
Relic Radio Thrillers features I Was A Communist For The FBI this week. We'll hear the July 6, 1952, broadcast titled, Draw The Red Curtain. Listen to more from I Was A Communist For The FBI https://traffic.libsyn.com/forcedn/e55e1c7a-e213-4a20-8701-21862bdf1f8a/Thriller865.mp3 Download Thriller865 | Subscribe | Spotify | Support Relic Radio Thrillers Relic Radio Thrillers is made possible by your support. If you’d like [...]
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Sally Norstan
Foreign.
Host
This is Relic Radio. Thrillers, action adventure and intrigue. Every Friday@RelicRadio.com our story comes from I was a communist for the FBI this week series produced between March of 1952 and September of 1953, 78 episodes in all. It aired at one time or another over all major networks. NBC, ABC, Mutual and CBS. Our story today is from July 6, 1952. We'll hear draw the Red Curtain.
Dana Andrews
I Was a Communist for the FBI, starring Dana Andrews and an exciting tale of danger and espionage. I was a Communist for the FBI. Many of the incidents in the story you're about to hear are based on the actual records and authentic experiences of Matt Civetic, who for nine fantastic years lived as a Communist for the FBI. Here is our star, Dana Andrews as Matt Sebetic. I was a part of the whole dirty mess. For nine years I lied for nine years I cheated and betrayed my country in word and deed for nine long years I was everything that decent people hate. For nine years I was a Communist working as an undercover man for the FBI. This story may help you understand why I felt my job was important to everyone in America. In a moment, listen to Dana Andrews as Matt Sabet, undercover Man. Now here is Dana Andrews as Matt Savetic, undercover man. This story from the confidential file is marked Draw the Red Curtain. There. There. See this? That is what I think of your editing. Very well, Vladimir. I'll report your change of heart to Party headquarters and ask for a new assignment. No, no, wait, comrade. Why? I am sorry, I. I will put in the new dialogue. I do not want to disturb our comrades with such a petty quarrel. I was sure you wouldn't. But if only you weren't such an aesthetic nincompoop. The Party had me on an assignment that should have been easy. A soft job, my only work consisting of editing a play to make sure it followed the party line. The job was a snap, with the one exception of the playwright Comrade Vladimir Mashenko. Vladimir had a public, and to them he was a White Russian artiste. But I wasn't a part of his public. To me he was strictly temperament with a capital temper. Please, comrade, don't look over my shoulder. Just checking the new lines. Go away. Better be careful of the cop speeches. It sounds a little like deviationism. Comrades, go away. You know I can't stand to have you look over my shoulder. Excuse me. It is a plan. Hello, Comrade Svetic? Yes. Comrade Norris speaking. Report to me immediately. And that's the way the job lost any softness it might have had and trouble was mine without the asking. By now, I had almost gotten so that I was used to having trouble as a daily companion. But I never liked it. I left Vladimir attacking his typewriter like it was one of his hated capitalists, while I went down to Party headquarters, located in a forbidding gray stone building that was ironically squatting between two symbols of everything Communism was against a church and a bank. Inside, Comrade Norris, the local MVD chief, greeted me with all the warmth of a bowl of ice cubes. Sit down, comrade. Thank you. How is your work? Oh, fine, Vladimir. Keep it that way. I'll try, but that work is now secondary. What? But I. We are going to take over the local Dramatic Arts Guild. This will be dramatic art skill. But I. You interrupt, comrade. Sorry. But how? The exact method you will learn from Evelyn Vickers Hall. Is she in town? Yes. You recognize her name, I see. Naturally, she's one of our best organizers. She has been brought in as a wardrobe mistress at the theater where Vladimir's play is to be put on. How did you get that job? That's no business of yours, comrade. Sorry. As you know, Vladimir belongs to the Dramatic Arts Guild. You must get him to vouch for you so you can join, too. That won't be any problem. Once in the Guild, you are to report to Comrade hall for instructions. Clear? Clear. It was too clear. All except the technique to be used. I knew the local Dramatic Arts Guild had a membership of over 2,000, including people in all phases of the theater, from prop boys to set designers and stagehands to producers. I was plenty curious just how a handful of Reds were going to take it over. Curious, but not disbelieving. I'd seen too many of their operations to underrate the threat of this one. As soon as I was away from Comrade Norris and Party Headquarters, I made my report to the FBI from a drugstore plateau. Hello? This is the man with the red hat. We're in the market. Go ahead, Matt. Evelyn Vickers hall is coming to town. Going to try and organize a takeover of the Dramatic Arts Guild. When? Right away. I got instructions to work with her. The Commies aren't missing a bet in getting their message to the public. Go ahead with it, Matt. Send us a list of the Reds you find in the Guild. Then try to break up the deal without exposing yourself. That's quite an order. Yeah. Good luck, comrade. You are looking over my shoulder again. Nice dialogue. I don't like it when you. Huh? Oh, it's good, huh? It's great. Can you get me into the Dramatic Arts Guild. What? But why, comrade? You'll learn soon enough. Can you do it? Of course. When? Tomorrow. But in what occupation are you? The Guild takes in all of the theater. What's the difference? Make it. I'm a writer. Okay. Well, thanks. I. Oh, here comes angel child. My beautiful angel child. Did you meet your vlogging?
