Cloak and Dagger: The Brenner Pass Story (A0006)

Summary

Episode Summary: "Cloak and Dagger: The Brenner Pass Story (A0006)"

Release Date: August 2, 2025

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Introduction

In this gripping episode of "The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio," host Adam Graham delves into the intense narrative of "Cloak and Dagger: The Brenner Pass Story." Set against the backdrop of World War II, the story intricately weaves espionage, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of duty.

Plot Overview

Donald Harper's Mission The episode centers on Donald Harper, an American engineer recruited by the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) for a perilous mission: to destroy the Brenner Pass highway, thereby thwarting the retreat of German forces in Italy. The narrative begins with Harper recounting his mission's inception on November 12, 1944.

[03:33] Donald Harper: "You won't get me away, will you? You'll hide me if the Germans come, won't you, Padre?"

Preparations and Challenges Harper's expertise as an engineer and his intimate knowledge of the Brenner Pass terrain make him a valuable asset. With the Colonel's backing, Harper is equipped with TNT, an Italian uniform, and forged papers to aid his infiltration.

[05:25] Colonel: "We've been through this before, Hopper. I'm aware of everything in your favor."

However, nature and unforeseen circumstances conspire against him. A severe snowstorm derails his journey, leading to the loss of his knapsack containing vital supplies and identification.

[06:26] Donald Harper: "From the beginning, Padre. I had bad luck. It snowed during most of the 40 mile journey..."

Encounter with Padre Tony Exhausted and vulnerable, Harper seeks refuge with Padre Tony, a local priest known for providing sanctuary to those in need. Their interaction is tense, underscored by Harper's desperation and Padre Tony's unwavering commitment to his oath of secrecy.

[10:08] Adam Graham (as Padre Tony): "I come. I come. Where is Donaldo?"

Betrayal and Sacrifice As Harper regains consciousness, he discovers that Padre Tony has been compromised. Signora Apicello, a partisan leader with ties to the Germans, orchestrates Harper's betrayal. In a harrowing confrontation, Harper realizes the extent of Padre Tony's duplicity.

[16:47] Donald Harper: "Tony, I. I'm sorry."

[16:50] Adam Graham (as Padre Tony): "I understand. Donaldo. No."

Despite the betrayal, Harper perseveres. He successfully plants the explosives on the railway crossing the highway, ensuring the mission's success just as German troops approach.

[21:07] Donald Harper: "You've helped me much."

Ultimate Sacrifice In the aftermath of the explosion, Harper is captured and sentenced to death. His final moments are a testament to his unwavering dedication, as he ensures Padre Tony's safety and the mission's integrity.

[25:29] Adam Graham (as Multiple Characters): "Will you be back? Will I ever see you again?"

[25:33] Donald Harper: "Who knows? Perhaps. Perhaps."

Harper's execution is juxtaposed with the strategic success of his mission, highlighting the personal costs of espionage warfare.

[28:45] OSS Agent: "Some weeks later, two retreating German battalions found their escape through the Brenner Pass blocked."

Character Analysis

Donald Harper Harper embodies the quintessential hero—brave, resourceful, and self-sacrificing. His internal struggle, especially his brief moments of doubt and confrontation with Padre Tony, adds depth to his character.

[12:56] Donald Harper: "I didn't dare take any more chances and stop again until I reached my grandmother's."

Padre Tony Initially portrayed as a sanctuary figure, Padre Tony's betrayal reveals the complexities of wartime loyalties. His dual role as a priest and a covert antagonist challenges the audience's perceptions of trust and deception.

[16:01] Adam Graham (as Padre Tony): "She wondered why you disappeared from her father's house."

Themes and Insights

Sacrifice and Duty Harper's journey underscores the immense personal sacrifices made by those in espionage roles. His ultimate sacrifice ensures a strategic advantage for the Allied forces, reflecting the broader theme of duty over personal safety.

Betrayal and Trust The episode masterfully explores the fragile nature of trust in wartime. The betrayal by Padre Tony serves as a poignant reminder of the constant threats faced by operatives behind enemy lines.

Espionage Tactics Through Harper's meticulous planning and execution, the narrative sheds light on the intricate tactics employed by the OSS. The blending of personal narratives with strategic missions offers listeners a comprehensive view of espionage operations.

[28:22] Colonel: "The highway has been completely destroyed. I'm delighted to hear it that many loyal soldiers as I have been killed."

