Counterspy: Cherchez La Femme (A0060)

Summary

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The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio

Episode: Counterspy, “Cherchez La Femme” (A0060)

Release Date: February 7, 2026
Host: Adam Graham

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Episode Overview

In this episode, Adam Graham presents the fourth episode of the classic espionage radio drama “Counterspy,” titled “Cherchez La Femme,” originally aired on June 8, 1942. The show follows David Harding, ace American counterspy, as he unravels the mysterious suicide of a wealthy bachelor amidst wartime paranoia, spies, and fifth columnists. This entry serves as a suspenseful introduction to the world of American counterintelligence radio fiction, highlighting themes of deception, patriotism, and personal sacrifice during World War II.

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Key Discussion Points & Episode Breakdown

1. Adam Graham’s Introduction & Context

• [01:05 – 05:20]

  • Adam distinguishes “Counterspy” from other spy programs like “Cloak and Dagger.”
  • Emphasizes the fictionalized nature of “Counterspy,” which dramatizes counterintelligence work during WWII.
  • Historical context: fighting spies was a pop culture trope during the war—comic books, movies, and famous actors even got into the act.
  • Notes the significance of “Counterspy” as Phillips Lord’s third crime radio series, lasting until 1957.

  “Counterspy, particularly at the beginning, told stories of American counterintelligence… these stories were fictional, since the US government wasn’t about to tell stories in the middle of the war about our counterintelligence effort…” — Adam Graham (03:05)

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2. Dramatic Case: The Apparent Suicide of William R. Terris

• [07:12 – 31:40]

Investigation Launch

• William R. Terris, a prominent Washington bachelor, is found dead by apparent suicide.

• David Harding (lead counterspy) doubts the “ill health” suicide note, given Terris’s good health and finances.

  “I admit, Mark, William Terrace probably did commit suicide. But remember this, we’re at war. The Gestapo are experts at making a murder appear to be a suicide.” — David Harding (07:20)

Following the “Cherchez La Femme” Lead

• Harding: “When a man commits suicide and it isn’t his health and it isn’t finances, look for the woman.” (09:19)
• A thorough check reveals no attached woman, until financial records trace Terris’s absences and corresponding checks—leading to an expensive diamond ring purchased and insured by socialite Avery Rollins.
• Discrepancy: Eyewitnesses saw Terris with a dark-haired woman, while Avery is blonde. Investigation hints at the possibility of a disguise/wig.

The Bait: Colonel Reynolds

• Harding recruits the prominent Colonel Reynolds, leveraging his social standing to get close to Avery Rollins—suspected in Terris’s death.
• Colonel resists: “I don’t wish to get mixed up with women.” Harding persuades him, framing it as a duty to the country. (15:35)

The Trap Tightens

• Surveillance reveals dark-haired woman meeting the Colonel in disguise matches Avery’s absences.

• Colonel and Avery’s romance proceeds under watchful eyes; Harding warns the Colonel not to drink any coffee prepared by Avery during a planned dinner.

  “Yes, Colonel, I do [think she’s a spy]. But I kept the key to my secret file where she could get it… The blood of Terrace is on her hands, Colonel. And probably the blood of a dozen other men.” — Harding (22:54)

• Emotional tension: The Colonel admits his love for Avery. Harding expresses empathy but insists on the operation.

The Confrontation

• [24:25 – 31:40]

  • Dinner at the Colonel’s, with Harding and Mark in attendance.
  • A twist: the butler “Martin” is exposed as Herr Franz Beckmann, an Austrian spy, in disguise.
  • Dramatic proof: a secret recording of Avery and Beckmann is played, revealing their contempt for the Colonel and their scheme to steal secrets and induce him to suicide, just as with Terris.
  • Avery’s true identity: Marie Schmitz of Hungary, one of the most dangerous paid spies in the country.

  (As Avery on the recording:) “Then I could break him and force him to commit suicide like Terris. If he won’t, we’ll poison his coffee.” — Avery Rollins/Marie Schmitz (31:07)

The Fallout

• Harding offers the emotionally devastated Colonel perspective on the greater good:

  • “You may have saved the lives, Colonel, of thousands of our boys. … Every one of us has got to sacrifice some one way, some another. I guess this way is mine.”

  “I didn’t know a person could be hurt quite this much.” — Colonel Reynolds (31:57)

• Final public service announcement: listeners are warned not to discuss wartime secrets, for the safety of the nation.

