Cloak and Dagger: Delay on Route (A0040)

Summary

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The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio

Cloak and Dagger: "Delay on Route" (A0040)

Date: November 29, 2025
Host: Adam Graham
Original Air Date: October 6, 1950

Episode Overview

In this gripping episode of Cloak and Dagger, titled "Delay on Route", listeners are immersed in a tension-filled World War II drama based on true OSS (Office of Strategic Services) files. The story follows American OSS agent Roberto Mercer, who faces a profound moral dilemma: should he help a notorious Fascist escape Italy in exchange for crucial intelligence that could save lives, despite the vehement opposition from the local partisans he supports? The episode explores complex themes of loyalty, justice, expediency, and the difficult trade-offs of wartime.

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Key Discussion Points & Episode Breakdown

Introduction of Main Conflict (02:33–05:37)

• Setting & Context: Newly liberated Sturza, Italy. The local resistance, led by Guido Gordoni and his sister Rosa, celebrates the downfall of the Fascists.
• Characters Introduced:
  • Roberto Mercer: American OSS agent, longing for home yet bound by duty.
  • Guido Gordoni: Partisan leader, hardened by loss, committed to avenging Fascist crimes.
  • Rosa: Guido’s sister, emotionally entangled with Roberto.

Notable Quote:
“Those Italian partisans were drunk on something they hadn't tasted since Mussolini's black shirts marched on Rome. Freedom.”
— Roberto Mercer (03:45)

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Divergent Moral Codes (06:12–07:39)

• Guido’s Justice vs. Roberto’s Ethics:
  • Guido is determined to execute all Fascists without trial.
  • Roberto objects, believing in the right to a fair trial and democracy.

Notable Exchange:

• Guido: “They were Fascisti.”
• Roberto: “Nevertheless, they were entitled to a trial.” (06:35–06:38)

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The Asset: Tempting with Intelligence (09:27–11:02)

• Alberto Pelizo (the Fascist shipyard owner) contacts Roberto via his daughter Maria, offering information on advanced weaponry in exchange for safe passage to the Allies.
• Pelizo claims to have knowledge about “radio guided aerial torpedoes” and a new submarine design.

Notable Moment:
Pelizo warns Roberto, “Don’t think too long, senor. And don't discuss it with your partisan comrades. I'm quite sure that bloodthirsty Guido Gordoni would not let my usefulness to the Allies prevent him from hanging me.” (10:46–11:02)

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Rising Suspicion and Betrayal (12:39–14:09)

• Rosa grows suspicious of Roberto’s secretive behavior and vows to discover his actions.
• Guido explicitly states he would execute Pelizo if found, dismissing the value of intelligence from a Fascist.
• The moral chasm between Roberto and the partisans grows, isolating him.

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The Escape Plan (14:36–17:29)

• Roberto sneaks Pelizo and Maria out of their hiding place using a coal chute, after warning them the partisans are conducting house-to-house searches.
• He arranges to meet them later at Pelizo’s sacked villa.

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Confrontation & Allegations (17:29–20:50)

• Guido captures Roberto and accuses him of betrayal, believing he is being bribed ($50,000 rumor) to help Pelizo escape.
• Violent confrontation ensues; Roberto knocks out Guido, refusing to reveal Pelizo's whereabouts.

Notable Quote:
Guido: “The lying Roberto Pelizo is paying you well. And I shall have to deal with you as I would with any other traitor.” (19:21)

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Difficult Choices and Cold Loyalties (22:27–23:44)

• At the villa, Roberto refuses to drink wine, stating: "I don't drink with Fascists." (22:35)
• Despite the animosity, he warns Pelizo and Maria not to try escaping during their perilous journey to the coast.

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The Roadblock & Duplicity (24:09–26:51)

• The trio is stopped by Fascist forces; initially, Pelizo could turn Roberto over, but chooses to maintain the ruse.
• In a private exchange, Roberto realizes Pelizo’s interest is survival above all.
  “Rats always desert a sinking ship.” — Roberto (26:51)

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Looming Threat to the Partisans (27:05–28:50)

• At the Fascist checkpoint, Roberto learns a division is about to attack the partisans in Sturza, putting Guido and Rosa in grave danger.
• Roberto chooses not to leave with Pelizo for America, but to return and warn his partisan allies, risking certain death.

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Final Showdown: Loyalty and Sacrifice (29:00–30:26)

• Roberto returns to Sturza, is branded a traitor, and faces execution.
• He delivers the vital intelligence: "There's a full division of Fascist infantry moving up from Genoa. They're planning to spring a trap tonight. You'd better get out of Sturza.” (29:38–29:47)
• Guido ultimately believes him, and the partisans evacuate in time.

