Midnight For Danger by Top Secret

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Midnight For Danger" – Relic Radio Thrillers (Old Time Radio)

Episode Information:

• Title: Midnight For Danger
• Series: Top Secret (NBC, 1950)
• Episode Number: 7
• Air Date: July 23, 1950
• Host: RelicRadio.com
• Duration: Approximately 28 minutes

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Introduction

"Midnight For Danger" is the seventh installment of the "Top Secret" series, an NBC production from 1950 that delves into stories of international intrigue, espionage, and suspense set against the backdrop of World War II. Featuring the captivating Ilona Massey as Baroness Karen Gazer, the episode intricately weaves a tale of hidden secrets, covert operations, and the relentless pursuit of truth.

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Plot Overview

The narrative centers around Baroness Karen Gazer, a former Viennese aristocrat haunted by the horrors of Nazi occupation and determined to thwart Operation Das—a clandestine German plan aimed at invading neutral Switzerland. Karen's quest leads her to a seemingly ordinary clock shop in Basel, Switzerland, where a deceptively cheap Swiss watch holds the key to preventing disaster.

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Key Characters

• Baroness Karen Gazer (Ilona Massey): A resilient and resourceful former noblewoman committed to stopping Operation Das.
• Erich Jure: A watchmaker and covert ally assisting Karen in her mission.
• Paul Hamelin: A suspicious figure implicated in espionage activities with ambiguous loyalties.
• Frau Meltzner: Erich's cousin, who unwittingly becomes entangled in the espionage plot.
• Dr. St. George and Charlie: Swiss medical personnel who become involuntary participants in the unfolding drama.

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Detailed Synopsis

Initiation of the Mission ([01:34] – [04:10]) Baroness Karen Gazer begins her assignment without fully understanding the gravity of the situation—a seemingly ordinary Swiss watch that not only marks time but also conceals "Operation Das." Her meeting with Erich Jure at the clock shop establishes the clandestine communication protocol: a white clock serves as the signal, where "5 o'clock" signifies safety and "12 o'clock" denotes imminent danger.

Establishing Connections ([02:31] – [04:08]) Karen interacts with Erich, laying the groundwork for their covert operations. They discuss Operation Das, revealing it as Germany's ruthless plan against Switzerland. Erich, beleaguered by age and health, expresses his weariness but remains steadfast in assisting Karen.

The Threat Intensifies ([05:24] – [10:35]) As Karen attempts to send the critical information to London, State Security Police intervene, detaining Erich and escalating the tension. Frau Meltzner introduces Paul Hamelin, raising suspicions about his true allegiance. The complex web of trust and deception becomes apparent as alliances shift and true motives remain obscured.

A Desperate Escape ([11:14] – [16:19]) Paul Hamelin's betrayal leads to a high-stakes confrontation. Karen narrowly escapes a deadly trap on the bridge over the Rhine, culminating in her hospitalization where Dr. St. George becomes an unexpected ally. The dynamic between Karen and Dr. St. George unfolds, revealing deeper layers of their past and shared burdens.

The Climax ([19:17] – [28:43]) The tension reaches its peak as Paul Hamelin confronts Karen, demanding the whereabouts of the microfilm containing Operation Das. A dramatic struggle ensues, culminating in the revelation that the microfilm was hidden within the wristwatch. Operation Das is disclosed as a comprehensive plan for a German invasion of Switzerland, threatening the nation's neutrality.

Resolution ([27:00] – [28:43]) Karen successfully transmits the critical information to Allied Intelligence in London, neutralizing the imminent threat of Operation Das. The episode concludes with reflections on the resilience of individuals in the face of overwhelming odds and the enduring hope for peace.

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Notable Quotes

• Ilona Massey as Baroness Karen Gazer:

  • "[01:34] 'When I began Assignment 7, I did not know that a watch... could hold the secret not only of time, but of death.'
  • "[04:40] 'Please telephone 2007. A man named Paul Hamelin. If he answers, tell him where I am.'"
  • "[17:57] 'Operation Das was the complete and detailed plans for a German attack on Switzerland. Invasion, everything.'"

• Erich Jure:

  • "[03:13] 'When it is set at 5 o'clock, you may come in. 12 o'clock means danger. Break contact.'"
  • "[04:21] 'Spying is for men who are strong. After all, your country is at war with Germany.'"

• Paul Hamelin:

  • "[09:07] 'In an hour then.'"
  • "[19:35] 'From Elsner. You're a talk. Yes. A microfilm on operation Das is concealed in the wristwatch.'"

