Top Secret 1950-06-26 (003) A Package in Tangiers

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold’s Old Time Radio

Episode: Top Secret 1950-06-26 (003): "A Package in Tangiers"
Date: October 5, 2025
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Featured Classic Radio Drama: “Top Secret” starring Ilona Massey as the Baroness Karen Gaza
Episode Focus: Intrigue and espionage in WWII-era Tangiers

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Episode Overview

This episode of Harold’s Old Time Radio presents an exciting espionage drama from 1950 titled “A Package in Tangiers.” Centered on Baroness Karen Gaza, a spy navigating the dangerous world of WWII intelligence, the story follows her covert assignment to Tangiers. As Karen seeks to uncover the source of leaks in Allied intelligence while maintaining a façade as an agent for Nazi Germany, she becomes entangled in a web of betrayal, danger, and moral complexity.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Highlights

1. Espionage and Double Lives

• Baroness Karen Gaza is introduced as a secret agent posing as a maid to Emmy Goering, wife of the prominent Nazi.
• She’s sent to Tangiers by her Allied handler, “The Farmer,” to uncover the source of intelligence leaks.

Key Quote:

“In espionage, Baroness, your first mistake will be your last. There will be no protection in danger, no recognition even in death.”
— The Farmer (04:00)

2. Assignment to Tangiers

• Karen is pulled from her valuable post in Goering’s household to travel urgently to Tangiers to meet a contact and investigate leaks.
• Her cover: retrieving a mysterious package for Emmy Goering, which she is instructed not to question.

Notable Instructions:

“Go to the Bazaar of the Singing Fountain. There is a blind beggar who walks the bazaar with a little boy leading him. In the Bazaar of the Singing Fountain, there is only one.”
— The Farmer (05:49)

3. Layers of Deception

• Despite suspicion from both sides, Karen maintains her guise as a German agent. Emmy Goering appears to manipulate Karen for personal gain, assigning her the Tangiers mission under the pretense of a vacation.
• Emmy tells her contact:

“Franz, the most amazing luck. My maid wants to go to Tangiers … Will you arrange for payment? 25,000 American dollars.” (07:00)

• Karen’s journey is fraught with double-crossing and mistrust, even from her supposed allies.

4. Danger in Tangiers

• Upon arrival, Karen navigates a perilous city rife with spies and betrayals.
• She connects with the blind beggar’s son, a precocious and cynical boy, still traumatized by Nazi actions.
• A deadly incident occurs: The boy kills a suspected Nazi agent in Karen’s hotel room, intensifying the stakes.
• Memorable exchange:

“I hate Germans, Madame. They blinded my father, killed my mother.”
— The Boy (13:11)

5. The Package

• Karen collects a small package (much to her surprise) from Suleiman Abdel Kadir, under Nazi orders.
• She is shadowed and distrusted by the boy and his father, who fear she may be a double agent.

6. Captured by Allied Intelligence

• Allied Intelligence intercepts Karen; their agent Brown suspects her of being a Nazi courier.
• They find the package—a jar of face cream filled with hidden morphine.
• Brown attacks her credibility:

“Oh, come off it, lady. You had a private plane from Berlin … Don’t give me this cover stuff.”
— Brown (20:12)

7. Betrayal and Survival

• Karen is handed over to a group (posing as Allied agents) who plan her murder to eliminate her as a liability and “leak plug.”
• Chilling Reflection:

“Murder is like love. The essence is quietness and privacy.”
— Captain (01:25, 22:01)

• At the brink of execution, Karen realizes the ringleader is the actual traitor leaking intelligence. He secretly arranges her escape, exposing the true villain within the Allied ranks.

8. Resolution

• Karen narrowly escapes, aided covertly by the traitor exposed in the end.
• On her return, it’s revealed the package was morphine for Reichsmarschall Hermann Goering, and Emmy Goering was acting to ensure his supply.
• The Allied handler, “The Farmer,” assures her the leak is sealed.