Sally Norstan
Oh, yes, yes. I adore you. My strong, my brilliant, my magnificent.
Dana Andrews
You see, comrades? Vetic. Sally knows me. She loves me. Yeah. Sally, be a darling. Put the kettle on.
Sally Norstan
Of course. Will you help me, comrade Matt?
Dana Andrews
He'd be glad to, but I. Go ahead. I won't miss you. All right. Well, this way to the kitchen. I know the kettle is there on.
Sally Norstan
We're alone, darling.
Dana Andrews
So we are. Well, I'll get the kettle and fill it.
Sally Norstan
Oh, man, why do you treat me like this? I'll do anything you say on the.
Dana Andrews
Then turn on the stove.
Sally Norstan
Here, give me the kettle. There. Now will you talk to me like a human?
Dana Andrews
Sure. What do we talk about?
Sally Norstan
Matt, I like you.
Dana Andrews
That's nice.
Sally Norstan
Well, what's wrong with me?
Dana Andrews
Well, you're smart, you're very beautiful. Oh, but you've got the heart of a pawnbroker.
Sally Norstan
Naturally. I'm a woman.
Dana Andrews
You're a party member.
Sally Norstan
My mind is, but my feelings are pretty bourgeois.
Dana Andrews
You need some discipline, comrade.
Sally Norstan
Badly.
Dana Andrews
You did a good job bringing Vladimir into a party, but you're risking it with it.
Sally Norstan
Nonsense. I can handle Vladimir.
Dana Andrews
Either way, get a new boy to flirt with. I've got a new job to do. I'll be busy.
Sally Norstan
New job? Oh, don't tell me. With Evelyn Vickers Hall?
Dana Andrews
Yeah.
Sally Norstan
Oh, that's wonderful.
Dana Andrews
What's so blamed funny?
Sally Norstan
You'll see my darling tomorrow.
Dana Andrews
She was a sensation. Sally north turn. No doubt about that. Blonde hair making a halo over a face that looked as though it deserved it. Only I knew how many lives had been wrecked. How many men Sally had ruined as a communist lure. The next day I met with Evelyn Vickers hall backstage of the Regal Theater. The commie organizer turned out to be a dumpy gray haired woman with a sweet face and a mouthful of pins. She talked around them as she worked on a costume.
Sally Norstan
You know our objective, comrade. To Vetic.
Dana Andrews
Yes, but not how we gain it. We only have a few party members in the guild.
Sally Norstan
28 to be exact. We will need another hundred or so fellow travelers. Who will vote the way we say that all?
Dana Andrews
There's 2,000 in the guild.
Sally Norstan
2,000 members?
Dana Andrews
Yes.
Sally Norstan
How many attend meetings?
Dana Andrews
I don't know.
Sally Norstan
Three or four hundred. That's our strength. Comic stupid capitalists are not interested in their guild. For the most part they don't attend meetings and pay less attention to what.
Dana Andrews
Is done in the meetings vital to their work.
Sally Norstan
Believe me, comrade, they are sheep. They do what the Guild says and never question why. As long as their salary checks are good.
Dana Andrews
In short, all we have to do is control the meetings.
Sally Norstan
That's right. And we will do it. You will see.
