Cloak and Dagger: Frank Baker's Story (A0002)

Summary

Episode Summary: Cloak and Dagger: Frank Baker's Story (A0002)

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio | Daily Mystery Dramas
• Host: Adam Graham
• Episode Title: Cloak and Dagger: Frank Baker's Story (A0002)
• Release Date: July 19, 2025

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Introduction

In this captivating episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio, host Adam Graham delves into the thrilling espionage narrative of Frank Baker, a story set against the backdrop of World War II. Titled "Cloak and Dagger: Frank Baker's Story," this episode transports listeners into the clandestine operations of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), America's premier intelligence agency during the war. Through immersive storytelling and stellar radio performances, the episode explores themes of loyalty, deception, and the high-stakes world of espionage.

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Plot Summary

The episode begins with Frank Baker (played by Joseph Julian Ross), an OSS officer, preparing for a dangerous mission behind enemy lines in Austria. Under the guise of Friedrich Schmidt, a German soldier, Frank and his colleague Carl parachute into hostile territory to gather critical intelligence on German troop movements around Innsbruck.

As Frank acclimates to his undercover role, the tension escalates when an unexpected encounter with a Gestapo officer named Yahir (played by Raymond Edward Johnson) threatens to expose his true identity. The narrative intricately weaves moments of suspense, such as Frank's internal struggle after a confrontation that nearly compromises his mission, and the intricate dance of maintaining his cover amidst the looming threat of discovery.

A pivotal moment occurs when a seemingly minor mistake—a button left behind—serves as the critical flaw that alerts the Gestapo to Frank's true identity. This oversight leads to a dramatic chase through the Austrian mountains, where Frank and his ally Liesel (played by Dolly Haas) work tirelessly to evade capture and continue their mission.

The climax intensifies as Frank intercepts a coded radio message indicating that American forces are advancing, but the betrayal by the Gestapo officer threatens to undermine the entire operation. In a heart-pounding finale, Frank's cover is blown, leading to his arrest and a promise of harsher interrogation, setting the stage for future episodes.

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Key Characters

• Frank Baker / Friedrich Schmidt (Joseph Julian Ross): The protagonist and OSS officer posing as a German soldier tasked with gathering intelligence.

• Carl (Barry Kroger): Frank's trusted colleague who assists in the mission despite the inherent dangers.

• Liesel (Dolly Haas): A key ally who aids Frank in his undercover operations and provides emotional support.

• Colonel Corey Ford (Bernard Pollock): The commanding OSS officer overseeing Frank's mission, emphasizing the high stakes involved.

• Gestapo Officer Yahir (Raymond Edward Johnson): The antagonist whose suspicion and subsequent actions play a crucial role in escalating the plot's tension.

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Notable Quotes

• Frank Baker (00:05): “My name is Friedrich Schmidt. I'm a German soldier. I have a medical discharge from the army.”
  Frank's introduction of his cover identity sets the stage for the espionage narrative.

• Colonel Corey Ford (02:32): “Are you willing to undertake a dangerous mission for the United States knowing in advance you may never return alive?”
  Illustrates the gravity and risks associated with OSS operations.

• Frank Baker (09:12): “You know what one thing I like about European trains? These little compartments. I'd just as soon be closed off in here until we get where we're going.”
  Highlights Frank's desire for solitude and focus amidst the chaos.

• Frank Baker (16:03): “What's happened to the world when you start taking the crazy things for granted. And the ordinary things seem out of tune with the rest of living.”
  Reflects Frank's existential contemplation under extreme stress.

• Frank Baker (26:13): “So many things to remember. An American cigarette could give me away. An English match. Laundry marks. Some clothing. Cut them out.”
  Emphasizes the meticulous attention to detail required in undercover missions.

• Adam Graham (27:38): “...it is an anthology series, so we will hear different actors and different characters each week.”
  Host's insight into the series' structure and diversity in storytelling.

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Host's Insights and Commentary

After the dramatized segment, Adam Graham provides insightful commentary, highlighting several key aspects of the episode:

• Character Development: Graham praises Joseph Julian Ross for his robust portrayal of Frank Baker, noting Ross's extensive background in New York's radio community and his impactful performances in previous series like Call the Police.