• Dr. St. George:

  • "[16:19] 'You are a prisoner on parole.'”
  • "[21:28] 'Oh, trust me, will you?'"

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Themes and Insights

Espionage and Deception: The episode masterfully portrays the intricate dance of trust, deception, and betrayal inherent in espionage. Characters constantly navigate shifting alliances, highlighting the precarious nature of spycraft.

Resilience and Sacrifice: Baroness Gazer embodies resilience, risking her safety to prevent a catastrophic invasion. Her sacrifices underscore the personal costs of warfare and the unwavering commitment to a greater cause.

Neutrality Under Threat: Operation Das serves as a metaphor for the fragility of neutrality in times of global conflict. The narrative underscores the vulnerability of nations that strive to remain uninvolved yet find themselves entangled in the machinations of powerful adversaries.

Human Vulnerability: Characters like Erich Jure and Paul Hamelin reveal the human side of espionage—aging spies burdened by their secrets and individuals grappling with loyalty and survival.

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Conclusion

"Midnight For Danger" is a compelling episode that encapsulates the essence of Old Time Radio thrillers. Through its well-crafted narrative, engaging characters, and suspenseful plot twists, it offers listeners a riveting glimpse into the shadowy world of espionage during a tumultuous period in history. The episode not only entertains but also invites reflection on themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the enduring quest for peace amidst chaos.

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Additional Notes:

• Production Credits:

  • Directed and Produced by: Harry W. Junkin
  • Script: Alan Sloan
  • Cast: Ilona Massey (Baroness Karen Gazer), Ronald Long (Dr. St. George), Ruth York (Frau Meltzner), among others.
  • Music: Composed and conducted by Dr. Roy Shield.

• Next Episode Teaser:

  • "Next week the story of Emission and the Poison Pin, a corsage that meant death, a baron who played polo and a Marcati 22, whose four wheels spun for fortune. It is a story that has been until now, top Secret." – Ilona Massey ([29:03])

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For more enthralling episodes and classic old-time radio adventures, visit RelicRadio.com.

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 Top Secret this week, an NBC series produced between June And October of 1950, 17 episodes in all. Our story today is the seventh of that series. It's titled Midnight for Danger. This one aired July 23, 1950.

[Fred Collins]

Until now, this story has been Top secret. Top Secret. The thrilling NBC presentation starring gorgeous Ilona Massey as the Baroness Karen Gazer in transcribed dramas of international intrigue and espionage before and during World War II. Assignment 7. Midnight for Danger.

[Ilona Massey]

When I began Assignment 7, I did not know that a watch, a thick, rather ordinary, quite cheap Swiss watch, could hold the secret not only of time, but of death. It is an axiom of spies that the best place to hide a needle is not in a haystack but in a needle shop. In the city of Basel in Switzerland, a country famous for its watches, the equivalent of a needle shop is a clock store. A quaint, rather ordinary, quite cheap clock store. Could I be waited on, please?

[Erich Jure]

Please, Fraulein. Excuse me, I did not hear you come in.

[Ilona Massey]

I'm interested in a watch in your window.

[Erich Jure]

Certainly, Fraulein. Which one?

[Ilona Massey]

That one.

[Erich Jure]

Ah, that is a beauty, Fraulein. Has excellent taste.

[Ilona Massey]

No, no. The one beside it.

[Erich Jure]

This one?

[Ilona Massey]

Yes.

[Erich Jure]

But Frulein, this is a man's watch.

[Ilona Massey]

I am aware of that.

[Erich Jure]

May I ask why you fancy this particular watch?

[Ilona Massey]

Because of the time it tells. Which is exactly correct.

[Erich Jure]

Where?

[Ilona Massey]

New York City. But it is exactly one o' clock.

[Erich Jure]

So, at last you have come.

[Ilona Massey]

Yes.

[Erich Jure]

Who are you?

[Ilona Massey]

I am the Baroness Karen Gazer, formerly of Vienna.

[Erich Jure]

My name is Jure. Erich. Jure.

[Ilona Massey]

Before we talk, can we get the signal business straight?

[Erich Jure]

That white clock will always be in my window.

[Ilona Massey]

Yes.

[Erich Jure]

When it is set at 5 o' clock, you may come in. 12 o' clock means danger. Break contact.

[Ilona Massey]

5 o' clock. All clear. 12 o' clock.

[Erich Jure]

Danger and break contact.

[Ilona Massey]

If I break contact with you, it is. Is there anyone else I can call?

