Exit On The Left by I Was A Communist For The FBI

Summary

Relic Radio Thrillers: "Exit On The Left" Summary

Podcast Information

• Title: Relic Radio Thrillers (Old Time Radio)
• Host/Author: RelicRadio.com
• Description: The best Old Time Radio adventures in crime, mystery, espionage, and suspense! Relic Radio Thrillers delivers the ticking time bombs, mysterious crime scenes, and cloak-and-dagger action that today's armchair adventurer demands!
• Episode: Exit On The Left by I Was A Communist For The FBI
• Release Date: May 9, 2025

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Introduction

"Exit On The Left" is a gripping episode from the syndicated series I Was a Communist for the FBI, brought to listeners by Relic Radio Thrillers. Starring the acclaimed Dana Andrews, the narrative delves deep into the clandestine operations of Matt Svetic, an undercover FBI agent who has lived as a Communist for nine years. Set against the backdrop of the early 1950s, the story intricately weaves themes of espionage, loyalty, and moral ambiguity.

Plot Overview

[00:50 - 02:50]
The episode opens with the introduction of Matt Svetic's precarious position within a Communist cell led by Selma Malnick. Matt, portrayed by Dana Andrews, reveals the emotional and psychological toll of his undercover role. He describes his isolation and the internal conflicts arising from his dual identity.

[02:50 - 05:19]
A pivotal moment occurs during a regular cell meeting in Selma Malnick's apartment. Arthur Lorenz, a librarian and a member of the Communist Party since 1937, announces his resignation. Selma vehemently opposes his decision, viewing it as a threat to the cell's standing with higher authorities. Matt, observing these interactions, begins to sense the brewing tension and the potential repercussions of Lorenz's departure.

[05:19 - 08:50]
As the episode progresses, Selma Malnick employs psychological tactics to coerce Lorenz back into the fold. She implements a strategy of relentless harassment—letters, anonymous phone calls, and public accusations—to destabilize Lorenz's resolve. Matt narrates the effectiveness of these methods, highlighting the emotional strain placed on Lorenz.

[08:50 - 12:03]
The infiltration deepens as Matt interacts directly with Lorenz. A confrontation ensues at the library, where Lorenz accuses Matt of betrayal. Their dialogue underscores the personal cost of espionage, with Lorenz harboring resentment and anger towards Matt. Selma Malnick's manipulative nature becomes more apparent as she orchestrates the downfall of both Lorenz and herself.

[12:03 - 17:02]
Selma's plan culminates in her own disgrace within the Communist Party. After orchestrating Lorenz's blacklisting, she faces consequences from the Party leadership for her mishandling of the situation. Matt reflects on the futility of unwavering dedication to a cause that demands such personal sacrifices, ultimately choosing to distance himself from the Party.

[17:02 - 22:43]
The narrative reaches its climax when Lorenz confronts Matt in a late-night encounter. Their heated exchange reveals Lorenz's internal struggle and his inability to reconcile his conscience with his Communist affiliations. Despite Lorenz's attempts to reach out, Matt remains steadfast, embodying the moral complexities of his undercover mission.

[22:43 - 26:54]
In the aftermath, Selma Malnick is removed from her leadership position, serving as a cautionary tale for other Party members. Matt contemplates his choices, recognizing the impossibility of reconciling his dual identities. The episode concludes with Matt deciding to walk away from the Party, symbolizing his reclaiming of personal integrity over imposed loyalty.

Character Analysis

• Matt Svetic (Dana Andrews):
  Matt embodies the quintessential undercover agent, torn between his duty to the FBI and the emotional turmoil of living as a Communist. His internal conflict and ultimate decision to abandon the Party highlight the personal sacrifices inherent in espionage work.

• Selma Malnick:
  As the cell leader, Selma represents the unyielding commitment to the Communist cause. Her manipulative strategies and eventual downfall depict the ruthless nature of political factions and the cost of unwavering loyalty.

• Arthur Lorenz:
  Lorenz's character arc—from a dedicated Communist librarian to a resigned individual—serves as a foil to Matt's dual existence. His anguish and resentment towards Matt underscore the personal impact of espionage on innocent lives.

Themes and Insights

1. Dual Identity and Moral Conflict:
   Matt's struggle with maintaining his undercover persona versus his true self highlights the ethical dilemmas faced by agents embedded within hostile organizations.

