Tales Of The Foreign Service 46-06-07 (01) Premiere

Summary

Podcast Summary: Tales Of The Foreign Service 46-06-07 (01) Premiere

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harolds Old Time Radio
• Episode: Tales Of The Foreign Service 46-06-07 (01) Premiere
• Release Date: February 10, 2025
• Description: Radio shows from the Golden Age of Radio, featuring classic tales like The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, Dragnet, and more.

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Introduction

In the premiere episode of Tales Of The Foreign Service, listener Walter Orbor, an American consul, finds himself ensnared in the perilous events of World War II. This episode masterfully blends historical context with gripping storytelling, capturing the essence of the Golden Age of Radio.

The Call to Monte Carlo

Timestamp: [00:02]

The episode begins with Walter Orbor recounting a dramatic turn of events:

Walter Orbor: "This is the story of Walter W. Oliver, a 36-year-old American consul to whom fate brought adventure that plunged him from the routine and security of an American consulate into a vortex of intrigue, treachery, and espionage." ([00:02])

Orbor receives an urgent directive from his superior, instructing him to relocate the consulate in Nice to Monte Carlo within two days without questions. The abruptness raises immediate concerns about the underlying reasons for such haste.

German Occupation and Capture

Timestamp: [05:49]

As the narrative unfolds, historical events intertwine with Orbor's personal saga. On November 8, 1942, the German armada lands American troops in North Africa under General Dwight Eisenhower's command, initiating a campaign to clear Africa of enemy forces. Concurrently, Orbor learns of the German occupation of the unoccupied zone of France, compelling his sudden move.

The urgency becomes clear when Orbor and his team are captured by Italian forces enforcing the new regime:

Italian Officer: "This is American property, senor. As privileges, you may claim them in prison." ([04:30])

Orbor is taken to a concentration camp in Rubio, enduring months of isolation before being transferred to a hotel in Perugia.

Life in the Concentration Camp

Timestamp: [05:49]

While interned, Orbor experiences the harsh realities of captivity. Months pass in silence until a surprising encounter with Rudy, a fellow internee, rekindles his hope for escape.

Encounter with Rudy and Escape Plan

Timestamp: [10:05]

Rudy approaches Orbor with a clandestine proposal:

Rudy: "I can arrange for you to hide out at the headquarters of the underground group I am connected with until the search for you is over." ([05:50])

Despite initial resistance, Orbor is persuaded by the potential of joining the underground resistance. This meeting marks the beginning of his involvement with the Italian partisans fighting against the occupying forces.

The Plan and Betrayal

Timestamp: [15:02]

Orbor becomes deeply involved in the resistance's operations, including a critical raid planned to disrupt enemy supply lines. However, suspicion arises when discontent about missing comrades and potential betrayals surfaces:

Orbor: "Maybe he’s in trouble. Maybe we can help." ([15:20])

This tension escalates as Orbor conducts a reconnaissance mission, uncovering a potential ambush. The plan to signal Allied planes with flares is jeopardized, leading to casualties and the loss of their leader, Bruno.

The Death of Bruno and Aftermath

Timestamp: [17:43]

Bruno's death becomes a pivotal moment, galvanizing the remaining members:

Rudy: "It only matters that we fight the things we hate." ([19:05])

Orbor is faced with a critical decision to either leave for Rome or stay to continue the resistance efforts. Choosing duty over personal safety, he commits to leading the group forward despite the mounting dangers.

Reorganization and Leading the Resistance

Timestamp: [20:50]

In the wake of Bruno's death, Orbor addresses the group's future:

Orbor: "Either we can disband or we can consolidate with other small groups in this area until we have an organization capable of causing the enemy real, real trouble." ([19:48])

Rudy nominates Orbor as the new leader, recognizing his dedication and understanding of their struggles. The group plans strategic ambushes, successfully eliminating over 150 enemy soldiers in their first major operation.

Final Escape Attempt

Timestamp: [23:15]

After a year and six months of resistance, Orbor decides to undertake a perilous journey back to Allied lines to report their activities and secure support:

Orbor: "You're right." ([22:37])

Accompanied by Rudy's brother, Giovanni, Orbor navigates treacherous terrain, evading German patrols, and finally reaches a British command post. However, just as hope seems within reach, the group faces a substantial military push that threatens their mission.

