Raffles 43-07-28 xxx Angel of Death

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Raffles 43-07-28 xxx Angel of Death"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: Raffles 43-07-28 xxx Angel of Death
• Release Date: April 7, 2025

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Introduction

"Raffles 43-07-28 xxx Angel of Death" transports listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio, immersing them in a gripping espionage thriller set against the backdrop of World War II. The episode features the suave and cunning protagonist, Raffles, as he navigates the perilous world of Nazi espionage within Soviet territory. This detailed summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions, character developments, and pivotal revelations.

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Plot Overview

The episode commences with a high-stakes confrontation between Raffles, his associate Regensky, and their adversary, Tanya—a skilled Nazi spy. The tension peaks as Tanya attempts to crash their hidden plane, leading to a dramatic showdown in the skies over Soviet Russia.

Key Events:

• Plane Sabotage: Raffles and Regensky intercept a plane intended for Nazi use, only to discover Tanya onboard with her accomplice, Sosha, both bound and gagged.
• High-Stakes Negotiation: A tense dialogue ensues as Tanya threatens to crash the plane, forcing her captors to negotiate her fate.
• Parachute Escape: Regensky and Sosha escape via parachutes, leaving Raffles to handle Tanya alone.

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Dramatic Confrontation

The heart of the episode lies in the intense dialogue between Raffles and Tanya aboard the malfunctioning plane.

Notable Exchanges:

• Raffles' Ultimatum:

  • [02:00] Raffles: "It's going to hurt a bit when we hit. That beautiful face of yours is going to be crushed beyond recognition."
  • Analysis: Raffles uses psychological pressure to destabilize Tanya, demonstrating his strategic mind.

• Tanya's Defiance:

  • [02:05] Tanya: "I. You cannot frighten me."
  • Raffles: "No, I don't suppose I can. But doesn't the thought of striking the ground frighten you?"
  • [02:11] Tanya: "Be quiet."

  Their exchange underscores Tanya's initial resilience against Raffles' tactics.

• Turning Point:

  • [02:46] Tanya: "All right, you win. I could not do it. I thought I could, but I could."
  • Interpretation: Tanya's surrender marks a significant shift, opening the door for further dialogue and information exchange.

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Strategic Discussions

Following the plane incident, Raffles and Major Raginski deliberate on the broader implications of Tanya's mission, uncovering a network of Nazi spies embedded within Soviet infrastructure.

Key Points:

• Detection of a Spy Network:

  • [04:06] Major Raginski: "What makes you think this?"
  • [04:07] Raffles: "Well, I attended a Nazi school for spies in Northern France a short time before I came here. I know how they work and believe me, Major, they do not send one lone agent into a country to carry on their secret service work."

• Tanya's Role and Training:

  • [04:17] Major Raginski: "Are you certain?"
  • [04:18] Raffles: "Positive."

• Implications of Multiple Agents:

  • [10:00] Raffles: "But that doesn't guarantee that no more information will be sent."
  • Conclusion: The existence of 45 trained female spies poses a significant threat, necessitating a multifaceted approach to neutralize the network.

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Tanya's Transformation and Revelation

One of the episode's most compelling elements is Tanya's ideological shift, which not only humanizes her character but also provides critical intelligence.

Tanya's Change of Heart:

• Disillusionment with Fascism:

  • [07:04] Tanya: "Because I have been outside Germany and seen other people's form of life that I am able to understand. You must realize that those people inside Germany have no way of making a choice."

• Comparison of Soldier Morale:

  • [08:30] Tanya: "I saw German soldiers blindly following orders to fight... against them, I saw Soviet soldiers fight and die for a country they believed in."

• Realization of Soviet Ideals:

  • [09:28] Raffles: "The Soviet Union did all very well, Tanya. Soviet people are fighting to preserve a form of government in which they believe."
  • [09:50] Tanya: "Yes, I see that now. That is something in which we did not believe."

Impact of Transformation: Tanya's shift not only diminishes her threat but also positions her as a potential asset. Her insights into Nazi training programs and mission objectives become invaluable for Raffles and his allies.