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Resolution and Reflection (30:26–31:05)

• Roberto continues to fight alongside Guido and the partisans.
• Pelizo’s intelligence helps shorten the war, enabling Roberto to (eventually) return home.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "You want me to climb that filthy, coal chute? What about my clothes?"
  — Maria, highlighting the class divide and urgency (16:21)
• “You have consorted with rabble too long, Mercer. Your manners reflect it.”
  — Pelizo, to Roberto, showing disdain (22:40–22:46)
• “Maybe after you've been in America for a while. It will take him away, Curtis."
  — Roberto, on American ideals vs. Fascist opportunism (28:51)
• “So I didn't go to Vermont. I went back to Sturza instead.”
  — Roberto, choosing loyalty and justice over safety (29:00)

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Adam Graham's Commentary & Insights (32:32–39:45)

• Episode Significance:

  • Adam Graham lauds the episode’s moral complexity, where the lead agent must act against his friends' wishes for the greater good.
  • He notes the resentment that arises when collaborators seem to benefit (i.e., escaping justice by giving information), but frames this as a real historical dilemma — sacrificing absolute justice to potentially save thousands of lives by hastening the end of war.
  • Adam contextualizes with statistics: “291,000 Americans died in battle, with another 113,000 dying to other causes during the war, such as disease. Cutting months off the length of the war would mean tens of thousands of Americans coming home alive...” (35:25)

• Nuanced Critique:

  • He argues, “Any critique has to take these concerns to mind. ... If you ignore the alternatives, it’s just an ivory tower statement that you can only make from a safe distance, decades away from the actual hard choices that had to be made.” (36:15–36:46)
  • The characterization of Pelizo as an opportunist, not a true believer, speaks to the self-serving nature of many in power under totalitarian regimes.

• Character Study:

  • Adam admires Roberto’s ultimate loyalty and willingness to risk his life for the partisans, noting the show’s realistic portrayal of moral ambiguity amidst wartime.

Notable Reflection:
Cloak and Dagger is probably the best drama that you never heard of, and it’s been great to feature it on the podcast. — Adam Graham (39:10)

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Important Timestamps

• OSS agent receives mission: 02:33
• Conflict between Roberto and Guido: 06:12–07:39
• Pelizo’s deal and intelligence: 09:27–11:02
• Roberto helps Pelizo escape: 14:36–17:29
• Guido confronts Roberto about betrayal: 17:29–20:50
• Final negotiation and escape route: 22:27–23:44
• Checkpoint, Pelizo’s duplicity revealed: 24:09–26:51
• Warning of the impending attack: 27:05–28:50
• Roberto returns to warn partisans: 29:00–30:26
• Episode conclusion: 31:05
• Adam Graham’s commentary: 32:32–39:45

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Tone & Style

The dialogue and narration maintain a tense, dramatic, and sometimes melancholy tone, reflective of the episode’s life-or-death stakes and ethical ambiguity. Roberto’s inner conflict, Guido’s bitterness, and Pelizo’s cold pragmatism come through with realism and emotional weight.

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Summary for New Listeners

This Cloak and Dagger episode plunges you into the fog of war, where right and wrong aren’t always clear and the cost of moral choices can be counted in lives. With taut storytelling, vivid characters, and a thought-provoking core dilemma, “Delay on Route” exemplifies why Old Time Radio’s golden age dramas remain compelling decades later. Adam Graham’s thoughtful commentary frames the episode’s relevance — not just as self-contained fiction, but as a window into the hard choices of history.

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For more old time radio mysteries, subscribe or visit greatdetectives.net

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Transcript

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[Narrator/OSS Agent]

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[Sarah]

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[Liberty Mutual Announcer]

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[Adam Graham]

Welcome to the great adventurers of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment, we're going to bring you this week's episode of Cloak and Dagger. But first I do want to encourage you. If you are enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And also today's program is brought to you in part by the financial support of our listeners. You can support the show on a one time basis by going to support.greatdetectives.net or becoming one of our ongoing Patreon supporters for as little as $2 per month at patreon.greatdetectives.net well now, from October 6, 1950, here is delay en route.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

Are you willing to undertake a dangerous mission behind the enemy lines knowing that you may never return alive? What you have just heard is the question asked during the war of agents of the OSS ordinary citizens, who to this question answered, yes. This is cloak and dagger. Black warfare.

[Roberto Mercer]

Espionage, international intrigue.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

These are the weapons of the OSS Today's adventure. Delay en route. The story of an American OSS agent who found himself between two fires in.

[Alberto Pelizo]

Fascist held Italy is suggested by actual.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

Incidents recorded in the Washington files of.

[Alberto Pelizo]

The Office of Strategic Services.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

A story that can now be told.

[Roberto Mercer]

That was a big night in Sturza. We liberated the town that morning. And everybody was drunk, but not on vino. Those Italian partisans were drunk on something they hadn't tasted since Mussolini's black shirts marched on Rome. Freedom. There were only three Fascist officials left in town. And all of them were down in the village square hanging from a scaffold. I should have been celebrating too. After all, that was why the OSS had sent me into Italy. To help Guido Gordoni and his partisans wipe out Fascists. But sitting there in the tavern that night with Rosa, Guido's sister, my mind was several thousand miles away.

[Rosa]

So, Roberto, you are going to leave us tomorrow, huh?

[Roberto Mercer]

What?

[Rosa]

Rosa, the PT boat comes for you tomorrow night.