Conclusion

The episode concludes on a suspenseful note, highlighting Orbor's unwavering commitment to the cause despite overwhelming odds. His journey encapsulates the resilience and bravery characteristic of the resistance fighters during WWII, offering listeners a poignant glimpse into the sacrifices made in the fight against tyranny.

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Notable Quotes:

1. Walter Orbor ([00:02])

   "This is the story of Walter W. Oliver, a 36-year-old American consul to whom fate brought adventure..."

2. Italian Officer ([04:30])

   "This is American property, senor. As privileges, you may claim them in prison."

3. Rudy ([05:50])

   "I can arrange for you to hide out at the headquarters of the underground group I am connected with..."

4. Orbor ([15:20])

   "Maybe he’s in trouble. Maybe we can help."

5. Rudy ([19:05])

   "It only matters that we fight the things we hate."

6. Orbor ([19:48])

   "Either we can disband or we can consolidate with other small groups in this area..."

7. Rudy ([22:37])

   "You have been with us many months now, Walter. You have commanded us..."

These quotes, strategically placed throughout the episode, enhance the narrative's emotional depth and underscore critical turning points in Orbor's journey.

Overall Impression:

Tales Of The Foreign Service 46-06-07 (01) Premiere delivers a compelling blend of historical drama and character-driven storytelling. Through Walter Orbor's experiences, listeners are transported to a tumultuous period, witnessing the complexities of espionage, resistance, and personal sacrifice. The episode stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of those who stood against oppression, capturing the nostalgic essence of the Golden Age of Radio.

Transcript

[Walter Orbor]

You are about to hear a story. A true story. It began in the American conflict at nice, France on November 5th, 1942 with a phone call. Hello, Mr. Walter Orbor, please. Speaking. Oh, well Walter, this is Smith at Geneva. Listen carefully and get this. The first time I'm not going to repeat. Don't ask any questions. You're to close the consulate at Nice immediately and move to Monaco. Open a new consulate in Monte Carlo. The move must be completed within two days. That's your deadline. You got it? Sure, I got it. Don't ask questions. I know how you feel. Report as soon as your new office is open. You'll get further instructions. Right. Okay. Water. So long and get moving. This is the story of Walter W. Oliver, a 36 year old American consul to whom fate brought adventure that plunged him from the routine and security of an American consulate into a vortex of infeed, treachery, flop and counterflot. Okay, Walter, so long and get moving. So long. Get the staff together and have them start packing up the records. Order the car for me. I've got to get over to Mon and find new quarters. We're moving. Moving to Monte Carlo. Don't start cheering yet. We've got to find a new place and move into it within two days. Two days? That's impossible. I know, but it's got to be done. Orders. It doesn't make sense. Why the rush? Why the deadline? Why two days? Why two days? The answer came at dawn on the morning of the third day, November 8, 1943. At dawn on November 8, 1942, the greatest armada seen in history assembled off the beaches of North Africa to land American troops in force. Under the command of a little known general named Dwight Eisenhower. They were to begin the camp campaign that was to clear all Africa of enemy forces. And within a few hours, a message from his flash from Berlin. In view of the enemy attack upon French soil in North Africa and Germany's obligation to defend that territory, the unoccupied zone of France is hereby abolished. German troops will proceed at once to occupy all ports on the Mediterranean and all cities, railroads and utilities in the former unoccupied zone. Well, Bill, pretty clear now why they got us out of Nice in such a hurry. Yes. Is it true that the Germans have occupied the city already? Yes, that's confirmed. Frontier was closed down tight this morning. Monolo is the last listening coast open to the Allies on the north coast of the Mediterranean. Looks like we may be pretty busy, huh? Yes. While we're here, do you think we'll be moved again. Well, if we can't do anything of value, we're not likely to be kept here. And if we can, the enemy will put a stop to it. How? How? You ought to know. We'll take by this time. Make an open your freedom. Or you can bill we're not likely to have it long. To the command of 1621st and 48th Royal Italian infantry regiments. You will proceed with full battle equipment to Monaco. The border would be crossed at 600 hours. No resistance is expected. The commanders 8 and 17 armistars, you will approach Battalion infantry is reported crossing the border from Italy. Mr. Harbor. All right. Stop burning the code book. Yes, sir. You can get the secret files, passport forms, any other forms that can be used and burn them. Right, sir. Aid up, Mr. Smith. Get your ne. Tell them to transmit all instructions and messages in the clear. We're burning the code. Yes, sir. Sell them. We'll keep this and open as long as we can. Hurry. Sam. You take charge of the seals. Mutilate the faces so that they can be everyone outside in parliament line. Lieutenant, remove the American flag from this building. This is American property, Officer. And I claim the usual diplomatic privileges and immunities for my staff. This was American property, senor. As privileges, you may claim them in prison. Outside, now. Let's go. Captured by the Italians, Walter Orabal was taken to a concentration camp at Rubio and held for months, incommunicado. Then at last transferred to a hotel at Perugia as an internee. And there, one morning, he was summoned to the hotel lobby. They need a visitor. Rudy. Walter. Hello. Where in the world did you come from and how did you get here? I heard only today you were here. I came at once. Tell me, how did you get in? I have connections.