[Erich Jure]

Yes, a man named Paul Hammerlein. He's young, strong, speaks perfect German. I'll write down the telephone number.

[Ilona Massey]

Oh, never write anything down. Tell it to me.

[Erich Jure]

2007 again, please. 2007. Fronheim. For weeks now I have been waiting for.

[Ilona Massey]

Wait. Can you recommend a safe place for me to stay? The hotel is too public.

[Erich Jure]

At the house of my cousin. Her name is Meltzner. Meltzner, 73 Missionstrasse.

[Ilona Massey]

Can she be trusted? Yes.

[Erich Jure]

All she cares about is pigs, knuckles and waltzes.

[Ilona Massey]

Does she know about you?

[Erich Jure]

She knows nothing about anything except cooking.

[Ilona Massey]

And she has a room to rent.

[Erich Jure]

You may go there from here. I will see that you are accustomed on a vacation and that you inquired about whom.

[Ilona Massey]

Good. Now about Operation Dust.

[Paul Hamelin]

But still.

[Erich Jure]

And not so loud for them, please.

[Ilona Massey]

Aren't we alone?

[Erich Jure]

We are alone. But the very walls have ears, Herr.

[Ilona Massey]

A spy without courage is useless, Erlein.

[Erich Jure]

I am no longer young, I have arthritis, my hearing is bad. Spying is for men who are strong. After all, your country is at war with Germany. What you do, you do for patriotism. I am tired. I am sick. When one is sitting on a secret like Operation Das, it is like living with a time bomb that will blow up any minute.

[Ilona Massey]

What is Operation Das?

[Erich Jure]

You mean you don't know?

[Frau Meltzner]

Oh, look.

[Ilona Massey]

I was told to look for a clock shop in Basel that had in the window man's watch set at New York Times. I was told I would be given Operation Das and that I was to transmit it by coach to London at once.

[Erich Jure]

In the German language, Das is the neuter pronoun meaning neuter or neutral.

[Ilona Massey]

I do not understand.

[Erich Jure]

Operation Das is the deliberate plan of Germany to brutally and without conscience.

[Ilona Massey]

There's someone at the door, Frulein.

[Erich Jure]

I guarantee this watch will keep perfect time. Perfect.

[Ilona Massey]

I'm sure it will.

[Erich Jure]

Let me set it for you. Three minutes after six.

[Paul Hamelin]

There.

[Erich Jure]

I'm sure it will be satisfactory.

[Ilona Massey]

Thank you.

[Erich Jure]

Yes, sir.

[Fred Collins]

Yura.

[Erich Jure]

Yes.

[Fred Collins]

Identification?

[Paul Hamelin]

State Security Police. You will come with me, please.

[Charlie]

Why?

[Erich Jure]

I have done nothing.

[Fred Collins]

It is only a routine examination concerning your foreign exchange license.

[Erich Jure]

But I am alone here. There is no one to watch the show.

[Fred Collins]

You will come now.

[Dr. St. George]

Her Jurassic.

[Charlie]

Now.

[Ilona Massey]

For an instant I thought her juror would faint with terror. His hands, swollen with arthritis, shook uncontrollably. He looked at me a long pleading look, as though he was trying to tell me something. Then he turned and followed the policeman out of the shop. When I finally looked at the watch he had given me, I. I saw it was set at 12. 12 o' clock.

[Dr. St. George]

Danger.

[Frau Meltzner]

This is the room here, Fraulein.

[Ilona Massey]

Thank you. From Melser. It looks very pleasant. I'm grateful to her, Jura, for recommending you.

[Frau Meltzner]

That cousin of mine. All he does is worry, eat and laugh. That is my recipe.

[Ilona Massey]

It's a good one.

[Frau Meltzner]

Ah, you are thin, my child. I'll fatten you up. You wait. None of these foolish French breakfast. Hot Van Kuchen jam Cheese, eggs, something to start the day right. I don't say Everybody should weigh 200 pounds like.

[Ilona Massey]

But young girls should draw. Meltner. I am tired. I like to lie down a moment.

[Frau Meltzner]

Ah, forgive me. Talking is my hobby. And Frulein, if you do use the telephone, make a note, please.

[Ilona Massey]

A note for the bill.

[Frau Meltzner]

Oh, I know you young girls. Always calling up men. Now, when I was a girl, well.

[Ilona Massey]

The men called you.

[Frau Meltzner]

They besieged me. And there was always enough of me to go around. Frulein, you see, I have no daughters. If. If there is anything, anything I can do for you, just ask.