• Plot Twists: The host underscores the episode's unexpected developments, such as Carl's survival and the inadvertent exposure to the Gestapo, which add layers of complexity and suspense to the narrative.

• Attention to Detail: Adam commends the meticulous scripting, particularly the pivotal moment involving the missing button—a seemingly minor detail that significantly alters the mission's outcome.

• Series Structure: Graham explains that Cloak and Dagger is an anthology series within the podcast, featuring diverse stories that sometimes fall outside the traditional detective genre. This approach allows for a rich variety of tales, including espionage and adventure, keeping the content fresh and engaging for listeners.

• Future Episodes: He teases upcoming stories, including Counterspy and Voyage of the Scarlet Queen, indicating a blend of genres and narratives that cater to a broad range of mystery and adventure enthusiasts.

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Conclusion

"Cloak and Dagger: Frank Baker's Story" serves as a gripping introduction to an anthology series that promises a blend of high-stakes espionage and intricate storytelling. Through expert voice acting, particularly by Joseph Julian Ross and Dolly Haas, and a well-crafted narrative that balances action with emotional depth, the episode successfully immerses listeners in the perilous world of OSS operations during World War II.

Adam Graham's thoughtful commentary further enriches the listening experience, providing context and highlighting the episode's strengths while setting the stage for future installments. This episode not only honors the legacy of old-time radio dramas but also revitalizes them for contemporary audiences seeking nostalgic yet thrilling mysteries.

Listeners new to the series will find this episode both accessible and compelling, making it a must-listen for fans of classic detective stories and wartime espionage alike.

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Transcript

[Frank Baker]

Foreign.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome to the Great Adventurers of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host Adam Graham. In a moment we are going to be bringing you Cloak and Dagger. But first I do want to encourage you if you are enjoying this podcast to please follow us using your favorite podcast software and to listen to all of our Great Adventurer series. Please subscribe to the Great Adventurers of Old time [e-mail] now this episode is going out on the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio podcast feed and we'll kind of discuss the future linking of the series and delinking. But first let's go ahead and talk about the series. We'll be bringing you Cloak and Dagger. Now Cloak and Dagger is a series based on a book about the oss, the Office of Strategic Services. These stories are based on true life incidents that happened during the war and it is really a great contrast of the spectrum of programs that we can feature on this podcast that our first episode is is the far out adventures of Flash Gordon on Planet Mongo. And then our second series is a grounded story of real life adventure. The original Air date is May 7, 1950. Here now is Frank Baker's story.

[Narrator]

You're about to HEAR A new NBC presentation, Cloak and Dagger program number one in 90 minutes of continuous mystery and suspense on NBC following Cloak and Dagger. Stay tuned for high adventure. Then listen to The Big Guy, NBC's new unique mystery series. But first, Cloak and Dagger.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

Are you willing to undertake a dangerous mission for the United States knowing in advance you may never return alive?

[OSS Officer]

What you have just heard is a question asked during the war of agents of the oss, ordinary citizens, who to this question answered yes. We have the honor at this time to present a former OSS officer, co author of the book Cloak and Dagger upon which this series is based, Colonel Corey Ford.

[Alastair MacBain]

Thank you, oss. The Office of Strategic Services was America's top secret intelligence agency during the war. It was this country's first all out effort in black warfare. Dropping undercover operators behind enemy lines, organizing local partisans to blow bridges and dynamite tunnels, outwitting the best spy systems of Europe and Asia. The success of OSS is known. But the story behind that success, the story of the everyday average Americans of every race and creed and color who risk their lives knowing all too well that if they were caught they would face torture and probably death, is what Alastair MacBain and I have tried to tell in Cloak and Dagger. We feel it is a story in which every American can take deep pride.

[Narrator]

The National Broadcasting Company Takes you behind the scenes of a war that nobody knew.

[OSS Officer]

This is cloak and dagger.

[Frank Baker]

My name is Friedrich Schmidt. I'm a German soldier. I have a medical discharge from the army. I was in the 268th Infantry Division. My family was killed in an air raid near Berlin. My name is Friedrich Schmidt. I'm a German soldier. Repeated over and over again so I won't forget. My name is Friedrich Schmidt. Where did I go wrong? Where did I go wrong? Think back and remember from the beginning. Everything the colonel told me to remember.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

Remember, Frank. From now on, you'll be Friedrich Schmidt, German soldier. You have your military pass, forged signatures of adjutants, hospital certificates, ration coupons. Permit to travel. You know what to do.