[Rudy]

Really?

[Walter Orbor]

This is wonderful. I haven't seen anyone from outside for nine months. And you are the last person in the world I expected to see. It's been a long time. The last time was when I was stationed in Trieste. That's right, Rudy. I can't tell you how glad I am to see you. Come on in here though. We can have some privacy and talk. Yeah, I hope we might be able to talk in private, Walter. Oh, no one will disturb us in here. Good. What about Dick Default? Are you serious? Very serious. I wouldn't want anyone to overhear what I'm going to say. Well, I'm sure it's safe. Listen, the room is very seldom used. I doubt if it would occur to anyone to wire it. That is good, sir. On your Mind, Rudy. Walter, you want to get out of here? You mean escape? Yeah, of course. I've often thought of trying to escape, but it seemed hopeless without any contacts. I will be your contact, Walter. I can arrange for you to hide out at the headquarters of the underground group I am connected with until the search for you is over. Then we will arrange to smuggle you into Rome. You'll be safe there until the Allies come. Then can you be ready? Oh, I don't think I better do it, really. After all, I'm bound to be exchanged someday and sent home. You don't want to escape? Of course I do. I'm cut up to the teeth of their vi. It can't be the danger. Yes, it is the danger, Rudy, to you. You must be doing some sort of useful work for your lives, from what you say. And so is the underground group you want to send me to. Helping me to escape won't be useful. It is dangerous for you and for them. And it won't help end the war one bit. But Faul. No, I'm not going to do it, Rudy. If my life were in danger, it'll be different. As it is. I'll wait here and take my chances on an exchange. Extry extre REVOLUTION IN Italy Mussolini Please read all Extre EXTRINSIC BEDOLIO FORMS NEW GOVERNMENT ARMISTICE the armistice was signed and Italy was out of the war. Preparations were made for an immediate exchange of prisoners, including counterwe Olivar. But in the German headquarters. With the treacherous desertion of our former ally Italy, it has become necessary for Germans to take over all military functions formerly performed by the Italians, including responsibility for political and military prisons. For greater security, all prisoners will be transferred immediately to prison camps in Germany. Rudy. Back again. You know it isn't safe to come here. This is your last chance. Mar. I had to come. A company of German military police are on their way here at this moment. It's a question of minutes. Will you come with me? It isn't right for me to endanger your life, Rudy. My life is always in danger, Walter. But it is your life that is endangered now. You will be lucky if you ever reach Germany alive. I have made all the preparations. Will you come? Okay. That's the way it is. That's right. It's a question of minutes. Now hurry. Where are we, Rudy? Near San Francino. I must leave you here b and take the next train back. It is not good that I should be away all night. What do I do now? You are going to the headquarters of the partisan group. I spoke to you about it is led by a cousin named Bruno and his wife Gina. They are fearless and absolutely reliable. You'll be safe there until I can arrange for you to go to Rome. But how do I make contact with him? You remember our favorite opera in the old days? Sure. Rigoletto. That's right. Listen, K. Go to the barrier and follow her. Not too closely. Go now. The guard is beginning to look at us. You will see me again as soon as I can arrange transportation to Rome. In perhaps a week I'll be to St. Walter Salon ready. Thanks a lot for everything. Who is there?