Host's Reflection

In his post-story analysis, Adam Graham commends the narrative's depth, particularly highlighting Harper's flawed yet heroic nature. He notes the nuanced portrayal of Padre Tony and the cunning strategies employed by Signora Apicello, the partisan leader.

[29:37] Adam Graham: "Despite his misgivings, she handled herself well in every way. And she had far more cunning throughout the operation."

Graham emphasizes the episode's objective to not only entertain but also educate listeners about the pivotal roles played by OSS agents and the profound costs of their missions.

[28:45] Adam Graham: "The purpose of Cloak and Dagger... was not just to tell the stories of the oss, but to help the public understand the importance of what they did..."

Conclusion

"Cloak and Dagger: The Brenner Pass Story" is a compelling blend of suspense, drama, and historical narrative. Through the lens of Donald Harper's mission, listeners are invited to reflect on the intricate dynamics of espionage and the indomitable human spirit in times of conflict. Adam Graham's insightful commentary further enriches the experience, making this episode a standout in the "Great Detectives of Old Time Radio" series.

Transcript

[Adam Graham]

Foreign.

[Narrator]

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 I do want to let you know. Today's program is brought to you by the financial support of our listeners. You can support the show on a one time basis by mailing a donation to Adam Graham, P.O. box 15913. That's P.O. box 15913, Boise, ID 83715. And become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters at patreon.greatdetectives.net now from June 4, 1950, here is the Brenner Pass story.

[Colonel]

Are you willing to undertake a dangerous mission behind the enemy lines knowing you may never return alive?

[OSS Agent]

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.

[Colonel]

This is cloak and dagger.

[OSS Agent]

Black warfare, espionage, international intrigue. These are the weapons of the OSS Today's story, the Brenner Pass is the story of an American engineer who single handed cut off the escape of part of the German army in Italy from onrushing American troops. The Brenner Pass is suggested by actual incidents recorded in the Washington files of the Office of Strategic Services. A story that can now be told.

[Donald Harper]

No. No, Padre. I don't want it.

[Padre]

Drink it.

[Tony]

Drink this villiamill. It will warm your insides.

[Donald Harper]

I. I want to talk to you. I want to tell you.

[Tony]

Drink this first.

[Donald Harper]

I'm so tired.

[Tony]

Rest then.

[Donald Harper]

So, so tired.

[Tony]

Rest.

[Padre]

You.

[Donald Harper]

You won't get me away, will you? You'll hide me if the Germans come, won't you, Padre? Won't you?

[Tony]

You came to me, my son, because you knew I'd give you sanctuary. Any man has sanctuary in this house.

[Donald Harper]

Yes.

[Tony]

I have taken an oath. Anything you tell me, only God and I will witness. And if I had not taken this oath, I still would not give you away.

[Donald Harper]

Thank you, Father. No.

[Tony]

You are an American. That much you have told me. Do you want to tell me more or do you want to sleep first?

[Donald Harper]

No.

[Adam Graham]

No.

[Tony]

It is better you sleep first. I'll sit beside you.

[Padre]

I won't leave.

[Donald Harper]

No, no, Padre. I want to tell you. There may not be much time. I have a feeling that time is running out for me. My name was Donald Harper. I say was because somehow I don't feel as if I have a name anymore. When you're tracked down and hunted, you're not a human being. There's no Past or future, there's just the present. And you run. So much has happened in a few weeks that it's hard for me to remember. Remember back from this morning when you found me unconscious on the steps of the chapel, Back to the morning I was sent on my mission. November 12, 1944.

[Colonel]

Captain Harper, I'm well aware of everything we have to gain if this scheme of yours succeeds.

[Donald Harper]

You still think it's just a scheme, eh, Colonel?

[Colonel]

I don't have to think. I know what your chances are of actually getting through to the Brenner Pass and blowing up that highway. And I know what'll happen to you if the Italian Fascists or the German police get you.

[Donald Harper]

I know a couple of things, too, Colonel. One of them is the country up there in the mountains. Yes, I. I nearly broke my neck half a dozen times when I was a kid climbing the rocks around my grandmother's hut. And just before the war, I took a trip from the States to see her again. I skied over every inch of that mountain near the Brenner Pass. Colonel, I know I can do it.

[Colonel]

We've been through this before, Hopper. I'm aware of everything in your favor. Your knowledge of the country, the fact that you were an engineer before the war.