[Ilona Massey]

Thank you. Thank you very much.

[Frau Meltzner]

Have your nap. I will see you later.

[Ilona Massey]

All right.

[Paul Hamelin]

So, did you get her to take the room?

[Frau Meltzner]

Of course. She's resting now.

[Paul Hamelin]

What did you find out?

[Frau Meltzner]

Nothing yet.

[Paul Hamelin]

Who is she?

[Frau Meltzner]

Her name is Gezer. Baroness Karan Geyser. She's traveling on a stateless person permit.

[Ilona Massey]

What?

[Frau Meltzner]

Give me time, will you? Don't I always get what you want?

[Paul Hamelin]

We picked up Jura.

[Frau Meltzner]

Good. Where did you take him?

[Paul Hamelin]

Across the border. He's in Germany now.

[Frau Meltzner]

Does he know about Operation Das?

[Paul Hamelin]

I'll beat it out of him if he does. He has arthritis. The least touchant he screams.

[Ilona Massey]

What's that?

[Frau Meltzner]

Telephone. She's phoning. Pick up the receiver. Quickly. Hold it so we can both hear.

[Paul Hamelin]

Silence.

[Frau Meltzner]

Keep your hand over the mouthpiece.

[State Security Police]

Hello.

[Ilona Massey]

Paul Hamelein, please.

[State Security Police]

Speaking.

[Ilona Massey]

My name is Gezer. Karen Gaza, hero. The watchmaker gave me your name. He gave me a watch too.

[Erich Jure]

Set at danger 12 o' clock.

[Ilona Massey]

Yes.

[State Security Police]

Meet me in an hour at the Schreveneker Cafe. It's a little bustle at the head of the grieving Gaza.

[Ilona Massey]

How will I know you?

[State Security Police]

I am tall and blond. I will hold the white handkerchief in my left hand. And I wear horn rimmed glasses. Have you got that?

[Ilona Massey]

Horn rimmed glasses. A white handkerchief in your left hand? Yes.

[State Security Police]

In an hour then.

[Ilona Massey]

Yes. Goodbye.

[Frau Meltzner]

They've hung up.

[Paul Hamelin]

Genius device from Melchner. My compliment.

[Frau Meltzner]

Thank you.

[Paul Hamelin]

Who is Paul Hamelin?

[Frau Meltzner]

Friend of old Jura's. For weeks I have suspected him of working for the British.

[Ilona Massey]

He's.

[Frau Meltzner]

Wait a minute.

[Paul Hamelin]

Yes.

[Frau Meltzner]

She has never seen him. He is tall and blond. Except for the glasses. The description could fit you.

[Paul Hamelin]

Frets, you mean.

[Frau Meltzner]

Why not? He doesn't know Hamlein. She doesn't know you.

[Paul Hamelin]

So I trade places with him.

[Frau Meltzner]

Yeah. He lives at 11. If you want to stop him, you'd better hurry. They said in an hour at the Schiffnecke Cafe.

[Paul Hamelin]

It's risky.

[Fred Collins]

Ah.

[Frau Meltzner]

With one blow I could finish Hamelein myself. Now you pick her up at the cafe and across the border to Germany. And remember, a white handkerchief in your left hand.

[Paul Hamelin]

Hamilton wears glasses. Where can I get horn trimmed glasses at this hour?

[Frau Meltzner]

Take in.

[Ilona Massey]

That is all I know. Herr Hammerlein. The State Security Police came into the clock shop and took Jura away.

[Paul Hamelin]

Oh, they will probably let him go in the morning.

[Ilona Massey]

What do you know about operation Das Frankie?

[Paul Hamelin]

Even to say the words is dangerous. We can talk in my car. Let me drive you home.

[Ilona Massey]

You have a car. Park right outside. Weren't we supposed to turn left back there? L. Yes. From else looks on. Mission strategy. I thought.

[Paul Hamelin]

Frulein, I have lived in Basel all my life.

[Ilona Massey]

But this road leads to the border station.

[Paul Hamelin]

Believe me, Frulein, I know Basel like the palm of my hand.

[Ilona Massey]

But we are coming to the river. The bridge. Shortcut.

[Paul Hamelin]

That's all.

[Ilona Massey]

We do not cross a bridge to go to Frau Meltner's house.

[Paul Hamelin]

We cross this one.

[Ilona Massey]

I see.

[Paul Hamelin]

What are you doing? I dropped my gloves and picked them up. Give me that key. Get away from that door. Come back. Come back while I shoot.