[Roberto Mercer]

No, the night after tomorrow night, Rosa. Just 48 hours. It's going to pick me up below Savona.

[Rosa]

And you are glad?

[Roberto Mercer]

Was there ever a guy who wasn't glad to go home?

[Rosa]

Home to America, you mean. But how can that be? The war is not over.

[Roberto Mercer]

I've got a furlough coming up. A delay en route to my next OSS assignment.

[Rosa]

I see. It is nice in America, Roberto.

[Roberto Mercer]

Yeah. Yeah, it's nice, Rosa. It'll be autumn when I get back to Vermont. The trees will just be turning.

[Rosa]

I would like to see Vermont.

[Roberto Mercer]

Maybe you will someday.

[Rosa]

You know what I mean, Roberto, I would like to see it with you.

[Alberto Pelizo]

Oh.

[Roberto Mercer]

Sorry. Rosa, here's your brother.

[Rosa]

Oh, yes. Guido. Guido.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

Over here, Roberto.

[Rosa]

Guido Morvino. Wait.

[Roberto Mercer]

Well, where have you been, Guido?

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

Looking for a fat fascist pig. Alberto Pelizo.

[Roberto Mercer]

Pelizo, the big shipyard owner? Why would he be in Sturza?

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

He's got a summer villa just above the town. I thought he might be hiding out there. I took some of the boys up, but the place was empty. I gotta find him tonight.

[Roberto Mercer]

Why tonight, Roberto?

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

Didn't you notice? There's still room for one more on the scaffold in the square. Oh, that's right. I forgot. You haven't been to the square, have you, Roberto?

[Roberto Mercer]

No, I haven't.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

You don't like executions?

[Roberto Mercer]

Executions are all right. It's lynchings I don't like. Those men were civilians, Guido.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

They were Fascisti.

[Roberto Mercer]

Nevertheless, they were entitled to a trial.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

A trial? If they had caught you, Roberto, would they have given you a trial?

[Roberto Mercer]

That was the difference between Guido Gordoni and me. He and his partisans fought fire with fire. They'd never heard of the democratic process, but I had and I believed in it. That was why Guido and I could fight side by side and respect each other as soldiers and yet never become friends.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

You've not lived under the Fascisti, Roberto. You've not had a wife and child murdered as I have.

[Roberto Mercer]

Were the men you hung in the square responsible for that?

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

Every Black Shirt is responsible. The men in the square, Alberto, Pelizo, all of them. When Guido Gordoni finds them, they pay for their crimes.

[Roberto Mercer]

They should pay, of course, but.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

But? But. But what? What? What, Roberto? I don't like men who say yes, but I don't think they can be trusted.

[Rosa]

Guido, you have no right to say that to Roberto.

[Roberto Mercer]

Forget it, Rosa. I'm leaving all of you. Soon you won't have to trust me much longer. I got up then and pushed my way through the crowd to the door of the tavern. I stepped outside. The night was beautiful. But not as beautiful, I thought, as an autumn night in Vermont.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

Huh?

[Roberto Mercer]

She touched my arm as she said it. She'd been standing very close to me in the shadows of the tavern wall. I'd never seen her before, but she was lovely.

[Rosa]

You are Senhor Mercer, no?

[Roberto Mercer]

Yes, I am.

[Rosa]

I wish to talk to you, senhor. Will you be kind enough to come with me?

[Roberto Mercer]

I didn't say no. It would have been hard to say no under any circumstances. Besides, her quick, frightened eyes told me it was something important. Still, I kept my hand closed around my revolver as she led me down several dark, deserted streets.

[Rosa]

This is the house, senor. You will please go down the steps to the basement.

[Roberto Mercer]

Oh, you go first.

[Rosa]

There is someone inside, but please come in. Do not be alarmed.

[Roberto Mercer]

I'm not alarmed. Go ahead. The man who rose to greet me wasn't armed and he looked too old and too tired to be dangerous.

[Alberto Pelizo]

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Alberto Bell. Young lady who brought you here is my daughter, Maria. It was good of you to come with her, senor.

[Roberto Mercer]

But it wasn't very wise of her to bring me.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

Why?

[Alberto Pelizo]

Because you might turn us over to the partisans?

[Roberto Mercer]

Because I will turn you over to the partisans.

[Alberto Pelizo]

I think not, senor. No, on the contrary. You will be careful to protect us from the partisans. You will take us out of Italy alive. You will see to it that we arrive safe and sound in America.

[Roberto Mercer]

What makes you think so?

[Alberto Pelizo]

Is your government informed, senior Mercer of our recent experiments with radio guided aerial torpedoes?

[Roberto Mercer]

I don't know.

[Alberto Pelizo]

I could Inform them these experiments are being conducted in my own laboratories. I know more about them than any other man in Italy.

[Roberto Mercer]

I see.

[Alberto Pelizo]

Also a new type of submarine capable of great underwater speed.

[Roberto Mercer]

All right.

[Alberto Pelizo]

Also the long sought electromagnetic pistol for torpedoes.

[Roberto Mercer]

All right, all right, I get the point. Policeo.

[Alberto Pelizo]

I thought you would.