[Donald Harper]

Just give me supplies. Some tnt, an Italian uniform and some phony papers in case I tangle with the Fascisti. It's all I need, Colonel. I tell you, I can do it.

[Colonel]

It's true. If that highway to the Brenner Pass could be destroyed, it would take the Germans months to repair it. It would cut off one of their retreats out of Germany. Of course, now we have them where we want them. When the American armies advance to the mountains. And no way up.

[Donald Harper]

That's it?

[OSS Agent]

That's it.

[Donald Harper]

Your permission, Colonel? Please, let me try it.

[Colonel]

You say your grandmother's hut is right near your objective?

[Donald Harper]

Yes, sir.

[Colonel]

I'll give you names to memorize of other partisans in the mountains who might help you on the way. I'll have all the supplies you requested, and you can leave.

[Donald Harper]

From the beginning, Padre. I had bad luck. It snowed during most of the 40 mile journey, and it was difficult for me to move quickly. And the longer it took me, the more chance I had of being discovered. Then it came. You know what a storm is like here in the mountains. How it can blind you and throw you against the rocks. When it was all over, I realized what had happened. I had been thrown off my course. But that wasn't the worst of it. My knapsack was gone. All my supplies and the packet with papers the OSS had forged for me. I had no identification now and no food, But I still had the TNT for the highway. Near Ampezzo. There is a tavern, Padre, not far from Padola. It wasn't sheer recklessness, but desperation that made me go in there, knowing I had no papers, knowing the tavern catered to Nazis Fishti, knowing the rucksack on my back was filled with explosives. But there was no other place for miles, and I had to get food or I couldn't go on.

[Padre]

Come to tell us more of the story.

[Adam Graham]

Oh, well, as I already told you, she was fast as primadon for me. She was big. Oh, she was like this. And I love what she's saying when she said it looked like this. See?

[Padre]

What would you like to order?

[Donald Harper]

Some bread and cheese, if you have it. And some coffee, black, very strong if you have it. Please See where is the pio? Then bring it fast if you know.

[Narrator]

What'S good for you.

[Adam Graham]

Yeah, see, see, see? Fast. Bring it fast so you know what is good for you.

[Padre]

Right away.

[Donald Harper]

I tried to make myself as inconspicuous as possible. I hope the Germans would continue to be amused by the Italian girl and not ask to see my papers. I had nearly frozen in the snow a half hour before. Now the sweat broke out all over my forehead. Pay attention to her. I kept praying. Watch her, watch her. Don't even look my way.

[Padre]

Here you are, senor. Cheese. Bread or grazie. It is here. I have it here. Right here.

[Adam Graham]

Oh, that soldier must be important to be served first. Come here, soldier. Come over here and tell us how important you are.

[Donald Harper]

Well, no, I, I I'm not important at all. Forgive me. The, the waiter should have served you first.

[Padre]

Come, take a sip of my beer, Tony.

[OSS Agent]

It will make it taste better.

[Padre]

No, no.

[Adam Graham]

Let the soldier have beer with us.

[Padre]

Ah, no.

[Adam Graham]

Poor soldier. He's all alone. Buongiorno. Come and have some beer with us, soldier.

[Donald Harper]

No, I, I grazie, signorina. I, I will just finish this coffee and and then I must go.

[Padre]

Go back to ours.

[Adam Graham]

Wait a minute. You must not be rude, soldier. Men are never rude to me. If I ask you to drink with us, you must.

[Donald Harper]

No, no, please, signorina. Some other time, perhaps. Now. Now I must go.

[Adam Graham]

Ha. You are afraid of me, afraid of girls and afraid to drink beer. Oh, you should be back in your mama's lap. I think I will give you some beer now. Perhaps you will acquire a taste for it. Here.

[Donald Harper]

She threw it in my face. I felt it start to trickle down my neck and I could hear the Germans laughing themselves sick. I wanted a sn snap that small neck of hers in half for making me the center of attraction. Grazi, Waiter.

[Padre]

You are sure you are to very sure you are not followed here to my house?

[Donald Harper]

Very sure, amico. And it's snowing again. Even the tracks from my snowshoes are covered.

[Padre]

We must be careful. Very careful, all of us partisans. The Germans are closing in on us. Do you know what would happen if they found out I took you in an American? This would happen.

[Donald Harper]

But I tell you, there's nothing to worry about. And I'll be gone in the morning.

[Padre]

Ah, the morning. One, one.