[Erich Jure]

God.

[Paul Hamelin]

She jumped.

[Dr. St. George]

Idiot.

[Fred Collins]

Bungler.

[Paul Hamelin]

Before I could stop her, she was.

[Ilona Massey]

Out of the car.

[Paul Hamelin]

You should have shot her. She pretended she dropped her gloves. Before I realized that she turned off the ignition and taken the key. I was wearing Hamilton's glasses and I couldn't see. Besides, a 20 foot fall into the Rhine from that bridge is better than a bullet. You should have searched. You should have found her. She jumped from the middle of the bridge. She's dead. I tell you. She is dead.

[Dr. St. George]

How long has she been in the respirator, Charlie?

[Charlie]

Almost two hours, Doug.

[Dr. St. George]

Who found her?

[Charlie]

The police. They saw her jump from the bridge, sir.

[Dr. St. George]

Suicide? Could be. I wonder why. Dames. Well, she's coming around now. Turn off the respirator.

[Charlie]

Yeah, sure thing.

[Dr. St. George]

Document.

[Ilona Massey]

Where am I?

[Dr. St. George]

You're safe.

[Ilona Massey]

Well, where am I?

[Dr. St. George]

It's all right. You're in the hospital.

[Ilona Massey]

In Switzerland.

[Dr. St. George]

Where else?

[Ilona Massey]

Oh, thank God.

[Dr. St. George]

That won't do any good.

[Ilona Massey]

Please. Please. You got to take it easy, baby.

[Fred Collins]

Take it easy.

[Frau Meltzner]

You don't understand.

[Dr. St. George]

You're all right now. You're Safe.

[Ilona Massey]

Please telephone 2007. A man named Paul Hamelin. If. If he. If he answers, tell him where I am.

[Dr. St. George]

2007. Paul Hamelin. All right.

[Ilona Massey]

And my landlady, Frau Metner 73 Mission Strasser.

[Dr. St. George]

I'll phone immediately.

[Ilona Massey]

Tell her I'm safe. Tell her not.

[Paul Hamelin]

I don't believe it. To jump 20ft into the middle of the Rhine and live.

[Frau Meltzner]

Believe what you like. They brought her home from the hospital this morning. Some English doctor phoned last night. She was afraid I'd worry if she's still in bed. Yes, and eating a hearty lunch.

[Paul Hamelin]

Does she suspect you?

[Frau Meltzner]

No.

[Paul Hamelin]

You're sure?

[Frau Meltzner]

Of course I'm sure. How about Jura?

[Paul Hamelin]

Every time we touch him, he faints. We have learned nothing.

[Frau Meltzner]

Then break him. You've done this before.

[Paul Hamelin]

You cannot make an unconscious man talk.

[Frau Meltzner]

You fool. A half crippled old man. A slip of a girl.

[Paul Hamelin]

She's in your house.

[Frau Meltzner]

Keep your voice down, she'll hear you. I mustn't panic, but please, please get it out of Yora as he told her. Where is it? We've got to know quickly.

[Ilona Massey]

R.A. melson.

[Frau Meltzner]

Doctor is coming any minute. Go out the back way. Yes, I'll keep her in bed as long as I can.

[Ilona Massey]

I'll go back and work on Jura from Elsa. Coming. Just a minute. That was a delicious lunch. Ramelze. You are feeding me like a truck driver.

[Frau Meltzner]

Poor Karen. You look so pale. Here, let me take the tray.

[State Security Police]

Now.

[Frau Meltzner]

How do you feel?

[Ilona Massey]

Just wonderful. I should like to get up tomorrow. Oh, but I feel fine, honestly.

[Frau Meltzner]

Tomorrow you will feel finer. You have had a bad shock.

[Ilona Massey]

But I am so much trouble to.

[Frau Meltzner]

You, my dear child. Having you in the house is. Well, it is nice for me to have a young girl to fuss over.

[Ilona Massey]

Why are you so good to me?

[Frau Meltzner]

Oh, it is nothing. Nothing.

[Ilona Massey]

I love to cook.

[Frau Meltzner]

And when there is only me to eat it, I get fat. And when I get fat. Oh, that must be the doctor from Melter.

[Ilona Massey]

My bed jacket, quick.

[Frau Meltzner]

The blue one. Yeah.

[Ilona Massey]

And my comb. And the perfume. Oh, he's only a doctor.

[Frau Meltzner]

Besides, Karen, you look delicious.