[Rudy]

I. She's my friend, Bruno. He is the leader of our band.

[Walter Orbor]

Glad to know you. Come on back and meet some of the others. We have been having an executive meeting. Anichi, this is Mr. Oro, an American consul. He will be with us for a little while. Now, as I said, this is an executive meeting. We are making plans for a raid.

[Rudy]

Bruno, Perhaps Senor Oro had rather not involved himself in our affairs. After all, he did not come here to join the party.

[Walter Orbor]

Well, if I'm caught in these peasants clothes and the false identity card Rudy got for me, I'll be shot as a spy. Anyway, what can I do to help? I'm a fairly good shot. What? Our plans really depend on what news Gina has for us.

[Rudy]

I have no news. We could not get through. Freddy will have to try again tomorrow night.

[Walter Orbor]

Freddy is our radio operator. Oh, you have a radio? Certainly. A secret station in Florence. It is from there that we communicated with the Allies. Let them know what weapons we need and what to drop them to us.

[Rudy]

Sometimes it seems that they do not realize how desperately short of everything we are and how much we could do if only we had the arms.

[Walter Orbor]

We are growing all the time and we have very little of anything left. That is why we are all so anxious what the answer to our last message will be. I'd like to see this radio station of yours.

[Rudy]

I'm going there tomorrow evening to get the reply. When it comes, you can come with me if you like.

[Walter Orbor]

I'd like to very much.

[Rudy]

Well, this is the radio station. And this is our radio operator. Ready?

[Walter Orbor]

How are you, mate? Where did you come from? Right, Doctor. The ruddy blue chum radio operator on a ruddy like I was here we run into a ruddy bastard flank and come down inclined clear. I was the ruddy parachute opens, I hits the ground and here I am. Quite a story. It looks to me as if you wound up with a more dangerous job than the one you had before.

[Rudy]

To listen as we do now is not dangerous. But whenever we send messages, we move the radio afterwards in case the Germans have flooded our position.

[Walter Orbor]

I still wouldn't like to be the guy that had to send those messages. I don't mind. I know the job I do and I'm careful. See, anyone comes a door ruddy well holden till I'm ruddy well out of here.

[Rudy]

There is a hidden trap door onto the roof here, you see.

[Walter Orbor]

And from the roof in, at the next door window, down the rubbish stairs and out.

[Rudy]

Even if the block is surrounded, she's coming in now.

[Walter Orbor]

Request approved.

[Rudy]

Oh, Good.

[Walter Orbor]

Position. Why? Oh. 200. 217. Get it?

[Rudy]

I have it. Do you understand, Walter?

[Walter Orbor]

Not entirely.

[Rudy]

Wait means they will send the weapons we asked for in position Y.

[Walter Orbor]

That's the ruddy price. They'll drop them to us. Or 217 is 2 o'clock in the morning of the 17th.

[Rudy]

That's right, the 17th.

[Walter Orbor]

That's five days from today. Maybe I'll still be here.

[Rudy]

You want to come with us?

[Walter Orbor]

Perhaps. You'll bet your life I want to come with you.

[Rudy]

You may be sure we can use you. There will be many things to carry away and hide. But for your own sake, I hope you will be on your way to rome before the 17.