2. Psychological Manipulation:
   Selma Malnick's tactics to manipulate Lorenz demonstrate the use of psychological warfare in maintaining ideological conformity within political groups.

3. Isolation and Betrayal:
   The episode explores feelings of isolation brought about by deceit and the inevitable sense of betrayal when trust is subverted by undercover operations.

4. Sacrifice for Duty:
   Matt's decision to walk away represents the ultimate sacrifice—forsaking personal connections and safety for the sake of a greater cause.

Notable Quotes

• Matt Svetic:
  "Nine years of living behind a mask that made me an outcast among my own people. And from behind that mask, I saw these things happen. It's all in the record."
  [02:06]

• Selma Malnick:
  "A member may give up the Party, but the Party never gives up a member."
  [04:42]

• Arthur Lorenz:
  "For the love of heaven, Matt, I can't stand much more of this. Please, Matt."
  [09:52]

• Matt Svetic:
  "Investigating Committees would love to hear what you'd like to forget."
  [10:04]

• Arthur Lorenz:
  "Now that I have the courage to face my conscience, I... I can't let this business with you make me a coward again."
  [22:36]

• Selma Malnick:
  "Your conversation with that whimpering fool Lorenz. Irrefutable evidence of your loyalty to our cause."
  [25:03]

Conclusion

"Exit On The Left" masterfully captures the essence of Cold War-era espionage, emphasizing the intricate balance between duty and personal morality. Through its well-developed characters and intense narrative, the episode sheds light on the psychological burdens borne by undercover agents infiltrating extremist organizations. Dana Andrews delivers a compelling performance as Matt Svetic, whose journey from conflicted agent to a man reclaiming his identity resonates deeply with themes of integrity and self-discovery.

The episode serves not only as an engaging thriller but also as a poignant commentary on the human cost of political espionage, making it a standout installment in the I Was A Communist For The FBI series.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Relicradio.com presents stories of mystery and intrigue, espionage and suspense. Hear tales of ticking time bombs, mysterious crime scenes and cloak and dagger action. This is Relic Radio Thrillers. Welcome back to Relic Radio Thrillers. We're going to hear from I Was a Communist for the FBI this Week Week, a syndicated series that aired over NBC, ABC, Mutual and CBS. At one time or another, 79 episodes were produced, all starring Dana Andrews. Our story today is from July 20, 1952. It's titled Exit on the Left.

[Commercial Announcer]

Near Old Stock Ale presents Recorded I Was a Communist for the FBI.

[Matt Svetic]

Ask any man who knows good ale. This is what you'll hear. Give me a bottle of Rainier Ale. Ale with robust cheer. Try Rainier, you'll ask for more.

[Dana Andrews]

You've never had ale like this before.

[Commercial Announcer]

Rainier Ale, the biggest selling ale in all the West. Rainier Old Stock Ale. The ale with robust cheer.

[Dana Andrews]

Starring Dana Andrews in an exciting tale of danger and espionage. I Was a Communist for the FBI. The story you are about to hear is based on the actual records and authentic experiences of Matt Sabetic, an undercover agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation who for nine fantastic years lived as a Communist for the FBI. Here is our star, Dana Andrews as Matt Sabetic, undercover agent.

[Matt Svetic]

Nine years of it. Nine years of living behind a mask that made me an outcast among my own people. And from behind that mask, I saw these things happen. It's all in the record.

[Dana Andrews]

Listen to Dana Andrews as Matt Savatic, FBI undercover Agen. Now here is Dana Andrews as Matt SEK undercover man. This story from the confidential file is marked Exit on the left.

[Matt Svetic]

The regular meeting of our cell was being held in the home of our cell leader, Selma Malnick. Selma's apartment was decorated in the cold, brittle manner of a sophisticated bachelor girl. But actually, Selma was a woman. She was married to the Communist Party. And at this particular cell meeting, her marriage was being threatened.

[Selma Malnick]

Just a moment, please. Be quiet, all of you. Carmen Lorenz, you're a fool. A stupid, short sighted fool.

[Arthur Lorenz]

Maybe yes, maybe no. You. You must forgive me, but I'm resigning from the Communist Party tonight. Now quiet.

[Selma Malnick]

Quiet please.

[Matt Svetic]

Comet. Malik.

