Top Secret 1950-06-12 (001) Night Train to Berlin

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Top Secret 1950-06-12 (001) Night Train to Berlin

Release Date: January 18, 2025

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Introduction

"Night Train to Berlin" is the inaugural episode of Harold's Old Time Radio series, titled "Top Secret." This episode transports listeners to the tense and clandestine world of World War II espionage. Starring the captivating Ilona Massey as Baroness Karen Gaza and Carl Emery as the enigmatic Herr Garbin, the drama weaves a tale of intrigue, betrayal, and high-stakes spycraft aboard the Geneva to Berlin express.

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Main Characters

• Baroness Karen Gaza (Ilona Massey): A sophisticated and resourceful intelligence agent, masquerading as a baroness to infiltrate enemy lines and gather crucial information.
• Carl Emery as Herr Garbin: An intelligence agent with a hidden agenda, tasked with intercepting enemy communications and thwarting Nazi plans.
• Additional Cast: Leon Johnny, Bill Lipton, Francis Bethencourt, Paul Levitt, and Connie Lemke portray various supporting roles that enrich the narrative.

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Plot Summary

Setting the Stage [01:10 – 03:16] The story begins with Baroness Karen Gaza and Herr Garbin crossing the Swiss-German border aboard a night express train from Geneva to Berlin. The tension is palpable as Baroness Gaza firmly states her determination: "I will not talk. I will never talk." (01:25)

Espionage and Strategy [02:12 – 05:37] Baroness Gaza reflects on the solitary and perilous life of a spy: "In espionage you receive no credit in success, no protection in danger, no recognition even in death." (02:12) She reveals her undercover role as a manicurist at the Hotel Adlon in Berlin, a position that allows her to eavesdrop on German operatives.

The Farmer’s Message [05:02 – 07:45] Gaza awaits a critical message from a contact known only as "the Farmer," identifiable by a distinctive visiting card featuring a single grain of wheat. A chance encounter in the park leads to the first interaction with Garbin, who provides her with vital information and tools for her mission, including specialized sugar cubes laced with cyanide (10:23).

Preparation and Deployment [07:45 – 14:24] Gaza and Garbin meticulously plan their operations, discussing the transport of a new atomic fuel made from uranium-235. They devise a system using hidden transmitters and receivers embedded in their shoes, transforming them into mobile Geiger counters (08:59). Their objective is to intercept a Gestapo agent named Garbin, who is transporting the uranium.

The Train Ride and Betrayal [14:01 – 25:53] As the train departs, Garbin attempts to follow through their plan, but a mishap with his hat disrupts their signals. This leads to a critical turning point where Garbin is left vulnerable with the Gestapo agent. In a climactic confrontation, Baroness Gaza confronts Garbin, resulting in his downfall and the successful retrieval of the uranium (26:13).

Resolution [25:53 – 28:50] With their mission accomplished, both agents reconcile their efforts. Gaza returns to her role at the beauty parlor, seamlessly blending her double life, while Garbin reflects on the danger they navigated. The episode concludes with a hint of future adventures, setting the stage for the series.

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Key Scenes and Notable Quotes

• Baroness Gaza’s Resolve:

  • "I will not talk. I will never talk." — Baroness Gaza (01:25)

• Reflection on Espionage:

  • "In espionage you receive no credit in success, no protection in danger, no recognition even in death." — Baroness Gaza (02:12)

• Technology in Espionage:

  • "In your right heel is a very high frequency short wave transmitter... You are a walking Geiger counter." — Baroness Gaza explaining the secret devices (08:59)

• The Critical Mistake:

  • "In two seconds our plan had been shattered. I was alone with Garbin and the uranium." — Garbin (16:46)

• Climactic Confrontation:

  • "I have a silencer on my gun... If you tell me the truth, you can go. If you don't, I will shoot you." — Baroness Gaza (21:05)

• Successful Mission:

  • "The metal and the formula are now on our side of the ocean." — Garbin (28:14)

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Conclusion

"Night Train to Berlin" masterfully captures the essence of the Golden Age of Radio, blending suspenseful storytelling with authentic period details. Through the dynamic performances of Ilona Massey and Carl Emery, listeners are immersed in a world where bravery and cunning are paramount. The episode not only entertains but also highlights the intricate dangers faced by those who operated in the shadows during one of history's most turbulent times. As the series progresses, fans can anticipate more thrilling tales of espionage and heroism reminiscent of classic radio dramas.

