The Red Record by I Was A Communist For The FBI

Summary

Relic Radio Thrillers: “The Red Record” - A Detailed Summary

Relic Radio Thrillers presents an exhilarating episode titled “The Red Record,” part of the acclaimed series I Was a Communist for the FBI. Released on July 25, 2025, this episode delves deep into the clandestine operations of Matt Savetic, portrayed by Dana Andrews, as he navigates the treacherous waters of espionage and deception during the early 1950s.

Introduction

The episode opens with a captivating narration by Dana Andrews, setting the stage for an intense tale of infiltration and intrigue. Drawing from the authentic experiences of Matt Savetic—a man who spent nine years undercover as a Communist for the FBI—listeners are immediately plunged into a world where loyalty is a facade and every interaction could mean the difference between success and exposure.

The Undercover Assignment

At [00:48], Dana Andrews introduces Matt Savetic’s precarious situation:

“Nine years. For nine long years I played my part like walking a tightrope in a circus. But if I fell, there wasn't going to be any net to save me. It's a lonesome, thankless job trying to be a communist for the FBI.”

Savetic’s mission is clear: infiltrate a Communist cell and retrieve a critical artifact—the elusive little black book belonging to the recently deceased Comrade Jay Z. The task demands not only loyalty but also an intricate balance between his true allegiance and his undercover persona.

Meeting Gloria Dawn

Savetic’s assignment leads him to the Double or Nothing Club, where he meets Gloria Dawn, the star of the show and a key figure connected to Comrade J. The encounter is meticulously orchestrated:

“Just keep this in mind, comrade. The party expects nothing. Impossible. Just do what you're told.” [00:48]

Matt is directed to win Gloria’s trust to extract information about the missing black book. The interaction begins professionally but quickly takes a personal turn, blurring the lines between duty and genuine connection.

Tension and Suspicion

As Savetic spends significant time with Gloria, tasked with coaxing information from her, underlying tensions surface. At [12:25], Gloria engages Matt with a mix of suspicion and flirtation:

“Cause you're beautiful. At least I thought you were beautiful out there. But now that I see you, closer touch of makeup, you're even more beautiful.” [13:20]

This moment encapsulates the delicate balance Matt must maintain—building rapport without revealing his true intentions. Meanwhile, Comrade Mike, another agent within the Communist cell, remains wary of Matt’s true motives, creating an atmosphere thick with suspicion.

The Climax: Confrontation with Comrade Mike

The tension reaches its peak when Comrade Mike confronts Matt about his activities. At [18:00], Mike accuses him of betrayal:

“Cause maybe there's a little black book inside it. Give it here.” [16:32]

In a dramatic turn of events, Matt is forced to defend himself against Mike’s growing distrust. The confrontation culminates in a life-threatening situation where Matt must act swiftly to protect his cover and complete his mission:

“And that's all the break I needed. I hit him just right. And he was out like a light.” [17:08]

This pivotal moment underscores the perilous nature of undercover work, where a single misstep can lead to dire consequences.

Resolution and Reporting to the FBI

With Comrade Mike neutralized, Matt secures the little black book hidden within the portable radio. His swift actions lead him to report back to the FBI, ensuring the success of his mission:

“You'll find the book that was hidden in the portable radio behind the back seat of the taxi.” [28:00]

This final act not only signifies the culmination of his undercover efforts but also highlights the intricate planning and bravery required to navigate such a high-stakes operation.

Conclusion

“The Red Record” masterfully weaves a narrative of espionage, trust, and survival. Through Dana Andrews’ compelling portrayal of Matt Savetic, listeners are immersed in the psychological and emotional toll of living a double life. The episode concludes with a reflective note:

“But I know how. Well, I know. I'm a communist for the FBI. I walk alone.” [28:30]

This line encapsulates the solitary path of espionage—a journey fraught with isolation and constant vigilance, yet driven by a pursuit of freedom and justice.

Notable Quotes

• Matt Savetic: “Nine long years I played my part like walking a tightrope in a circus. But if I fell, there wasn't going to be any net to save me.” (00:48)

• Comrade Ted: “Just keep this in mind, comrade. The party expects nothing. Impossible. Just do what you're told.” (00:48)

• Gloria Dawn: “Cause you're beautiful. At least I thought you were beautiful out there. But now that I see you, closer touch of makeup, you're even more beautiful.” (13:20)

• Comrade Mike: “We'll know where it is. Now you look when we go through the lobby. Let's not make any mistakes, huh, comrade?” (17:12)

• Matt Savetic: “I'm a communist for the FBI. I walk alone.” (28:30)

Final Thoughts

“The Red Record” stands as a testament to the rich storytelling and immersive experiences that Relic Radio Thrillers offers. By blending historical context with gripping drama, this episode not only entertains but also sheds light on the intricate dynamics of undercover operations during a tumultuous period in American history. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to old-time radio adventures, this episode promises a riveting journey into the shadows of espionage.