[Selma Malnick]

What is it, Comrade Cedric?

[Matt Svetic]

It should be pointed out to Comrade Lorenz that if he.

[Arthur Lorenz]

Mr. Lorenz.

[Matt Svetic]

Now it should be pointed out to Comrade Lorenz that his resignation from the party will place all of us, our cell leader especially, in disfavor with our superiors.

[Selma Malnick]

Perhaps that's what he has in mind.

[Matt Svetic]

No, no.

[Arthur Lorenz]

Now wait, wait. No, that's not so. You must understand, truthfully, I. I want no one to suffer for the mistakes I've made.

[Selma Malnick]

Sweet of you.

[Arthur Lorenz]

Well, I. I want to start no trouble. You must believe that I joined the Party of my own accord in.

[Selma Malnick]

In March 1937.

[Arthur Lorenz]

Yes. Yes, 1937. I joined because the communists were fighting fascism. Hitlerism. I believed in the fight against fascism. I still do. But today. Well, today the communist fight is different. Oh, I've tried, but I. I cannot believe in it.

[Matt Svetic]

It can do our cause great harm. You know, committees investigating our activities are looking for weaklings like you.

[Arthur Lorenz]

From the bottom of my heart, I don't want trouble for you, for me, for anyone. After tonight, I want you to forget me while I forget you.

[Selma Malnick]

No, Comrade Lorenz. A member may give up the Party, but the Party never gives up a member.

[Commercial Announcer]

Taxi, mister.

[Matt Svetic]

What? Oh. What's the meter saying?

[Commercial Announcer]

Meter's red.

[Matt Svetic]

Good. Let's go. You're late, Matt. Couldn't help it, Beaker. Hectic meeting tonight.

[Commercial Announcer]

Any trouble for you?

[Matt Svetic]

No. It's Arthur Lorenz. He quit the Party. Lorenz? Do we have a file on him? My, doubt it. He was never active enough to bother the FBI. Except the quiet type. About 50. He worked as a librarian at the Hauser Library. Why is he quitting the comics? Coming to his senses, I guess. Would his resignation put Selma Malnick right smack on the spot with the party bigwigs? Her future depends on the way she handles Lorenzo and little Selma placed the keeps Malnik. She's a tall, sharp looking gal, isn't she? Yeah, sharp looking. Like a meat ax. One night later, the meat axe was ready to strike. And I had been chosen to hold a victim on the chopping block. This was revealed to me in a way I never expected. Selma invited me to her apartment. A late supper and conversation. The food was fine, the candlelight seductive. And for a while I was almost convinced that Selma was more woman than cell leader.

[Selma Malnick]

Comfortable?

[Matt Svetic]

All right.

[Selma Malnick]

Me too. Nice. I've got it all figured out at last. Psychology. Calculated plan. You listening?

[Matt Svetic]

Mm.

[Selma Malnick]

Work on the mine. That's the trick. Work, work, work on the mine. A letter or two at first, and then a few anonymous phone calls. No names, just cordial invitations to return to the party. A call every 15 minutes. All night long. Every night.

[Matt Svetic]

Hold still, Comet. Malik.

[Selma Malnick]

Fine time to call a girl.

[Matt Svetic]

Comrades, come. And Maln, I think it would be wise to forget Lorenz.

[Selma Malnick]

Relax, will you?

[Matt Svetic]

Now this is important.

[Selma Malnick]

Well, naturally it's important. But you needn't be so rude about it. This isn't a cell meeting.

[Matt Svetic]

Must Become one. The welfare of the Party means more to me than petty common courtesies.

[Selma Malnick]

For a while I almost doubted that.

[Matt Svetic]

Are you testing me? Comment, Malik?

[Selma Malnick]

Don't worry. You passed. Tell me, do you like my plan, Florin?

[Matt Svetic]

Not at all.

[Selma Malnick]

Then I'll intensify it until he begs to be reinstated.

[Matt Svetic]

He's not worth the effort. Once a man turns from our exalted cause to bourgeois sentimentality, he can no longer be trusted.

[Selma Malnick]

Well, that's true. But as long as we can't control him, he's a threat.

[Matt Svetic]

The Party's well rid of him. Let him go.

[Selma Malnick]

Read the papers, idiot. A committee's investigating Reds on the Civil service payroll. And Lorenz is a librarian.