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Additional Information

Top Secret is directed and produced by Harry W. Junkin and penned by Alan Sloan. The episode features an impressive cast, with music composed and conducted by Dr. Roy Shield. As Fred Collins narrates, the series promises to deliver authentic dramatizations of intricate crimes, drawing parallels to quintessential shows like Dragnet. Every Thursday night, listeners can expect engaging stories that bring the detective work and police action of a bygone era to life.

Transcript

[Ilona Massey]

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[Carl Emery]

I will not talk.

[Ilona Massey]

When we get off the train, you will be given to the Gestapo. They will break you.

[Carl Emery]

They won't.

[Ilona Massey]

They will. Your fingernails, your knuckles, your beautiful white teeth, that golden hair. I promise you, your hair will be gray as ashes before the treatment is over.

[Carl Emery]

I will not talk. I will never talk. How do I come to be locked in a compartment with a Gestapo? The night express from Geneva to Berlin. It is very simple. A long time ago, a man, a very wonderful, brave man, offered me a job. And I took it. Baroness, he said, remember this.

[Ilona Massey]

In espionage you receive no credit in success, no protection in danger, no recognition even in death. If you have to steal, steal. But if you are caught, you will go to jail as a thief. If you have to kill, kill. But if you are caught, you will hang. And always remember, Baroness, your first mistake will be your last.

[Carl Emery]

I accepted the conditions. I became an intelligence agent, a spy. I forgot I was a baroness. I forgot my home in Vienna. I forgot everything except the fight against these animals. I got a job as a manicurist in the Hotel Adlon in Berlin. It is surprising how much one can pick up in a beauty parlor. And I do not mean tips. Your other hand now, Frau von Glug. Oh, careful, Fraulein, do not scratch my.

[Ilona Massey]

Ring with your file.

[Carl Emery]

My husband sent it to me from Africa. And that night I would send a message. Colonel General Hans von Klug is in Africa. For days I hear nothing. Then all he says in his letters. How cold it is. Your husband is fighting a war, Frauishter. He's busy. Send me my fur lined field coat, he says. So I wrote, send me a Russian saber. And that night my message would say, third Panzer division is on the eastern front in Russia. North sector, where it is cold. Day after day, I manicured the hands of these fat German women. I was waiting. I was waiting for a message from a man called simply the Farmer. His trademark was a plain white visiting card with a single grain of wheat glued in the center. I had been told that I would be contacted in a way that no German would ever speak. In a way that no German would ever speak.

[Ilona Massey]

Speak.

[Carl Emery]

Last Friday, after the manicure shop closed, I went to sit in the teal garden to enjoy the sunshine and the fresh air. As I sat in the long park watching the children and the birds, I took out a cigarette.

[Ilona Massey]

Good afternoon, Carine. Perhaps you'd like a match?

[Carl Emery]

I'm quite capable of lighting my own cigarettes.

[Ilona Massey]

You look capable of practically anything.

[Carl Emery]

I beg your pardon?

[Ilona Massey]

Even of calling a flap and turning me in.

[Carl Emery]

Calling a what?

[Ilona Massey]

Flat foot. You know, like Dick Tracy.

[Carl Emery]

Do you? Do you know Dick Tracy?

[Ilona Massey]

Mm. And little Abner and Daisy May.

[Carl Emery]

It's nice to meet someone who knows them.

[Ilona Massey]

I have a calling card. Right from Dogpatch. Sort of farmerish.

[Carl Emery]

May I see?

[Ilona Massey]

Perhaps you could describe it first.

[Carl Emery]

Plain white.

[Ilona Massey]

Yes, with a grain of wheat glued in the center.

[Carl Emery]

Across the street from the entrance to the park, there is a small tea room. Do you know it?

[Ilona Massey]

Yes.

[Carl Emery]

In the corner, behind the pillars. Can you be there in 15 minutes?

[Ilona Massey]

That's all I know. Frulein. What I've told you. The farmer said you'd know what to do.

[Carl Emery]

Lord Osi's exact words.

[Ilona Massey]

I memorized them.

[Carl Emery]

Repeat the message again.