[Frank Baker]

Yes, Colonel. Carl and I parachute behind the enemy lines in Austria. We radio back information on the strength and location of German troops around Innsbruck.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

You realize there'll be no help from headquarters. No contact waiting for you below.

[Frank Baker]

Well, sir, Carl knows the country. And his sister is still living there.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

I needn't tell you the risk you're taking. Of course, you'll land in American uniform. So in case you're picked up immediately. You'll be treated as prisoners of war. However, later, if you're caught out of uniform in enemy country.

[Frank Baker]

I think I know what to expect, sir.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

All right, then. Just one more thing. The information we're after is vital. The 3rd army is closing in fast. And we must know what's ahead for them. I'll expect your first message in 10 days.

[Frank Baker]

You'll have it, sir. Oh, and by the way, Colonel.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

Yes?

[Frank Baker]

Don't forget to have that package mailed to Rhode island for me next month. It's my father's birthday.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

Cigarette, Frank?

[Frank Baker]

Thanks, Carl. Carl, I.

[Carl]

Yes, what is it?

[Frank Baker]

About Liesel. About your sister.

[Carl]

What about her?

[Frank Baker]

You haven't seen her for over five years.

[Liesel]

Over six years.

[Frank Baker]

Well, six years is a long time running in. That's us. Get ready to jump.

[Carl]

What did you want to ask about Liesel?

[Frank Baker]

Oh, nothing. Forget it.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

Ready, Number one.

[Liesel]

Ready.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

Jump.

[Liesel]

I'll see you downstairs.

[Frank Baker]

Ready.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

Number two?

[Liesel]

Ready.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

Good luck, Frank.

[Liesel]

Go.

[Frank Baker]

I heard the crack of the parachute as it snapped open. I looked down. I saw a patch of snow in the valley. Spreading wider and wider in the moonlight. Like a blot of milk spilled on a kitchen table. And I thought of Carl's sister. And the question I didn't have the courage to ask him.

[OSS Officer]

You all right, Frank?

[Frank Baker]

Yeah, I'm okay. Well, we made it. The first step.

[Liesel]

Yeah.

[Frank Baker]

You got everything? The radio all right?

[Carl]

Just checked it. Nothing Broke.

[Frank Baker]

Good.

[Liesel]

There goes the plane.

[Frank Baker]

Yeah. Heading? He's gone. Let's go while it's dark. Sun's starting to come up.

[Carl]

Keep that cape around you. There'll be people on this road soon.

[Frank Baker]

What do you think about that sun?

[Carl]

What about it?

[Frank Baker]

Astronomers must be nuts. That can't be the same sun I used to see back in Providence.

[Carl]

Maybe it isn't.

[Liesel]

Organized. What is that?

[Frank Baker]

You've been singing that for hours. What is that? A kid's lullaby?

[Carl]

I made it up.

[Liesel]

Oh?

[Carl]

Made it up for Liesl when she was a little girl. I used to sing it to sleep with it.

[Liesel]

Oh, Frank.

[Frank Baker]

Yeah?

[Carl]

On the plane before we jumped there was something you wanted to ask me about her.

[Liesel]

What was it?

[Frank Baker]

Listen. Here comes a card. Watch your cape. Don't let the wind blow.

[Liesel]

Yeah.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

Hi, Hitler. Good, Morgan.

[Carl]

Poland.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

Good, Morgan.

[Carl]

How many kilometers until the railroad station?

[Liesel]

About two.

[Frank Baker]

Good. Only two more. This ruck sack weighs a ton. Hope there's no standing room on that train.

[Carl]

I hope there aren't too many German officers.

[Liesel]

Come on.

[Frank Baker]

You know what one thing I like about European trains?

[Carl]

What?

[Frank Baker]

These little compartments. I'd just as soon be closed off in here until we get where we're going.

[Carl]

We've got to get rid of these American uniforms, Frank, as soon as possible.