[Walter Orbor]

Good morning, Walter. Oh, good morning, Bruno. What brings you over so early? It's about tonight. Oh, yes, the big deal. Everything set? Yes. Are you sure you still want to go, Walter? Yes, of course. I wouldn't miss it. I won't argue with you. We need men too badly. But here's what we will do. As soon as it is dark, Gina and I will come for you. We must get to the clearing early and set the flares to signal the. When we hear the planes, we light the flares so that they will know where to drop the supplies. As soon as we see the parachutes open, we must put out the flares. The longer they burn, the more dangerous it will be for us. And what will the others be doing? They will wait in the woods around the clearing to pick over the supplies and hide them. I see. Who is it? It's Rudy. Good morning, Bruno. Hello, Rudy. Walter. Walter, I have splendid news for you. The transportation for Rome is arranged. You will leave at midday tomorrow. Tomorrow? Well, that's swell. I can still go on the shindig tonight. But Walter, are you sure that it is wise? It is foolish to endanger your chances getting away when everything is arranged. Nuts. I wouldn't miss it. Very well, then it will be as we arranged. Gina and I will come for you as soon as it is dark. Bruno.

[Rudy]

It's Gina Walker. Come on, we are late.

[Walter Orbor]

We'll take Rudy's car. Where's Bruno?

[Rudy]

I don't know. He went down to the village. Edward, Pietro was in trouble. He did not come back. I waited as long as I dared and then I came here without him.

[Walter Orbor]

Do you think.

[Rudy]

I don't know. We haven't time to find out now.

[Walter Orbor]

But we've got to find out. Maybe he's in trouble. Maybe we can help.

[Rudy]

I tell you, there isn't time.

[Walter Orbor]

We can't go off and leave him.

[Rudy]

We must. The supplies are more important than one man.

[Walter Orbor]

Gina, how can you talk that way?

[Rudy]

Well, do you think I want to leave? There is work to do. Come now, quickly. The clearing is straight ahead. Why are you stopping?

[Walter Orbor]

I don't like this, Gina. Too many people have been disappearing lately.

[Rudy]

Dina won't talk.

[Walter Orbor]

Supposing was betrayed by someone who knew our plans. Perhaps by Pietro.

[Rudy]

I can't think about that now. Don't you understand?

[Walter Orbor]

Well, I've got to think about it. This is a perfect setup for an ambush. When the supplies are dropped, everyone will run into the clearing to pick them up. They'll be wide open and defenseless. I'm going to do a little scouting around before I go into the clearing. Wait here for me, Gina.

[Rudy]

Here. Walter.

[Walter Orbor]

I was right. Maybe fell into a machine gun pit. What? Where? Under a tree at the corner of the clearing. If there's one, there must be more. Come on. We've got to get out of here.

[Rudy]

Could be others.

[Walter Orbor]

Run for the car and fire in the air as we go. That'll warn anyone who's here. Come on, get going. Fire. That started something. Keep running. We've got to get to the radio station to warn the planes. Ready? Ready. Open up. Why? What's that?

[Rudy]

He's the radio working?

[Walter Orbor]

Of course. It can get through the headquarters. Gina, bolt the door. Hurry. How do you think we were followed? Right here, mate.

[Rudy]

Someone is coming up the stairs.

[Walter Orbor]

Penny, answer Petty. Not yet. Keep trying. Gina. Gina. The trap door. Up on the roof and downstairs to the car. If we don't join you in five minutes, drive away. Do you understand? Get out of Florence, Walter. Do as I say. Up with you now. We're through they voucher.

[Rudy]

I'll wait for you back in the car.

[Walter Orbor]

Good luck. Here's the message, Freddy. Blimey. They're shooting the ruddy lock. Tell them the station has been destroyed. Discovered. Yeah, tell them. Tell them the Planes must not drop the supplies tonight. They must contact the planes. Tell them not to drop the supplies. They don't acknowledge. Got to repeat. Get out on the roof. They'll be through the door in a second. I'll cover you. From the trap door.

[Rudy]

Quick.

[Walter Orbor]

One of them went through the top door. Quick. Get him.

[Rudy]

Got him.

[Walter Orbor]

It's through. Walter. I got it. Friends, this is a funeral service. It is a service without a body. Bruno's body is still in the hands of our enemies. But his spirit is with us. Bruno was a great leader. He gave up his life for the ideals we can still fight for. It is a feeling and a just that we should meet here to honor his memory and a pray for his soul. Don't you mad. Please don't.

[Rudy]

What? It has been so long since I have cried. I thought I was through with tears. I thought I was brave.

[Walter Orbor]

You are brave, Tina. You're the bravest woman I've ever known.