[Ilona Massey]

He said, G left Lisbon by air yesterday. Arrived Hotel Metropole in Geneva Tonight has compartment 10 on car 806. Geneva Berlin Express leaving Geneva midnight Saturday. Stop him. That's all I see. Is there anything you want me to do?

[Carl Emery]

Yes. There's a flight on Swiss Air leaving Templehof in two hours. Get me a reservation. And can you get me some Swiss money? Yes, Fraulein, as much as you can. Then telephone Geneva and make a reservation for me at the Hotel Metropole in the name of Karen Gabor.

[Ilona Massey]

Yes, Fraulein.

[Carl Emery]

I think that is all.

[Ilona Massey]

Perhaps I'm not supposed to ask questions, but was meant by G. His name is Garden.

[Carl Emery]

I've never seen him. I only know that at this moment he's the most dangerous man in the world. He's smuggling something into Germany. That.

[Ilona Massey]

Smuggling? What for? A line.

[Carl Emery]

Well, it is not necessary for you to know. Do not ask him more questions. Get me as much money as you can and meet me at the airport in two hours later that night I Was flying over Switzerland. So peaceful, so rich, so convenient as a place where enemies can meet and dine and drink together. After I landed in Geneva, I took a taxi to a dark little shop in the Rue de Petit Cloche. The street of the Little Bell. All this had been planned for weeks. I knew exactly what we needed. I knew what would be ready. I knew that the shoemaker would be waiting.

[Ilona Massey]

Coming, coming.

[Carl Emery]

Are you alone?

[Ilona Massey]

Yes. Come in. Were you followed?

[Carl Emery]

No.

[Ilona Massey]

Are you positive?

[Carl Emery]

Yes. Are my shoes ready?

[Ilona Massey]

Come with me, child. In the back. I have been expecting you for weeks.

[Carl Emery]

I have been waiting for weeks.

[Ilona Massey]

I saw our little Germany's in Geneva.

[Carl Emery]

He's catching the midnight express to Berlin tomorrow night.

[Ilona Massey]

But we are ready for him, are we not?

[Carl Emery]

I do hope so.

[Ilona Massey]

Ah, here are your shoes. Try them on. The instrument is in the heels. It is good. I am skilled in precision work. My years in the watch factory. Are they comfortable?

[Carl Emery]

Yes, they are fine.

[Ilona Massey]

Now bring the heels together like this. You feel something? No.

[Carl Emery]

Yes. I feel a kind of tingling sensation.

[Ilona Massey]

Observe, child. I take off my watch. I place it on the floor. Stand with your heels on either side of the watch.

[Carl Emery]

Like this?

[Ilona Massey]

Yes. Now listen, you hear?

[Carl Emery]

It's amazing.

[Ilona Massey]

Now I take the watch away like this. The sound stops.

[Carl Emery]

Oh, it's perfect.

[Ilona Massey]

In your right heel is a very high frequency short wave transmitter. So small I have made them smaller than that to fit a wristwatch. In your other heel is a receiver hooked up to a circuit sensitive to radioactive substances. My watch has a radium dial. When you stand with the radium watch dial between your heels, the transmitter acts. Activate the receiver. You feel a small electrical impulse and hear the beep. You are a walking Geiger counter.

[Carl Emery]

And you are a genius. And also my very dear friend.

[Ilona Massey]

Is there anything else?

[Carl Emery]

Yes. I will go now to the Metropol Hotel. I have a reservation under the name of Karen Gabor.

[Ilona Massey]

Karen Gabor? Yes.

[Carl Emery]

I want an operative. Your best. Young enough to be strong and old enough to be wise.

[Ilona Massey]

I have the very man. 30, an Englishman, and speaks perfect German, Resourceful, fearless.

[Carl Emery]

Have him get me a ticket on the Geneva Berlin Express tomorrow night. Our friend will be in compartment 10, car 806, if possible. I want compartment nine or compartment 11.

[Ilona Massey]

And if that is impossible?

[Carl Emery]

Well then, at least in the same car.

[Ilona Massey]

Car 8 or 6.

[Carl Emery]

That is right.

[Ilona Massey]

Anything else?

[Carl Emery]

Have him bring the tickets to the Hotel Metropole. And tell him to use the service entrance.

[Ilona Massey]

I have something else for you, child. Wait a moment. I made these myself.

[Carl Emery]

Sugar lumps?