[Roberto Mercer]

You'll turn over this information to Allied Intelligence if I get you safely out of Italy? Precisely. Well, senor, I'll have to think about it.

[Alberto Pelizo]

Don't think too long, senor. And don't discuss it with your partisan comrades. I'm quite sure that bloodthirsty Guido Gordoni would not let my usefulness to the Allies prevent him from hanging me.

[Roberto Mercer]

He was right about that. Not that Guido Gordoni was bloodthirsty. He was simply an angry and bitter man. Nothing in the world would prevent him from hanging Alberto Polito. I was pretty bitter myself as I headed back to my room above the tavern. I didn't like keeping secrets from Guido, and I didn't like helping Fascists. But I knew already what I had to do. I knew that when I went aboard that PT boat in 48 hours, Polizo and his daughter would be with me. The OSS would want it that way.

[Rosa]

Hello, Roberto.

[Roberto Mercer]

Rosa.

[Rosa]

You were gone a long time, Roberto.

[Roberto Mercer]

What are you doing in my room?

[Rosa]

Waiting for you.

[Roberto Mercer]

I. I went for a walk.

[Rosa]

Yes, I know. I saw you.

[Roberto Mercer]

What do you mean you saw me?

[Rosa]

I was watching from the window when you walked away from the tavern. Who is she, Roberto?

[Roberto Mercer]

That's none of your business, Rosa.

[Rosa]

I will make it my business. Is she the one who is going with you to America? Is that why you cannot take me? Is it with her that you will spend the autumn nights in Vermont?

[Roberto Mercer]

Rosa, you're a fool.

[Rosa]

No, you are a fool, Roberto. You cannot conceal her from me. I will find her before tomorrow night, and when I do.

[Roberto Mercer]

Yes, when you do.

[Rosa]

Life is very cheap in Storza these days, Roberto.

[Roberto Mercer]

She meant it. She didn't make idle threats. She was like her brother that way. It took me a long time to fall asleep after she was gone. Getting Alberto Polizzo and his daughter safely out of Italy was beginning to look complicated. The next morning, it looked even more complicated.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

Rosa told me what you did last night, Roberto. It was very stupid to go alone with the strange woman.

[Roberto Mercer]

But she was a beautiful woman, Guido.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

She might have led you into a trap. You know there is still Fascisti in Sturza?

[Roberto Mercer]

No important ones, I'm sure. The mayor, the magistrate and the prefect of police are all hanging in the square. Who else could there be?

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

Alberto? Pilizo?

[Roberto Mercer]

What makes you think. You said his villa was empty.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

It was, but I don't believe he had time to escape. I think he's hiding out somewhere in town. I'm going to search every house, room by room until I find him.

[Roberto Mercer]

And then you'll string him up too?

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

Oh, with pleasure.

[Roberto Mercer]

He might make a valuable prisoner of war. He's a big wheel in the munitions and shipping industries. He'd have a lot of information that would be useful to the Allies.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

And who would trust the information of a Fascist?

[Roberto Mercer]

Not you, apparently.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

You're right, not me. His information will not save him. If I find him, Roberto, I'll kill him.

[Roberto Mercer]

And that settled that. There was no question from then on of letting Guido in on my plans. Not if I hoped to save Polizo's neck, and I had to save it now. The information that Guido scoffed at could shorten the war by weeks, months, even years. Ten minutes later, I was knocking at the cellar door. It was opened immediately. But not by Polizo or his daughter.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

Si, senor. Who are you? Dominic, senor, the owner of this building.

[Roberto Mercer]

There was a man and his daughter here last night.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

They are still here. Come in. Senor.

[Rosa]

Good morning, senor. We have been waiting for you.

[Alberto Pelizo]

We expected you somewhat earlier than this.

[Roberto Mercer]

Oh, so sorry. I'll try not to disappoint you after this.

[Alberto Pelizo]

You are ready, I presume, to take us out of Italy?

[Roberto Mercer]

I'd much prefer to turn you over to my friends.

[Alberto Pelizo]

Of course. But unfortunately, your preference is not what matters.

[Roberto Mercer]

Unfortunately?

[Alberto Pelizo]

When do we leave, Senor?

[Roberto Mercer]

You leave Sturza tonight. Italy tomorrow night.

[Rosa]

Signor, we are grateful. We knew you would not fail.

[Roberto Mercer]

I'm not doing this for you.

[Alberto Pelizo]

Naturally, we understand that. Don't we, Maria?

[Rosa]

Yes, Father. Still, we will reward Signor Mercer. No. You end your way, and I in mine.

[Roberto Mercer]

Let's cut the talk, shall we? You've got to get out of here.

[Rosa]

Get out now, you mean. But you said tonight.

[Roberto Mercer]

You can't stay in this cellar till then. You'll have to find a new place to hide.

[Alberto Pelizo]

Why, senor?

[Roberto Mercer]

Because the partisans are looking for you. They're covering Sturza house by house.

[Rosa]

They do not know where we are.

[Roberto Mercer]

They think you might be. They're not taking any chances on letting you escape. They want to string you up where you belong.