[Rudy]

No, Bruno was brave once he said to me, it does not matter if we die. It only matters that we fight the things we hate. It is important that Tyranit the challenge, no matter how pretty weak the challenge may seem at first.

[Walter Orbor]

You can be very proud of him, Jimmy. I know he was proud.

[Rudy]

Thank you, Walter. It was good of you to try to help me. But now you must go. I. I am all right now. And Rudy is waiting for you.

[Walter Orbor]

I'm not going here.

[Rudy]

You're not going to Rome?

[Walter Orbor]

No. There's a job to do here. I'm going to do what I can to finish. And you'll all realize that this is a crisis. Through treachery we've lost our radio contact with the Allies, the supplies we expected and a number of our comrades, including our leader. Either we can disband or we can consolidate with other small groups in this area until we have an organization capable of causing the enemy real, real trouble. We can go on until we've used up our ammunition and meanwhile try and form a new contact with the Allies. It's up to you. All in favor of disbanding will signify. All in favor of reorganizing and going on with what we have. Good. That's all then.

[Rudy]

No, wait. There is one thing more. Bruno is gone. We must have a new leader. I nominate Senor Oro.

[Walter Orbor]

Our first ambush score. Over 150 enemy dead. One of our band killed, two wounded. What? Convoys, bridges, warehouses. Come in. Oh, come in. Gina. Who's that with you?

[Rudy]

This is my brother, Giovanni.

[Walter Orbor]

Oh, how do you do, senor? Come to join up with us?

[Rudy]

No. Giovann has already an organization. That is why I sent for him.

[Walter Orbor]

You sent for him? Why?

[Rudy]

Tell him what you do. J.

[Walter Orbor]

We help escape prisoners of war to find a way back to their own line. We take them to a port on the Adriatic. In the harbor, a fishing boat. Some of the captains are with us. If not, one can always steal a boat and sail the men down the coast to their own territory. That's splendid work, Giovanni. But why did you bring him here?

[Rudy]

Gina, prepare to go with him to the fishing boat.

[Walter Orbor]

Me? I can't go now.

[Rudy]

Someone must go. We have all agreed that someone must try to get through to the Allies.

[Walter Orbor]

Yes, but why me?

[Rudy]

You have been with us many months now, Walter. You have commanded us. You know our problems. You can speak for us to your countrymen better than anyone else here.

[Walter Orbor]

I see. You know they won't let me come back.

[Rudy]

Yes, I know that. But still, you must go.

[Walter Orbor]

I know. You're right.

[Rudy]

We will miss you, Walter.

[Walter Orbor]

And so. So, a year and six months after his capture by the Fascist army, Walter Orobar began the journey back to his countrymen. For five days he traveled on foot, with Giovanni as his guide from San Faustino to the Adriatic. But the perils and Herbert's escapes of which he had lived for so long were not over. On his last day behind enemy lines, the house where he was hiding was surrounded by Germans. Escaping through a rear window, he ran headlong into a Fascist patrol and, dodging bullets, plunged into a wheat field. He wormed his way on hands and knees to a group of peasants working in the field and mingled with them until the alarm was over. That night he was smuggled on board a fishing boat, and the following night at a command post behind the British line. Your name's Orboy? You. You say that you're a Foreign service officer of the United States? Yes, sir, but I'm afraid the only credentials I have are forged Italian papers. Not much good for identifying my. That's all right. We'll get you over to your own mind. Someone there will identify you, I presume. If not, they can take care of you. Sure. Understand you were capt. Escaped? Yes, sir. Captured in November of 42. Escaped about a year later. And with the Protestants up San Frustina way ever since. Well, why'd you leave? Fed up, eh? Oh, no, sir. I want to tell our people about the work the group has been doing. I think it's vitally important and valuable. And they need weapons and ammunition. I want to get them. Yeah, if that's all you want. You won't need to worry. Your group isn't going to need weapons or ammunition much longer. What do you mean, colonel? In about 30 seconds, you'll know. You'll hear the barrage. You happened in on us? Just about H hour, sir. Might have been unhealthy. Something big. Big push. Whole lines going forward. Your chaps too, if things work out. Your resistance group needn't worry now.