[Ilona Massey]

Yes. Individually wrapped, just like in America. Sugar with enough cyanide to kill in 30 seconds. I will give you six cubes. They may be handy. Who knows?

[Carl Emery]

Who knows indeed. Thank you, dear friend, and have your man bring my tickets to the hotel at once. Who is it? Come in.

[Ilona Massey]

Thank you.

[Carl Emery]

Who sent you?

[Ilona Massey]

A shoemaker.

[Carl Emery]

Can you identify yourself?

[Ilona Massey]

Here is my card, madam. Plain white, as you see, with a grain of wheat in the center.

[Carl Emery]

Have you my ticket to Berlin?

[Ilona Massey]

Car 806, compartment 11, Geneva Berlin Express. Tomorrow night at midnight.

[Carl Emery]

Good. Sit down. There's much for you to do.

[Ilona Massey]

Thank you.

[Carl Emery]

Six weeks ago, on our side of the ocean, three German agents stole a sample of a new atomic fuel made from uranium 235.

[Ilona Massey]

Yes, I know. The shoemaker told me.

[Carl Emery]

They also obtained only copy of a formula on how the fuel may be used and controlled in some way. I do not know how two answers of this method reached Cliffen.

[Ilona Massey]

But it must be incredibly difficult to transport unconscious. Carry radioactive material in one's hand, can one?

[Carl Emery]

It is being transported in a block of lead 9 inches square. Yesterday it reached Geneva. I was told by the farmer that it is in a suitcase. A plain leather suitcase.

[Ilona Massey]

Go on.

[Carl Emery]

The suitcase is in the possession of a Gestapo agent named Garbin. He's staying here at hotel and tomorrow night he leaves for Berlin.

[Ilona Massey]

Are you sure he has the medal?

[Carl Emery]

Naturally, we can't be positive. We only know that if the metal.

[Ilona Massey]

In that formula reaches Germany, our armies never will.

[Carl Emery]

Exactly.

[Ilona Massey]

What do you want me to do?

[Carl Emery]

Be on the train tomorrow night.

[Ilona Massey]

Basel on the Swiss border is the only stop the Geneva Berlin Express makes, isn't it?

[Carl Emery]

Right.

[Ilona Massey]

It's dangerous for me to be that near Germany.

[Carl Emery]

Are you afraid?

[Ilona Massey]

I was involved in the assassination attempt on the life of Field Marshal Goering. My picture is posted in every railway station in Germany.

[Carl Emery]

I'm sorry.

[Ilona Massey]

That's all right.

[Carl Emery]

I have a Geiger counter built into the heels of my shoes. I will get on the train early, go directly to Garbin's compartment, and when he arrives, I will pretend it is a man. Now, taxes is 100% free when you file in the TurboTax app. If you didn't file with us last year.

[Ilona Massey]

Oh, yeah, yeah.

[Carl Emery]

Just do your own taxes in the app by 2.

[Ilona Massey]

18. What if I have lots of forms?

[Carl Emery]

All good. All 100% free. What if I had three jobs? Still 100% free.

[Ilona Massey]

What if I once saw Bigfoot? That has nothing to do with taxes.

[Carl Emery]

So still 100% free. That's what I'm talking about. Now this is taxes. See if you qualify in the TurboTax app. Excludes TurboTax Live.

[Ilona Massey]

Must start and file an app by 2. 18.

[Carl Emery]

I will try to plant my heels next to his luggage. You will be on the station platform outside. If I get a reaction, I will. I will signal you.

[Ilona Massey]

How?

[Carl Emery]

Let me think. What should it be? Something you can see easily through the train window.

[Ilona Massey]

Will you be wearing a hat?

[Carl Emery]

Yes.

[Ilona Massey]

If he hasn't the metal, take off your hat.

[Carl Emery]

And if he has? I leave it on.

[Ilona Massey]

Right.

[Carl Emery]

The hat is wide, brimmed, grey felt.

[Ilona Massey]

You see it easily, so no metal. Take off your hat and ride through to Berlin, having missed the boat completely.

[Carl Emery]

Yes.

[Ilona Massey]

And then I won't get on the train.

[Carl Emery]

Right.

[Ilona Massey]

Perhaps we should have another operative. Someone to pose as a passenger and ride through to Berlin with you.

[Carl Emery]

That's up to the shoemaker.