[Frank Baker]

Well, we'll just have to find two obliging German soldiers who'll be willing to give up theirs.

[Carl]

That obliging? They are not.

[Frank Baker]

Well, so far they've been let us have a nice compartment all to ourselves.

[Carl]

Well, there's no guarantee they'll let us keep it that way. You know, I know one of these things.

[Liesel]

Here.

[Carl]

Get out your tribal permit and identification.

[Frank Baker]

Now. Right. Hope those papers are good forgeries.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

I bet.

[Liesel]

Hubby.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

Gentlemen, your identification. Travel permit, if.

[Gestapo Officer]

Please.

[OSS Officer]

Yeah.

[Carl]

Herald.

[Liesel]

Inspector? Yeah.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

No, yours, if you please, Herr Lieutenant.

[Frank Baker]

There you are.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

Here are your papers, Herr Lieutenant. These seem to be in order. Don't you shoot.

[Frank Baker]

How much longer till we get there?

[Carl]

About 30 minutes.

[Frank Baker]

Think he was suspicious?

[Carl]

Well, he didn't. Act it. Just the same, if anyone else comes, if you have to take off your cape, take it off in one motion. Your jacket with it. We might get away with a khaki shirt.

[Frank Baker]

Our luck's held out so far. Maybe nobody will come.

[Carl]

Let's hope so.

[Liesel]

See you south burg. Aloha.

[Carl]

Here comes company.

[Frank Baker]

Here comes trouble.

[OSS Officer]

May I share your compartment, gentlemen?

[Frank Baker]

Yeah, yeah, of course, Herr Hauptman.

[OSS Officer]

It's stuffy in here. Why don't you remove your capes?

[Carl]

Well, it was so cold in the Snow country. We're both of us just back from there.

[Frank Baker]

It will take us time to thaw out.

[OSS Officer]

Join me in some snaps, gentlemen?

[Liesel]

Thank you.

[Carl]

Thank you.

[Liesel]

And who dankashan.

[OSS Officer]

These trains either too stuffy or too drafty. They're all badly armed. Down since the war.

[Liesel]

You warmer now?

[Frank Baker]

Much.

[OSS Officer]

Finn, remove your capes.

[Liesel]

I perspire looking at you. Well, go on.

[OSS Officer]

Take some more.

[Carl]

The Hauptmann is right. It is hot.

[Liesel]

Better?

[OSS Officer]

Ah, much better. Are you going to Salzburg?

[Liesel]

No.

[Frank Baker]

Insign.

[Liesel]

You must forgive me. Perhaps it's the heat.

[OSS Officer]

Perhaps too much of this bottle. I'm going to stretch out in the empty compartment next door. I'd appreciate it if you gentlemen would wake me when we get off at your station.

[Carl]

Well, I will be happy to.

[OSS Officer]

Well, then I'll see you again.

[Carl]

You'll see me again and soon.

[Liesel]

Frank.

[Carl]

Wait here with the radio.

[Frank Baker]

What are you going to do?

[Carl]

Our friend was warm. I'll help him out. By relieving him of his uniform.

[Frank Baker]

No, Carl, no. They'll find his body before we get to instinct.

[Carl]

May they find it on the road bed two days from now.

[Frank Baker]

No, Carl, you can't take that risk.

[Carl]

One of us in German uniform would help. Wait here.

[OSS Officer]

Kindly raise your hands. I was not so drunk as either of you thought. It's too bad about your friend. An unfortunate accident.

[Liesel]

He fell from the train.

[OSS Officer]

A pity.

[Frank Baker]

It was as if I were standing three feet behind myself. Twice watching myself knock the Luger out of his hand. Watch my fingers go around his throat. He gave a few convulsive jerks. And then he was still. In his hand he held a button he had ripped from my shirt. For some reason. I reached down and I took it from him. The next few minutes I worked fast. The train was slowing down. I stuffed my uniform into the rucksack where the radio was and borrowed his. It wasn't a perfect fit. German uniforms never are. And this German wouldn't be needing his anymore. I opened the door of the compartment for the second time that day. Jumped through German soil. Think slowly now. Somewhere from that moment on. I made the mistake.

[Liesel]

Where did I go wrong?