Transcript

[Host]

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. This week we'll hear from I Was a Communist for the FBI, a syndicated series of 78 episodes that aired at one time or another over all major networks. Our story today is from July 27, 1952. It's titled the Red Record.

[Dana Andrews]

I Was a Communist for the FBI. 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 sek, who for nine fantastic years lived as a Communist for the f be I. Here is our star, Dana Andrews as Matt Savetic. Nine years. For nine long years I played my part like walking a tightrope in a circus. But if I fell, there wasn't going to be any net to save me. It's a lonesome, thankless job trying to be a communist for the FBI. In a moment, listen to Dana Andrews as Matt Savetic, undercover man. Now here is Dana Andrews as Matt Savetic, undercover man. This story from the confidential file is marked the Red Record. Comrade Matt, Come in. I went to a meeting in my communist cell. It was Tuesday, 9:00pm There were six of us there. Four men, two women. We went through all the reports, propaganda, the directives. And then Comrade Ted, the leader of our cell, had a word to say. Just keep this in mind, comrade. The party expects nothing. Impossible. Just do what you're told. I think that's all. Good night. Oh, Comrade Matt, Wait just a second, will you? Me? Sure. Stunt. Ms. Cowan, have you ever been in Chicago? I passed through a couple of times, but that's all. Have you got any connections there? Relatives? Anybody there know you? Not that I know of. Okay. You know, comrade, you're a pretty good looking guy. And that isn't going to do any harm on the job we've got for you. What job? The Central Committee decided from what I told them about you. You're the comrade to handle this foul up. I don't understand. You don't have to understand. All you have to do is obey orders. Okay, what are my orders? Pack a bag full of clothes and be at the information desk at the union station at 1am Four hours from now. Where am I going? Don't worry about it. Then how long will I be gone? Who knows, comrade? Maybe forever. Comrade Ted gave me some money for expenses and then we walked out to the street together the corner we parted well, see you again, comrade. See you again, comrade. That's something that drives you crazy when you're supposed to be a Communist and you're working for the FBI. See you again, comrade. They say they'll see you again. That's one thing you can be sure of. I walked across town to the place where I live and went up to my room. Hello, this is John F. Smith. I want to talk to Uncle Zach. Okay, Matt, go ahead. I'm being sent somewhere. I'm not sure, but I. I think it's Chicago. I'm supposed to make a contact at the union station at 1am you know what it's about? No idea. Chicago? Yes. There's an operation in Chicago that we've heard about. I'll give you a number to call if you need it. Maybe you will. Michigan 91112. Michigan 911 12. Don't write it down. Just remember it. I'll. At 1 o' clock I was waiting at the information desk in the Union Station. Track three for Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland, Tolle. Hello, comrade. Comrade Ted, here's your ticket in your reservation. The train's due now, so get going. Where am I going? Chicago. You'll be met at the station. Come on. Who's going to meet me? How'll I know? You'll say, hello, George. How's Aunt Agatha? How will he know me? Don't worry about that. He'll know you. Good luck, comrade. I stared out of the window at the lights flashing by in the night lights, in the farmhouses, gas stations, stores, traffic lights, auto lights. The lights of peace, I thought. Those are the lights we're trying to keep burning. Hello, George. How's Ann? Agatha? Mike was the man's name, Comrade Mike. He took me to his room in a boarding house. He took off his shoes and lit a pipe, settled down in the chair with broken springs. Then he looked at me as if I were something in an aquarium behind glass, Interested but unsympathetic. At his side there was a record player and he switched it on. You don't mind a little music, comrade? Just in case somebody on the other side of the wall might be interested in our conversation. Oh, Tom and Mike. Just Mike will do. Mike. Then Mike, tell me what goes on. Why did they send me here? You don't know? No idea. Well, now, comrades, like this. There was this man named Jay Z. Comrade J. Sort of theatrical producer and pretty high in the Party. I don't know exactly why, but they kind of got the idea he was working with the other team. So what happened? Poor Comrade J. He died. Definitely, Comrade. You never saw Nita. Suicide. When I arrange, it's suicide. It's what I mean, arrange. Take your word for it, comrade. But I. I still don't get the reason why they sent me here. Well, I'll tell you what. It's this one. Comrade J had a little black book with some names and addresses and notes in it. And I always carried it with him. But when we found his body, it wasn't on him. Wasn't in his car, wasn't in his room. We didn't find it. No, sir, we didn't. And the Party's just got to have that book. And that's why we brought you here. Why me? Why bring me all the way here? Well, now I tell you. Party brought you here cause they think you got away with women and you're a stranger. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. No, no, no, no. That's right. Gum. You see, Comrade J produced a show in a nightclub on South Waback. The star of the show was a girlfriend of his named Gloria Dawn. Gloria Dawn. So? So the Party believes Comrade J may have left that little blackfoot with glory. Now you're a stranger in town and you're good looking. It's up to you. You mean I was supposed to get this girl to confide in me? Any way that you please, Karma. But she hasn't got the book. Oh, she got it somewhere. And that's why you're here. Talk sweet to that day until she tells you everything she knows. Okay. Where do I find her? She's working in a double or nothing club on the south side. You'll find her and talk to her. And your report to me will be good, I hope, Comrade. Yeah, I'd find Gloria Dawn. And my report would be good. It would have to be. I've been instructed by the Comrades the Double or Nothing club was loud and strictly not for children under the age of 35. And now we take great pride in presenting the star of our show, Ms. Gloria Dawn.

