producers of the Technicolor picture Kismet. The men and women of Lockheed invite you to join Mr. X again next week, same time, same station. John McIntyre speaking. This is the Blue Network.