[Ilona Massey]

Anything else?

[Carl Emery]

Just be standing outside the window of compartment 10, car 806, tomorrow night at 10 minutes to 12. I got a good look at Herr Garden the next day in the lobby of the hotel. He was carrying a small square suitcase. He sat quite near me with a suitcase beside him on the floor. When he left, the heavy wool carpet had a mark on it, a square mark in the map. It was a small suitcase to be so heavy unless. Unless it contained a piece of lead, 9 inches square. @ the station that night, I got on the train early and went to Garvin's compartment in car 8 or 6. Through the window, I could see my Englishman standing in the shadow of a pillar, his eyes watching my head. It drew closer and closer to midnight, and still Garden didn't arrive. I could hear the station master calling the departure.

[Ilona Massey]

Excuse me, Forlein, but I think you have made a mistake. Apartment is mine.

[Carl Emery]

Oh, but that is impossible. I know. I'm number 10.

[Ilona Massey]

Perhaps I could see your ticket.

[Carl Emery]

Oh, certainly. I have it in my purse if I can ever find it. You know how much useless equipment the woman carries. It must be here somewhere.

[Ilona Massey]

There is no hurry, Frulein.

[Carl Emery]

Please sit down. I'll find it in a moment.

[Ilona Massey]

While you look, Fraulein, this compartment is stifling. May I open the window?

[Carl Emery]

Please do.

[Ilona Massey]

I got warm running for the train. Excuse me. There. That's better.

[Carl Emery]

I shall never find it if you stand and watch me. Please put your luggage on the floor beside mine and sit down.

[Ilona Massey]

Thank you. For Lyme. There.

[Carl Emery]

I wonder if.

[Ilona Massey]

What's that?

[Carl Emery]

What's one.

[Ilona Massey]

That noise?

[Carl Emery]

I heard nothing.

[Ilona Massey]

I could have sworn I heard something like. Oh, I should not run for trains. The ringing comes in my ear. Ears oh, your act. Watch out.

[Carl Emery]

A sudden dust of wind swept in the open window. My head had a wide brim. The wind caught it and blew it off my head. It rolled to Garden's feet. This was supposed to have been our signal. If he hadn't the metal, I was to take off my hat. Outside on the station platform, I saw my English friend smile at me and then turn and walk quickly away. He thought I had signaled him that the metal was not dead. In two seconds our plan had been shattered. I was alone with Garvin and the uranium. The next stop was Basel and the German border.

[Ilona Massey]

Completely enchanting.

[Carl Emery]

Have you forgiven me for my stupid mistake about your compartment?

[Ilona Massey]

You have made the evening perfect. Of course I forgive you.

[Carl Emery]

Oh, it is late. I must get some sleep.

[Ilona Massey]

Nonsense. It is not often I have such pleasure. A woman like you. Beautiful, charming, witty, traveled. Please stay.

[Carl Emery]

Do you suppose we could get some coffee? Of course.

[Ilona Massey]

Of course. I ring.

[Carl Emery]

Look, a friend of mine gave me a special treat today. Sugar. Six whole lumps.

[Ilona Massey]

We shall have a feast. I haven't had sugar in coffee for weeks.

[Carl Emery]

Will they have any cream?

[Ilona Massey]

We can hope for the best. Come in. You rang, sir? Yeah. Leavish Coffee for two. And have your chicken.

[Carl Emery]

No.

[Ilona Massey]

Canned beef, then. Beef. But tin sandwiches with coffee for two. Yes, sir. What are you smiling at? The coffee, sir. It is very bad. Ersatz. We make it from anything. Grain, wheat. We buy our coffee from farmers.

[Carl Emery]

From farmers?

[Ilona Massey]

Yes, Fraulein. Would you prefer tea?

[Carl Emery]

No. I'll try the coffee.

[Ilona Massey]

I do. Hurry, please. Yes, sir, at once.

[Carl Emery]

Before we have our coffee, will you excuse me? I will freshen up. My hands are filtered from the doctor.

[Ilona Massey]

I shall miss you, Baroness. But I shall also look forward to your return.

[Carl Emery]

I'm only going next door to my compartment.

[Ilona Massey]

Even that is too far.

[Carl Emery]

I won't be a moment. Waiter.

[Ilona Massey]

Yes.