Dana Andrews
What's my job?
Sally Norstan
Your first job is the same as my own. And Comrade Norstands.
Dana Andrews
Silence. She's in on this?
Sally Norstan
Vitally. She's in the Guild as an actress. We three are the nutrients. Our first move is to become important and active in the Guild. Secondly, to become members of the board of directors.
Dana Andrews
That won't be easy. Most of the guild hates communists.
Sally Norstan
From here on we are not communists. You and Sally are socialists. I will be a reformed party member now preaching a so called new doctrine.
Dana Andrews
I see. Same thing by a different name.
Sally Norstan
Exactly. We will work only on those members who attend the guild meetings. And we will use three separate methods.
Dana Andrews
Which are?
Sally Norstan
Your method is to work on the intelligent use the progress. The world must move forward.
Dana Andrews
World unity.
Sally Norstan
No more prejudice. I know that La and Comrade Norstan will work on those susceptible to her physical attractions. While I. Well, I'm the motherly type. So I've been told. I drag in the stupid and the lonely and the confused.
Dana Andrews
What'll we do? Begin some get togethers, Some coffee clutches?
Sally Norstan
That's the idea. Play down our real beliefs. Play up our concern about the poor and the oppressed.
Dana Andrews
I understand. I'll use Vladimir's place as a cover for some parties. Ms. Hall, is that costume ready yet?
Sally Norstan
In a few minutes, Mr. Tyne.
Dana Andrews
Well, shake it up. Sally's waiting for it. Sally? Sally Norstan? Who else? Buster. She's going to be the star of this here drama. Well, who's that little bundle of vitamins?
Sally Norstan
Nate Tine, the director. Oh, stay away from him. He hates the party and he's the big wheel in the Guild.
Dana Andrews
Any chance for Sally to bring him around?
Sally Norstan
None. Tine's married and likes it that way. Be very careful with him. He's the Guild president and is the one man who could block us at the elections.
Dana Andrews
What elections?
Sally Norstan
Two months from now, new board of directors for the guild will be elected.
Dana Andrews
How many directors?
Sally Norstan
Five, counting the chairman. And three of the new directors are going to be communists.
Dana Andrews
Now back to Dana Andrews starring as Matt Satic. And I was a communist for the FBI. And the second act of our story.
Sally Norstan
Matt, you Dance with me.
Dana Andrews
Save it for the suckers. Sally, get to work on that big actor over there. He's ripe for picking.
Sally Norstan
Oh, all right. But he dances like a tank with a broken tread. Henry, all along, why don't you ask me to dance?
Dana Andrews
But of course.
Sally Norstan
So.
Dana Andrews
What a day. Oh, hello, Mrs. Walker.
Sally Norstan
You had a lovely party. It's just you two. Goodbyes.
Dana Andrews
Oh, thank you. I meant to tell you. I heard what you said to Nate Tyne last night. I certainly thought you put him in his place. You were brilliant.
Sally Norstan
Oh, my. Oh, but they really were your words I used. After you explained how banquet we were growing up. I woke up to a lot of things.
Dana Andrews
Good. We certainly need some progressives, people like yourself, to fight for the real human values. To tell the public about it.
Sally Norstan
Oh, don't you worry. I'm going to spread the word. My plays are going to have meaning from here on. Real social import.
Dana Andrews
Better girl.
Sally Norstan
And about the elections next week. You can count on me to vote for you. And Ms. Hall.
Dana Andrews
And Sally. He's one of us too, you know.
Sally Norstan
Mariana. Only she seems. I suppose I'm just being a woman. I'll vote for her too.
Dana Andrews
Good. And get some of your friends too. Mrs. Walker, we need people like you on our side.
Sally Norstan
Oh, I will. I will. Matt, my. I called you Matt. I hope you don't mind.
Dana Andrews
No, certainly not. Would you like to dance?
Sally Norstan
Me? I'd.
Dana Andrews
It was working, and a nastier operation had never been in. Leading all the innocent and gullible for a Red ride straight into trouble. We had nearly a hundred fellow travelers with us now. And Comrade hall told us how we were going to use them.
Sally Norstan
The divide and conquer method. Comrade, tomorrow night is the last Guild meeting before elections. We need a law passed making it mandatory that there be at least three candidates for each position on the board.