[Rosa]

Where can we go, senor? How can we hide?

[Roberto Mercer]

I don't know yet. I thought maybe they open up in there. It is there, right?

[Alberto Pelizo]

We are trapped in here.

[Roberto Mercer]

Unless there's another Way out.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

There is no other way, signor.

[Rosa]

Please, senor. Please, you must shut.

[Roberto Mercer]

Shut up. Dominic. Watch that iron trap door on the wall.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

The coal chute, senor.

[Roberto Mercer]

Open it. Looks just big enough. Where does it lead?

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

To the rear of the house.

[Roberto Mercer]

All right.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

All right.

[Roberto Mercer]

Let's get going. You first, Maria.

[Rosa]

You want me to climb that filthy, cold chute? What about my clothes?

[Roberto Mercer]

What about your neck? She scrambled up the chute and Policeo followed her. I went last. I didn't see what happened to Dominic, the landlord, and I didn't much care where. Now, sir, you've got to lie low someplace where they won't find you before tonight.

[Rosa]

But there is no such place.

[Roberto Mercer]

The best bet's your villa.

[Alberto Pelizo]

The villa?

[Roberto Mercer]

They've already looked there. They won't go back.

[Rosa]

Those thieves and murderers have sacked our beautiful villa.

[Roberto Mercer]

They're neither thieves nor murderers. They're loyal patriots.

[Alberto Pelizo]

We have our name for them, senor. You have yours.

[Roberto Mercer]

And while we're together, we'll use mine. Now beat it. I arranged to meet them at the villa at dusk. I watched them trudge off, smeared with coal from the chute looking like the peasants they despised. At least there wasn't much chance they'd be recognized. But I wasn't exactly recognizable either. So I washed off in a little stream at the edge of town. Then I went back to my room.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

Where have you been, Roberto?

[Roberto Mercer]

It was Guido. He was sitting at the table in the center of the room. And lying in front of him was his revolver.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

Where have you been, Roberto? Out. Out where? Just out, oh, just out, huh? All right, Rico, bring him in. Inside. You. Come on. Here. Is a friend yours, Roberto?

[Roberto Mercer]

He appeared in the doorway, prodded by Rico's carbine. He was no friend, only an acquaintance. A very recent acquaintance. He was the landlord, Dominic.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

You were hiding a man in the cellar of your house, Dominic. See? Who was he? Who was he? Alberto Pelizo. Alberto Bellizzo. And he had a call this morning? Si. Who was the caller? That man. Senor Melzel. All right, take out the old man. Rico. Roberto.

[Roberto Mercer]

Well?

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

I want Bellizzo.

[Roberto Mercer]

You can't have him.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

Where is he?

[Roberto Mercer]

I won't tell you.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

You are protecting a fascist.

[Alberto Pelizo]

Then.

[Roberto Mercer]

I'm doing more than protecting him. I'm taking him out of Italy to America.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

To America? Why? Why? So he can have a fair trial?

[Roberto Mercer]

No, so he can turn over information.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

Information?

[Roberto Mercer]

Yes.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

You've seen this information?

[Roberto Mercer]

It's not on paper. It's in his head.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

And you believe him?

[Roberto Mercer]

Yes.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

And you believe he's Going to give it up once he's got to America.

[Roberto Mercer]

It's worth the chance.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

How much?

[Roberto Mercer]

What?

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

How much is it worth, Roberto, to you? The whole $50,000.

[Roberto Mercer]

$50,000.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

That's how much he's got sewn in the lining of his overcoat. His landlord told me.

[Roberto Mercer]

I didn't know it.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

The lying Roberto Pilizzo is paying you well. And I shall have to deal with you as I would with any other traitor. I give you one more chance, Roberto. Where is that Fascist?

[Roberto Mercer]

His hand moved for his revolver on the table, but my hand moved, too. My fingers caught the edge of the table and it flipped it. He went crawling back in his chair. The gun clattered to the floor and I kicked it out of his.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

Dirty, filthy.

[Roberto Mercer]

My fist caught him on the point of the chin. His head snapped back and he slumped to the floor. Out. I didn't like to do that, Guido. Sorry.

[Rosa]

You should be sorry, Roberto. Rosa, maybe you will tell me where the Fascist is, Roberto.

[Roberto Mercer]

I'm not telling anyone, Rosa.

[Rosa]

Then I will do what my brother did not have the chance to do.

[Roberto Mercer]

I don't think you will.

[Rosa]

Don't come near me. Roberto. If you try to get this gun, I swear I'll kill you.

[Roberto Mercer]

But you won't, you know. Because you don't believe I'm a traitor.

[Rosa]

You are.

[Roberto Mercer]

And even if I were, you wouldn't shoot me because you lied me.

[Rosa]

No. Not anymore. I hate you.

[Roberto Mercer]

Then why don't you pull the trigger? Give me the gun, Rosa.

[Rosa]

Take it. Take it and go.

[Roberto Mercer]

I went down to the street. The car that Guido had commandeered for his use in Stura was parked in front of the tavern. I went over to the driver. Antonio, we don't want you.