[Carl Emery]

In my compartment. Quickly. Number 11.

[Ilona Massey]

Inside.

[Carl Emery]

Quickly. Yes, Fraulein. Who are you?

[Ilona Massey]

The farmer sent me.

[Carl Emery]

How? Through the shoemaker. Have you a card?

[Ilona Massey]

White with a grain of wheat.

[Carl Emery]

Do you know about this?

[Ilona Massey]

Yes. You want his suitcase?

[Carl Emery]

Yes. Thank God you are here. I had a signal that went wrong. My head blew off.

[Ilona Massey]

Has he the metal?

[Carl Emery]

Yes. What are you going to do? I have some of the shoemaker's sugar. I put it in his coffee. Supposing he doesn't take sugar? I asked him. He said he did.

[Ilona Massey]

I had better get out of here.

[Carl Emery]

Bring us the coffee and come back in half an hour. We'll have to do something with this, buddy. When do we get to customs?

[Ilona Massey]

Oh, Less than that. About 20 minutes.

[Carl Emery]

Then come back in 15. We'll have to get his body off the train before the customs man come aboard.

[Ilona Massey]

Oh, somebody is ringing for me. I have got to go.

[Carl Emery]

All right. Be careful.

[Ilona Massey]

Yes, all right. All right. Wait up.

[Carl Emery]

Yes, sir?

[Ilona Massey]

Come in here, please. Someone is ringing, sir. Come in. Oh, yes. I would shoot you. Come in. Yes, sir. That's it. Now shut the door behind you. I am not the fool, young man. I know about the farmer. I know about the wheat. I have not been in the Gestapo eight years for nothing. Question. Who is she? I don't know. Is she with you? No, I swear it. I have never seen her before in my life. I think you are lying. Pull down the berth. What? The bird. The upper berth. Pull it down. I don't understand. Pull it down.

[Carl Emery]

Yes, sir.

[Ilona Massey]

It speaks. Sorry. Good. My friend, I have a silencer on my gun. The train is noisy. I have not much time. The baroness be back in a moment. If you tell me the truth, you can go. If you don't, I will shoot you. Shove your body into the bird and close it. Now. You have two seconds to decide. I swear I have never seen her.

[Carl Emery]

Never.

[Ilona Massey]

You're lying. No.

[Carl Emery]

What on earth is that waiter doing with our coffee?

[Ilona Massey]

He's probably busy. He won't be long. Oh, they are coming into Basel. But doubtless he's waiting until after the customs men get on.

[Carl Emery]

Are we at Basel already?

[Ilona Massey]

It is the company, Baroness, that gives wings to time.

[Carl Emery]

Well, we have to get out.

[Ilona Massey]

No. The customs men get on the train.

[Carl Emery]

Not even a breath of air.

[Ilona Massey]

They only stop for a moment.

[Carl Emery]

I. Some fresh air would do me.

[Ilona Massey]

You seem very anxious to get off the train, Baroness. Are you nervous about something?

[Carl Emery]

Nervous? Why? Should I be?

[Ilona Massey]

Smuggling something, perhaps?

[Carl Emery]

Do I look like a smuggler?

[Ilona Massey]

Appearances are deceptive. What were you doing in Switzerland? Skiing. For long?

[Carl Emery]

Couple of weeks. I had a wonderful vacation.

[Ilona Massey]

It must be nice to have a vacation. For years. I have not had the time. The customs men. Excuse me, darlings.

[Carl Emery]

License, passport, please.

[Ilona Massey]

Certainly. Ah, Herr Garvan.

[Carl Emery]

This is an honor.

[Ilona Massey]

I trust you have a pleasant journey. Stamp it, will you? Certainly, Docturn.

[Carl Emery]

Now, madame, your passport, if you please. No, no.

[Ilona Massey]

It will not be necessary to look at the luggage if you are with a G. And just your passport.

[Carl Emery]

Here it is.

[Ilona Massey]

Thank you. Yeah, it's quite in order.

[Carl Emery]

And next time, bar, stay longer and.

[Ilona Massey]

Fly into our beautiful Switzerland that one night and leave the next reflection of hospitality post. Gutenabene. Gutenabent. Sit down, Baroness.

[Carl Emery]

I think I should Go to bed.