[Matt Svetic]

He's too frightened to become a friendly witness.

[Selma Malnick]

I can't take the chance. Our leaders hold me personally responsible for him. And you can't take the chance either.

[Matt Svetic]

When does this psychological treatment of yours begin?

[Selma Malnick]

It started already. And you'll see that it continues.

[Matt Svetic]

Very well. Good night.

[Selma Malnick]

Wait a minute. Don't leave now. It's still early.

[Matt Svetic]

We must never divert our attention from our cause. Distractions are dangerous. Good night, Cameron. And believe me, Selma by candlelight was a surprisingly dangerous distraction. A strange combination of woman and devil. The cell leader of ours frozen fire dipped in red. That plan of hers would crack Arthur Lorenz like an old plate. I'd seen what it had done to other well meaning dissenters. The phone calls calculated to scrape a nerve ending with every ring. Arthur.

[Commercial Announcer]

Sorry to call so late. We miss you, Arthur. Does your wife know you're a Communist?

[Matt Svetic]

The comments muttered by complete strangers passing in the street. Sorry. Next time the bump may be harder, Comrade. Letters in the mail, a note tucked in a bag of groceries. A phrase scribbled across a streetcar transfer. All designed to make a man face the most ordinary prosaic fragments of daily living with fear, suspicion, dread. A deliberate pre tested scheme to drive Arthur Lorenz back to the Communist Party or out of his mind. Pardon me, where's the chief librarian's office?

[Arthur Lorenz]

Just beyond the reference shelves to the. You.

[Matt Svetic]

How are you, Comrade Lorenz?

[Arthur Lorenz]

Please. Please, Matt. Go away. Let me alone.

[Matt Svetic]

You look haggard, worn, been working hard.

[Arthur Lorenz]

Let me alone. For the love of heaven. Matt, I. I can't stand much more of this. Please, Matt. Talk to Selma. Tell her I won't make any trouble. I. I swear it. I. I just want to forget. Forget?

[Matt Svetic]

Investigating Committees would love to hear what you'd like to forget.

[Arthur Lorenz]

You know I wouldn't do that, Matt. I. Where are you going?

[Matt Svetic]

To the Chief librarian's. Office.

[Arthur Lorenz]

Why? What for?

[Matt Svetic]

He called me this morning, said he wanted to talk to me about you. When Lorenz had been hired at the library years ago, he had listed me as character reference. That's why I had been called. The library received a letter, an unsigned letter, stating that Lorenz had been a communist since 1937. What could I do? What could I possibly do? The letter was as much of a shock to me as it was to Lorenz. When he was called in to explain it, Lorenz admitted his red connections even though it meant his job. But his honesty was no greater than his resentment toward me. He was convinced that I was responsible. As we left the chief librarian's office, the bitterness of defeat echoed in Lorenz's voice.

[Arthur Lorenz]

I've always hated vindictive people. Sebetic. But now I hate you more. So help me, if it takes the rest of my life, I. I'll even score with you.

[Matt Svetic]

Arthur, you have to believe me. I had nothing to do with that letter.

[Arthur Lorenz]

Someday, Svetic. Someday Very, very soon.

[Matt Svetic]

You are very.

[Selma Malnick]

Frankly, I'm rather proud of that letter. Did you notice the way I made the handwriting look so crude?

[Matt Svetic]

Yes, Cameron Malik. Very crude.

[Selma Malnick]

The funny thing, people are more willing to accept unsigned letters of accusation in the other type. They don't feel obligated to challenge the accuser, I guess. Now, about the next step in operation. Arthur. Lorenz.

[Matt Svetic]

Comrade, you're underestimating the results of your scheme.

[Selma Malnick]

Am I?

[Matt Svetic]

Yes. Lorenz couldn't possibly be a threat to our welfare any longer. He's been jobless for weeks. Blacklisted. He spends most of his time in bed, on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Good, good.

[Selma Malnick]

Perhaps I'll be commended by our leaders. Nevertheless, I feel we must.

[Arthur Lorenz]

Good evening.

[Matt Svetic]

Lorenz.

[Selma Malnick]

Comrade, welcome home, Comrade. Lorenz, so nice to see you.

[Arthur Lorenz]

Just stopping by to pay my respects. Not my friend. I never had a chance to thank you for all you did for me.