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Unveiling the Spy Network

Tanya divulges critical information about the Nazi espionage operations within Soviet Russia, revealing a coordinated network poised to undermine Soviet efforts.

Key Revelations:

• Extent of the Spy Network:

  • [10:07] Tanya: "My class included some 45 women all... posing as nurses in Soviet Peel Hospital."
  • [11:16] Tanya: "Because I was working with the Nazi Party... When I found out the Nazi way of life was not the right way, I began to search my mind for that creed which was right."

• Challenges in Counterintelligence:

  • [11:22] Raffles: "The others should be pretty easily taken care of. With your help."
  • [11:16] Tanya: "Because while I know what the mission of all these in my class consists of, I do not know who they are."

• Strategic Implications:

  • [12:03] Raffles: "We must work them one at a time. Apprehend the spy at one hospital and then move on to another."

Strategic Planning: Raffles and Major Raginski outline a meticulous plan to dismantle the spy network, emphasizing the need for isolation and careful handling of each agent to prevent tipping off the entire operation.

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Conclusion and Future Endeavors

As the episode draws to a close, Raffles and Major Raginski commit to leveraging the intelligence provided by Tanya to eradicate the Nazi espionage threat within Soviet hospitals. Their strategic approach underscores the high stakes and the intricate dance of counterintelligence operations during wartime.

Final Remarks:

• [12:36] Raffles: "Yes, but with care we can accomplish it. And in so doing rid Soviet Russia of a menace second only to the Nazi army itself."

The episode sets the stage for subsequent adventures, promising listeners more suspense and strategic maneuvers in the ongoing battle against Nazi infiltration.

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Notable Quotes Summary

• Raffles on Fate:

  • "It's going to hurt a bit when we hit. That beautiful face of yours is going to be crushed beyond recognition." — [02:00] Raffles

• Tanya's Defiance:

  • "I cannot frighten me." — [02:05] Tanya

• Raffles on Espionage:

  • "They do not send one lone agent into a country to carry on their secret service work." — [04:07] Raffles

• Tanya's Ideological Shift:

  • "I saw Soviet soldiers fight and die for a country they believed in." — [09:13] Tanya

• Strategic Resolution:

  • "We must work them one at a time. Apprehend the spy at one hospital and then move on to another." — [12:03] Raffles

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Final Thoughts

"Raffles 43-07-28 xxx Angel of Death" masterfully blends suspense, strategic intrigue, and deep character development to create an engaging narrative. Through its rich dialogue and intricate plot, the episode not only entertains but also offers insights into the complexities of wartime espionage and the profound impact of ideological transformation.

Whether you're a long-time fan of old-time radio dramas or a newcomer seeking a riveting story, this episode is a testament to the enduring allure of well-crafted audio storytelling.

Transcript

[Basil]

Perdio Sutra bajo redujeros presente su solicitud Oy mismo con el Departamento de Emplode, Oregon. Es gratis, Basil. Yey servicios de interpretacion Dis ponivles. Llame al uno, ocho. Siete. Siete. Tres. Cuatro. Ocho. Cuatro.

[Narrator]

Big Ben tolls the time in London. Time to listen to the Case of the angel of Death. Every day, Monday through Friday at the same time, CBS presents the new and exciting Case of the angel of Death, featuring Raffles. Raffles and Regensky have hidden a plane which the Nazis had placed on Soviet territory for use by 80J in attempting an escape. When 80J arrives at the plane, she turns out to be, as Raffles suspected, Tanya. She has Sosia with her, bound and gagged. Raffles insists Tanya be allowed to take off before he and Brijensky make their presence known. When Tanya finds she's been caught, she threatens to crash the plane. Regensky and Sosha both jump with parachutes, leaving Raffles to deal with Tanya, who is at this moment plunging the big plane earthward with motors wide open.

[Raffles]

It's going to hurt a bit when we hit. That beautiful face of yours is going to be crushed beyond recognition.

[Tanya]

I. You cannot frighten me.

[Raffles]

No, I don't suppose I can. But doesn't the thought of striking the ground frighten you?

[Tanya]

Be quiet.

