The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio — Cloak and Dagger: "Over Ground Railroad"
Episode A0032 | November 1, 2025 | Host: Adam Graham

Episode Overview

This episode of "The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio" features a suspenseful installment from the golden-age radio drama Cloak and Dagger titled "Over Ground Railroad" (originally broadcast September 8, 1950). Host Adam Graham showcases the wartime exploits of the OSS (Office of Strategic Services) agent, Lieutenant Fontanne, as he teams with the French underground to help downed American airmen escape Nazi-occupied France by creating a covert "overground railroad" of safe houses and resistance contacts.

Key Story Points & Insights

1. The Challenge of Escape and the Need for Allies (01:58–05:00)

• Introduction to the premise: The OSS recruited ordinary citizens for risky behind-enemy-lines missions.

• Downed airmen in Nazi-occupied France struggle to survive and escape without guidance or contacts.

• Major Davidson tells his harrowing escape story, highlighting the essential role of Madame Annette Joubert, a resourceful Parisian who shelters and smuggles Allied pilots out of France.

  “She meant more to the Yankee team than Joe DiMaggio.”
  — Major Davidson on Madame Joubert (05:06)

2. Setting Up the "Overground Railroad" (05:00–09:00)

• Lt. Fontanne is dispatched to France to contact Madame Joubert, using a black lace garter as an identifying code.
• Arriving in Paris under Nazi occupation, he finds Joubert’s residence boarded up and her whereabouts unknown.
• Attempts to locate her through neighbors and café owners fail, pushing him to the dangerous step of seeking information from the Gestapo.

3. Dangerous Intrigue at Gestapo Headquarters (09:00–14:10)

• Fontanne brazenly visits Gestapo headquarters with a concealed shortwave radio in his suitcase—an act so foolish it's unthinkable, and thus goes unnoticed.

• Playing the role of a concerned nephew, Fontanne persuades Commandant Kurtz to reveal Joubert’s new location, who believes her to be a loyal collaborator.

  “Do you think I expected you to walk into Gestapo headquarters with a time bomb or a shortwave radio in your suitcase?”
  — Gestapo Sergeant (13:18)

4. Obtaining the Trust of Madame Joubert (14:16–17:42)

• At her new address, Madame Joubert tests Fontanne’s story. Only when he produces the black lace garter and quotes Major Davidson's code phrase does she accept him as an OSS ally.

• They swiftly plan to establish a network of safe houses supported by local sympathizers and through the use of Fontanne’s radio.

  “You are as fresh as all Americans! Sit down, sit down.”
  — Madame Joubert (16:08)

5. Tragedy and Steely Resolve (18:03–22:19)

• On their way to a monastery (where downed pilots are hidden), they encounter Nazi guards and learn the monastery has been raided for hidden arms.

• In a public execution, five monks are shot as collaborators; Madame Joubert and Fontanne cannot intervene.

  “Let this be a lesson to you people of this village. This is what happens to those who fight against us.”
  — Nazi Officer (21:15)

• Despite the horror, Joubert insists they “must go on with our plans,” focusing on those who can be saved.

6. Negotiating Sanctuary at the Convent (22:19–25:51)

• Fontanne seeks refuge and operational support at the Convent of Our Sacred Lady, run by Mother Angeline.

• Mother Angeline is initially hesitant, weighing the mortal danger to the sisters but ultimately participates in the risky endeavor by hiding Fontanne from a surprise Nazi inspection.

  “Can you imagine what the Germans would do if they found out?”
  — Lt. Fontanne to Mother Angeline (24:15)

7. The Underground Railroad: Mission Accomplished (28:05–29:47)

• Mother Angeline, already committed to the cause, reveals two American pilots disguised as nuns—rescued from the raided monastery and hidden at the convent.

• With the “overground railroad” running, airmen are moved from safe house to safe house until they reach the coast.

• Over the course of the war, this network ultimately saves more than 2,000 airmen from capture or death.

  “Agent Fontanne to OSS headquarters in London. Overground railroad established. Train on the tracks. Passengers ready to leave and waiting. Pick them up and make room for more to come.”
  — Lt. Fontanne radio message (29:30)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the courage of the Underground:

  “Some have been killed, but many can be saved.”
  — Madame Joubert (22:02)

• Mother Angeline’s quiet, immediate courage:

  “How could you [convince me]? Since I was already convinced.”
  — Mother Angeline (29:37)

• Lt. Fontanne’s reflection on the risk OSS agents took and their civilian roots:

  "...the OSS was not made up primarily of professional spies. These were mostly people who came from civilian life and other professions who were given months of training..."
  — Host Adam Graham (31:57)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Host Introduction & Historical Context: (01:05–01:58)
• Setup & Escape Network Plan: (03:50–06:00)
• Gestapo Headquarters Sequence: (09:10–14:10)
• Gaining Madame Joubert’s Trust: (14:20–17:42)
• Nazi Search & Execution at the Monastery: (18:31–22:19)
• Convent Hideout & Inspection: (22:19–26:30)
• Safe Houses Established, Final OSS Report: (29:23–29:47)
• Host Commentary on Episode’s Realism and Morality: (31:57–34:30)

Host Adam Graham’s Analysis & Listener Feedback

• Reflection on Spy Craft and Civilian Heroes:
  Graham underscores the unlikely (and sometimes reckless) nature of OSS operations:

  “…an OSS operative has escaped because he did something very risky and ill advised. But the Axis didn’t suspect it because such a mistake would be so ridiculous it was unthinkable.” (31:57)

• Notes the emotional toll and courage required of resistance members and their willingness to risk everything for freedom.
• Shares positive listener feedback and highlights increased appreciation for the "Cloak and Dagger" series.

Final Thoughts

This episode of Cloak and Dagger effectively highlights not just the dark suspense of espionage in Nazi-occupied France but the very human bravery—often from unexpected quarters (elderly women, nuns, ordinary citizens)—that made such escape networks possible. Through sharp scripting and authentic historical roots, the story honors the civilian backbone of the wartime resistance.

For more information or to listen to additional episodes, visit www.greatdetectives.net.