[Matt Svetic]

Thank me?

[Arthur Lorenz]

Listen to him. Such a modest man. Haven't you told Selma and the others here?

[Selma Malnick]

Told us what?

[Arthur Lorenz]

How you convinced me to leave the Party.

[Matt Svetic]

What?

[Arthur Lorenz]

Oh, he'll deny it, of course. You know how modest Matt is. But really, Selma, in all fairness, he did a remarkable job. Why, if it were not for Matt, I'd still be in the Party.

[Selma Malnick]

Is this true?

[Matt Svetic]

Of course it isn't true.

[Arthur Lorenz]

Tell them Matt is.

[Selma Malnick]

By all means, tell us.

[Arthur Lorenz]

Hours he spent, literally hours talking, reasoning, convincing me that the Communist Party was no place for a decent, honest man.

[Matt Svetic]

Do you realize what you're doing?

[Arthur Lorenz]

Oh, please understand. Selma. Matt did it only because he felt I was a poor worker. That your cause would be better off without me. It was in the best interest of the Party.

[Selma Malnick]

I'm sure it was.

[Arthur Lorenz]

Now we're all happy. The party is better off without me. And in spite of all I've been through, I'm better off without the Party. I think Matt deserves some special attention for his work, don't you?

[Selma Malnick]

By all means. And I'll see to it that he gets it.

[Commercial Announcer]

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[Matt Svetic]

Dry Rainier, you'll ask for more.

[Commercial Announcer]

You've never had ale like this before. Reindeer Ale, the biggest selling ale in all the West. Rainier Old Stock Ale, the ale with robust cheer.

[Dana Andrews]

Now back to Dana Andrews starring as Matt Savatic. And I was a communist for the FBI. And the second act of our.

[Matt Svetic]

Arthur Lorenz had evened the score, just as he had threatened. Was I slated to go before the Red Control Commission and accept my fate? What was it to be? If only I could be sure. Or could I expect the same type of mental torture that had made a wreck of the quiet little librarian. A bitter part of that torture, I discovered, was the anticipation. Waiting, wondering when it would begin. I found myself jumping at shadows, dreading the sight of every unfamiliar face. Until I decided to get this treatment started myself.

[Selma Malnick]

Well, this is a surprise.

[Matt Svetic]

Can I come in?

[Selma Malnick]

Yes, I suppose so.

[Matt Svetic]

Well, all right, Comet Mallory, tell me what you're after. What do you want of me?

[Selma Malnick]

I might ask you the same question. This is an odd hour for visiting.

[Matt Svetic]

You know this silent treatment I'm getting. If you consider me a traitor, turn me over to the party leaders and stop this foolish dawdling.

[Selma Malnick]

I may not consider you a traitor at all, but others in the Party insist on proof. Our cell, you know, gives everyone opportunity to prove one's faith, even if one.

[Matt Svetic]

Is driven out of his mind in the attempt.

[Selma Malnick]

Our cause has no use for that sort of weakling. Nor have I.

[Matt Svetic]

Thus, what must I do. To prove myself.

[Selma Malnick]

That's up to you, isn't it?

[Matt Svetic]

Good night, Cameron. Molly.

[Selma Malnick]

Seems silly to leave now.

[Matt Svetic]

Well, this is an odd hour for visiting. I'm told.

[Selma Malnick]

You and I are odd people.

[Matt Svetic]

They're really an amazing creature. You'll devise a scheme to drive a man out of his mind.

[Selma Malnick]

My concern is a political entity.

[Matt Svetic]

But you won't drive a man out of your apartment.

[Selma Malnick]

My concern as a woman.

[Matt Svetic]

As a political entity, they're fascinating. And as a woman, you're just a woman. Good night. As I left, I saw the frosty look in Selma's eyes and I knew the waiting would soon be over. The bristling silence of anticipation was about to be shattered. But what would take its place? I walked the streets for hours and wondered, looking for signs, omens, symbols, feeling like a man who had just paid the bill for his own funeral. Hey, the golf is this.

[Commercial Announcer]

I seen it.

[Matt Svetic]

I seen the whole thing. That game went right through the red light. You okay, mister? Yeah, yeah, yeah, I'm all right.

[Selma Malnick]

You should walk more carefully, lady.