[Dr. St. George]

So that's my story. Battalion Surgeon, 5th Lancashire Regiment. Charlie and I escaped out of Germany. The Swiss police interned us for the duration.

[Ilona Massey]

You are a prisoner on parole.

[Dr. St. George]

The Swiss are very jealous of their neutrality. I'm free to move around. Glad to work at the hospital. It's better than sitting in a cell somewhere.

[Ilona Massey]

It should be easy to get out of Basel.

[Dr. St. George]

In return for being allowed to move around and work. I promised I wouldn't try.

[Ilona Massey]

I see.

[Dr. St. George]

May I ask you a personal question?

[Ilona Massey]

What kind of a question?

[Dr. St. George]

Did you? Well, why would a woman like you jump off a bridge?

[Ilona Massey]

Dr. St. George, I have known sadness. Yes. My husband was murdered by the Nazis. Our palace in Vienna was sacked. But I still believe in the future. Believe me, I did not try to commit suicide. And that is All I will tell.

[Dr. St. George]

You, I'm very glad. Now I have a prescription.

[Ilona Massey]

Oh, no, not more medicine, please.

[Dr. St. George]

No. Dinner with me tonight at the casino.

[Ilona Massey]

Doctor's orders.

[Dr. St. George]

Correct.

[Ilona Massey]

Then I shall be obedient.

[Dr. St. George]

I'll call for you at seven. Sure you feel strong enough?

[Ilona Massey]

I feel wonderful. And I'll be ready.

[Dr. St. George]

Till seven then.

[Ilona Massey]

Goodbye, doctor. 2 007. Please God, let him answer. Let him be. In this time, peace.

[Dr. St. George]

Aren't you enjoying yourself?

[Ilona Massey]

Of course I am.

[Dr. St. George]

You seem so preoccupied.

[Ilona Massey]

I'm sorry.

[Dr. St. George]

More champagne?

[Ilona Massey]

Thank you.

[Dr. St. George]

I have a toast to you for jumping into my life.

[Ilona Massey]

May I change it?

[Dr. St. George]

Of course.

[Ilona Massey]

To a brave old man who was afraid.

[Dr. St. George]

Who?

[Ilona Massey]

He ran a watch shop.

[Dr. St. George]

Did he give you that watch?

[Ilona Massey]

Yes. And every time I look at it, I wonder what happened to him.

[Paul Hamelin]

Herr, this is so foolish. We know a microfilm on Operation Thus was in your possession until three days ago. Now where is it? All right. Since you insist.

[Ilona Massey]

No, no, please.

[Dr. St. George]

Don't touch me again.

[Paul Hamelin]

Where is it?

[Ilona Massey]

No.

[Erich Jure]

I tell, I tell.

[Paul Hamelin]

Where is it?

[Erich Jure]

It's in her watch. It's concealed in the case of a watch I gave her in the shop when you picked me up.

[Fred Collins]

Now leave me alone.

[Erich Jure]

Please, please, please leave me alone.

[Paul Hamelin]

What kind of a watch?

[Erich Jure]

A wristwatch. A man's wristwatch.

[Paul Hamelin]

Now one more question. Here you are. Hamelai. The man in the cell with you. Did you help him to escape? Where would he go?

[Ilona Massey]

Oh, no, I, I, I.

[Paul Hamelin]

Did you tell him about the watch? Oh, be quiet.

[Ilona Massey]

Be quiet.

[Paul Hamelin]

From Elsner. You're a talk. Yes. A microfilm on operation does is concealed in the wristwatch. The girl is wearing a man's wristwatch. Get it. She's out. Where? The casino. Listen, get auton hands. Meet me at the casino in 30 minutes.

[Ilona Massey]

Doctor, it's, it's getting late.

[Dr. St. George]

Would you like to leave?

[Ilona Massey]

I'm afraid I am not in the mood for dancing and champagne.

[Dr. St. George]

I wish you tell me what's bothering you.

[Ilona Massey]

I wish I could. Believe me, I wish I could.

[Dr. St. George]

What is it?

[Ilona Massey]

That man, the tall, fair one.

[Paul Hamelin]

He.

[Ilona Massey]

He's the one who tried to kidnap me.

[Dr. St. George]

Kidnap you? Yes.

[Ilona Massey]

The Gestapo, Karen. And the one with him is the man who arrested Herr Jura in the watchmaker's shop.

[Dr. St. George]

Are they after you?

[Ilona Massey]

Yes.

[Dr. St. George]

Can I help?