[Alberto Pelizo]

He is upstairs. Senor Merson?

[Roberto Mercer]

Yes. In my room. Hurry.

[Alberto Pelizo]

Mr. Ben. Signor.

[Roberto Mercer]

I was at Palizzo's villa. 20 minutes later. Maria met me at the door. The way she was dressed, you'd have thought she was sailing for America on the Queen Mary.

[Rosa]

Signor Mercer, how nice that you have come early.

[Roberto Mercer]

Where's your father?

[Rosa]

In the library. This way. We were not expecting you until tonight.

[Roberto Mercer]

My plans have changed. Pelizo.

[Alberto Pelizo]

Ah, Senor Mercer. You have arrived just in time.

[Roberto Mercer]

In time for what?

[Alberto Pelizo]

Maria and I have opened one last bottle of wine for Marcel. We shall be happy to have you share it with us.

[Roberto Mercer]

No, thanks.

[Alberto Pelizo]

Maria, another glass.

[Roberto Mercer]

I said no, thanks.

[Alberto Pelizo]

Come now, my dear fellow.

[Rosa]

Dear Father.

[Alberto Pelizo]

We will drink to you, senor, our benefactor. And then we will drink to the new World where we are going a World where these differences between us can be forgotten. A world where we can be friends.

[Roberto Mercer]

There's no such world, Polito.

[Alberto Pelizo]

Oh, but of course there is. Your glass, senior.

[Roberto Mercer]

I don't drink with fascists.

[Alberto Pelizo]

You have consorted with rabble too long, Mercer. Your manners reflected.

[Roberto Mercer]

My manners are likely to get worse if I consort with your kind much longer. So let's get going.

[Alberto Pelizo]

You said we would leave tonight.

[Rosa]

There's been a change of plans, Father.

[Roberto Mercer]

That's right. We're starting for the coast right away. Get your things.

[Alberto Pelizo]

Very well.

[Roberto Mercer]

And Belizeo. Yes? We'll be driving through Fascist held territory most of the way. You might be tempted to make a break for it. If you do, I promise I'll bring you back and personally hang you from that scaffold. We left, then I drove the car police ostatin back. But not Maria. She was beside me. Very close beside me. Her perfume was heavy and sweet.

[Rosa]

Your thoughts are so far away, senor.

[Roberto Mercer]

Very far.

[Rosa]

You do not like me, do you?

[Roberto Mercer]

No.

[Rosa]

You do not think I am beautiful?

[Roberto Mercer]

Not nearly as beautiful as my thoughts.

[Rosa]

They are of another woman?

[Roberto Mercer]

No.

[Rosa]

What then?

[Roberto Mercer]

A place called Vermont. It was night when we reached the main highway to Savona. Guido's partisans were far behind us by then, and I thought it would be clear sailing. I was wrong.

[Alberto Pelizo]

What is the matter? Why do you slow down?

[Roberto Mercer]

Look up ahead.

[Rosa]

Roadblock.

[Alberto Pelizo]

Roadblock. Partisans?

[Roberto Mercer]

No, not partisans. This time. It's your friends, remember? Pelizo, I'm waiting for you to say just one wrong word.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

Let me see your papers. You're in the back seat first.

[Roberto Mercer]

Here they are.

[Alberto Pelizo]

You will find them quite in order.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

I will be the judge of that. Alberto Pelizo?

[Alberto Pelizo]

Yes.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

So you are Alberto Pelizo, are you?

[Alberto Pelizo]

Yes, I am.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

All right, come with me. All three of you.

[Rosa]

But why? What is the matter?

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

This man is lying. Alberto Pelizo is dead.

[Roberto Mercer]

They led us to a small house down the road. The one with the rifle stayed with us, while the other one disappeared into a back room. I was still watching Polizo. I was still waiting for him to say that word.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

Here is the man, Major. The man who calls himself Alberto Bellizzo. Let me see him, Corporal. So why should he not call himself Alberto Belizo?

[Alberto Pelizo]

You recognize me then, Major?

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

But of course, senor. And I am delighted to see you. Our information was that you had been captured by partisans. I deeply apologize for the inconvenience we may have caused you.

[Alberto Pelizo]

No, no. No apologies are necessary. And now may my daughter and I.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

Proceed to Savona Certainly, senor. And this man who is with you?

[Alberto Pelizo]

Oh, this man.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

See? You wish him to accompany you, senor?

[Alberto Pelizo]

Well, yes, of course. This man is my chauffeur.

[Roberto Mercer]

I didn't get it. I didn't understand why he'd done it. Not until we'd started toward the car. The major who escorted us walked ahead with Maria. I dropped back to have a little private talk with Paluzzo. You could have turned me over to them, but you didn't. It wasn't out of the kindness of your heart, I'm sure.

[Alberto Pelizo]

Why Helms? Mercer, you have been kind to us. We are kind to you.

[Roberto Mercer]

No Fascist was ever kind for a reason like that.

[Alberto Pelizo]

Can you think of another reason?

[Roberto Mercer]

Maybe you have no way of leaving Italy without me. You know the war is lost if you're still here when the Allies march into Rome. You won't have any way to save your precious skin. You want to get out while you can.