[Matt Svetic]

You could have killed this guy. He ought to turn you in. That's what he ought to do. No, no, it's all right. Forget it. Silly dame ought to lose her license. Any dame who can't see a traffic light ought to be in the clinic.

[Selma Malnick]

Man's right. I apologize.

[Matt Svetic]

Been following me, haven't you?

[Selma Malnick]

Just for a few blocks. As a political entity, not as a woman, naturally. May I drop you somewhere?

[Matt Svetic]

No, thanks. I walk.

[Selma Malnick]

Be careful, comrade Svetic. Don't walk against the red.

[Matt Svetic]

And so it was officially launched by its guiding spirit, Selma Malnick. From now on, I could expect another kind of waiting. A waiting between incidents. When would the next one happen? And what was it to be? Hello? Hello? Hello? Anyone on this line? What the devil is it? Hello? Ah, for Pete's sake. Hello? Hello? What's the matter with this thing? Hello? Oh, the heck with it. Don't hang up.

[Commercial Announcer]

Comrade Svetic.

[Matt Svetic]

What? Who is this? Hey. Hello? Who's on this line? Hello? Hello? Hello? Hello? Going up, please. Your floor, sir. Oh, five, please. Okay. You new on the elevator? Yes, sir. My first day. Fifth floor, sir. Thanks. Watch your step, Comrade Svetic. Hello? Hello? Hello? Who is it? Clicking again. Hello? Anybody on this line? What?

[Arthur Lorenz]

Jeepers.

[Matt Svetic]

3:30 in the morning. No.

[Commercial Announcer]

Comrades versus 3:35, huh?

[Matt Svetic]

What was it? Hello? Hello? Who is this? Speak up, will you? Who is this? It was beginning to get me in spite of myself, to get under my skin and strum away at my nerves. I could no Longer talk myself out of the jitters. And I couldn't risk contacting the FBI. I knew now what Arthur Lorenz had suffered. But in my case, what did it all mean? Was this my punishment? Or my chance to prove my faith as a loyal Red? Or was it merely the whim of a Red she devil who secretly yearned to be a woman? At least the latter would be the most human explanation. Who is it? Who is it? Tell me. Who is it? All right, let's get it over with. Well, look who's here. What do you want, Lorenz?

[Arthur Lorenz]

May I come in?

[Matt Svetic]

Sure, sure. Come in. Come in and gloat over the job they're doing on me.

[Arthur Lorenz]

Matt. I want to help you.

[Matt Svetic]

Help me? You? You can't even help yourself.

[Arthur Lorenz]

For myself, I. I don't care anymore about. All I have left is my conscience. I'll never forgive myself for what I did to you, Matt. The story I told Sel.

[Matt Svetic]

Maybe I had it coming to me.

[Arthur Lorenz]

Who's the judge that communists?

[Matt Svetic]

Just why this sudden concern for me?

[Arthur Lorenz]

Not you, Matt. Not you. I don't have to live my life with you. I'm forced to live with myself.

[Matt Svetic]

Same reason you left the party, no doubt.

[Arthur Lorenz]

It took me a long time to do it, Matt. It frightened me. But it's done. Now that I have the courage to face my conscience, I. Well, I. I can't let this business with you make me a coward again.

[Matt Svetic]

You're still a coward. You won't recognize the strength of our cause because you're afraid of it.

[Arthur Lorenz]

Even now you talk like this.

[Matt Svetic]

Go on, get out of here. Be a hero. Run to the investigating committees and wallow in bourgeois slop. Go ahead, then. See how long you and your kind will last when we rule the world. Well, don't stand there looking like a cocker spaniel. Get out.

[Arthur Lorenz]

Matt. You mouth all the words, but I still think there's hope for you.

[Matt Svetic]

I can do without your hope.

[Arthur Lorenz]

It's the other people, the Selma Malnuks. The ones who sit in judgment and handle human beings like so many chessmen. They are the hateful ones.

[Matt Svetic]

Will you get out of here? It hurt. It hurt bitterly to treat Arthur Lorenz like that. I stared at the door for a long time after he left. He could never understand me as long as I was forced to play my dual role as a Red and an undercover man. But I hoped, hoped with all my heart that he might have understood what I was trying to tell him to do. And then. Then came that insidious probing finger of doubt had I veiled my message heavily enough for my own safety. The next night, as I headed for a restaurant, I got the answer the hard way. You spic. What? What do you. Get in. Now wait a minute. Don't argue, comrade. Get in. Oh, no, you don't. I do it. Hey. Okay, okay. Let's go. I'll get in. Well, what's everybody staring at?