[Frank Baker]

Where did I make that mistake?

[Gestapo Officer]

You've made a mistake, Herrleutnant. My brother is not in Austria.

[Frank Baker]

Please listen to me. Carl was with me. We were both coming here together before the accident on the train.

[Gestapo Officer]

You're mistaken. My brother's not in Austrian.

[Frank Baker]

Liesel, I'm taking a chance coming here at all. I only have Carl's word that you'll help me.

[Gestapo Officer]

My brother is not in Austria.

[Liesel]

Look, I'm tired.

[Frank Baker]

I'm hungry.

[Liesel]

Liesel. Poor Carl.

[Gestapo Officer]

There's not much to eat. Some bread and some soup. Sit down. I'll bring it to you.

[Frank Baker]

I watched Carl's sister as she went.

[Liesel]

Over to the stove.

[Frank Baker]

She was small and dark. And her hair was cut short and brushed back. It was fine, like soft baby hair. I felt so tired, I wanted to brush my face against it.

[Gestapo Officer]

Here's your soup.

[Frank Baker]

Danke schoen.

[Gestapo Officer]

There's more in the pot if you want it.

[Liesel]

I'll be back.

[Frank Baker]

Where are you going?

[Gestapo Officer]

There's someone you might like to meet. A contact. I'll get him. Stay here and eat. I'll be right back. I see you finished the soup.

[Frank Baker]

Yeah. I hope it isn't all you have.

[Gestapo Officer]

Oh, no, no, no. It's all right.

[Liesel]

Where's your friend?

[Gestapo Officer]

Friend? Oh, you mean he's coming? He's coming soon.

[Frank Baker]

Good. Carl said you'd be in touch with the Austrian partisans. I need help, Liesel. I need all the help I can get.

[Gestapo Officer]

My friend should be here any minute. I think I'll wash the dishes now. Since everything around us isn't such disorder, I. I like to keep some order about myself.

[Frank Baker]

Here, I'll wipe.

[Liesel]

Do you mind?

[Gestapo Officer]

If you like.

[Frank Baker]

Why does this seem so funny?

[Gestapo Officer]

What?

[Frank Baker]

What's happened to the world when you start taking the crazy things for granted. And the ordinary things seem out of tune with the rest of living. Like watching a woman doing the dishes, helping her.

[Gestapo Officer]

You don't seem tired anymore.

[Frank Baker]

No. I feel fine now. Fine.

[Gestapo Officer]

How did you know that song?

[Liesel]

Carl.

[Frank Baker]

Carl was singing it.

[Gestapo Officer]

Oh, my lord.

[Frank Baker]

Liesl, what is it? You're pale as a ghost.

[Gestapo Officer]

I didn't know. Oh, Lord. I didn't know.

[Frank Baker]

You didn't know what? What are you talking about?

[Gestapo Officer]

The Gestapo is coming. I told him you were here.

[Frank Baker]

What did you?

[Gestapo Officer]

The commandant governor. He suspected me for a long time, but he's had no proof. I thought he. He had sent you to. To trick me. I was afraid.

[Frank Baker]

Are you telling me the truth?

[Gestapo Officer]

Yes.

[Frank Baker]

Are you telling me the truth now? I swear I'll shake it out of you.

[Gestapo Officer]

You've got to trust me. You have no one else to turn to now. You've got to trust me. Oh, you've got to trust me.

[Liesel]

I should kill you. I ought to kill you.

[Gestapo Officer]

Now, listen to me. You can get out of the back door now if you want. Oh, but don't know. You won't get far there. Oh, you better go down there to the cellar and trust me.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

Open up.

[Frank Baker]

And down I have no choice.

[Gestapo Officer]

Quick, quick, quick. That door. It leads to the cellar. Go quickly.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

Open up.

[Gestapo Officer]

In a minute.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

Well, where is he?

[Gestapo Officer]

Gone.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

Gone? What do you mean, gone?

[Gestapo Officer]

Well, I. I tried to keep him here. I couldn't without arousing his suspicions, so I. You asked me not to do that, remember?

[Colonel Corey Ford]

Now, go on.

[Gestapo Officer]

While he was only passing through. He said he had a friend in the mountains. In a hut in the mountains. He told me where it was.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

You'll take us then? Now? Of course, Sergeant.