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3. Host Commentary & Reflections

• [35:15 – 41:50]

  • Adam Graham reflects on the structure, realism, and enduring qualities of “Counterspy.”
  • Observes the dramatic choice to have Harding give the Colonel room for romance (perhaps not the wisest move).
  • Notes the emotional cost and unglamorous reality of counterintelligence.
  • Discusses listener feedback concerning another episode to clarify a plot detail.

  “I did feel bad for [the Colonel] in the way it worked out… It’s the type of ending that would have particularly resonated during World War II. … If you can make a difference for your nation…the future of liberty, then you’ve done something worthwhile.” — Adam Graham (36:40)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “When a man commits suicide and it isn’t his health and it isn’t finances, look for the woman.” — Harding (09:19)
• “You don’t think Ms. Rollins was the girl who was with Terris on those trips before he committed suicide? … Yes. His blood is on her hands, Colonel. And probably the blood of a dozen other men.” — Harding (22:54)
• “I love her.” — Colonel Reynolds’ heartbreaking admission (22:39)
• “Look at those Marines swing along. You’ve done that—and the boys like them—a great service, Colonel Reynolds. No one will probably ever know about it. But you will. And I will.” — Harding (32:08)

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Important Timestamps

• [01:05] Adam Graham introduces the show, series history, and context.
• [07:12] Suicide of William R. Terris—case introduced.
• [10:29] Investigative steps (doctor, bank, accountants, resorts).
• [14:10] Suspicions and insurance trail to Avery Rollins.
• [15:35] Harding enlists Colonel Reynolds for an undercover operation.
• [19:40] Colonel Reynolds & Avery Rollins at the beach.
• [21:05] Harding debriefs Colonel Reynolds; plan for the dinner trap.
• [24:25] Dinner and emotional confessions.
• [27:07] The trap is sprung; butler Martin is exposed as a spy.
• [30:12] The incriminating recording is played.
• [31:29] Avery is unmasked as Marie Schmitz; plot resolved.
• [32:08] Harding consoles the Colonel; final message on sacrifice.
• [35:15] Adam Graham’s post-episode analysis and listener feedback.

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Overall Tone & Style

The episode’s tone is suspenseful, patriotic, and layered with the emotional toll of espionage work—balancing thrilling intrigue with the costs of personal involvement. Graham’s commentary is conversational and empathetic, reflecting on both narrative logic and the humanity of the characters.

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Takeaways for New Listeners

This dramatic tale offers a classic example of wartime radio mystery, cleverly weaving personal drama with national stakes, and providing a window into the psychological and emotional dimensions of counterintelligence during WWII. The host’s insights deepen appreciation for the storytelling of the era and the enduring resonance of the sacrifices made by undercover operatives.

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Transcript

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[Adam Graham]

Welcome to the great adventurers of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host Adam Graham. In a moment we're going to bring you our new series Counterspot. But first I do want to encourage you enjoying the podcast. Please follow us using your favorite podcast software and our podcast 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 net now we're going to talk about Counterspy and even though particularly at the beginning it might seem to be covering similar ground to Cloak and Dagger, but there are many big differences. Cloak and Dagger told tales inspired by true adventures of the OSS overseas. CounterSpy, particularly at the beginning, told stories of American counterintelligence and the efforts to the efforts of spies and fifth columnists. By nature these stories were fictional, since the US Government wasn't about to tell stories in the middle of the war about our counterintelligence effort because there were all sorts of risk in doing so. You'd pick up some of that from some of the post war films that came out like household 92nd street. In that film it was portrayed that the US had tracked down the key to a Nazi spy ring but found more valuable use of it to continue to use it to intercept true information and send some inaccurate information back to the Germans for as long as possible. And certainly there may have been some tricks that they picked up during the war that they weren't eager to Share with radio audiences Even after the war, Counterspy premiered at a time when fighting fifth columnist and spies was almost the responsibility of every fictional character. Even before the war, there had been comic book characters like Spy Smasher, but once the war was on, it seems like everybody took a crack at the Axis. You could find axis in the funny papers. You could find them on the silver screen in serials. You even had Lionel Barrymore's finally mare in the mayor of the town having at least one and I think maybe multiple encounters with axis agents. You even had a Laurel and Hardy movie that involved them. Fighting fifth Columnist and Counterspy easily could have just been one of those shows that aired during the war and then disappeared forever, but it actually had a pretty significant life on radio. It was the third series produced by Phillips Lord, who already had gangbusters and Mr. District Attorney under his belt. Counterspy would actually remain on the air until 1957. Not quite as long a run as gangbusters, but a bit more than Mr. District Attorney. And today's episode takes us close to the beginning of the series. This is actually the fourth episode of Counterspy. The original air date June 8, 1942 and the title is cherc la femme.

