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Cloak and Dagger: Over Ground Railroad (A0032) - The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio| Daily Mystery Dramas | Wave AI Podcast Notes

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Cloak and Dagger: Over Ground Railroad (A0032)

The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio| Daily Mystery Dramas

Sat Nov 01 2025

Today's Adventure: An OSS agent goes into France to team up with a formidable wealthy French woman to set up an escape route for downed Allied flyers. Original Radio Broadcast: September 8, 1950 Originating from New York Starring: Les Tremayne;...

Summary

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.

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Transcript

A (0:01)

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B (0:40)

But I like it.

A (0:41)

Sure you met some of my dietary.

B (0:42)

Needs, but they've just got it all.

A (0:44)

So farewell Oatmeal. So long you strange soggy. Break up with bland breakfast and taste AM PM's bacon, egg and cheese biscuit made with cage free eggs, smoked bacon and melty cheese on a buttery biscuit. AM P M. Too much Good stuff.

C (1:05)

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're enjoying podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software and 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, support.greatdetectives.net and become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters for as little as $2 per month at patreon.greatdetives.net but now, from September 8, 1950, here is the Overground Railroad.

A (1:58)

Are you willing to undertake a dangerous mission behind the enemy lines, knowing you may never return alive? What you have just heard is the question asked during the war to agents of the oss ordinary citizens, who to this question answered, yes, this is cloak and dagger. Black warfare, espionage, international intrigue. These are the weapons of the OSS. In tonight's episode, Overground Railroad, the part of Lt. Fontanne, OSS agent who helped thousands of American airmen escape to safety, is played by Les Tremaine. The story is suggested by actual incidents recorded in the Washington files of the Office of Strategic Services, a story that can now be told. When a flyer was forced down behind enemy lines, he was just another fugitive moving cautiously at night to avoid detection. Fighting for survival. His shelter was a haystack or a hedgerow for food. He dug raw potatoes or turnips from the field, and in his panic he was always just one Step ahead of the Gestapo. With no knowledge of the country and no friend to whom he could turn, a few of the lucky ones managed to escape back to England. I met one of those lucky ones in Colonel Johnson's office at OSS headquarters in London. Lieutenant Fontanne, this is Major Davidson. How do you do, Major? Glad to know you, Fontan. Before I ask Major Davidson to tell you a story, I want to say something. Yes, Colonel Johnson. At its narrowest, the English Channel is only 20 miles wide. Yet it took Major Davidson here more than a year to get across. And hundreds of Allied pilots all over France haven't been able to make it yet. And if something isn't done to help them, they never will. But, Colonel, with the Nazis occupying France. With the Nazis occupying France, the Channel is still only 20 miles wide. Our trouble has been that up to now we've had no contact with the French underground, no way of helping them smuggle pilots out of France. All right, Major Davidson, go ahead, tell your story now. Well, I was shot down over the south of France coming back from a bombing mission. The rest of the crew was killed. Just my co pilot, Johnny Porter, and me left. Yes, go on, Major. We figured our numbers were up. Any flyer forced down on enemy territory figures that nowadays. But we were lucky. A farmer picked us up and hit us overnight. And then the next morning, a big black limousine drove up and a woman about 60 got out. She took us to her house in Paris and kept us there. She found a way to smuggle us across a channel with a fisherman just a few days ago. Who was this woman, Major? Her name is Madame Annette Joubert. I used to tell her she meant more to the Yankee team than Joe DiMaggio. During the time we were with her, she managed to collect two more of our boys. But she has no way of getting them out of France. Well, what do you think, Fontanne? Just what you think, Colonel. For the first time, OSS has a lead, a contact. What'd you say this woman's name was, Major Joubert. Madame Annette Gilbert. And quite a gal, too, Colonel Johnson. With her help, maybe we can set up a chain of waystations, establish a, shall we say, an overland railroad, collect our flyers and move them like chessmen right across France to the Channel. How soon can you leave? Anytime you say, Colonel Johnson. Anytime. Oh, by the way, Major, how will I be able to identify myself to Madame Gilbert? Did you agree on any code word? Anything? Yes. Here you are. A black lace garter. I left London a few days later and landed the Next morning, on the coast of France, a disguised fishing boat let me off and I made my way to Paris undetected. It was spring, 1944. I was going to know April in Paris, but not the way any American tourist before the war had known it. The red dawn was touching the roofs of Paris, the golden dome of the Pantheon. Most of the city was still dreaming of other, better springtimes before the Germans came. Then the city started to wake up. Wine and fresh macare bakers were at work through the windows, wetting the dough. The waiters from the cafes were sweeping into the gutter the cigarette butts that their customers had dropped onto the tables the night before. For a few minutes it was the Paris my mother had talked about. And then an official Nazi car turned the corner and I knew that everything had changed. My way to 46 Rue D', Ancue, where I'd find Madame Annette Joubert. Madame Joubert. Madame Joubert.