[Raffles]

And of course, there's always the chance that both of us won't be killed. People have walked away from crashed planes, you know. That might happen to me. Then there have been cases where people were nearly killed but left living. That might happen. You might just be hurt badly enough that you couldn't move. And the plane will probably burn. You can't get out. You're left to lie there while the hot, burning gas seals your flesh. You haven't much time to decide. Only about 1,500ft, I should say. I. You better pull her out. Unless you're prepared to go through with any of those things. I. I didn't think you'd have the courage to actually go through with it.

[Tanya]

All right, you win. I could not do it. I thought I could, but I could.

[Raffles]

Not level off up here.

[Tanya]

What do you intend to do?

[Raffles]

I thought it would be best for our interest to get you as far away from the front as possible. That's why we let you take off.

[Tanya]

You are very foolish. I might have found the courage necessary to go through with crashing the ship.

[Raffles]

But you didn't. That's the important Thing. And now I want to go to Division headquarters of Soviet Intelligence. I expect the nearest flying field to be the best place to land. I think it would be very obliging and distinctly to your advantage if you were too flimy there. Well, I never thought I'd get you and Saoirse rounded up again after that parachute jump, Major.

[Major Raginski]

We didn't know where you had landed, so we just waited for word.

[Raffles]

Well, I sent out word for you. I suppose the Red army managed to get the message to you.

[Major Raginski]

Yes.

[Raffles]

Glad to see neither of you were hurt in landing.

[Major Raginski]

We are all right.

[Raffles]

Good.

[Major Raginski]

I suppose you will be going back to England soon.

[Raffles]

What?

[Major Raginski]

Well, you have accomplished what you set out to do. Tanya is in the hands of civil officers of the Soviet. You've stopped her from sending any more information to the Nazis.

[Raffles]

Yes, we've stopped her, but that doesn't guarantee that no more information will be sent.

[Major Raginski]

What do you mean?

[Raffles]

Well, we were concerned with Tanya because he was operating in a district close to us. But it's my belief that she was only one part of an organization of German espionage agents which spreads along the entire front.

[Major Raginski]

What makes you think this?

[Raffles]

Well, I attended a Nazi school for spies in Northern France short time before I came here. I know how they work and believe me, Major, they do not send one lone agent into a country to carry on their secret service work.

[Major Raginski]

You mean you think there are more of them?

[Raffles]

I'm certain there are. But Tania was a well trained spy. I'm certain she received a training in Nazi Germany.

[Major Raginski]

Are you certain?

[Raffles]

Positive.

[Major Raginski]

That is strange. I would have said she was a disgruntled young woman who felt she could do better herself by assisting the enemy to overthrow the Soviet Union.

[Raffles]

That is the end which she would like to bring about, but not for the reason you state. She wants to overthrow the Soviet because she believes, as do all Nazis, and rightly so, that it's one of the greatest enemies of Nazi fascism.

[Major Raginski]

Of that there can be no question.

[Raffles]

Well, regardless of her motive, I know she was well trained for the job. I know also that the Nazi didn't train her all by herself. There are others. Maybe they haven't been as successful as Tanya and consequently they haven't come to our attention. But there are others that you may be certain.

[Major Raginski]

But how are we going to know? Wait for them to be successful?

[Raffles]

No.

[Major Raginski]

Then how?

[Raffles]

Well, for one thing, we have Tanya. We might be able to get some information out of her.

[Major Raginski]

Oh, I do not think so, comrade. She is not the type of spy who will Give out information.

[Raffles]

But we could find ways of persuading her, couldn't we?

[Major Raginski]

What do you mean?

[Raffles]

She's a fascist. A member of an economic creed that would enslave the common people of the entire earth. There's no mercy in their motives. We can't fight them with mercy.

[Major Raginski]

I see what you mean. I suppose we could persuade her to talk.

[Raffles]

Good. Get her over here as quickly as you can. Or should we go to see her?

[Major Raginski]

She's in jail. I think it is best that we go there. I do not want that woman to be my responsibility any longer. I shall feel much safer talking to her while she's still in jail.