[Donald Harper]

All I want is a night's rest.

[Padre]

There is a bed in the back room you may use, Senor Harper. You are sure you are not followed? Very sure.

[Donald Harper]

Yes, yes. And I'll be gone in the morning before you're awake.

[Padre]

That thinks, senor. The time being in this business hospitable. But these times, they are very bad times for all of us.

[Donald Harper]

Yes, yes, I know.

[Padre]

It's important too. Yes. In order to fight back later, one must leave now, no?

[Donald Harper]

Yes, yes.

[Padre]

And the Germans are clever, very clever. If they knew you were here.

[Donald Harper]

I was too tired to stand there and listen to the old man's whimpering. Too tired to watch his narrow eyes like small brown buttons, dart about the room, looking first at the windows and then at the door, half expecting the Gestapo to come. All I wanted to do was sleep. I fell across the bed. But a few minutes later I sat bolt upright, listening to the voices in the next.

[Padre]

My daughter is here. An American in the back room, sleeping.

[Adam Graham]

Are you sure? Are you sure he's an American, Father?

[Padre]

His name is Harper. Donald Harper. Tony. The American OSS sent him.

[Adam Graham]

Oh, an American. Oh, how the German police would like to know that.

[Donald Harper]

That girl, the girl from the tavern, the friend of the Germans. I didn't stay to here anymore. There was a small door leading out to the back of the hu. I knew, Padre, that somehow I must have come to the wrong house. I didn't dare take any more chances and stop again until I reached my grandmother's. And I was so tired. So tired.

[Adam Graham]

Donaldo mio, Donaldo. So good it is to see you again.

[Donald Harper]

Oh, Nana, Nana.

[Adam Graham]

Oh, but how you look so thin, so tired.

[Donald Harper]

Nothing changes here does. Could be six years ago or ten. Nana. Sitting here like this in this house.

[Adam Graham]

Your mama, your papa. How are they? Mel does not come here easily any longer. You have heard from them?

[Donald Harper]

Yes, Nana, A few weeks ago. They're fine. They tried so hard to get you to America. When the war came, I would not.

[Adam Graham]

Go anywhere, Don Leo. This is my home. No one could make me leave my home. Not the Germans, not the Fascisti. Here I stay until the world rights itself again. But what can I get you? The comedy. Make yourself comfortable. You are hungry?

[Donald Harper]

Yes, but I'm. I'm too tired to eat. I. I just want to sleep.

[Adam Graham]

Do then. I'll make up the room for you later. For now, rest here on this couch. When you wake, I will have food for you. Ah, like the old days. Carmio, my dear one. I will be in the kitchen. Sleep now. Sleep.

[Donald Harper]

I don't know how long I slept. When I awoke, I wondered for a moment where I was. And then I saw her. Standing over me.

[Adam Graham]

Like a little boy. You sleep. I've been watching you.

[Donald Harper]

You. What are you doing here?

[Adam Graham]

Watching you sleep. You don't drink beer and you're afraid of girls. And you sleep like a little boy.

[Donald Harper]

You followed me here. You brought them. What have you done with my grandmother?

[Adam Graham]

What?

[Donald Harper]

I'll kill you. I should have killed you then.

[Padre]

I will now.

[Adam Graham]

Stop. You're hurting.

[Donald Harper]

Friend of the giants. You little she. Devil. I'll kill you.

[Adam Graham]

Donaldo. Here, here. What's going on? Nana?

[Donald Harper]

You all right?

[Adam Graham]

Of course I'm all right. What are you doing? Tony, what is wrong? Oh, your grandson has his mother's hot Italian blood in his veins. He wants to kill me, that's all. I'm ashamed of you, Donaldo. This girl, she's a friend.

[Donald Harper]

Friend.

[Adam Graham]

I will get the soup for you, Signora Apicello. Perhaps some soup will cool his temper.

[Donald Harper]

But none. I. I saw that girl with the German. She's. Ah.

[Adam Graham]

She told me about that. She did not know who you were then. Yes, but she wondered why you disappeared from her father's house. She knew the name Donald Harper because she heard me speak of you often. So she came here after you, Nana. She saw you asleep. Then she understood why you had run away from her.

[Donald Harper]

She was with Germans. I was there. I heard.

[Adam Graham]

That girl, Donaldo, is the leader of our group of partisans.

[Donald Harper]

Your leader? But the Germans.