[Alberto Pelizo]

You're no fool, Senor Mercer. You can understand my reasoning, can't you?

[Roberto Mercer]

Sure, I can understand it. It's an old story. Rats always desert a sinking ship.

[Alberto Pelizo]

Were you insolent?

[Roberto Mercer]

Watch it. The major.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

I was just telling your charming daughter, Senor Pelizo, that there is really no need for you to go to Savona. After tomorrow night, you could return to your village. Sturza.

[Alberto Pelizo]

The partisans have taken Sturza, Major.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

Not for long, senor. A full division of our infantry is on its way from Genoa to carry out a surprise attack on them. We are going to deal with this bandit Guido Gardone once and for all. Within 48 hours, it will be Guido Gordon himself who will be hanging from that scaffold in the village square.

[Roberto Mercer]

That gave me something to think about the rest of the way. I kept on thinking about it all the next day. And I thought of Vermont, too. Yes, I thought a lot about Vermont and how those trees would look in the fall to anybody who was lucky enough to see them. The roar of the surf against a lonely stretch of beach below Savona drowned the noise of the PT boat's motors. We didn't hear it, but we saw it lying offshore. The dinghy it put over its sides scraped against the hard sand of the beach.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

Lieutenant Mercer?

[Roberto Mercer]

Yes. Boatswain's Mate Curtis.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

Sir. Do these people go aboard to.

[Roberto Mercer]

Oh, yes, yes. Here's a letter. Give it to your skipper. It explains who they are.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

Yes, sir, but.

[Alberto Pelizo]

But.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

Aren't you coming, sir?

[Rosa]

No, Senor Mercer. You're not going with us. I don't understand.

[Alberto Pelizo]

I think I Do, Maria. The noble Senor Mercer is going back to warn his friends in Sturz of the surprise attack.

[Roberto Mercer]

That's right, Polito.

[Rosa]

Oh, no, senor. Why should you bother with other adults?

[Roberto Mercer]

They happen to be my allies.

[Rosa]

But you said they would kill you if they saw you again.

[Roberto Mercer]

They will. I'm hoping they'll listen to my warning anyway.

[Rosa]

But that is foolish to risk your life for them. It does not make sense.

[Roberto Mercer]

It wouldn't to you, Maria.

[Alberto Pelizo]

Not yet.

[Roberto Mercer]

Maybe after you've been in America for a while. It will take him away. Curtis.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

Yes, sir.

[Roberto Mercer]

So I didn't go to Vermont. I went back to Stur instead. It was noon the next day when I walked into the tavern. Guido was there and. Rosa.

[Rosa]

Roberto. You've come back.

[Roberto Mercer]

Yes, I've come back.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

Well, well. The traitor returns. Maybe you didn't believe me when I said I'd kill you.

[Roberto Mercer]

I believe Ji. Guido.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

Rico, take his gun.

[Roberto Mercer]

That won't be necessary, Rico. Here's my gun.

[Rosa]

Roberto.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

Sir. You're ready to die, traitor, as soon.

[Roberto Mercer]

As I've given you my report. There's a full division of Fascist infantry moving up from Genoa. They're planning to spring a trap tonight. You'd better get out of Sturtzer.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

I don't believe you. The Fascists are too busy at Salerno to send a division here.

[Roberto Mercer]

All right. I've done my best.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

Guido.

[Roberto Mercer]

If you don't believe me, I believe him too.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

What are you doing?

[Alberto Pelizo]

Rosa?

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

Get away from him.

[Alberto Pelizo]

Get out of the way.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

I tell you, I'm going to kill him.

[Rosa]

Then you'll have to kill me too.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

Rosa. Very well. We will see if you're right about him. Rosa, Rico, we're moving out of Sturza immediately. Past the order along.

[Rosa]

But what about Roberto? What will you do with him?

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

We'll take Roberto with us. If the Fascisti do not attack tonight, there will be no more room on the scaffold tomorrow.

[Roberto Mercer]

The Fascists did attack that night. But there wasn't a Partisan Left in Sturza. We had evaporated into the hills. Yes, I said we. I went on working with Guido Gordoni, helping to direct the campaign against the Blackshirts. We were never friends, Guido and I. But we did have a common enemy. A year later, I got back to Vermont. That was a long time to wait. But not as long as I might have waited if Alberto Polizo had not given information concerning secret weapons to the oss.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

And once again, the report of an OSS agent closes with the words mission accomplished.

[Alberto Pelizo]

Listen again next week for another True.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

Adventure from the files of the OSS.

[Alberto Pelizo]

On.

[Narrator/OSS Agent]

Cloak and Dagger.

[Roberto Mercer]

Heard in today's Cloak and Dagger adventure as Robert Mesa was Grant Richards Guido Arnold Moss Alberto Pelizo Louis Van Rutten. Script was written by Ken Field and music was under the direction of John Garth. Sound effects by Max Russell and Al Finelli engineering Don Abbott. Today's OSS adventure was based on the book Cloak and Dagger by Corey ford and Alistair McBain. This program is produced by Lewis G. Cowan and Alfred Hollander under the direction sue her vision of Sherman Marks. Three chimes mean good times on NBC Sunday.