[Raffles]

All right. Let's go over there and see her. Well, Tanya, we meet under circumstances more conducive to conversation than the last time.

[Tanya]

Mr. Raffles, I. I'm glad you have come.

[Major Raginski]

Glad?

[Tanya]

Yes. Major Raginski, I did not know whether you would grant my request for an interview.

[Raffles]

Your request?

[Tanya]

Yes.

[Raffles]

You mean you've asked to see us?

[Tanya]

Yes. Is that not the reason you have come?

[Raffles]

No. We heard nothing regarding such a request?

[Major Raginski]

No, nothing.

[Tanya]

Then why have you come?

[Raffles]

We have some things to talk over with him.

[Tanya]

The reason makes little difference. The important thing is that you are here and, I trust, willing to listen to what I have to say.

[Raffles]

We came here hoping you'd realize that it would be to your advantage to tell us what we want to know.

[Tanya]

No. Please do not offer me any propositions regarding immunity from punishment. Otherwise, you might not believe what I'm about to tell you.

[Raffles]

What do you mean?

[Tanya]

I want you to realize that I decided to tell you what I'm about to solely in the light of making some amends for the horrible thing I have done. And in no way to save myself. Punishment.

[Raffles]

And what you are about to tell us has to do with information which will be of value to the Soviets.

[Tanya]

Yes.

[Raffles]

And you don't ask immunity for yourself in payment?

[Tanya]

No.

[Raffles]

Then why have you decided to tell us these things?

[Tanya]

Because. Well, it is not easily explained. It is a lesson which I have learned. I have watched the development of this war with keen interest. Gradually, the things which I have seen have given me a new outlook.

[Raffles]

I don't quite understand.

[Tanya]

Well, I was a very young girl when Adolf Hitler came to power in Germany. We were a poor nation. Hunger and starvation was prevalent. Unemployment was everywhere. And then Hitler took over. And all that seemed to change overnight. From some place came jobs and food for everyone. We had been through a rebirth. And all the people were fired with enthusiasm. Yes, but for what we were Trained not to ask that question. We were taught only one philosophy, the philosophy of might and an unseeing belief in the superiority of the German race. We believed it, and we were willing to die for it.

[Raffles]

It's a good thing your nation was prepared, because that's exactly what's going to happen to it.

[Tanya]

I know.

[Raffles]

You know?

[Tanya]

Yes.

[Raffles]

You mean you no longer believe in the fascist philosophy?

[Tanya]

No. Here I have seen something which proves to me that our way of life is wrong.

[Raffles]

You're rather late in finding that out, aren't you?

[Tanya]

You must understand that we had no way of learning it sooner.

[Raffles]

What do you mean?

[Tanya]

It is only because I have been outside Germany and seen other people's form of life that I am able to understand. You must realize that those people inside Germany have no way of making a choice. There's only one way of life. There's no way of knowing another. No example other than that of the Nazi Party.

[Raffles]

That makes sense. Go on.

[Tanya]

Well, recently all these things have begun to add up. I have seen German soldiers blindly following orders to fight. They're good, so just as long as the orders are clear. They follow well because they have thus been trained. But they do not fight because of a burning, overpowering zeal. They fight because they have been trained to follow orders. Here I have seen a different kind of fighting.

[Major Raginski]

What do you mean? The Red army follows orders, too.

[Tanya]

Yes, but with an enthusiasm which our soldiers do not possess. We are taught to fear the Soviet Union. But while we were busy being afraid of Soviet Russia, we let that stay. Same thing happened to our country.

[Raffles]

What was that?

[Tanya]

The government of a single will.

[Raffles]

You really believe this?

[Tanya]

Yes.

[Raffles]

Oh, how could you change so quickly?

[Tanya]

Soviet people taught me. I saw German soldiers fight and die because they were ordered to do so, while against them, I saw Soviet soldiers fight and die for a country they believed in. I do not think people would fight for a country which disregarded the people as we were taught.

[Raffles]

The Soviet Union did all very well, Tonya. Soviet people are fighting to preserve a form of government in which they believe. So are England and America. While the forms of government are different, all the United Nations, Britain, America, Soviet Union, China and all the rest are fighting for the right of the peoples of the country to have free determination of their government.