Closing Note:

“The package of Frau Goering’s … a small fortune in morphine. The jar got broken. I told Frau Goering I dropped it. She admitted it was medicine for Hermann … and the leak in Tangiers is plugged for good.”
— Karen & The Farmer (27:44)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Espionage’s Cost:

  “No recognition even in death. There would be nothing to identify me as the little manicurist who became the personal maid, almost the confidential companion of Emmy Goering.”
  — Karen Gaza (04:06)

• On Mistrust:

  “It is difficult, Madame, these days to believe anybody.”
  — The Boy (13:56)

• On Moral Ambiguity:

  “What better way to find a leak in Allied Intelligence than to pose as a German agent? I have a card signed by Hermann himself.”
  — Karen Gaza (09:14)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Espionage & Assignment
  • [03:23–06:13] Karen’s background, instructions from “The Farmer”
• Missions Unfold
  • [06:25–09:14] Karen negotiates with Emmy Goering, departs Berlin
• Tangiers Arrival & Intrigue
  • [09:44–15:52] Contact with local network, hotel confrontation, the boy’s drastic actions
• Allied Interrogation & Betrayal
  • [18:50–22:15] Confronted by Allied agent, package revelation, peril escalates
• Resolution & Escape
  • [23:45–28:06] Karen’s near-execution, rescue, leak closure, final debrief

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Final Thoughts: Tone and Atmosphere

The episode blends suspense, fatalism, and a noir sense of danger with a dose of dry wit and vintage radio drama flair. Ilona Massey’s portrayal of Karen Gaza captures both the peril and personal cost of espionage, set against a backdrop of moral ambiguity and shifting alliances.

Next Week’s Teaser:

“Next week, Assignment 4: Philip Cornelius. His courage, his bravery, his tenderness, his escape. It is a personal story of mine, and until now, it has most certainly been top secret.”
— Karen Gaza (28:39)

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A classic slice of radio espionage with sharp commentary on the fog of war and the high price of double lives.

Transcript

[A]

I'm here on a job site with Tim, who owns his own electrical contracting business.

[B]

Three employees and two work trucks.

[A]

Tim traded up to GEICO Commercial Auto Insurance. We're positively here where he needs us most.

[B]

They sure are.

[A]

With step by step help on all his insurance needs. All for shockingly low rates.

[B]

Shockingly low, huh?

[A]

Just a little bit of electrician humor.

[C]

Do you get it? I got it.

[A]

You know, it feels like we have a real connection.

[D]

Alright, I'll stop.

[B]

Get a commercial auto insurance quote [e-mail] and see how much you could save. Get more with geico.

[E]

Until now, this story has been top secret. Top secret. The new NBC presentation, starring gorgeous Ilona Massey as the Baroness Karen Gaza. In transcribed dramas of international intrigue and espionage before and during World War II. Assignment three, the package in Tangiers. A story until now top secret.

[F]

Murder is like love. The essence is quietness and privacy.

[B]

She'll be quiet all right. She'll be out for days.

[F]

Take her downstairs to our little room.

[B]

It's too bad you had to hit her.

[F]

It's too bad we have to kill her.

[B]

That's a bit risky, isn't it? Tangiers is a neutral zone.

[F]

We will take her to the cliffs tonight.

[C]

A shot.

[F]

A push. Voila. And what will be left? Nothing to say won't wash away. Now take her downstairs to our little room.

[B]

Yes, Captain. Tiny, isn't she?

[E]

I'll be back with you, Monsieur Braun. We have a lot to do.

[G]

There.

[B]

More cold, honey?

[D]

All right.

[B]

There. Not much of a bed, is it? But you had it coming to you.

[C]

Slowly, painfully, consciousness came back. I had gambled and I had lost. I had made a mistake. As I lay on the filthy bed in the airless cell, I could hear the voice of the farmer, my chief, the man who hired me to spy against the Nazis in Hitler's Berlin.

[D]

In espionage, Baroness, your first mistake will be your last. There will be no protection in danger, no recognition even in death.

[C]

No recognition even in death. There would be nothing to identify me as the little manicure who became the personal maid, almost the confidential companion of Amy Goering, the statuesque consort of the number two Nazi himself. Why is it, Karen, that in a house with 30 bedrooms, there isn't one good mirror? Oh, the hat is very becoming, Frau Goring. Well, it will have to do. I'll be back in a couple of hours. I'll wear the white satin and the emeralds tonight. Yes, Frau Goring. Goodbye, Karen. Goodbye.