[Narrator/Mark]

Washington calling Counterspy. Washington calling Counterspy. Washington calling. Counter spy. Hunting Counter spy calling Washington. Harding countered by calling Morgan. The Blue network presents Phillips H. Lord's counter spy. Backing our great army and navy. At the front is our invisible army of United States counter spies who work quietly, effectively and swiftly against the enemies in our midst. They are the dread of the German Gestapo, the Italian ogre and the Japanese black dragons. Imagine the ace counterspy of them all as David Harding, specially appointed with authority to work however or wherever he will. Three weeks ago in Washington, a very prominent bachelor by the name of William R. Terris stood in the center of his expensive apartment. The time 11:25. At night. A dim light burned on the little ebony side table. Mr. Terror stood there. His face was ashen white. Great beads of perspiration stood out on his forehead.

[Colonel Reynolds/Avery Rollins]

Go on. You betrayed your country. Go on. Go on, pull the trigger, you coward.

[Narrator/Mark]

Go on. Tell the editor to hold the press. William R. Harris has just committed suicide in his living room. He left a note saying it was because of ill health. It's a clear cut case of suicide, Mr. Harding. You're the chief and what you say goes. But it's just the case of a wealthy bachelor in poor health. I admit Mark William Terrace probably did commit suicide. But remember this, we're at war. The gestapo are experts at making a murder appear to be a suicide. Then you're really going to investigate it? I think I'll at least ask a few questions. Yes, sir. Now, the notaris left. Mark said he was committing suicide because of ill health. I think I'll drop in on his doctor and see how bad his health really was. You would know, doctor, if Mr. Terrace was in poor health. I was shocked at his suicide, Mr. Harding. From everything I know, Mr. Terrace was in perfect health. It's quite interesting. I think I'll go over to Mr. Terrace's bank and see if finances were worrying him. No, Mr. Harding. Mr. Terrace's finances were in perfect condition. He was worth nearly three quarters of a million. He had many government bonds and securities. Thank you, Mark. When a man commits suicide and it isn't his health and it isn't finances, look for the woman. Exactly. That's what I want you to do, Mark. Yes, sir. Now, pick six men, cover Washington from head to foot. And find out what woman William Terrace paid special attention to. Yes, Mr. Harding. I've just completed that investigation. Man in question was spotless. Described as congenial, social, friendly, but never escorted any particular woman was known to be very proper and old fashioned in ideals. All right, Mark, that ends that lead. Meet me later. I'm going to take a long chance and visit the accounting firm which checked Terrace's books. Why, yes, Mr. Harding. We've been the accountants for Mr. Terrace's firm for nine years. I want you to go to Mr. Terrace's office and get his office pad of appointments for the past year. Now, take that appointment list for lapses of time. Then check those dates against his personal checks. And see what checks were made out during those periods of absences. This should tell us where Mr. Terrace was during those absences. Mr. Harding? We went over Mr. Terrace's office pad. And found he was absent from his business during the past year. On four different occasions a week at each time. Good. Now, during those absences, did he make out any checks? His first absence corresponds with a check he made out at the Saratoga Hotel, Saratoga Springs. During Mr. Terrace's second absence, he made out a check at the clubhouse, Pine Hill, South Carolina. This third check was made out at a clubhouse, Atlanta, Georgia. Fine. Thank you. Proceed. This is G6 calling from Saratoga Springs. Man in question spent week here in company of woman. Dark complexion, about 31, expensively dressed, unusually attractive. Full report follows. Fine. G8 reporting from Pine Hill, South Carolina. Man in question stayed here accompanied by unknown woman in early 30s. Most attractive, expensively gowned dark report follows. This is beginning to get very interesting, Mr. Hardy. Yet we may still be on a wild goose chase. Mark, we have no idea who that girl was. She may have been perfectly all right, but how can we ever find her? She may be anywhere. Here's a little something I dug up. April 2, William Terrace made out a check to the Washington jewelry company for $8,000. Say, that's a pretty sizable amount for a bachelor to be making out to send to a jewelry house. That's what I thought. Martin, I'm going to check that jewelry house. I wonder just what William Terrace bought with that $8,000. Mr. Terrace bought a solitaire, diamond ring, 10 and 1/2 carat platinum setting. A woman's ring. We have no record that he said whom he was buying it for. That is all. Thank you. Well, Mark, now We know that Mr. Terrace bought a ring for some woman. Who is she? Where is she? That's a tough question, Mr. Harding. Well, let's put two and two together and try to make five. Check all insurance companies, Mark. Yes, and see if within a few days after April 2nd, any woman insured a ring for approximately $8,000. Hey, that's clever reasoning. You win, Harding. We're getting hot. Here's the insurance report. April 5, a solitaire, diamond ring, platinum setting, was insured for $8,000 by a Ms. Avery Rollins of 1370 Lincoln Boulevard, Northwest Washington. Rollins. Avery Rollins. That name's very familiar. She's high society, Mr. Harding. Lives with her uncle and aunt. Now, I got a report on her age. 32. Height 5ft 5. Light hair, light complexion, very social. Educated at the Sorbonne, Paris. Above reproach. But the woman seen with William Terrace at the resorts was dark, dark hair. The weights are approximately the same. Both apparently wealthy, both smart dressers. Mark, there's something wrong. Something very wrong. It's a problem that's got to be approached from some unusual angle. Well, you have a very luxurious apartment here, Colonel Reynolds. Thank you, Mr. Harding. I'm pretty proud of it. Especially this library den. I'm here to make a very unusual request, Colonel. As you may know, I'm a United States counterspy. Yes, I do. Now, Colonel, you knew William Terrace personally, didn't you? Oh, yes. Was his suicide a bona fide suicide, Mr. Harding? Well, to be perfectly frank, Colonel Reynolds, I don't know. That's why I've come to you. I need the aid of a citizen, Colonel Prominent, who has some government responsibility. You're 48. That's correct. A bachelor. A confirmed one. You're a very handsome man. Oh, come now, come. Yes, and very fascinating to women. Not now. Wait a minute. Oh, this is very serious business. You're chairman on the board for the new airplane formations and armor.