[Selma Malnick]

Congratulations, Comrade Svetic. We're proud of you.

[Matt Svetic]

What for?

[Selma Malnick]

You've redeemed yourself gloriously. You've proved your faith in the Party. You've given us even greater faith in you.

[Matt Svetic]

I don't understand.

[Selma Malnick]

Your conversation with that whimpering fool Lorenz. Irrefutable evidence of your loyalty to our cause.

[Matt Svetic]

You. You heard what I said to Lorenz.

[Selma Malnick]

Standard procedure for suspicious cases. Tap the phone while the room. Your every word was recorded. Have your. Your new cell leader play the records for you. You'll enjoy them.

[Matt Svetic]

Thank you. Comrade Malik. Our new cell leader. Is that what you said?

[Selma Malnick]

Oh, of course. You hadn't heard. I've been relieved of my duties. This morning. Arthur Lorenz testified before the committee investigating civil service affairs. His testimony has sealed my fate as a party worker.

[Matt Svetic]

Oh, I. I see. But you seem so pleased.

[Selma Malnick]

I'm to report to Party headquarters right after this meeting. The penalty for my incompetence in handling Lorenz will be determined by our leaders.

[Matt Svetic]

Aren't you worried?

[Selma Malnick]

I am exalted, comrade. My case will serve as a warning to other cell leaders. Even in failure, I will serve the Communist Party. My dedication is complete.

[Matt Svetic]

The irony, the futile paradox of this sort of dedication. The frozen fire of Selma Malnick, snuffed out by the weak, ineffectual Arthur Lorenz. When Lorenz stopped being a Red and became a human being, even among the Communists, I found myself constantly seeking out human qualities among the comrades. But always, in the final analysis, I had two choices. To walk with the frosty eyed political entities or to walk alone. I chose to walk alone.

[Dana Andrews]

Dana Andrews will return in just a moment.

[Commercial Announcer]

Yes, there certainly is a difference in ale. That's just what you'll say when you enjoy your first rare, refreshing taste of Rainier Old Stock Ale. The ale with robust cheers. That's right, folks. Zestful, sparkling Rainier Ale is always satisfying, always refreshing, brimming with tangy lip, smacking goodness. You know, Rainier Old Stock Ale is the biggest selling ale in all the West. And to be the biggest seller, it has to be the best. So remember, for cheerful relaxation, for real, deep down robust cheer. Enjoy Rainier Old Stock Ale.

[Matt Svetic]

Try Rainier, you'll ask for more.

[Dana Andrews]

You've never had ale like this before.

[Matt Svetic]

The biggest selling ale in all the.

[Commercial Announcer]

West, Rainier Old Stock Ale. The ale with robust cheer.

[Matt Svetic]

This is Dana Andrews. These stories are designed to illustrate one important point about democracy. You can't set free men free. Free men must set themselves free. In this story, as in all others, names, dates and places are fictitious to protect innocent persons. Many of these episodes are based on incidents in the life of Matt Cedic, who worked for nine years as an undercover man for the FBI. Next week, another fantastic Adventure. Join us then won'.

[Commercial Announcer]

Your sponsor, the Rainier Brewing Company feels privileged to present this expose of Communist activities in the United States. They would appreciate your comments regarding these programs. Just tell the man who sells Rainier Old Stock Ale what you think of I Was a Communist for the FBI for another exciting real life adventure in this thrilling expose of Communism in the United States, be sure to tune in next week and every week to follow. The time 9:30pm the day Saturday. The station KNX I was a communist for the FBI, recorded and starring Dana Andrews, was presented by Rainier Brewing Company, brewers of Rainier Old Stock Ale and came to you from Columbia Square.

[Narrator]

There's more from Iowa's A Communist for the FBI, Relic Radio Thrillers and all of the Relic Radio podcasts at the website relicradio.com. you'll find our shoutcast stream there with even more Old Time Radio and a donate button if you'd like to help support this and all of that. Thanks to those who have helped out. Thanks for joining me this week. I'll be back tomorrow with the horror next Friday with our next episode of Relic Radio Thrillers.