[Gloria Dawn]

Here she is. Let's give her a great big hand. Hello, everybody.

[Dana Andrews]

Hello.

[Gloria Dawn]

Now let go.

[Dana Andrews]

It was just about what I expected. And I was not really surprised when I caught a glimpse of Comrade Mike and a friend. I expected to be followed because the Comrades just don't trust each other. Out of sight. After several hundred years, the floor show was over. Comrade Mike was still somewhere behind me. And in front of me was anything from simple flirtatious nonsense to sudden death. Poor Comrade J. I found my way backstage to the dirty corridor where the dressing rooms were.

[Gloria Dawn]

Yeah?

[Dana Andrews]

Ms. Dawn?

[Gloria Dawn]

Yeah?

[Dana Andrews]

Remember me?

[Gloria Dawn]

No.

[Dana Andrews]

That's. Really, I never saw you before, mister. Come in.

[Gloria Dawn]

Lose yourself, chum?

[Dana Andrews]

All right. I. I just wanted to talk to you about Jay Jim.

[Gloria Dawn]

What about him?

[Dana Andrews]

You think he killed himself? Well, I.

[Gloria Dawn]

Come in. Sit down while I take off this makeup. What'd you say your name was?

[Dana Andrews]

Matt Savetti.

[Gloria Dawn]

Oh, yeah? Mind if I ask, are you a cop?

[Dana Andrews]

No, certainly not. Why?

[Gloria Dawn]

And why are you asking me about Jay?

[Dana Andrews]

Well, he was. He was a friend of mine. I heard he was a friend of yours, that's all.

[Gloria Dawn]

You were a friend of his? How long did you know him?

[Dana Andrews]

Oh, it's been years, I guess. I first knew him right here in Chicago.

[Gloria Dawn]

He was a stinker.

[Dana Andrews]

Not sure.

[Gloria Dawn]

A real stinker.

[Dana Andrews]

Of course he was. From the day he was born.

[Gloria Dawn]

Why'd you come back here to talk to me about Jay?

[Dana Andrews]

Just an excuse to meet you.

[Gloria Dawn]

Why?

[Dana Andrews]

Cause you're beautiful. At least I thought you were beautiful out there. But now that I see you, closer touch of makeup, you're even more beautiful.

[Gloria Dawn]

Okay, honey. Wait for me outside.

[Dana Andrews]

When I got home that night, I was questioned at length by Comrade Mike. What had I said to Gloria? What did she said to me? Where did we go when we left the nightclub? What was her reaction when I mentioned Comrade J. We know Comrade J. Had that book up the time he went into Gloria's dressing room. We know he didn't have it when he left. We've searched every inch of that dressing room and we know it isn't there. Gloria didn't take it away with her. Gloria is exactly what she seems to be. A body without a brain. Look, Connor, this assignment is nothing but trouble. I don't like it. Well, suppose I don't find the book? Suppose you were dead. Conrad. Now back to Dana Andrews starring as Matt Sebetic. And I was a Communist for the FBI. And the second act of our story. Just pretending to be a loyal member of the Communist Party was hard enough, but having to be a detective for the Party was a little harder. A couple of days went by. Gloria and I were together day and night. I tried to get her to talk about Jay. She wanted to talk about herself. But on the third night after the show, in her dressing room.