[Adam Graham]

Yeah.

[Narrator/Mark]

That makes you a very interesting person to certain other persons. Colonel, do you happen to know a Ms. Avery Rollins? A very gorgeous woman, but I've never happened to meet her. She's usually surrounded by any number of admirers. Well, I'm going to arrange for you to meet her, Colonel Reynolds. And I'm going to ask you to make yourself just as interesting to her as possible. In fact, I'm going to ask you to try and make it even. A constant attachment for a time. What? Oh, no, Harding, that's a little too much. I don't wish to get mixed up with women. Colonel Reynolds, you could be the principal factor in possibly exposing one of the most cunning spy rings in this country today. You don't think Avery Rollins was in any way connected with terrorist suicide? You don't think she's acting as a spy? That's what I want to find out, Colonel. Good Lord, Hardy. I've arranged with Lady Keston to give a formal ball next Friday evening. I've given her a list of guests she's to include. Ms. Rollins will be one and I'd appreciate your being another and casually meeting her, naturally. Rollins. Mr. Harding, under these circumstances no man could refute. I thought you'd feel that way, sir. Now, after you meet her, please don't try to contact me in any way. Leave it up to me to find out what you're doing. Three weeks later, March 23, G6, the colonel boarded train at Washington after hour, was joined by a woman already on train. She is of dark complexion, expensively dressed, very attractive black hair, height approximately 5ft 5. Ticket reads palm Springs. That is all that's strange. That's not the description of Avery Rollins. April 6, 4:20pm the Colonel in question boarded train at Washington. Our later joined woman already on train. Dark complexion, expensively dressed, very beautiful and exotic weight 110 pounds. Tickets read Atlanta, Georgia. Who is meeting Colonel Reynolds on these trips? Is it Avery Rollins or who is it? Come in. Oh, Hello, Mark. Hello, Mr. Hardy. I just got the fact from that doc girl who's been meeting the Colonel. Good. What did you find out? You were right, sir. After the girl got off the train with the colonel, I went to her compartment. There were unmistakable signs of dark colored powder blonde hair and black hair which showed at the end of the hair as if it had Come out of a wig. Now she must get on the train, get a compartment and change her appearance before she comes out and meets the colonel. Then it is Avery Rollins because she's been absent from Washington at the same time as the colonel has. She's probably explained to the colonel that because of their prominent standing in Washington that she must disguise herself then. The way I see it, this Avery Rollins must have been the mysterious, dark woman with whom William Terrace went off on trips before he was murdered. Without a doubt. And she's connected with his murder in some manner. And I've got to make sure the colonel isn't killed the same way. She's off now down at Virginia beach with him. What a sunset. Avery beautiful.

[Colonel Reynolds/Avery Rollins]

I love to lie on the beach after all the others have gone in.

[Narrator/Mark]

Look at those breakers on the sea, John.

[Colonel Reynolds/Avery Rollins]

Sometimes I see a look come over your face, a look of pain. Anything troubling you?

[Narrator/Mark]

No, dear, nothing really.

