The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio

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

Release Date: February 7, 2026
Host: Adam Graham

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.

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)

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.

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)

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)

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.

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.

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.