Dana Andrews
One for us and the two other candidates to split the opposing vote.
Sally Norstan
That's right.
Dana Andrews
We won't have a majority to get the law passed.
Sally Norstan
Yes, we will. Tomorrow night we're going to filibuster. We're going to stampede our law through.
Dana Andrews
But with only a hundred odd votes.
Sally Norstan
By the time we've talked until 4 in the morning, so many of the opposing votes will have gotten sleepy and gone home. We'll have a majority, you'll see.
Dana Andrews
There it was the simple way to control an entire Guild. With a handful of trained and organized Reds. Evelyn Vickers hall knew her business. And even the stubborn fight of Nate Tyne, the Guild president, couldn't stop us. We made sure of that beforehand. Our comrades are down front. They know what to do. Comrade Hall.
Sally Norstan
Good. Let's go on stage. The meeting's ready to start. And I say that this new law. To have three candidates is essential fellow workers, if we are to have a truly democratic election. In the words of Thomas Jefferson, that great leader whom we all remember.
Dana Andrews
All right, Miss hall. All right. Make your point, please. We're waiting to vote.
Sally Norstan
You were elected to the board under the two candidate system, Mr. Tyne?
Dana Andrews
You know I was.
Sally Norstan
I can understand then how you would like to stop the passage of this new law.
Dana Andrews
All I want to do, Ms. Hall, is to get some sleep. It's after 11.
Sally Norstan
Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Trying seems to dislike the freedom of speech. I put it to you, fellow workers. Are we to have a voice in our guild or are we to be forced to do the bidding of a few dictatorial leaders? Thank you. Thank you. I will go on. As I was saying, in the words of that great leader, Thomas Jefferson, whom we all remember as one of the greatest.
Dana Andrews
10 speeches. And four hours later, the midnight session was losing attendance rapidly. And come and hall wore a grin of triumph. The vote told why. The coming inspired resolution was passed 120 to 98. It was the big test of our strength. And from there on the elections looked like a red cinch. All except for Nate Time. The sharp eyed little director was smelling lots of rats and he showed it. You did a lot of talking at the meeting, Savatic. You too, Vladimir. What's your story? Story? We only said what we believed. Is there anything wrong with that? No, only it had a bright pink color. Just like a lot of your play. Vladimir, if there's any more of it, you may have to get yourself a new director. Where's Sally? It's time for rehearsal. She's in the wings with one of the actors. I'll get her.
Sally Norstan
Henry, you're really a very sweet boy, but I can't.
Dana Andrews
But silly. Please.
Sally Norstan
Oh, Matt. I hope you're looking for me.
Dana Andrews
I am and so is time. He wants you on the stage.
Sally Norstan
Henry, find something to do, will you?
Dana Andrews
Of course. Sully, you train them well.
Sally Norstan
Claude, I want you.
Dana Andrews
No dice. You're holding up rehearsal.
Sally Norstan
Boy, I'm the star. They'll wait.
Dana Andrews
How did that happen anyway?
Sally Norstan
Vladimir talked to Tyne. Tyne auditioned me. He thinks I'm a good actress.
Dana Andrews
I'll buy that. Too bad you're not as good a party member.
Sally Norstan
Party member? Is that all you think about? You make me sick.
Dana Andrews
You'll be sicker after the Control Commission has you disciplined.
Sally Norstan
Don't bet on it, darling, you won't report me. It's your word against mine. And I can lie like the devil. Goodbye, dearest.
Dana Andrews
The laughing, devilish angel child gave me the idea how to break up Comrade Hall's invasion of the Dramatic Arts Guild. I didn't have much time before the guild election. So the next night I went to the theater and found Vladimir backstage in Sally's dressing room. Good evening, comrade. Good evening. You're ready for the election? Sure. Who has a room next door? Time. Isn't it a little fascist? Yes, it is. Office. I thought so. Does he use it after rehearsal? Of course. Say, did you hear Sally in this scene she's doing on the stage? I think she's changed your dialogue. It doesn't sound so good. She's what changed. But my words. She wouldn't dare. I'll kill. Vladimir went out like an angry jet. And I went to work in a hurry on the ventilator shaft that connected Sally's dressing room to times office. In five minutes I had the great open at both ends. And in 10 more I had the padded sound boards out of the shaft, leaving it an empty 10 tube. I had no time to test it. I could only hope that voices would carry through it. Just as the rehearsal was ending, I caught Evelyn Vickers hall outside the dressing rooms.