[Colonel Reynolds/Avery Rollins]

Perhaps you're worrying about your responsibilities, those new war plans or something.

[Narrator/Mark]

No, I don't think I am.

[Colonel Reynolds/Avery Rollins]

Oh, I wish we didn't have to go back to Washington tomorrow.

[Narrator/Mark]

We must, though. I've got some important conferences here. Put these in your bag, will you, Avery? I'm afraid I'll lose them in the sand.

[Colonel Reynolds/Avery Rollins]

Oh, but why bring keys down to the beach?

[Narrator/Mark]

I don't dare leave them in the hotel room. The flat one is the key to the secret cabinet in my library. It has the government plans we're drawing up.

[Colonel Reynolds/Avery Rollins]

Oh, no, no, John, don't give me the key keys. It's too big a responsibility.

[Narrator/Mark]

Well, all right. I'll hide them next time under the rug at the hotel, silly.

[Colonel Reynolds/Avery Rollins]

Let's go in the water. Come on.

[Narrator/Mark]

All right, I'll beat you to it.

[Colonel Reynolds/Avery Rollins]

Oh, you just try.

[Narrator/Mark]

Oh, I was looking for you, Harding. Well, hello, Colonel Reynolds. Glad to see you. Sit down. Now, I thought it might be better for us to meet openly at the hotel here rather than for me to go again to your apartment. A good many things have happened since we last talked, Harding. Yes, and you've proved yourself a veteran. A professional counter spy. Couldn't have done better. Anything the matter haunting? Well, I think the big moment's here. It's now or never. What shall I do? I'd like to have you invite Ms. Rollins up to your apartment Tuesday night for a formal dinner, just you two. I'll try. You don't think, do you, Hardy Ms. Rollins really is a spy? Yes, Colonel, I do. But I kept the key to my secret file where she could get it called her attention to it. Harding, tell me the truth. You don't think Ms. Rollins was the girl who was with Terrace on those trips before he committed suicide? Yes. His blood is on her hands, Colonel. And probably the blood of a dozen other men. Now, Tuesday night, after you've had dinner, I wish you'd go with her into your library den for coffee. But under no conditions, Colonel. Drink the coffee now. I'll casually drop in a little later. You intend to break her Tuesday night? If I can. And I hope I can. What's the matter, Colonel? You're white as a sheet. I. I'm all right. But can I get you something?

[Adam Graham]

No.

[Narrator/Mark]

What is it, Colonel? You can tell me, Harding. I love her. You don't mean that. Yes. Yes, I do mean it. I love her.

[Adam Graham]

But.

[Narrator/Mark]

Good heavens, man, you can't. But I do. I think she's innocent. She didn't try to copy the key. She. She's never tried to ask me questions about secret government affairs. But she's a murderous, Colonel. Take my word for it. The blood of Taris is on her. She double cross you in a second. I didn't realize how lonely I'd been. She's so clever, smart, beautiful. Everything about her. I can't stand it. You're not thinking of doing what William Terrace did? No, no, not that. I guess I can see it through. I'm sorry, Colonel. Terribly sorry. I guess there's no more to be said. You'll go through with it tomorrow night as planned? Yes. Now remember, do not drink any coffee that's poured. I wish I could say something. Colonel Reynolds, I. I feel for you from the bottom of my heart. But this is bigger than you or me. I know, but still, I think she's inn. Some more champagne, Avery?

[Adam Graham]

Please.

[Narrator/Mark]

John, that's a stunning evening gown. It blends right with your skin.

[Colonel Reynolds/Avery Rollins]

Oh, flatter.

[Narrator/Mark]

Some more champagne for you, sir? Yes. And Martin. Yes, sir? Ms. Avery and I will have our brandy and coffee in the library tonight. Yes, sir. And I'd like to have you remain this evening. Very good, sir. Oh, by the way, Avery, did you ever know William R. Terror Terrace?

[Colonel Reynolds/Avery Rollins]

Wasn't he the man who committed suicide about four months ago? Yes, I've seen him, but I never met him.

[Narrator/Mark]

Oh. Awful thing, wasn't it?

[Colonel Reynolds/Avery Rollins]

I've heard some people say it wasn't suicide.

[Narrator/Mark]

Yes, but you can't tell from rumors. Like the silverware.

[Colonel Reynolds/Avery Rollins]

You caught me looking at it, John. Yes, I do like it. Everything about this place, it's. It's so tasteful.

[Narrator/Mark]

I Had thought I was perfectly contented. But now it all seems so insignificant. To have something really worthwhile, you've got to have someone to share it with.

[Colonel Reynolds/Avery Rollins]

I found the same thing too, John. Closeness and comradeship mean more than anything.