[Gestapo Officer]

Just follow me.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

Round up the men. After you. Liesel. I needn't tell you. You're doing a great service for the fatherland.

[Gestapo Officer]

Take your hands off me. I've given enough proof of my loyal.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

Corporal.

[Liesel]

Yes?

[Colonel Corey Ford]

Any word from Frank or Carl yet?

[Frank Baker]

No, Colonel.

[Liesel]

Nothing?

[Colonel Corey Ford]

No, something hit a snag. It's been 12 days since they jumped. Let me know.

[Liesel]

Wait a minute. Here's something now. 2345. Brooklyn calling Brooke. All. Well, that's it.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

Brooklyn. That's the code name.

[Carl]

Hey, he's coming through. Clear.

[Frank Baker]

Time is now 23:45.

[Liesel]

Come in.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

Over.

[Frank Baker]

Dodger to Brooklyn.

[Liesel]

We hear you.

[Carl]

Over.

[Frank Baker]

Average 14 inches snowfall nightly.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

Take this down.

[Liesel]

Yes.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

Average 14 trains a night being assembled.

[Frank Baker]

Carrying sugar to Dixie.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

Carrying supplies to southern German.

[Frank Baker]

All snow jamming Grand Canyon.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

All trains routed by Borealberg Tunnel Juniors gaining.

[Liesel]

Wait. Over.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

Denmark. Gathering strength. Corporal, let me have that radio. Dodger to Brooklyn. Making this fast. Sending it in. Clear. Imperative. Learn within two weeks. Disposition. Of all airborne troops and units within your area. Good night.

[Liesel]

Good luck. Over.

[Frank Baker]

Wilco. Keep the home fires burning. Good night. Over and out. Well, that's the first one. Liesel. They got it. I haven't got much time. You heard him. Just two weeks.

[Gestapo Officer]

Oh, don't worry. We'll have the information.

[Frank Baker]

Ah, how nice it must be to be Liesel. So confident, so cool and sure.

[Gestapo Officer]

But I'm not. I'm afraid. I don't sleep at night. I'm afraid all the time. Oh, Freddy.

[Frank Baker]

From the night I first came there. And crawled into the corner of that damp cellar. While she led the Gestapo on a merry chase through the mountains. Liesel and I worked hard. My radio aerial was set up hidden, Lost in a mass of clotheslines. Together we rounded up Austrian partisans. Where did I go wrong?

[Colonel Corey Ford]

So you are Liesel's cousin, Freddy?

[Frank Baker]

Yahir, Commandant. I am Liesel's cousin.

[Gestapo Officer]

Would you. Would you like some wine, Commandant?

[Colonel Corey Ford]

I didn't know Liesel had a cousin from Belize. We knew she had a brother, Carl.

[Frank Baker]

Liesel and I never mentioned Carl. Herr Commandant. We're loyal Nazis.

[Liesel]

Ah, yes. Roast rost.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

I suppose she told you what happened to her A few days before you came.

[Gestapo Officer]

Some. Some more wine, Commandant?

[Colonel Corey Ford]

I haven't finished this class yet.

[Liesel]

Liesel.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

You seem nervous.

[Gestapo Officer]

It's such an honor having you visit us here.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

Liesen. You know, Herr Leutnant. Your little cousin has been much nicer to me lately. I tried to convince her for some time. That there are advantages to being friendly with the right people. I suppose she told you about the American spy. Who came here over a week ago.

[Frank Baker]

I find that hard to believe.

[Gestapo Officer]

I'm not sure what he was. He was in German uniform. And he may have been a deserter.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

Possibly. In any case, we had a long search for nothing that night. We found no trace of him. You say you have a medical discharge, Herr Leutner?

[Frank Baker]

Jei, Herr Kommandant. The rest of my family was bombed out in Berlin. I had no place to go, no one else to come to. So I came here.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

Strictly a matter of regulations. May I see your papers? Your papers, Her Lordmont.

[Frank Baker]

I have them here. Here you are.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

Yes. You know, Herr Leutnant, this is the first time I've seen one of these filled out correctly. Thank you for the wine, Liesel. With your permission, I'll come back again.