Sally Norstan
Yes? What is it, Matt?
Dana Andrews
I think you better speak to Sally. He's getting ideas. Now that she's starring in this play, she's ready to quit the party.
Sally Norstan
She's what? Why, I'll strangle that pretty cat.
Dana Andrews
She'll be coming to her dressing room here in a moment.
Sally Norstan
Yes, and I'll be inside waiting for her. Now, where's Ms. Hall? My costume needs fixing.
Dana Andrews
She's in your dressing room. Sally.
Sally Norstan
Thanks a lot, darling.
Dana Andrews
Well, you're very welcome. Oh, Mr. Tyne. Yes? Aren't you going to your office? Not tonight. I'm going straight home. Why? I. Well, that is, I. I want to talk to you in private. Can't it wait? No, it's important. Well? Oh, all right, but make it fast. Come on now. Let's have a.
Sally Norstan
Letting glide.
Dana Andrews
Believe what you like.
Sally Norstan
I don't care. Don't threaten me. I don't like it.
Dana Andrews
Pardon.
Sally Norstan
Very well, comrade.
Dana Andrews
I got dirty.
Sally Norstan
No time for a squabble. The guild elections are in a few days. You know your job. Don't worry about me. Good luck.
Dana Andrews
Yeah. So that's it. Now I see what sic. Get out. Out. And forget what you've heard. But nobody. You heard me. Not one word about this. Did it work? It was anyone's guess as time hustled me out of his office, I waited in the hall. Then, to my surprise, Time came out in a few minutes and left without a word to anyone. For the next few days, I waited intention for time to go into action. Nothing. It was obvious as the day of elections came around that Comrade hall had overrated Tyne's hate for Reds or underrated his susceptibility to Sally. Either way, the election meeting began with no sign that Tyne knew anything was wrong. And I sat on the platform with the candidates, feeling pretty sick as I knew my plan had failed.
Sally Norstan
Look, Comrade Svetic, our comrades are all here in a solid block down front. We'll win without a struggle. And when we control the board, the Guild will do as the party says. As I say. This Hall.
Dana Andrews
Look, look.
Sally Norstan
What's happening?
Dana Andrews
It was beautiful. Through all the doors of the huge hall, they came by the dozens, by the hundreds. In 15 minutes, the hall was jammed with people. Practically the entire Guild had shown up for the elections. It was easy to see who was responsible, as a grinning Nate Tynes stepped up to the rostrum.
Sally Norstan
Quiet. Quiet, please.
Dana Andrews
Thank you. Fellow members of the Dramatic Art Cube, as you know, tonight is the night of our elections. The elections that some of our members were certain of winning under the guidance of Ms. Hall, the very same Evelyn Vickers hall, who is at this moment sneaking from the platform, unwilling to face a guild united in its determination to get rid of Communism. It was a great night, and a group of Americans had proven again that Communism can and will be defeated by a democratic people. For me, I had to report to party headquarters the next morning, and Comrade Norris was somewhat less than friendly. You failed, Comrade Svetic. Failed the party miserably. Comrade Norris, it was not my fault. It was Conrad hall and Comrade Norston who were overheard by that fascist Tyne. I am aware of that. But you were part of the operation. Therefore you may share the blame. Miss. Comrade, consider yourself lucky. You are getting only a reprimand. Comrade Norston has been turned over to the Control Commission for proper discipline. And Comrade hall, her crime is greatest. Her punishment will be accordingly. Oh, yes, it would be good if you kept in mind the penalty for failure. I think of nothing else, Comrade Norris, believe me, today. So there it was, another Red plan gone wrong. But there were more plans. And behind them all, the deadly threat of their master plan, their historic mission. Until this threat was gone, I knew my work had to go on. And I would continue to be a man who walks alone. Dana Andrews will return in Just a moment. This is Dana Andrews. The names, places and organization mentioned in this story were fictional, but the danger is a very real one. So be on your guard. Don't let your organizations fall into red hands. It can happen, and it has happened. But you can keep it from happening again. Next week we bring you another exciting story based on the true life adventures of Matt Sverig. Join us for It Won't.
