Relic Radio Thrillers: "Cover-Up" by Dark Venture - Detailed Summary

Introduction

"Relic Radio Thrillers," hosted by RelicRadio.com, immerses listeners in the golden age of Old Time Radio, delivering gripping tales of crime, mystery, espionage, and suspense. In the episode titled "Cover-Up," originally aired on February 25, 1947, as part of the "Dark Venture" series, the narrative delves into a post-war intrigue centered around vengeance, deception, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

Setting

The story unfolds in Munich shortly after World War II, a city still reeling from the devastation of bombings and grappling with the aftermath of Nazi occupation. The atmosphere is thick with tension, decay, and the lingering shadows of recent horrors, providing a fitting backdrop for the unfolding drama.

Main Characters

• Elna Carl (voiced by Betty Lou Gerson): A determined woman seeking vengeance for the death of her beloved on their wedding day. Her courage and resilience drive the narrative forward as she navigates the perilous quest to eliminate Erich Stromer.

• Hans Bruner / Erich Stromer (voiced by David Ellis): Initially introduced as an ally in the hunt for Stromer, he is later revealed to be the antagonist orchestrating the cover-up and deception.

• Felcher (voiced by Leo Clary): A menacing Nazi figure described as a "werewolf," representing the enduring evil persisting even after the war.

• Train Clerk (voiced by Earl Lee): A minor yet pivotal character whose interactions with Elna and Hans add depth to the unfolding suspense.

Plot Overview

Arrival in Munich

The story begins with Elna Carl arriving in Munich on February 2nd, underlined by the city's scarred landscape from bombings. Her mission is clear: to find and kill Erich Stromer, the man responsible for the death of her fiancé on their wedding day.

Quote:

Narrator [00:50]: "The story of a woman who set out to find the killer of the man she loved."

Meeting Hans Bruner

Elna's quest leads her to the residence of Hans Bruner, portrayed as the "Avenger" designated to assist in the mission against Stromer. Their initial interaction is formal but hints at underlying tensions and mistrust.

Quote:

Elna Carl [03:00]: "I want to see Hans Brunner."

Quote:

Hans Bruner [04:19]: "Well, your picture doesn't flatter you."

The Plan

Realizing the complexities of tracking Stromer, Hans proposes a plan to change their identities to avoid detection. This involves drastic measures, including altering their appearances and disposing of their past selves.

Quote:

Hans Bruner [09:05]: "When a man looks at you, the things he remembers clearest is his long golden hair."

Disguise and Train Journey

Elna and Hans undergo a transformation, cutting Elna's distinctive golden hair and donning disguises to blend into their surroundings. Their journey continues on a train, fraught with suspicion and the constant threat of discovery by Felcher, the Nazi antagonist.

Quote:

Elna Carl [10:25]: "I can't believe it. I know it's idiot. God is your too soft. I can't wear them. They headache."

Encounter with Felcher

The tension escalates when Felcher, described as a "fat, red-faced man," enters the narrative, heightening the sense of danger. Elna and Hans must navigate through encounters that test their resolve and the effectiveness of their disguises.

Quote:

Hans Bruner [05:35]: "These Nazi werewolves is their last great hope."

The Revelation

In a climactic twist, Elna discovers that Hans Bruner is, in fact, Erich Stromer in disguise. This betrayal forces Elna to confront Stromer directly. Demonstrating her resilience, Elna reveals she had neutralized Stromer's gun, preventing him from harming her.

Quote:

Elna Carl [25:05]: "I have listened to you in these last moments of your life. No."

Quote:

Erich Stromer [24:49]: "I am Erich Fromer. Not Hans Foner."

Themes and Insights

"Cover-Up" weaves themes of revenge, trust, and identity under the shadow of war's aftermath. Elna's relentless pursuit of Stromer symbolizes the broader quest for justice and closure in post-war Europe. The narrative also explores the psychological toll of vengeance, as seen in Elna's transformation and the manipulation exerted by Stromer.

The portrayal of Felcher as a "werewolf" serves as a metaphor for the lingering evil and the challenges in eradicating deeply ingrained malice even after its apparent defeat.

Notable Quotes

• Narrator [00:11]: "Relicradio.com presents stories of mystery and intrigue, espionage and suspense."

• Elna Carl [03:23]: "I was startled to see a man leaning at the doorway of the first floor apartment. A huge red faced man in a gray sweater reading a newspaper."

• Hans Bruner [05:17]: "Clipped it out of a newspaper the day my father was beheaded. At the command of Erich Stromer."

• Elna Carl [09:46]: "I'm thinking of Eric Stormer. He got my hair very short and gray."

• Erich Stromer [24:49]: "I am Erich Fromer. Not Hans Foner."

Conclusion

"Cover-Up" by Dark Venture is a masterfully crafted Old Time Radio thriller that encapsulates the essence of post-war suspense. Through its intricate plot, complex characters, and evocative dialogue, the episode not only entertains but also offers a poignant reflection on the human cost of vengeance and the enduring quest for justice. Relic Radio Thrillers successfully transports listeners to a bygone era, celebrating the rich storytelling traditions of classic radio dramas.

Credits:

• Written by: Larry Marcus
• Directed by: Leonard Reef
• Original Music: Rex Coy
• Narrator: John Lake
• Cast:
  • Betty Lou Gerson as Elna Carl
  • David Ellis as Erich Stromer
  • Leo Clary as Felcher
  • Jack Moyles as a Trainman
  • Earl Lee as a Hotel Clerk

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