[Adam Graham]

Oh, the Germans. I amused them. Porky and Imali. I tell them funny stories and they laugh at me. They do not hear me laugh when I get them drunk. And they tell me things I can use to our advantage. Your soup. Drink it.

[Donald Harper]

Tony, I. I'm sorry.

[Adam Graham]

I understand. Donaldo. No.

[Donald Harper]

Yes, Nana. The girl is very pretty.

[Adam Graham]

Signora Apicelli. You embarrass me, Ronaldo. We are friends now. See?

[Donald Harper]

See, Tony? Friends.

[Adam Graham]

You worked too hard, Karami. What are you doing?

[Donald Harper]

Drawing diagrams? Nana. I've got all the plans made to blow up that highway early tomorrow morning. And I want to make sure nothing goes wrong.

[Adam Graham]

Here. I brought you something to eat.

[Donald Harper]

You spoil me, Nana. But it was good to have you spoil me again these past few days.

[Adam Graham]

How good it is to be able to. Will you leave then? Tomorrow, after you do what you have to do.

[Donald Harper]

Yes, I must. But I'll come back to say goodbye first.

[Adam Graham]

I come. I come. Where is Donaldo?

[Donald Harper]

Tony, what are you doing here?

[Adam Graham]

Are you displeased to see me?

[Donald Harper]

Where is that partisan friend you were going to send to help me here? What?

[Adam Graham]

Me? Me, me, me, me? I am the friend.

[Padre]

Oh, no.

[Adam Graham]

I can do as good a job as any man. Let me help you, Donald.

[Donald Harper]

No, it's crazy.

[Adam Graham]

Please, please let me do it.

[Donald Harper]

Girl, it's crazy.

[Adam Graham]

It is not crazy. Think. Think what it will mean for me after you are gone from these mountains, listening to my fat friends, the Germans talk about the explosion and to know secretly that it was I who helped to make it. Please, please, Donaldo mio.

[Donald Harper]

It's too late to get anyone else.

[Adam Graham]

That's why I waited so long. The only man to get on this short notice is my papa and he is a scared rabbit.

[Donald Harper]

I was right the first time. You are a little she devil.

[Adam Graham]

That's easy. Take her with you, Donaldo.

[Donald Harper]

All right then. Pay attention to this diagram. Now. There's a railway, as you know, going right over that highway. If we plant enough TNT to blow that right onto the road, it'll be blocked up. For it was about 4 o' clock in the morning when we got to the highway and climbed up on the tracks of the railway. Tony stayed up above and I made my way slowly, slowly climbing down into the framework of the trestle, feeling my way along the girders. They were icy under my hands and two or three times I almost slipped.

[Adam Graham]

Careful, careful. The Maldor.

[Donald Harper]

It's all right. Watch yourself. Watch how you handle those explosives.

[Adam Graham]

Do not trouble yourself about me. I told you, I can work as.

[Donald Harper]

Well as any man and work as quietly as one. The troop crane of Germans would be coming over the railway soon and I had to finish before it came. I had a coil of wire around one arm and a pair of pliers hanging on a thong from my waist. Tony, you hear me?

[Adam Graham]

Yes, I hear you.

[Donald Harper]

Hand me down those packages of explosives one at a time.

[Adam Graham]

Here Here you are.

[Donald Harper]

Alright, Thanks. I shoved them in where I wanted them, packed them close. Tony, the wedges, quickly. Don't be so slow about it.

[Adam Graham]

I'm doing it as fast as I can. There.

[Donald Harper]

All right. I lashed the grenade on top of the braced explosives, wound it tight with a wire, twisted it with pliers. Finally, I was finished. There was snow on the ground, and yet my shirt, it was wet with perspiration. All right, last finishing touch. That does it for this side, Tony. Now, let's get to the other side.

[Adam Graham]

See? Give me your pliers before you drop.

[Donald Harper]

Okay.

[Adam Graham]

There. Oh, I. I have helped you much this far, see?

[Donald Harper]

You've helped me much.

[Adam Graham]

Let me do it.

[Donald Harper]

No, no. We haven't any time to argue. That train will be along any minute.

[Adam Graham]

Please. Please. Let me set off the explosion. Let me have that pleasure. I will follow your directions. I will do it just the way you told me.

[Donald Harper]

No. The train. It's coming.

[Adam Graham]

Just tell me when to pull it.

[Donald Harper]

All right, you win. But heaven help you if you make a mistake. Hold it now, steady. And don't pull on the wire yet.