[Ilona Massey]

If only we had a car. If only we could make a dash for it.

[Dr. St. George]

Waitress. Will you bring me the telephone, please?

[Ilona Massey]

What are you going to do?

[Dr. St. George]

Oh, trust me, will you?

[Ilona Massey]

You don't understand. These men are. Are insane. They are desperate. They kill and they murder. They Stop at nothing.

[Paul Hamelin]

It's steady.

[Frau Meltzner]

Here is your telephone, sir. Just a moment, sir, till I plug it in. Go ahead, sir.

[Ilona Massey]

Not the police?

[Dr. St. George]

No.

[Ilona Massey]

Then who?

[Dr. St. George]

You want a car? Don't. Hello? Dr. St. George here. I'm at the casino. Yes, I want an ambulance in a hurry. Send Charlie with it. Yes, Tell him the base is a loaded. Oh, never mind. Just tell him to hurry.

[Ilona Massey]

How long will it take?

[Dr. St. George]

About 10 minutes. I say, Karen, Is that Frau Meltzner?

[Ilona Massey]

Oh, don't be ridiculous. Frau Meltner isn't the casino type. What do we do when the ambulance arrives?

[Dr. St. George]

First we have some more champagne. Nobody can hurt you in a crowded nightclub. When the ambulance arrives, believe me. With Charlie on the side. And we'll know when it arrives. We get up and very casually walk to the door.

[Ilona Massey]

Then what?

[Dr. St. George]

Wherever you want to go.

[Ilona Massey]

Home.

[Dr. St. George]

Is that best?

[Ilona Massey]

Fr. Melner is completely trustful.

[Dr. St. George]

You have your key?

[Ilona Massey]

Yes. Good night, Doctor. And thank you. Thank you more than I can say.

[Dr. St. George]

I'll telephone in the morning.

[Ilona Massey]

And say good night to Charlie for me.

[Dr. St. George]

I will.

[Ilona Massey]

And thank you again for everything.

[Dr. St. George]

Oh, it was nothing. Nothing at all.

[Paul Hamelin]

Good night.

[Ilona Massey]

From Elsner, Are you asleep? From Elsner, Are you asleep? Hello?

[State Security Police]

Is. Is there a Baroness Karen Gaza there?

[Ilona Massey]

Speaking.

[Erich Jure]

This is Paul Herman.

[Frau Meltzner]

What?

[State Security Police]

Listen. I've been hurt.

[Ilona Massey]

They captured me, but I got away.

[State Security Police]

I've been trying to call you for half an hour.

[Ilona Massey]

Listen.

[State Security Police]

Operation Dances. In the watch. In the watch Aiura gave you in the shop.

[Ilona Massey]

The watch.

[State Security Police]

I found out that she.

[Ilona Massey]

Hello? Hello? Hello? I hurried to my room. A trembling thing. I opened the watch. It was all there. Unmicrofilm. All of Operation Dust. I had one. I had found it. In the morning I would send it to London. I hid the watch under my mattress and tried to sleep. My mind was in turmoil. Hero was dead. Paul Hamline was.

[Dr. St. George]

Where?

[Ilona Massey]

I didn't know. Finally I fell asleep. Tortured, restless sleep. It was three in the morning when I awoke with a start. Is. Is somebody there? Who is it? From Melner. Who is it? Who is it?

[Frau Meltzner]

He didn't hear in bed.

[Ilona Massey]

Fr. Mel. Are you deliberately trying to frighten your. Quiet.

[Dr. St. George]

What?

[Ilona Massey]

Fritz.

[Paul Hamelin]

So they didn't take her out to the hospital.

[Frau Meltzner]

The March Baroness. Give it to me. I know you've got it. Now where is it?

[Ilona Massey]

This man is.

[Paul Hamelin]

But this time without Paul Hammeland's glasses. And I shoot very straight. Baroness, please keep.

[Frau Meltzner]

No Fritz. Like me curling irons. They get hot very quickly. Now listen, you little fool. We're in a hurry. Where is it?

[Ilona Massey]

I should have known when you said that the Nordic blood Overfeld me.

[Frau Meltzner]

Shut your mouth. I have wanted to do that for five days. Keep her covered, Fritz. These curling irons get hot, Baroness. Very hot. They will bring welts on that lovely skin like rots in a dirt road. Hold of Fritz.

[Ilona Massey]

These two hands of me. Let's go.

[Frau Meltzner]

Where is it, Baroness? No, the curling irons are very hot.