[Ilona Massey]

Sit down. You are on German soil now. I can have you locked in this compartment until we reach Berlin. Good. I am glad you are going to be reasonable. So cruelty. We will not resort to the arm. I will not twist guns. I shall not threaten with. But you will answer me quickly and truthfully.

[Carl Emery]

I haven't the slightest idea of what you are talking.

[Ilona Massey]

You fly in last night, take the train out tonight. You say you were skiing for two weeks. Why do you lie?

[Carl Emery]

I'm merely traveling to Berlin. I want the rest of the night to sleep.

[Ilona Massey]

When did you ski? Then your passport says.

[Carl Emery]

Give me that passport. You have no right to.

[Ilona Massey]

Then your passport says. Ah, yes. Exit Tempelhof airport last night. Reentry Basel tonight. When did you ski, Baroness? I'm sure only a very special assignment would call for such haste. Is that assignment myself.

[Carl Emery]

I refuse to talk.

[Ilona Massey]

When we get off the train, you will be given to the Gestapo. They will break you.

[Carl Emery]

They won't.

[Ilona Massey]

They will. Your fingernails, your knuckles, your beautiful white teeth, that golden hair. I promise you your hair will be gray as ashes before that treatment is over.

[Carl Emery]

I will not talk. I will never talk.

[Ilona Massey]

Baroness, the next stop is fairly and you are alone. Your friend Zerada is dead. His body is shut in my upper birth.

[Carl Emery]

No.

[Ilona Massey]

That startles you, doesn't it? Is there a tremor in those beautiful eyes, Baroness? Is it terror? Is it? There is no need of terror, Downes. Everything can be avoided if you answer a few questions. Their names. Who are you? How did you know what I was carrying? Who is the farmer? Their names. Who are you? How did you know what I was carrying? Who is the farmer? Their names. Who are you?

[Carl Emery]

Over and over and over, all the way to Berlin. All night long. I had lost. There was no escape. The Gestapo would break me. They can break anybody. I remembered what I had been told.

[Ilona Massey]

If you have to kill, kill.

[Carl Emery]

But what? I had no weapon. I could not kill him with my bare hands. And then in the early morning, when we were slowing down to stop at Central Station in the Lynn, the train jerked sharply. The car lurched. The weight of the body in the upper burst caused it to swiften suddenly downwards for perhaps five seconds. Garden was dead, but it was long enough. I found my weapon. So harmless, so simple. Something only a woman would carry. I held it in front of his.

[Ilona Massey]

Ey. Now I. Please, in the name of.

[Carl Emery]

Don't. Don't say his holy name. Her gin. Say rather in the name of my husband, whom you troops hung head downwards outside our house in Vienna until the blood burst in his brain.

[Ilona Massey]

No, no.

[Carl Emery]

I was suddenly very calm. I stepped over his body, took the heavy suitcase and got off the train. The farmer himself met me. The metal and the formula are now on our side of the ocean. And I. I am back at my job as a manicurist in the admon. When I need a manicure, Pauline, I always come to you. You are so expert. No one else can shape my nails like this. Well, it is the files Fraufen Blue. I get them specially made. Very long and thin and the best steel. They have many uses. Many uses for life.

[Ilona Massey]

Yes.

[Carl Emery]

If a man molested you, a nail file in the ice would be. Would you like to try this new polish? It's called Blood Droop.

[Ilona Massey]

You have just heard Ilona Massey starring in the new NBC presentation Top Secret. And here she is to tell you about next week's show.

[Carl Emery]

Next week's story concerns a theft by a dead man who never dies, a seamstress who didn't talk and the lichen begleiter, a corpse carrier. It is a story that has been up till now, Top Secret.

[Ilona Massey]

Top Secret is directed and produced by Harry W. Junkin. The program, in part transcribed, was purely fictional and was written by Alan sloan. Featured with Ms. Massey tonight was Carl Emery as Hair Garbin. Others in the cast were Leon Johnny, Bill Lipton, Francis Bethencourt, Paul Levitt and Connie Lemke. The music was composed and conducted by Dr. Roy Shield. This is Fred Collins speaking. Every Thursday night, radio listeners can hear for themselves a startling yet authentic dramatization of the step by step solution of an actual crime. Dragnet tells the story of your police force at work and in action. Dragnet is taken from police files of a great American city and NBC is proud to present it to you for your pleasure. This is NBC, the National Broadcasting Company.