[D]

Yes?

[C]

It's Karen.

[F]

Karen, I.

[C]

It's all right. It's I. I'm on the phone in her bedroom. Have you any instructions?

[B]

The Dear Garden.

[C]

In an hour, 15 minutes. Right.

[D]

That's how it is, Karen. You've got to leave for Tangiers tonight.

[C]

Is it that important?

[D]

There's a leak in our intelligence down there. Four times in the past month, the Germans have gotten hold of vital information. Known only to a handful of men in the Allied High Command.

[C]

Frau Goering will never let me go.

[D]

If she won't, you'll have to go anyway.

[C]

But my job in the Goering halls is the best contact we have.

[D]

Karen, you're going to Tangiers. It may only be for a few days. Your contact there is a little boy. Go to the Bazaar of the Singing Fountain. There is a blind beggar who walks the bazaar with a little boy leading him.

[C]

But there must be many blind beggars in Tangier.

[D]

In the Bazaar of the Singing Fountain, there is only one.

[C]

One beggar in a bazaar.

[D]

One little boy, aged 12, with gray.

[B]

Ha.

[C]

I am sorry, Karen. It is impossible. You've been with me less than a month, and now you want a week's vacation. No, it is impossible. Oh, I wish you would change your mind, Frau Goring. Put the front curls higher. Yeah. Higher still. Oh, no, no, no. Give me the comb. Yes, Frau Gorin. Thank you. Where did you want to go? Tangiers. Tangiers? Yes. Why Tangiers? Will you step outside a moment, Karen? I wish to telephone privately. Certainly, Frau Goering. I'll call you when I'm through. Yes, Frau Goering. Franz, the most amazing luck. My maid wants to go to Tangiers. Yes, I'm sure of it. No, I don't think she'd ever suspect. Look, will you arrange for payment? 25,000American dollars. Yes. She doesn't have to know anything. I know it's risky, but there's no other way. And she's a sensible girl. Right. Yes. Goodbye. Karen. I'm Frau Goering. I was thinking that with the white satin. I've changed my mind. You may have your vacation. Oh, thank you. Frau Goering. Would you do a little errand for me in Tangiers? Of course I will. Anything. When are you leaving? Well, I thought that Tonight. Yes, if you wish. Very well. Take this note to Saxel at the airdrome. I see. One of the Reichsmarshall's private planes will be at your disposal. The pilot's name is Captain Klein? Yes, in Tangiers. Go to this address and ask for Suleiman Abdel Kabir. He will give You. A package. You bring back the package to me. Yes. Would it be too curious to ask what the package contains? Much too curious. Yes, Frau Goering. Now this card will serve as your identification at the house of Elkadir. The signature is that of the man we both serve. Herman.

[D]

I don't like it.

[C]

Karen Farmer. I have to go. Captain Kleinst is waiting. The plane is ready to take off.

[D]

But what is it? What is Emmy Guring after?

[C]

I don't know. She's talked about sable coat.

[D]

Tangiers for a sable coat.

[C]

I must go. It's dangerous for us to be seen together.

[D]

Your job is more important than a package for Emmy Goering.

[C]

What better way to find a leak in Allied Intelligence than to pose as a German agent? I have a card signed by Herman himself. The flight to Tangiers was uneventful, except for a moment of heartache when my Nazi pilot retooled outside Paris. Occupied Paris. When I arrived in Tangiers, I took a room at the Fedela Hotel. Then I made my way to the bazaar of the Singing Fountain to look for a blind beggar led by a little boy with gray hair.

[H]

Arms for the blind, in Allah's name. Arms for the blind, in Allah's name. Arms for the blind. Alms, madam. For my father who is blind.

[C]

My child, your cause is good, but your manners are bad.

[H]

I ask only arms, Madame, not instruction.

[C]

One takes off his hat to a lady even when one begs for his father who is blind.

[H]

As you wish, Madame.

[C]

There I am. From the Farmer. Bring your father to the fedela hotel. Room 23. It's on the first floor. Who. Who are you? What are you doing in my hotel room?

[F]

Frulein, it is the business of German intelligence to watch people who arrive in Tangier in one of Goering's private planes.