[Ilona Massey]

It. It's in the drawer. In the bottom drawer. Under my clothes.

[Frau Meltzner]

Get it right. Don't worry, she won't move.

[Ilona Massey]

Yes, she's lying under the clothes.

[Fred Collins]

No.

[Paul Hamelin]

I believe the Baroness wishes to play games.

[Frau Meltzner]

Hold her. I'm not fooling, Baroness. I want that watch. I want it now. This second.

[Ilona Massey]

My purse. Under the bed. I swear it's in my purse.

[Frau Meltzner]

If you are lying this time, Baroness.

[Ilona Massey]

No, no, no. I swear it's in my purse.

[Frau Meltzner]

Look under the bed, Fritz.

[Ilona Massey]

Let everybody stand nice and still.

[Paul Hamelin]

You or Fritzie, make a move.

[Fred Collins]

Frau Melsner.

[Ilona Massey]

Charlie. Charlie, thank God. The curling irons, Frau Melster.

[Paul Hamelin]

Put them down.

[Charlie]

You want it in the stomach or the head? Now get up, Karen, and get a coat. I got the ambulance outside.

[Ilona Massey]

Yes, yes.

[Charlie]

We picked up a guy named Hamelin tonight. Fritzi. I found him in a phone booth, just about dead. He told me some of the things.

[Paul Hamelin]

You'Ve done to him.

[Dr. St. George]

Come here.

[Paul Hamelin]

After all, we are at war. Your country and mine.

[Charlie]

Yeah, that's right. Now stand right in front of me.

[Paul Hamelin]

Hurry.

[Dr. St. George]

Karen.

[Ilona Massey]

Yes?

[Charlie]

Remember this, will you?

[Ilona Massey]

Fritzing.

[Dr. St. George]

Karen. I can't get over this apartment. 300 francs a month.

[Ilona Massey]

Ask Charlie. He got it for me.

[Charlie]

Well, this girl said she. What's the matter? You don't like it?

[Ilona Massey]

Oh, it's wonderful. And so are you. Both of you.

[Dr. St. George]

Karen, what about Operation Des?

[Ilona Massey]

I transmitted the complete plans by court to Allied Intelligence in London. Then I presented the microfilm to the Swiss government.

[Charlie]

I don't get it. Well, what's. What's that mean?

[Ilona Massey]

DAS means neuter.

[Dr. St. George]

Neither masculine nor feminine.

[Paul Hamelin]

Neuter in the middle.

[Ilona Massey]

Or neutral, like Switzerland. Operation Das was the complete and detailed plans for a German attack on Switzerland. Invasion, everything.

[Charlie]

But everybody knows that Switzerland is neutral.

[Ilona Massey]

Charlie, you are a very naive man.

[Charlie]

You know, I wonder when folks are going to figure Americans, right?

[Dr. St. George]

What do you mean, Charlie?

[Charlie]

Americans hate war, Doc.

[Dr. St. George]

Hate killing people.

[Charlie]

But whoever pulls Uncle Sam's beard once too often gets the hell beat out of him.

[Ilona Massey]

Foreign.

[Fred Collins]

You have just heard Ilona Massey in Top Secret, a transcribed series brought to you each week at this time by NBC. Here is Ms. Massey to give you a clue to next week's assignment.

[Ilona Massey]

Next week the story of Emission and the Poison Pin, a corsage that meant death, a baron who played polo and a Marcati 22, whose four wheels spun for fortune. It is a story that has been until now, top Secret.

[Fred Collins]

Top Secret is directed and produced by Harry W. Junkin. Tonight's script was was by Alan Sloan. Featured with Ms. Massie were Ronald Long as the doctor and Ruth York as Frau Meltzner. Other players were Theo Gertz, Peter Capel, Earl Hammond and Andrew Dugan. The music was composed and conducted by Dr. Roy Shield. This is Fred Collins, SPE one of the best ways to ensure your own future and to ensure a more secure future for America is through the purchase of United States Savings Bonds. Take it or Leave it provides gay entertainment for you next on NBC.

[Narrator]

You can find more from Top Secret Relic Radio Thrillers and all of the other Relic Radio shows at the website relicradio.com our shoutcast stream is up and running there as well, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with even more old time radio. There's lots to listen to on the website. If you'd like to help support it, visit donate. Relicradio.com or click on one of the links on the website. Your support makes it all happen. Thanks to those who have helped out. Thanks for joining me this week. I'll be back next Friday with counterspy on our next episode of Relic Radio Thrillers.