[Narrator/Mark]

Shall I have Martin serve the coffee and brandy in the library?

[Colonel Reynolds/Avery Rollins]

Yes. Do I finish?

[Narrator/Mark]

Let me help you.

[Commercial Announcer]

Thank you.

[Colonel Reynolds/Avery Rollins]

But I'd rather sit on the divan with you.

[Narrator/Mark]

Avery, you look like the most sophisticated woman in the world. Like one of those gorgeous paintings. And then you say something so tender.

[Colonel Reynolds/Avery Rollins]

Oh, but a woman should be a mystery to a man.

[Narrator/Mark]

There, Avery.

[Colonel Reynolds/Avery Rollins]

I know.

[Narrator/Mark]

But you don't know how much.

[Colonel Reynolds/Avery Rollins]

Yes, I do, John. My heart's pitter pattering the same way it has been ever since that last trip.

[Narrator/Mark]

Do you love me, Avery?

[Colonel Reynolds/Avery Rollins]

Yes, John. Very deeply.

[Narrator/Mark]

Avery. Pardon me, sir, but Mr. Harding and his friend have called. Oh, yes? Yes, Martin, show them in.

[Colonel Reynolds/Avery Rollins]

Why did they have to come at just this moment?

[Narrator/Mark]

Well, Harding's a very good friend. I guess he's just dropping in. No, we were just on our way to the club. We thought we'd stop in. Colonel. Hello, Harding. Glad to see you. Have you met Miss Rollins? I don't believe I've had that Privilege. Good evening, Ms. Rollins.

[Colonel Reynolds/Avery Rollins]

Good evening, Mr. Harding.

[Narrator/Mark]

Ms. Rollins is a friend of mine. Mr. Mark.

[Colonel Reynolds/Avery Rollins]

Good evening, Mr. Mark.

[Narrator/Mark]

It's a pleasure. And Colonel Reynolds. Mark. Good evening, Mr.— Mark. Won't you join us in Brandin? Coffee? No, thank you. We've just finished dinner. Sit down, gentlemen, and make yourselves comfortable.

[Colonel Reynolds/Avery Rollins]

While you men chat. I think I'll go and freshen up a bit. We just finished dinner. A delicious dinner, Mr. Harding, but fried chicken. And you know what that does to the hand.

[Narrator/Mark]

I've always maintained the only real place to really enjoy fried chicken was in the bath.

[Colonel Reynolds/Avery Rollins]

You men chat and I'll be back in 10. Just a few moments. If you'll excuse me.

[Narrator/Mark]

Harding, it's all right to talk in front of Mr. Moff? Yes, Colonel. He's a counter spy in active service. Harding. It can't be true. She's too decent. I'm going crazy. Colonel Reynolds. I'm going to have to be brutal tonight. Ordinarily, I wouldn't operate this way, but I'm going to do everything I can to expose this right here in front of you. I believe I owe it to you. Tell me, Harding. She's really one of your agents working with you. Tell me that you suspected me and really did this so she could check on me. Tell me that. Ease my mind. The only way, Colonel. Is to let this unfold. Now, would you ring for your butler, please? Yes, yes, Harding, Is it the butler you're really after? Tell me it's he and not Avery, isn't it? Colonel, I know how upset you are. I sympathize, but I can't change the facts. Now, don't say anything for a minute. Did you ring for me, sir? I believe the colonel wanted you to pour some brandy for me. Yes, sir. Thank you, sir. This is a gun in your stomach. Don't move, Harding. Quiet, please. Colonel, cup his hands behind him. Mark, fight. I've got him. Then he's the man you're after, Not Avery, I believe. Hey, Martin there. Without his wig he looks more natural like his pictures. Your butler, Colonel Reynolds, is Herr Franz Backman, one of the cleverest Austrian spies. I am not him. I do not know whom you are talking about. Colonel, when your butler was hurt by a car six weeks ago, you might be interested to know it was a plot. The man at the wheel of the car which ran down your butler was this man standing here. He wanted to pose as a butler so he could get in your house. Here. We've been checking on him for weeks. Here, drink the coffee you serve the colonel. Drink it.

[Colonel Reynolds/Avery Rollins]

Now.

[Narrator/Mark]

You don't like doped coffee, huh? Bergman, please. Harding, Avery is coming back. Watch her when she comes in. I think she'll be pretty surprised.

[Colonel Reynolds/Avery Rollins]

There's something the matter in here. Well, Is that your butler? His hair is.

[Narrator/Mark]

Yes, Ms. Rollins. We removed his wig.