[Adam Graham]

I will pull it softly. Softly. Lightly, but firm.

[Donald Harper]

Here she comes. Pull it. Nana. Nana. It's done.

[Adam Graham]

And I pulled the wire. Senor Nana.

[Donald Harper]

What is.

[Adam Graham]

Is nothing. These attacks. Come on. After.

[Donald Harper]

Tony, some water. Quick.

[Adam Graham]

I will stay with her. Donald, you must leave quickly.

[Donald Harper]

No, I'll stay.

[OSS Agent]

You go on.

[Adam Graham]

This section will be swarming with soldiers. After what we've just done.

[Donald Harper]

And if they find you, they'll wonder what you're doing here.

[Adam Graham]

Men do not know how to take care of the sick. I will stay and help you.

[Donald Harper]

All right. Get the water.

[Adam Graham]

You. You should not have stayed on me. I would have been. All right.

[Donald Harper]

All right. Don't talk. Just rest.

[Adam Graham]

Ronaldo.

[Donald Harper]

What is it?

[Adam Graham]

Germans coming to this house. I can see from the window. Oh, no. No. You should have gone before, not waited.

[Donald Harper]

It's all right, Ronaldo.

[Adam Graham]

Do this one thing more for me.

[Donald Harper]

I won't leave while you hold them off for me. Is that what you want?

[Adam Graham]

I know them. I am a favorite of theirs. Please, caro mio. You can escape and do more important work. And I will not be harmed if I stay behind my son. Escape. Escape. There is still time. The girl knows them upstairs. Upstairs? They may be around the back, too. So go upstairs. Jump from the window to the roof of the barn. You can make it from there.

[Donald Harper]

No, Tony.

[Adam Graham]

Go. Go. Go, I say. Promise not to turn back? Promise.

[Donald Harper]

I ran up the stairs to the tiny attic. I heard the door Close downstairs. So I knew they had come in. I could distinguish their voices too, although I couldn't hear a word they were saying. I opened the window and saw it was an easy jump to the roof. Then Tony screamed and I forgot my promise to her and went back. Flattened myself against the wall at the head of the staircase.

[Adam Graham]

No. No. I have done nothing. But I came here to take care of this poor old lady. What? Can you not see that she's evil? Give her another taste of the stick.

[Padre]

Perhaps Another taste of the stick is what she needs.

[OSS Agent]

Signorina Zamar.

[Padre]

Tony. You are always around when there is trouble. Trouble. And Tony?

[Adam Graham]

He's the truth. Oh, let me.

[Donald Harper]

I surprised the first German when I jumped him. Brought the butt of my gun down on his head again and again. But the other German was not so simple a matter. He had my shoulders pinned down and I couldn't move. Then. Then I saw Tony standing over us, A heavy candelabrum in her hands. Good work, Tony. Now, listen to me carefully. Tony. Take my grandmother back to your house. No one will know you were here. If others question you, tell them. My grandmother was here alone when someone, a stranger, took refuge here and killed the officers who came. Then she went to your house because she was afraid. Will you remember that? All of it.

[Adam Graham]

Will you be back? Will I ever see you again?

[Donald Harper]

Who knows? Perhaps. Perhaps. Karina. Karina. My, my dear little Tony. Now go. Go quickly. She did. That's everything that made my way here. You. You will hide me if they come.

[Padre]

You.

[Tony]

I will do what I can for you.

[Donald Harper]

What right have you coming in like this, breaking down the door?

[OSS Agent]

Do not make trouble, Padre. I warn you.

[Padre]

No, no. This is a house of God.

[Donald Harper]

It's all right, Padre. It's. No, no, no, you're mistaken. My name is not Donald Harper. I'm an Italian soldier. I was lost in the snow. My papers are gone.

[OSS Agent]

Come, come. This is tiresome. Admit it. You are the American who blew up the highway. Answer.

[Donald Harper]

You are mistaken, Herr Hauptman. You are.

[OSS Agent]

We will see. Sergeant, send in the old man.

[Padre]

You're Herr Hauptman in the with you See? See. I come. I come.

[OSS Agent]

You recognize him? I see. Challenging me. What is this man's name behice there?

[Donald Harper]

Harper.

[OSS Agent]

Harper.

[Padre]

Donald Harper. The senor is an American. Now, I have told you. You will let sir lonely.

[OSS Agent]

You have talked enough.

