Relic Radio Thrillers: "The Trojan Horse Story" by Cloak And Dagger

Episode Overview: "The Trojan Horse Story" is a gripping Old Time Radio adventure presented by RelicRadio.com. Set against the backdrop of World War II, the episode delves into the shadowy world of espionage, featuring agents from the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) engaging in a high-stakes mission to deceive German intelligence about the planned American invasion.

1. Introduction to Espionage and the OSS

The episode opens with a succinct narration establishing the theme of espionage and black warfare during the war. The host sets the stage for a tale inspired by real incidents from the OSS's Washington files, promising a story filled with mystery, intrigue, and suspense.

• Narrator [00:01:16]: "Black warfare, espionage, international intrigue. These are the weapons of the OSS."

2. The Initial Contact: Paris Café Rendezvous

The narrative swiftly moves to August 1942 in Paris, where OSS agent Henri Fontaine initiates contact with Gabrielle Monet, a local woman with potential ties to German intelligence. The encounter takes place in the Bluebeard Café, a hotspot teeming with German officers.

• Henri Fontaine [00:01:45]: "I went there alone on the evening of the 15th and sent her a note with a waiter asking her to come to my table when she'd finished her song."

Gabrielle, portrayed as a savvy and cautious individual, questions Henri's intentions amidst the presence of German officers.

• Gabrielle Monet [00:02:43]: "You sit here in a room full of Germans and tell me this. What makes you think I will believe you?" (00:03:46)

3. The Dangerous Journey to Casablanca

Henri successfully persuades Gabrielle to join the OSS, leading to their covert transportation to Casablanca. The journey is fraught with tension, especially during a customs check where Henri cleverly manages to distract the customs officer with a small dog, Jeff, ensuring their mission remains unnoticed.

• Customs Officer [00:09:00]: "What is in your trunk?" (00:10:04)

Henri's quick thinking allows them to pass through customs without raising suspicion, highlighting the constant danger OSS agents faced.

4. Strategic Planning in Casablanca

Upon reaching Casablanca, the episode introduces Steve Lytel, another OSS agent, who briefs Gabrielle about the mission's true objective: to deceive the German Armistice Commission head, Paul Vogel, regarding the location of the upcoming American invasion.

• Steve Lytel [00:10:56]: "The planned American invasion. The closed secret is where and when. That's what Paul Vogel wants to find out for German headquarters."

Gabrielle's role is pivotal; she is to rekindle her past relationship with Vogel to extract and manipulate information.

5. The Three Lanterns Café Operation

The heart of the mission unfolds at the Three Lanterns Café, where Gabrielle performs, drawing the attention of Paul Vogel. The atmosphere is thick with tension as both Henri and Steve monitor the interactions, knowing that any slip could jeopardize the entire operation.

• Henri Fontaine [00:14:02]: "A girl like that could make you forget the war, eh, Steve?" (00:14:06)

The strategic placement ensures that Gabrielle's performances serve as bait, enticing Vogel into a vulnerable position.

6. The Web of Deception and Double-Crossing

As Gabrielle and Vogel reconnect, the layers of deception deepen. Gabrielle adeptly feeds Vogel false information about the invasion's location, all while maintaining her cover as a loyal German informant. Their interactions are charged with emotional complexity, reflecting past relationships and the high stakes of wartime espionage.

• Paul Vogel [00:16:40]: "How did you know that?" (00:17:40)

Gabrielle skillfully manipulates the conversation to sow doubt and extract critical intelligence, demonstrating her effectiveness as an OSS asset.

7. Climax: Unraveling and Confrontation

The mission reaches its zenith when Gabrielle grows suspicious of Vogel's growing mistrust. Their confrontation becomes intense as Vogel begins to suspect her loyalty, forcing Gabrielle to act decisively to prevent the mission's failure.

• Gabrielle Monet [00:25:35]: "I remember thinking how very blonde was his hair... I got the automatic pistol that had been given to me by the Americans and shot him twice through his very blonde head." (00:26:19)

This pivotal moment underscores the perilous nature of espionage, where personal emotions often clash with professional obligations.

8. Mission Accomplished: The Invasion Commences

With Vogel neutralized, Gabrielle successfully ensures that the misinformation reaches German headquarters, thereby safeguarding the real invasion plans. The narration concludes with the confirmation of the mission's success as American forces begin their strategic move.

• Steve Lytel [00:28:28]: "The invasion's begun." (00:28:32)

The episode wraps up by highlighting the crucial role played by agents like Gabrielle in shaping the war's outcome through acts of courage and sacrifice.

Notable Quotes:

• Customs Officer [00:10:12]: "No, no. Before you go."
• Gabrielle Monet [00:18:03]: "Have you taken many girls to the marketplace? Huh?"
• Paul Vogel [00:23:31]: "Now? Nothing."
• Narrator [00:28:51]: "Mission accomplished."

Conclusion:

"The Trojan Horse Story" masterfully encapsulates the essence of wartime espionage, blending drama, tension, and strategic deception. Through the characters of Henri Fontaine, Gabrielle Monet, and Paul Vogel, the episode illustrates the intricate dance of trust and betrayal inherent in intelligence operations. Gabrielle's ultimate sacrifice serves as a poignant reminder of the personal costs borne by those who operate in the shadows during times of conflict.

For aficionados of classic radio dramas and tales of suspense, this episode stands out as a testament to the enduring allure of cloak-and-dagger narratives.

Special Thanks:

This episode was based on the book Cloak and Dagger by Corey Ford and Alistair McBain, produced by Louis G. Khan under the supervision of Sherman Marks, with a script by Winifred Wolf and music directed by John Gart.