[Liesel]

Brooklyn to Dodger.

[Frank Baker]

Heavy shipment of pianos to Dixie. Brooklyn to Dodger. Bricklayers Union schedule. Heavy meeting in Dixie. Brooklyn to Dodger. Maybe slight delay. Home team will travel.

[Liesel]

Over and out. What's the matter, Colonel?

[Colonel Corey Ford]

They must be closing in on him. Home team will travel. That means he's got to move the radio.

[Gestapo Officer]

I'm going with you, Freddy.

[Frank Baker]

No. No. No, you're not. Liesel, you're going to stay here. If we both leave when I move the radio. Gubner's sure to be suspicious.

[Gestapo Officer]

But Fred here.

[Frank Baker]

You go to Fritz Heimer. Tell him to send a courier to the other town. Tell him I'll be there tomorrow night.

[Gestapo Officer]

All right. Anything you say. Here, let me sew on that button for you.

[Frank Baker]

No, no. It's all right.

[Liesel]

I'll do it.

[Frank Baker]

Take my mind off things.

[Gestapo Officer]

You're tired. You work too hard. If the Allied armies are as close as you think. Maybe it'll all be over soon. I'll be back.

[Liesel]

Liesel.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

Oh, forgive me for just walking in, Herr Leutnant.

[Frank Baker]

Good evening, Herr Commandant.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

The door was unlatched.

[Frank Baker]

It's all right, Herr Commandant.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

I was just passing. I wanted to say hello to your little cousin. And invite her to dinner at my house tomorrow night. You think perhaps she will come. This time.

[Frank Baker]

Perhaps, Herr Commandant. Women are never very easy to figure.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

You're right there. What are you doing? Don't let me interrupt you.

[Frank Baker]

Oh, just this button. It came off.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

So I see. Army training is so valuable. It teaches you so many things. Even sewing on the buckle.

[Liesel]

I'll tell Liesel you were here.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

That's very obliging of you. Only I believe you will not be in a position to tell her anything. What's that you have made? Just the little slip I have been waiting for you to make. You are under arrest, Friedrich Schmidt.

[Frank Baker]

So many things to remember. An American cigarette could give me away. An English match. Laundry marks. Some clothing. Cut them out. Patch him up.

[Carl]

Hurled.

[Frank Baker]

Yes, yes. Now I know where I made the mistake. The button. Americans saw them on in crisscross Europeans in parallel. I was nervous and I forgot the button. And Gubner saw me.

[Liesel]

Get up. Come with me.

[Carl]

You are wanted for more questioning.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

Your name, your objective. Who sent you? Where are the American armies?

[Frank Baker]

My name is Friedrich Schmidt.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

Your name?

[Liesel]

The commandant asked your name.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

Your objective.

[Liesel]

Your objective.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

Who sent you?

[Liesel]

Who sent you?

[Colonel Corey Ford]

Where are the American armies?

[Frank Baker]

My name is Friedrich Schmidt. I'm a German soldier.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

God. Throw him back in his cell. Sleep.

[Frank Baker]

Trying to sleep. Remember to lie when they come to take me out again for questioning. I wonder if Liesel got away.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

You're going on a journey, Schmidt. To another camp. Where they have even more persuasive ways of making you talk. I shall escort you there myself.

[Adam Graham]

My name is.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

Get up. I said get up. Driver, stop at the tavern on the right.

[Carl]

Yahya. Commandant.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

It's a pity, Schmidt. We shall share no more.

[Adam Graham]

Why?

[Colonel Corey Ford]

And little cakes with Liesel. I have something else in store for Liesel when I catch up with her. A cousin. It'll be only a few minutes. Driver, you're not to speak to the prisoner while I'm gone. Do you understand?

[Liesel]

Yah.

[Carl]

Commandant. Frank, listen. He won't catch up with Liesel because she's with friends. Carl, you think a little fall from a train could kill me? Herr Gubner wants to know where the American armies are. He'll find out soon enough. It was your messages, Frank, that brought them here. They are.

[Frank Baker]

Carl, I. I don't believe it.

[Carl]

Listen to me.

[Adam Graham]

How did you.