[Gloria Dawn]

Close your eyes, honey.

[Dana Andrews]

Roger. Eyes closed. Say, Gloria, why would you think Jay killed himself?

[Gloria Dawn]

Did I ever say that?

[Dana Andrews]

Believe it, don't you?

[Gloria Dawn]

Oh, I don't know. Only I think he knew he was going to be knocked off that Night he came in here when I was dressing like now. He had a little portable radio with him. He put it down on the table there and said, this is for you, babe. If I never come back, this radio will play. He didn't come back, and the thing wouldn't play.

[Dana Andrews]

If I never come back, this radio will play.

[Gloria Dawn]

Yeah, that's what he said.

[Dana Andrews]

Did you tell anybody about that?

[Gloria Dawn]

Tell who? The cops? I wouldn't tell them the time of day.

[Dana Andrews]

What happened to the radio? Gloria?

[Gloria Dawn]

What did I do with the thing? This dressing room is so cluttered up. I guess I left it in the property room with all the costumes and junk.

[Dana Andrews]

Do you think it's still there?

[Gloria Dawn]

What difference does it make?

[Dana Andrews]

Oh, I. I thought I might be able to fix it for you. I know a little about radios.

[Gloria Dawn]

Yeah, well, maybe it's still there. Come on. Here. This is. Looks so beat up, I don't think you could sell it for a buck. You think you can fix it?

[Dana Andrews]

I don't know. At least I can see if the tubes light up. Snap off this back panel.

[Gloria Dawn]

Oh. You find the trouble, honey?

[Dana Andrews]

Yeah, I think so. Let me take it with me. I'll get it fixed for you. Something as good as new.

[Gloria Dawn]

Okay, honey? Honey, do you believe in second sight? When Jay left here that night, he said if he never comes back, that radio will play. Forget about the radio. But he must have known he'd never come back.

[Dana Andrews]

Maybe he did know he'd never come back. Maybe he was right about the radio too. Maybe it will play. I took Gloria home to her apartment. And when I finally got away, I had the radio tucked under my arm.

[Gloria Dawn]

I'll. I'll see you again, won't I?

[Dana Andrews]

I'll bring the radio back to you tomorrow, baby. Maybe tonight.

[Gloria Dawn]

Okay, honey.

[Dana Andrews]