A (8:38)

Now wait a minute, please. I was up a blind alley. I had come to Paris because I had a contact. Now the contact was gone. There you are, monsieur. More cafe? Merci. You're the first one in my cafe this morning. I remember Other Springs was always crowded at this time. What is it, Monsieur? Do you not feel well? Something wrong? No, no, not. Not wrong exactly. It's just that I came to Paris to see my aunt. It seems she's moved and left no forwarding address. What a pity. But there is always one way to find her away. What is it? You don't need to go to the Gestapo and ask. They will tell you. Go to the Gestapo and ask. Sure, why not? OSS wasn't particular who helped us, as long as we got the help. I was sure Colonel Johnson wouldn't object to my letting even the Gestapo Give us a hand. I beg your pardon? I can't just hear him on the phone. Wait a minute. I'm sorry. Now what is it? What do you want? I would like some information. What kind of information? I. I arrived from south of France this morning. I came to visit my aunt. Only I discovered when I got here that she had moved. What do you want us to do about it? I merely request her change of address. I felt certain it would be in the records of the Gestapo. Not dearly. She's in our records. The address or change of address of anyone in Paris is listed with us. What's the name of your aunt? Joubert. Madame Annette Joubert. Sergeant, let me see your papers. Yes, here you are. These papers of yours intrigued me. Never seen any like them before. Is something wrong with them? Well, on the contrary, they are filled out extremely accurately. Usually one thing or another is omitted. I congratulate you on your thoroughness. Thank you, Sergeant. Thank you. Commandant, there is a Frenchman at the front desk who is trying to locate his aunt, Madame Annette Jobert. Yeah, Commandant. Yeah, boy. I'll send him in. Thank you. Thank you very much. Sergeant. Wait, wait. One other thing. Your suitcase. My suitcase? No one is allowed past this desk without having his luggage or packages checked. Put your suitcase up here and open it. Suitcase was filled with clothing, but there was a false bottom to it. And in the false bottom was a shortwave radio. If the Sergeant accidentally pushed the button, that would reveal the radio. What are you so slow about? Here, give me the suitcase. Don't have it. What do you mean? It rocks. No, no, no. It's cold. Tasted. Yeah. Yes. There, you see? Just personal articles. Yeah, so I see. Do you think I expected you to walk into Gestapo headquarters with a time bomb or a shortwave radio in your suitcase? Perhaps that's just routine. I must check up everything. All right, go ahead. Commandant's offices. Write down the whole first door you come to on the right. Sit down. Sit down. Monsieur Fontaine, A cigar. These wine soaked French cigars are very good. Thank you, Herr Commandant. I never resist a good cigar. Or a pretty girl. You wonder perhaps why I am seeing you personally about this matter of locating your aunt. Whatever the reason, Commandant Kurtz, I'm flattered. Oh, not at all. Tell your aunt for me that I am delighted to render her this little service. A fine woman, a delightful woman. And a clever woman too. She's been most cooperative. Why, I'm sure she has. Commandant Kurtz. It is most urgent that I find her. Urgent? How urgent? I. I have News for her about my uncle, her brother, who is very ill in the south of France. Ah, pity. Tell her for me that if she desires to travel, I will arrange for the necessary permit. Of course. You're very kind. Not at all, not at all. Now, let me see. Ah, here it is. She's boarded up her house at 46 Old Danzig, as you know, and move to another residence 20 kilometers southwest of Perls, in the village of Thury Ferraud. Here, write out the exact address. Thank you for your help, Herr Commandant. I assure you I will never forget it. I took a train to the village of Tuile, and all the way I kept thinking about Madame Joubert. The German High Command evidently considered her one of the most important collaborationists. We considered her our most important contact with the French underground. She certainly had someone fooled. I hoped it was the Nazis.

C (31:57)

Welcome back. So our man strolled into Gestapo headquarters with a suitcase containing his shortwave radio. And this is not the first time in this series that 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. And it's important once again to remember that 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. And certainly that training helped, but it can't provide the sort of instinctive behaviors and approaches we associate with today's professional espionage class. I think that also played into how we approach setting up the overground railroad, because I don't think that if you were dealing with, say, the CIA or something like that that they would have near the hesitation he had. But the narration gives you a sense of how reluctant he was about putting these women in danger and the reverence he felt for that place. But ultimately the decision had already been made. The episode highlights once again these sort of unflinching courage by the civilian resistance groups in these Nazi occupied countries and the risk they were willing to take to be sure that freedom prevailed. Listener comments and feedback and we have a couple comments on the Norwegian incident over on YouTube. A simple thanks, Adam. I enjoyed it from Chris and a thank you from Mark. And also on our listener survey, Rob in Connecticut writes, cloak and Dagger is my new favorite show. Well, thanks so much and I appreciate that. And I've really been delighted at the positive reaction we've had to this series. Very different than most things we've done, but people have really embraced it and it's been a lot to play it for you and look forward to a few more weeks. Alright, well now it is time to thank our Patreon Supporter of the day and I want to go ahead and thank Pam, Patreon supporter since July of this year, currently supporting the podcast at the Secret agent level of $4 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support Pam 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. We will be back here on the Great Adventures of Old Time Radio on Tuesday with another episode of Adventure ahead. If you're listening on the Great Detectives Podcast, we're doing a special tomorrow celebrating our top five podcast episodes of the 202425 season. You can check that out over at greatdetectives.net and of course we will be back on both podcast feeds a week from today on Saturday with another episode of Cloak and Dagger. In the meantime, do send your comments to box13greatdetectives.net follow us on Twitter @radio detectives and check us out on Instagram Instagram.com great detectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham signing off.