[Padre]

Gonna. You will leave my daughter and me alone. And the old lady too, now that I have told you. We have nothing to do with it.

[Adam Graham]

Anya.

[OSS Agent]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Padre]

But you will not Tell my daughter you promise. Remember, she has a soft. It would distress her.

[OSS Agent]

Take him away.

[Padre]

Garcia, you will let us alone now. See? See? We are on your side, loyal Fasig.

[OSS Agent]

You have nothing to say?

[Donald Harper]

Everything has been said for me.

[OSS Agent]

That highway has been completely destroyed. I'm delighted to hear it that many loyal soldiers as I have been killed.

[Donald Harper]

Well, thank you for telling me.

[OSS Agent]

And what is more, you are in Italian uniform. A spy. Bullets are too good to waste on you, American. But a rope can be used again. Sergeant, take this man out and hang him.

[Colonel]

But I cannot do this.

[OSS Agent]

You will do as you are told. Her Doctor. Here is the death certificate of the American who was hanged this morning. Sign it.

[Colonel]

And the cause of death. You wanted I should write as I told you.

[OSS Agent]

Just as I told you. Heart failure.

[Adam Graham]

A pity.

[OSS Agent]

Some weeks later, two retreating German battalions found their escape through the Brenner Pass blocked. Captain Harper had done his job well. And the onrushing American troops caught the enemy with their backs to a mountain. Though Donald Harper did not live to see victory, he shared in it. And once again, the record of an OSS agent closes with the words mission accomplished. A further adventure in black warfare is next week's.

[Colonel]

Cloak and Dagger.

[Everett Sloane]

Heard in today's Cloak and Dagger adventure were Everett Sloane, Hester Sondergaard, Barry Kroeger, Louis Soren, Virginia Payne, Raymond Edward Johnson, Carl Weber and Boris Aplin. Script was by Winifred Wolf. Music was under the direction of John Gart. Today's true OSS adventure was based on the book Cloak and Dagger by Corey ford and Alistair McBain. This has been a Louis G. Cowan production in association with Alfred Hollander and was under the direction and supervision of Sherman Marks. Stay tuned for the second big mystery, high adventure on NBC.

[Narrator]

Welcome back. It was an interesting story. Certainly our man had his flaws, particularly in his reactions to Tony. Of course, he got over the whole trying to kill her thing pretty quickly when she explained that palling around with the Germans and playing herself as a bit of an amusing peasant was probably the best thing that the leader of the partisans could do. And despite his misgivings, she handled herself well in every way. And she had far more cunning throughout the operation. And in a way, I think he made the same mistake of underestimating her that the Germans made. Yet despite his mistakes, he got the job done and paid the ultimate price for it. Cloak and Dagger as an anthology series had a lot of freedom in its storytelling. Without recurring protagonists, it could run the gamut in the stories it told, including some where the operative lived up to the agreement that they made that's represented at the start of the episode. The purpose of Cloak and Dagger, the book and therefore the radio series, was not just to tell the stories of the oss, but to help the public understand the importance of what they did and what ordinary individuals accomplish for their country and for the cause of humanity and the cost they paid to really appreciate that, the audience had to understand that these people didn't work with Annette. These are great stories of adventure and danger, but they were not larks for the men and women who undertook them. One thing I've been meaning to note that listeners to the Great Detectives Podcast may recognize is the name of Sherman Marks. You might say I think I've heard that name before. He's the director of this series, but we heard him last in the cast as the butler Gabriel Betteredge in a Chicago based world's great novel adaptation of the Moonstone. And if you listen to the amazing world of radio, you also heard him as David Balfour's evil uncle in the adaptation they did of kidnap. But in 1950 he was working in New York and doing some behind the mic work and doing a fine job in directing this series. Now it's time to thank our Patreon Supporter of the day and I went ahead and thank Jay Marcus, patreon supporter since 11.20, currently supporting the podcast at the Detective Sergeant level of $7.14 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, JMarcus, 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're downloading it from. We'll be back next Saturday with another episode of Cloak and Dagger. If you are listening to the Great Detectives Podcast that returns on Monday with the Adventures of the Falcon if you're listening to the Great Adventurers of Old Time Radio that returns on Tuesday with the Interplanetary Adventures of Flash Gordon. In the meantime, do send your comments to box Thirteenreatdetectives.net, check out our website at Great Adventure but from Boise, Idaho, this is your host Adam Graham, signing off.