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[Narrator/OSS Agent]

Limu is that guy with the binoculars watching us.

[Liberty Mutual Announcer]

Cut the camera. They see us. Only pay for what you need@liberty mutual.com savings very underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company affiliates excludes Massachusetts.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. This is another great episode and really introduces a unique conflict where you have an OSS agent having to rescue a fascist from the partisans. And Grant Richards does a great job portraying the conflict that remains throughout the episode. And it raises some fascinating questions because he had sympathy with the desire of the partisans and I think most listeners would. The idea that collaborators went unpunished or even seemed to get rewarded with favorable treatment I think tends to really stick in people's claws. And I know many have criticized these sort of deals by the Allies. However, the episode raises the key argument that it may have made the difference, if not between defeat and victory, but between a sooner or a longer end of the war. Now, quickening the end of the war wasn't a matter of time, only it was a matter of lives saved. 291,000Americans died in battle, with another 113,000 dying to other causes during the war, such as disease. Cutting months off the length of the war would mean tens of thousands of Americans coming home alive as opposed to dying or being maimed. Now, there are many moral critiques of certain actions by the Allies during the war that I think are legitimate to discuss. Whether you end up saying that the wrong thing happened or not, it's legitimate to discuss them. But I think that some of the arguments that are made can be undermined if you ignore the reality of the alternative. If you don't deal with the alternative, your argument is basically an ivory tower statement that you can only make from a safe distance, decades away from the actual hard choices that had to be made. Now that doesn't mean you can't critique these sort of actions. But any critique has to take these concerns to mind. And I think there are two obvious things you can say. Either one, the particular actions didn't actually quicken the end of the war and it wasn't reasonable to think it would, or two, even if some action actually ended up saving tens of thousands of American lives, we should have taken the casualties rather than do something that wrong. You can make serious arguments that way, but if you ignore the alternatives, it just comes across failing to engage with what the real world situation was. The decision for the escaping fascist leader not to go back even when he had an opportunity really speaks to the opportunistic nature of many of these sorts of hangers on to dictators. Whatever the core ideology of a particular dictator or leader, there are people in the inner circle who are far more interested in using the situation to get wealth and power. And that's what they see. The ultimate end of this, not whatever ideological changes are dreamed up by the true believers. If it starts to look like things are not going to go that way, these sort of people can switch sides easily. This gets picked up in a lot of post war entertainment, I think particularly of some of the Superman serials dealing with demagogues promoting bigotry and intolerance. And in these stories you would have the leaders of these organizations who would put out some sort of hatred against whatever group they decided to target, but didn't actually believe it, but rather saw it as an opportunity to advance themselves, to gain followers by agitating against the minority. And when that ceases to work for them and they are talented, their loyalty and their stances might change, even while the less powerful people who believe them might remain committed to the cause and ultimately face consequences for it. I also love that our OSS man went back even at the risk of his life. It showed that his heart was with the partisans as well as that sense of honor, despite his disagreements, despite where he thought in this case his duty, not just to them, but to the United States and the Allied Command where he thought that duty lies. At the end of the day he's looking out for them and comes back and stands by their side again at the risk of his own life. So really just a fascinating overall character study and story. I think that for most people who listen to Old Time Radio, it would be safe to say that Cloak and Dagger is probably the best drama that you never heard of, and it's been great to feature it on the podcast. All right, well listen. Listener comments and feedback now. And we go to Spotify on Operation Sellout. Mechanic66 writes, Pretty much suspected Marie from the start due to the title, and if it had been Mueller, the operation wouldn't have made it to the successful category. Well, I wouldn't underrate the ability of the OSS to somehow work it out. Even if Mueller had been a spy, I tended not to suspect him. I actually leaned a bit towards the brother at first, but then he kind of just disappeared from the story. And I think that the romance and other things, you know, kind of suggested to the outside observer. Yeah, I think there's something suspicious about Marie, though it wasn't in a way that people who were actually there might have noticed, particularly when they were so focused on Mueller. It kind of gave them tunnel vision, so you didn't really perceive the whole situation and where all of your risk might lie. Had they not been so suspicious of him, they might have caught on to what she was doing sooner. All right, well, thanks so much. Appreciate the comment. Now it's time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day. And I want to thank Laurie, patreon Supporter since April 2020, currently supporting the podcast at the Secret agent level of $4 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, Lori. And that will do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software and be sure to rate and review the podcast wherever you download it from. The Great Detectives will be back tomorrow with the Sunday Encore and then on Monday the normal lineup resumes with Danger with Granger on the Great Adventurers podcast. We will be back on Tuesday with Adventure Ahead and then next Saturday another episode of Cloak and Dagger. In the meantime, send your comments to Box13GreatDefectives.net follow us on Twitter at Radio Detectives and check us out on Instagram instagram.com Great detectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham signing off.

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[Narrator/OSS Agent]

Limu is that guy with the binoculars watching us.

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