[C]

And to break into their hotel rooms.

[F]

You have nothing to fear, Frulein, if you can identify yourself. What is that?

[C]

What is what?

[F]

There's someone at the window.

[C]

You seem very nervous. Open it. Certainly your fears are groundless. Here. What is your name?

[F]

Never mind names. Show me your identification.

[C]

I'm the Mede, the personal companion of Frau Goering. Here is a card signed by the Reichsmarshall himself. Does that satisfy you?

[F]

Yeah. My apologies, Corlein, but you were seen talking to the little boy in the bazaar. For months I have suspected his father.

[C]

Will you leave now?

[F]

Someday I will get that old beggar blind.

[C]

Bah.

[F]

He is a fox. And he will be killed by all enemies of Germany.

[C]

Who is it? Is there somebody there? I? You?

[H]

Yes, Madame. From the window.

[C]

Get inside quickly. Put the window down. Hurry. What is the meaning of this? Have you gone out of your mind?

[H]

I'm an expert at throwing knives, Madame. It was part of my education.

[C]

But why? Why?

[H]

I hate Germans, Madame. He threatened my father. I have killed before you.

[C]

You are not a child. You are a monster. I'll have to get out of this hotel. They'll find his body and. Oh, help me with him. Quickly, under the bed, please. Please, hurry. What is it? I have plenty, thank you. You idiot. You may have ruined everything.

[H]

When there is doubt, Madame, what always kills Germans? They blinded my father, killed my mother.

[C]

They'll find him any minute, even under the bed. There. Now, listen. Take my suitcase out the window. I'll leave by the front door. We will go to your father's house.

[H]

No, Madame.

[C]

What?

[H]

I will not take you to my father.

[C]

Little boy, listen. Believe me, I am on your side. I work for the farmer. I have a plain white visiting card with a grain of wheat glued in the center. No matter what you have heard about my working for Frau Goering, that is a cover. Do you understand? A cover. You do believe me, don't you?

[H]

I? It is difficult, Madame, these days to believe anybody.

[C]

I hate Nazism and Fascism as much as you do. Wait. I have some chocolate in my purse.

[H]

I have no appetite for candy, Madame.

[C]

Little boy, come here. Closer. How old are you?

[H]

12, madame.

[C]

Poor little boy. There.

[H]

Thank you, Madame.

[C]

You're very kind. Out the window, quickly, with my suitcase. I will meet you at the corner in three minutes. We took a taxi. This strange, sad, gray haired child of 12. His face was expressionless, tired, pinched. Through the narrow streets we drove to the worst district of Tangiers, to his father's house. I was taken to a tiny room at the back and told to wait while the boy went for his father.

[H]

She's a cheat, Father. Like all the others. She pretends to work for both sides, but works only for herself.

[G]

Where is she, my boy?

[H]

In the back room.

[G]

You should not judge too quickly. It is difficult for an enemy to learn the passwords of the farmer.

[H]

But she has a card signed by Goering. I saw it. I saw her talking to Herr von Feld in her hotel room.

[G]

I saw her give her my respects and apologies. I will sleep now and talk to her in the morning. But watch her. If she goes out, follow her.

[H]

Yes, Father.

[G]

Go now, my boy. Remember, it is a sin to judge too quickly.

[H]

Madame.

[C]

Yes?

[H]

My father's respects. He is old and tires easily. He will see you in the morning. I hope you will be comfortable here. Our house is poor, but clean.

[C]

Thank you, Father. I have an errand to do. Now. A package that must be picked up. I shall return soon.

[H]

A package, Madame?

[C]

Little boy, you will have to learn someday in your life how to tell when people are your friends.

[D]

Yes?

[C]

I am looking for. For Sulaiman Abdelkadeer. Salaam alaikum.

[G]

I am he. Come in.

[C]

Were you expecting me?

[G]

At my age, Frulein, one expects anything. How may I serve you?

[C]

Here is a card. It is signed by the Reichsmarshall himself. I am to pick up a package.

[G]

Ah, yes. It is ready. Ready and waiting. Here you are, Fraulein. But why are you startled?

[C]

I. I was expecting a large package. I preconceived.

[G]

Ideas are usually wrong. Frulein, may I wish you good evening.