Host
That's our thriller for this week. There's more from I Was a Communist for the FBI. This podcast and all the other Relic radio podcasts@ Relicradio.com Lots to listen to there alongside our Shout Cast stream with even more. If you'd like to help support this and all of the Relic radio shows, visit donate. Relicradio.com or click on one of the links on the website. Your support makes it all happen. Thank you to those who have helped out. Thanks for joining me this week. Be back tomorrow with the Horror and next Friday with our next episode of Relic Radio Thrillers.
Relic Radio Thrillers: "Draw The Red Curtain" — A Detailed Summary
Introduction
In the enthralling episode titled "Draw The Red Curtain" from Relic Radio Thrillers’ series I Was a Communist for the FBI, listeners are immersed in a gripping tale of espionage, betrayal, and ideological warfare set against the backdrop of the early 1950s. Released on November 1, 2024, this episode masterfully blends suspense with historical intrigue, showcasing the covert operations of Matt Savetic, an undercover FBI agent embedded within the Communist Party.
Plot Summary
Matt Savetic’s Undercover Assignment
The story begins with Matt Savetic (voiced by Dana Andrews) reflecting on his nine-year tenure living as a Communist for the FBI. His mission involves infiltrating the local Dramatic Arts Guild, a significant organization with over 2,000 members spanning various theatrical roles. Assigning Matt the seemingly straightforward task of editing plays to align with party ideologies, his true objective is to dismantle Communist influence from within.
Infiltrating the Dramatic Arts Guild
Matt’s journey into the Guild involves strategic alliances and manipulation. He collaborates with Evelyn Vickers Hall, a seasoned Communist organizer posed as a wardrobe mistress, and Sally Norstan, an alluring actress adept at winning over Guild members. Their plan hinges on recruiting a mere hundred fellow travelers to control the Guild’s direction and secure votes for Communist candidates in the upcoming board elections.
The Plan to Take Over the Guild
The core strategy, detailed around the [15:28] timestamp, involves a duplicitous approach to governance within the Guild. Sally Norstan outlines their three-pronged method:
Their ultimate goal is to control Guild meetings and install Communist board members, thereby steering the organization to serve party interests.
Betrayal and Conflict
As the plan progresses, tensions escalate. Sally Norstan’s duplicity becomes apparent when she betrays Matt by undermining his authority and manipulating pivotal scenes during rehearsals (see [19:21] timestamp). Matt’s attempts to sabotage the operation using a concealed ventilator shaft fail when Sally outsmarts him, leading to increased suspicion and friction within the group.
Election Failure and Aftermath
The climax unfolds during the Guild elections. Despite meticulous planning, the Communist takeover unravels as Nate Tyne, the Guild president, resists the infiltration. A sudden surge of attendance at the election meeting, coupled with Matt’s failed sabotage efforts, leads to the revelation of the Communist plot. The episode concludes with Matt facing reprimand for the unsuccessful operation, underscoring the ongoing battle against ideological subversion.
Key Discussions and Insights
Psychological Manipulation: The episode delves into the tactics used by covert operatives to influence and control large groups through charisma, strategic alliances, and psychological manipulation.
Ideological Conflict: It highlights the intense ideological conflicts of the era, showcasing the lengths to which organizations would go to maintain or subvert power structures.
Personal Betrayal: Matt Savetic’s journey underscores the personal toll of undercover work, emphasizing themes of trust, betrayal, and moral ambiguity.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
Matt Savetic’s Reflection on His Mission:
Sally Norstan’s Manipulative Charm:
Strategizing the Takeover:
Sally’s Betrayal Revealed:
Climactic Election Moment:
Conclusion
"Draw The Red Curtain" offers a captivating glimpse into the clandestine efforts to combat Communist infiltration within American institutions during a tumultuous period. Through Matt Savetic’s intricate undercover mission, listeners experience the high-stakes game of espionage, the fragility of trust, and the enduring struggle between opposing ideologies. This episode not only entertains but also serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and sacrifices inherent in the fight against subversive movements.
For those intrigued by tales of suspense, espionage, and historical intrigue, "Draw The Red Curtain" stands as a testament to the riveting storytelling prowess of Relic Radio Thrillers.