[Carl]

Listen to me. Our armies walked right into that Dixie front you told them about in your messages. Right now they're only 20 miles north. I've got 1500 partisans organized and ready to surrender the whole town and the mayor when they get there.

[Liesel]

It's impossible.

[Carl]

You'll See how.

[Frank Baker]

Listen.

[Carl]

At the next fork of the road, there are friends waiting to take us through to the army.

[Liesel]

The three of us. Three of us? Yes.

[Carl]

I imagine you have a few scores to settle on the way with Herr Kupner.

[Colonel Corey Ford]

It wasn't coincidence, but a forged transfer that made Carl driver of that car. It wasn't luck, but carefully planned inside information that told the OSS exactly where Frank Baker was. It led to his release that closed the drawer. Finally, on file number 2218 with the words mission accomplished. And Carl's story, Carl's Adventures, also based on actual incidents, is file number 2219.

[Liesel]

In next week's Cloak and Dagger.

[OSS Officer]

In today's true OSS adventure, the part of Frank was played by Joseph Julia Ross. Martin was Carl the commandant Barry Kroger. Raymond Edward Johnson played the colonel Bernard Pollock the corporal Dolly Haas played Liesel. This has been a Lewis G. Cowan production under the supervision and direction of Sherman Marks. Material heard on today's program was based on the book Cloak and Dagger by Corey ford and Alistair McBain. The script was written by Winifred Wolf, and the music was under the direction of John Gart. This is Carl Weber speaking.

[Narrator]

You have just heard the first of your new NBC Sunday afternoon mysteries. Stay tuned now for high adventure, thrilling stories of action and suspense. Then be sure to hear the Big Guy, an exciting and different kind of detective. Now keep tuned for number two in NBC's new Sunday afternoon mystery lineup.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. A great espionage story with a surprising twist with Carl turning up alive. Now, I'd love to know how he got there and what happened to him. But alas, that particular episode of Cloak and Dagger is lost. But I think this particular story stands alone. I'll have to read the book because I'm getting that. In fact, I probably should have bought that before we started the series as an episode. It's a great start to the series. You have some of the best radio talent in New York here, including Joseph Julian, who is just an absolute stalwart of the New York radioactive community. He did a lot of work in the science fiction series produced by NBC in New York. And we heard him on Great Detectives so many years ago in Call the Police. And of course, we heard Carl Weber, aka Inspector Thorne and the substitute Mr. Chameleon as our narrator. This is a tremendous series with some really big twists, such as him getting accidentally reported to the Gestapo and having to try to find a way around that. And then, of course, the detail that really got him was the button, which was a nice catch by the commandant, but an understandable mistake given the situation he was in. It's really hard to keep track of everything. So again, a really good start to this series. It is an anthology series, so we will hear different actors and different characters each week. Now I should say we have 19 more episodes of Cloak and Dagger to go through. What you can expect is that you're going to have series like this which would have been categorized as mystery, but don't really fit under the great detectives umbrella. They may have been the type of thing I said, no, no, I'm not going to play that. So after this, we will bring you counterspy and then you'll have the intrigue and mystery of the Voyage of the Scarlet Queen, which will be coming to you probably in a few years. And we will also be playing some anthology programs in between different series. And maybe if we've got a really long run, we might take a break of a couple weeks from a particular series. And the anthology programs will be things like radio adaptations of films that would fit into that same sort of category. And we're kind of doing it this way to promote the Great adventurers of Old Time Radio on Great Detectives in a consistent way. So we will be playing the adult adventure series on the Great Detectives feed, cross posting that for the foreseeable future with the with the other series being only posted on the Great Adventurers feed At some point, my hope is that the Great adventurers will grow large enough, have enough subscribers and downloads that we can kind of decouple the two podcasts. And then at that point the Great adventurers will go off into some other direction. Like one thing that we will do once that happens will be the Scarlet Pimpernel, which I don't think really fits but will be a lot of fun to do. And so I'm looking forward to starting this great adventure. And that will actually do it for today. Now for the great detectives of Old Time Radio, the regular lineup resumes on Monday with the Adventures of the Falcon. For those of you who want to find out what happens next with Flash Gordon, be sure to subscribe to the Great Adventurers of Old Time Radio podcast or wherever you get your podcast from. From Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.