[Colonel Reynolds/Avery Rollins]

Why?

[Narrator/Mark]

For the reason that he happens not to be a butler, but Herr Franz Beckmann, a very noted Austrian spy.

[Colonel Reynolds/Avery Rollins]

Spy? He's a spy?

[Narrator/Mark]

Yes, quite a catch.

[Colonel Reynolds/Avery Rollins]

Oh, I'm so glad you caught him.

[Narrator/Mark]

Mark, take Beckmann over to the other side of the room. Come on, Hitler, or I'll lead you by the nose.

[Colonel Reynolds/Avery Rollins]

Oh, John, you must feel terribly about this taking place in your apartment. Here, take this Brick. You look like a ghost.

[Narrator/Mark]

Thank you. Thank you, Avery. Thanks. Now, Colonel Reynolds, I have a record I'd like to play for you. Would you mind my using your machine? Why, no, no. The switch is right on the side of the radio. It's just a short recording. I feel a little dizzy. I guess I'll sit here by you, Avery.

[Colonel Reynolds/Avery Rollins]

Good. What kind of a record is it, Mr. Harding? What's the purpose of it?

[Narrator/Mark]

I believe that it'll be self explanatory. Was made last night there. The lines were spoken rather softly at the time. But I'll turn on the full volume so we won't miss Anything here, Quick. Get the camera. Early. I can't find anything but personal paper.

[Colonel Reynolds/Avery Rollins]

Oh, they must be there. The colonel told me himself. He kept them in the wall safe in his library.

[Narrator/Mark]

Yes, all right. But if we don't find them, you will just have to keep on playing him. That old fool.

[Colonel Reynolds/Avery Rollins]

I want to spit in his face every time I get near him. I can't stand to touch him.

[Narrator/Mark]

The plants are not here.

[Colonel Reynolds/Avery Rollins]

Yeah, he has be there.

[Narrator/Mark]

We have failed tonight, but he'll probably put them in here tomorrow night.

[Colonel Reynolds/Avery Rollins]

Hope tonight would be the last. Then I could break him and force him to commit suicide like terrorists. If he won't, we'll poison his coffee. That's right, dog.

[Narrator/Mark]

It's burning off bad.

[Adam Graham]

You.

[Colonel Reynolds/Avery Rollins]

I'll kill you, Avery.

[Narrator/Mark]

Do you know what you're saying? Fortunately, Colonel Reynolds, the plans weren't there. But if they had been, you wouldn't be alive tonight. She'd have worked on you till she'd gotten you to commit suicide.

[Colonel Reynolds/Avery Rollins]

Marianne, I wouldn't. Made him kill himself, just like I made Carol kill himself.

[Narrator/Mark]

Shut up, you fool. Don't talk. Yeah, she'd have told you she'd gotten the plan, that you'd be disgraced. She'd have broken your heart. You'd have done what all the other men have done. She's worked on.

[Colonel Reynolds/Avery Rollins]

And I'd have laughed at the stupid dog.

[Narrator/Mark]

Colonel, her real name is Marie Schmitz of Hungary. A paid spy. She goes to the biggest bidder. This woman is one of the cleverest, if not the cleverest, paid woman spy in this country. And that butler of yours, Franz Backman, is her husband. Take them away, Mark. The other agents are out in the front hall. Yes, sir. I'm sorry, Colonel, but I had to strip it all down before you so you never have any doubt. I didn't know a person could be hurt quite this much. You may have saved the lives, Colonel, of thousands of our boys. I hope so. Come over here by the window for a minute, would you? Colonel, why couldn't she have been what I hoped she was? Look at those Marines swing along. You've done that, and the boys like them. A great service, Colonel Reynolds. No one will probably ever know about it. But you will. And I will. Let's open the window. Doesn't that send a thrill through you? It does, yes. I'm glad I was able to help Harding. Every one of us has got to sacrifice some one way, some another. I guess this way is mine. All over this country tonight is spread a great army of counter spies. Men working to protect you and our boys at the front. Special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, of the Secret Service, of the treasury and State Departments, of the intelligence Bureaus of the army and the Navy. Men who are constantly on the alert, diligently protecting our home front. These men beg of you not to talk concerning troop movements, armaments, defense plants and wartime plants. There are many leeches, enemy agents just waiting to pounce on every little scrap of information so their experts can piece it together into a big, compact picture of our war efforts. Next Monday evening, CounterSpy, David Harding will be on the air. Tell your friends. Invite them to listen in to these exciting dramatized cases portrayed weekly. At this time, Counter Spy is a Phillips H. Lord production, which has originated from New York. This is the Blue Network.