Take care. Don't worry about that, sweetheart. I'll take care for sure. I walked along a Chicago street I'd never seen before. And all the time I was conscious of the fact that I was being followed. Comrade Mike. Caught in a slow moving car behind me at a street corner There was an empty taxi. Part 2 Just drive. What's trouble, Bud? Trouble? What do you mean? Okay, where to? Do you know a place that would repair a radio this time of night? What kind of radio? Portable? Yeah, Maybe I do. It's a garage where I know a guy. Do you want me to take you there? That's exactly where I want you to take me. This garage guy's name is George. Want me to wait? No, I. I don't know how long this will take. Okay. 1:40. Your name is Aronski, isn't it? What if it is AJ Aronsky. License M12659. Look, pal, if you got a beat, dip your hair on Oronsky. I was just reading a card. I'm one of those people who remembers everything. $40. There you are. Thanks. Thanks, pap. I'll give it a thought. Hello. Hello, George. The clock strikes 2:00 clock and it's 10 minutes wrong. I was in a small fix it shop in the front of a garage. George was nowhere. But, Comrade, Mike's not far behind, not far close. Hello, comrade. What's the idea of following me, comrade? Just routine, comrade. You got your orders, I got mine. So they don't trust me here. Who trusts anybody anywhere? Let's have a look at that radio, comrade. Okay. Why? Because he got it in that den. Give it to me. Now, wait a minute. Wasn't that the idea? I was supposed to make friends with that girl. Well, so? So she loves music. She wants me to get a radio fixed tonight. Am I doing wrong, comrade? Look, we trust you. We trust everybody. We trusted Comrade J. Let's look at that radio. Why, comrade? Cause maybe there's a little black book inside it. Give it here. All right, comrade. Yeah, it's a cute little job, isn't it? Don't suppose it weighs five pounds. Now, what do you think is inside it? I don't know, comrade. You don't know nothing. Nothing, Cameron. And why'd you bring it here? I told you, to get it fixed. She wants me to get a radio repaired. Maybe she's crazy wanting to get it done this time of night, but would the Party want me to refuse? Okay. Camera. It might be a good thing for you to find that book. Here comes Gabby outside. But don't you worry, comrade. You won't be alone. Thought I heard somebody out here. It's this radio. Thought I heard somebody talking to somebody out here. Oh, that was my friend out there in the car. Oh, okay. What's the matter with this? Yeah, what's the matter with it? I'll have a look at it. You got a phone? Yeah, here under the counter. Local call? Yeah, local call. That'll be 15 cents if you can pay me now. Yes. Hello? Just a second. Making a phone call. I saw you from outside. Thought I might be able to help you. I. I was just. Just calling Gloria to tell her I'd be back in a few minutes. I'll tell her for you, huh? Hello? Hello? Who is it? Who do you want? What number Is it? What number did you want? What's the trouble? Wrong number. The real wrong number. What is her number, pal? Let's try it again. Let's forget it. What's the number? I don't remember. Forgot it so soon? Just so I can't find anything wrong with this, mister. Just a tube that was pushed out of the socket. That'll be one buck. No Star Garage radio service. Wait a second. Did you call Michigan 91112? No. No, I didn't. I did. Give me that phone. Hello? Is this the person who called Michigan 91112? That's right. Who's speaking? Who did you want? Nobody. Must have dialed the wrong number. Let's go, huh? Poor Comrade J. Doing a job for the FBI. A Communist for the FBI. Maybe you ought to feel noble and brave about it. But right now you're walking along a dark, deserted street. With Comrade Mike one pace behind you. The balls in his pocket is either a.38 or a.45 at Glorious Place. Mike shoved his gun in my back. Now you look when we go through the lobby. Let's not make any mistakes, huh, comrade? No mistakes. All right. Move. Now wait a second. Why do you want to see her? No. Either you're a fool or you think I'm a fool. I might have been willing to believe that she didn't know anything about Comrade J's little black book until you made that phone call. Now I think I'm gonna find out where it is. May be a little tough for both of you, but I'll find out. Let's go. Comrade. Wait. Comrade. Look, you're making a terrible mistake. Why do you think I was sent here? I know what to check on you, Comrade Nuts. You don't believe me. How long are you planning to live? Crazy. The Party wouldn't do that to me. Wouldn't they? I'm not going to try to convince you. But just think about it for a second before you make a fool of yourself. Nuts. Sure, Nuts. But you can't be sure, can you? You can't be sure of anything in the Party. Here. Look at this card here. What is it? Let me see this. Look at it, Carme. The card was nothing but my driver's license. But he took it and stared at it in the dark. And that's all the break I needed. I hit him just right. And he was out like a light. The gun still in his hand. My pure luck. A prowl car came by. I melted into the shadows of the officers. Picked Comrade Mike up. Wait a minute. Put that light on his face again. Yeah. You know who this guy is? He's Mike Debronsky. But this guy's wanted for everything. Get him in here. Only a few minutes later, I made my report to the Chicago office of the FBI. Yes? Yes. Go on. Svetic. It's a taxi. Illinois 4X1297. Driver A.J. aronski. License M12659. You'll find the book that was hidden in the portable radio behind the back seat of the taxi. I think it's important anyhow. The commies thought it was important enough to justify killing. The street in Chicago. Dark, deserted, lonely. Why should you be walking alone, comrade? Where are your friends? When you're in the party, you can't have any friends. Where are you going, comrade? What's at the end of the road? You walk in the night and you wonder what is at the end of the road. But I know how. Well, I know. I'm a communist for the FBI. I walk alone. Dana Andrews will return in just a moment. This is Dana Andrews with a word about the story you just heard. The part I portrayed is the part you have to play when you're a communist for the FBI. And it's worth it million times over. Because at the end of the road is freedom. In this story, as in all others, names, dates and places are fictitious to protect innocent persons. Many of these stories are based on incidents in the life of Matt Svetic, who worked undercover for the FBI. Next week, another fantastic adventure. Join us, won't you?

[Host]

There's more from I Was a Communist for the FBI, Relic Radio Thrillers and all of the other podcasts at the website relicradio.com youm can donate through the website if you'd like to help support this and all of the shows. Thanks to those who have. Thanks for joining me this week. Be back tomorrow with the horror and next Friday with our next episode of Relic Radio Thrillers.