[Tanya]

Yes, I see that now. That is something in which we did not believe.

[Raffles]

Well, that's very nice. But what we came here for was information.

[Tanya]

I know, and I'm about to give you that information. At least all that which is in my possession.

[Raffles]

Fine. Do you have a Paper and pencil, Major.

[Major Raginski]

Damn.

[Raffles]

All right, you may start, Tanya.

[Tanya]

Yes, well, to begin with, I was not working here in the Soviet Union alone.

[Raffles]

I was certain of that.

[Tanya]

My class included some 45 women all.

[Raffles]

Trained to pose as nurses in Soviet Peel Hospital.

[Tanya]

Yes.

[Raffles]

Are you taking these things down, Major?

[Major Raginski]

Though I find myself almost incapable of believing them.

[Raffles]

It won't hurt to find out if they're true. Go on, Tanya.

[Tanya]

We were trained in Berlin. Ours was considered a dangerous and glorious mission. Peoples were chosen whose loyalty to the Party and to the fear and to the new order could not be questioned.

[Raffles]

They seem to have made a mistake in your case.

[Tanya]

Yes. Because I was working with the Nazi Party. Because I truly believe that within the philosophy of fascism lay the answer to a new and better world order. The fact that I was interested in a better world was the place where, in my choice was a mistake.

[Raffles]

How's that?

[Tanya]

Because when I found out the Nazi way of life was not the right way, I began to search my mind for that creed which was right. And I found that the only creed of government which could be considered right was one which conceded the wishes and the good of its people. Fascism does not do that.

[Raffles]

We're aware of that.

[Tanya]

So I was a bad choice for the party to send to Russia. Unfortunately, I'm afraid the same thing will not be true of the others.

[Raffles]

The others should be pretty easily taken care of. With your help.

[Tanya]

Not so easy, my friend.

[Raffles]

Why not?

[Tanya]

Because while I know what the mission of all these in my class consists of, I do not know who they are.

[Raffles]

But you said you were trained together.

[Tanya]

Yes, but in the school I attended, you see, we wore masks whenever we appeared in a room with other candidates.

[Raffles]

I see.

[Tanya]

Do you know, all the time I was in training, I never saw the face or heard the name of any of the other candidates.

[Raffles]

And I suppose you know nothing of the destination of any of them either.

[Tanya]

Except that they were all trained for the same job. Namely, posing as nurses in Russian hospitals.

[Raffles]

But you don't know which hospital?

[Tanya]

No.

[Raffles]

How many did you say there were?

[Tanya]

45.

[Raffles]

Major, do you realize what this means?

[Major Raginski]

It means there are 44 hospitals in Soviet Russia which contain Nazi spies on the staffs.

[Raffles]

Right.

[Major Raginski]

And they must be liquidy.

[Raffles]

Not again. It's not going to be so easy.

[Major Raginski]

Why not?

[Raffles]

Because we'll have to tackle each hospital as a completely separate and individual job.

[Major Raginski]

And why is that?

[Raffles]

We must work them one at a time. Apprehend the spy at one hospital and then move on to another. Without letting our motives or methods reach any of the others that will.

[Major Raginski]

Don't be so easy, comrade.

[Raffles]

No, no, it won't. But that's the way it must be. We must plan each case carefully, get all our information together and crack down on the spy before she has a chance to suspect us and warn her co workers.

[Major Raginski]

That will take some high risk. Skillful maneuvering, comrade.

[Raffles]

Yes, but with care we can accomplish it. And in so doing rid Soviet Russia of a menace second only to the Nazi army itself.

[Narrator]

Listen again tomorrow to another thrilling chapter in the case of the angel of Death. Presented by cbs, this adventure mystery is presented each day Monday through Friday at the same time. Be sure to join us again tomorrow when London's man of mystery returns. These original stories are written by Dwight Hauser and produced by J. Donald Wilson with music composed and played by Milton Charles. This is cbs, the Columbia broadcasting System.