[Commercial Announcer]

At vrbo, we understand that even the best of plans sometimes need a little support. So we plan for the plot twists. Every booking is automatically backed by our VRBO care guarantee, giving you confidence from the very start. Whenever you need help, it's ready before your stay, through the moments in between and after your trip. Because a great trip starts with peace of mind and maybe a good playlist, but we've got the peace of mind part covered.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. Okay, I think as an introduction to the series, even though it's not the first episode, it definitely does get you familiar with the concept. And the opening would remain pretty much the same even as the show evolved. The ability for David Harding to pick his own cases, it is a huge, huge, very dubious procedure to have in place. But that ability to have that flexibility about the cases portrayed is part of the reason that counterspy lasted for so long. As we'll hear as we get further into the series here, it really does give him the latitude to give this a thorough investigation when the police had just kind of been willing to go along with it being a suicide. Although I have to say, even a suicide that is somewhat coerced or that someone was manipulated into. I've never heard of anyone lying in their suicide note and telling such an easily disproven lie, such as that you committed suicide due to poor health when your health was fine. I did think Harding had a good plan with the Colonel, although I think we can look and say that it was a bit of a mistake to just leave the Colonel to his own devices while he was going through this romantic relationship. And I did feel bad for him the way that it worked out. I did like the way that he came up with alternate explanations for his mission. It was not some total abandonment of all logic and reason and some of the ideas he came up with would have actually been a really good twist. But alas, it was not to be. And I did appreciate Harding trying to reassure him about it and again making the point that he had helped save lives. And I think it's the type of ending that would have particularly resonated during World War II, as a lot of people face the reality that sometimes you don't get the happy ending. But if you can make a difference for your nation and the future of liberty, then you've done something worthwhile. It's not all about you. Listen our comments and feedback now. And we have comments regarding the episode 13. Rue Madeleine with Humphrey Bogart and Itchy Richie says this is a great old movie with James Cagney and thanks so much. I don't think I did mention that the original screen version that was adapted was with Cagney, but it was so appreciate that. And then have a really good comment from mechanic66. When they were talking about Sharkey going himself and getting caught, he said, I'll have my L tab and with one bite I'll be gone. So why was he taken alive? Well, that is a really good question. And this is a case where I have a strong preference for one hour adaptations of films as opposed to half hours. And you really get a lot more chance to fill in the details. And in this case when they adapted it down to half an hour, they left in a line and. But they didn't really communicate why he didn't take the L tab. If you watch the film version, he has completed the mission he had in the film but did not get away. And he was hidden in the brush and there was a gun that was just a few feet away from him and he had the Al tab out. And at one point when there were Nazi officers about, the Nazi officers moved and he thought he had a chance at getting the gun. And if he can get the gun, that creates a lot of options for him to get away, to inflict more damage on the enemy. And Sharkey, while he's willing to take this if he's got no other choice, I think understandably that's not his purpose. But he goes for the gun and is spotted before he can get it cleanly and he ends up getting knocked out with the L tab in his hands and that's actually pried away from his hands by the Germans. But again, the radio version doesn't really make that clear, but that's what happened and I hope that explanation helps. Alright, well, now it's time to thank our Patreon Supporter of the Day and I want to go ahead and thank Susie, Patreon supporter Since September of 2025, currently supporting the podcast at the Secret agent level of $4 or more per month. Thank you so much for your support, Susie. And that will do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And if you're enjoying the podcast on YouTube, be sure to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and mark the notification bell. We'll be back next Saturday with another episode of counterspy, but join us back here on Tuesday on the Great Adventurers Podcast where we will be bringing you the next installment in the Tarzan serial. And of course, the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio will be back on Monday with Danger with Granger. In the meantime, do send your comments to box ThirteenreatDetectives.net From Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.

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At vrbo. We understand that even the best of plans sometimes need a little support, so we've planned for the plot twists. Every booking is automatically backed by our VRBO Care Guarantee, giving you confidence from the very start. Whenever you need help, it's ready before your stay, through the moments in between, and after your trip. Because a great trip starts with peace of mind and maybe a good playlist. But we've got the peace of mind part covered with Verbo Care. Help is always ready before, during, and after your stay. We've planned for the plot twists, so support is always available because a great trip starts with peace of mind. At vrbo, we understand that even the best of plans sometimes need a little support, so we plan for the plot twists. Every booking is automatically backed by our VRBO Care Guarantee, giving you confidence from the very start. Whenever you need help, it's ready before you your stay, through the moments in between and after your trip. Because a great trip starts with peace of mind and maybe a good playlist. But we've got the peace of mind part covered.