[C]

There. Is there nothing to pay? Nothing.

[G]

Good evening, Frule.

[H]

I followed her. She went to Suleiman Abd el Kadir. Father, I saw her.

[G]

You are sure, my son?

[H]

I saw him answer the door. I saw her go in. She's a Nazi, Father. She will trick us. Please, Father, let me. Let me.

[G]

No, my son. Report her to Mr. Brown. Tell him what you have told me. And, please, since she is as beautiful as you say, do not have them arrest her in this house. In the morning. They can take her in the bazaar with the rest of the trash in Tangier.

[H]

Will you wait here, Madame? Sit on the stone. It's quite clean. I will return in a moment.

[C]

But when can I see your father?

[H]

He will lunch with us at home, madame. But wait here. I shall not be long. Do not go away, madame. I will be back soon.

[B]

Will you come with me, please?

[C]

Are you speaking to me?

[B]

Brown is the name. Allied Intelligence. Will you come with me, please?

[C]

I most certainly will not.

[B]

I don't want to be brutal. I can't legally arrest you, but there are other ways. If you come with me, you will have a chance. But if you don't, you won't get out of this bazaar alive. That's not being dramatic, that's a fact. Tangiers is a strange place. Please come quietly.

[C]

Where?

[B]

Allied Headquarters. We have an old house. It's not far.

[C]

Can't we discuss this, Mr. Brown? There is no need for it.

[B]

Open your suitcase, please.

[C]

How did it get here?

[B]

The boy. Open it. If you don't open it, I'll have to break it open.

[C]

There.

[B]

Mm. Now, what's this?

[C]

Face powder.

[B]

Mm.

[F]

You.

[B]

You always wear platform soles on your shoes?

[C]

Not always. There is no need to wreck my shoes. If you tell me what you're looking for, I'll be very glad to help.

[B]

I don't know quite what I'm looking for, Mr. Brown.

[C]

You may not believe this, but I am not a Nazi spy.

[B]

Oh, come off it, lady. You had a private plane from Berlin. One of Mr. Goering's special numbers. You were seen going into Elkadir's house. He's the leading Nazi in Tangiers. Don't give me this cover stuff.

[F]

Please.

[C]

You've got to believe me. I'm trying to locate the source of.

[B]

Of what?

[C]

I can't tell you.

[B]

That's right, you can't. This what you picked up at El Gadir's?

[C]

If it's a matter of money, Mr. Brown, we might come to terms.

[B]

Sorry, there isn't that much money in the world. Now, what's in this?

[C]

I don't know.

[B]

It was in your suitcase.

[C]

I don't know, I tell you.

[B]

All right, let's open it. Well, why do you have to get face cream from El Kadir?

[C]

I had no idea. What was in the package.

[B]

A jar of face cream, or is it?

[C]

You have no right to. What is it?

[B]

Innocent, aren't you?

[C]

Is it?

[B]

Yes. Buried in the cold cream. But naturally you wouldn't know.

[C]

I swear I had no idea. I swear to it.

[B]

I don't like women like you. Hello, Captain.

[F]

Is this the young lady?

[B]

Yes, sir.

[F]

What is the verdict, Monsieur Bruno?

[B]

I'd say guilty, Captain.

[C]

I assure you. Captain, be quiet, please.

[F]

Oui. Ms. Chevron.

[B]

She arrived at one of Goering's private planes. She entertained the Gestapo in her hotel room. She tried to bribe me. She's trite about everything. The beggar's kid had me pick her up and I found that in her suitcase.

[F]

I see.

[C]

Let me go. Let me go.

[F]

Don't be foolish. You can't possibly get away.

[C]

Let go go of me. I.

[B]

You didn't have to hit her, Monsieur Braun.

[F]

We have to kill her.

[B]

Well, that's a bit risky, isn't it? Tangier is a neutral zone.

[F]

Murder is like love. The essence is quietness and privacy. Take her downstairs to our little room. We will take her to the cliffs tonight.

[C]

A shot. I push. Voila.

[F]

And nothing will be left. Nothing that the sea won't wash away. Take her downstairs, Captain.

[C]

I deliberately kept my cover. It would have been simple to prove I worked for the farmer. But I had a feeling I would be released. I knew that whoever got me on of this would be the person responsible for the Leak in our Tangier intelligence. Hours passed. Then he came for me.

[B]

Hello.

[C]

What do you want?

[B]

We are ready if you are.

[C]

Even in 10 years there must be laws about murder.

[F]

That is why we are so discreet. Mademoiselle. This will do, Monsieur Juan. It is quiet, dark and deserted. Mademoiselle, I know you will not force us to drag you screaming from the car.

[C]

Gentlemen, the time has come for me to tell you the truth. As a matter of fact, the time.

[B]

Has come for you to. Get out, honey.

[C]

Get out.

[B]

Thank you. You want me to do it?

[F]

No, no, no, no. Wait here. Proceed, Mademoiselle.

[C]

Captain, I must tell you that.

[F]

Keep quiet. He will hear us.

[C]

What?

[F]

Please keep quiet. When one has to shoot, one shoots quickly.

[C]

Oh, good.

[F]

Now listen. Near here there is a part on the cliff. It is very steep. Watch yourself. Almost directly beneath us is a small pier. I will pick you up there in a motorboat. In an hour.

[C]

Then you. You are.

[F]

Oui, oui. Now, beyond the pier in an hour. I will get there as soon as I can get rid of this fool American.

[C]

I wanted the thing to shout. This was the least. The head man of Allied espionage was a traitor. I groped my way down the rocky cliff and found the small pier just as he had said. I sat there in the cold, shivering but exultant, and waited.

[D]

My line.

[C]

Yes, I see you and I say so you jump? Yes. Now come.

[F]

Good Mademoiselle, I congratulate you. You were superb. Never have I seen anyone face dead with such dignity.

[H]

Thank you.

[F]

I attended to everything. Captain Kleinst is waiting at the airport with your plane. There is your suitcase. And in it is your cold cream. Or shall we say what was concealed in the cold cream?

[C]

You are very efficient.

[F]

Thank you, Colein. I have been useful to the Reichs Marshal on several occasions. You will not forget to mention my name.

[C]

I will never forget you. Never.

[F]

Merci. They are so stupid, these Americans. And the English words quite under their very nose.

[C]

Climbing down the cliff, I loosen my heel. Have you a hammer?

[F]

Under the seat there is a toolbox. Lift up the jump. Have you got it?

[C]

Yes, monsieur. Thank you.

[F]

It will be greasy, Mademoiselle.

[C]

No one will notice the grace.

[F]

I wish to do as you say. But Al Qadir is one of the most influential Germans in Tangier.

[C]

Captain Kleins, we will take off at once.

[F]

Al Qadir said no. There was a body found in the Fedala Hotel. It seems that your room was.

[C]

Do you recognize the signature on this? This card? Or must the pilot of the Reich be told who is Herman?

[F]

We take off at once.

[D]

You did splendidly, Karen. Splendidly.

[C]

Thank you. But I. I can't forget that little boy. It was horrible, Farmer. He wasn't a child. He was an old man.

[D]

Our work will help build his future, Karen.

[C]

Yes, I know.

[D]

Incidentally, the package of Frau Goering's.

[C]

What was it in? A jar of cold cream. A small fortune in morphine. The jar got broken. I told Frau Goering I dropped it. She admitted it was medicine for Hermann. She was very grateful. Apparently, Himmler has closed off the Reichsmarschall's.

[D]

Supply and the leak in Tangiers is plugged for good.

[C]

Plugged for good With a hammer. A German hammer.

[E]

You have just heard Ilona Massey starring in the new NBC presentation, Top Secret. And here she is with a clue about next week.

[C]

Next week, as Assignment 4, Philip Cornelius. His courage, his bravery, his tenderness, his escape. It is a personal story of mine, and until now, it has most certainly been top secret.

[E]

Top Secret is directed and produced by Harry W. Junkins. The script was by Alan Sloan. Heard with Miss Massie tonight were Briana Rayburn, Louis Van Ruten, Tommy Frederick Earl Hammond, Carl Emery and Bernard Grant. The music was composed and conducted by Dr. Roy Shield. This is Fred Collins speaking. This is NBC, the National Broadcasting Company.