The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio
Episode Summary: Counterspy – "Cherchez La Femme" (A0072)
Air Date: March 21, 2026 (original episode aired June 13, 1945)
Host: Adam Graham
Main Theme
This episode features a classic espionage yarn from Counterspy, titled "Cherchez La Femme." The story follows agent David Harding as he investigates the mysterious suicide of a prominent government bachelor. The plot is a tense blend of wartime paranoia, romance, betrayal, and clever detective work, with Harding unraveling an enemy espionage plot targeting U.S. military secrets during World War II. Adam Graham’s commentary contextualizes the episode's significance in radio drama history and the evolution of its characters.
Key Discussion Points and Plot Breakdown
Introduction by Adam Graham
[01:06]
- Adam introduces the episode, noting this is a script reused from a prior season but with distinct changes fitting 1945's shifting wartime atmosphere.
- Highlights the addition of Peters (Mandel Kramer) as a new recurring character, praising what he adds to the Counterspy formula.
Counterspy Drama: "Cherchez La Femme"
[02:37 – 28:50]
The Case of Harold R. Blake
- Opening Incident:
- Prominent bachelor Harold R. Blake is found dead. It appears a clear-cut suicide—a note blames ill health (03:48 – 04:02).
- David Harding is suspicious due to Blake’s sensitive government post, noting, "We're still at war and trained enemy agents are still at work. They're experts at making murder appear to be suicide." (04:10 – 04:21)
- Initial Investigation:
- Health and finances found to be in excellent order (04:42 – 05:22).
- Harding and Assistant Peters agree: "When a man commits suicide, it isn't his health and it isn't finances."
- Peters: "Look for the woman.”
- Harding: "That's just what I want you to do, Peters.” (05:28 – 05:30)
The Mysterious Woman
- Tracking Blake’s Movements:
- Office and financial records reveal Blake took four lengthy absences; each coincides with checks written at high-end hotels and clubs across the country (07:07 – 07:30).
- Surveillance from agents in those cities describes him accompanied by "a dark, attractive woman, early 30s, expensively dressed" (07:40 – 08:20).
- Clue from the Jeweler:
- Blake purchased an $8,000 diamond ring—an extravagant gift for a bachelor (08:57 – 09:08).
- Insurance records link the ring to Ms. Adele Winston, a sophisticated, well-traveled woman with a light complexion (09:41 – 10:01), creating a discrepancy.
Targeting the Next Victim
- Colonel Higgins' Vulnerability:
- David Harding enlists Colonel Higgins, a key military planner, to act as bait and identify Ms. Winston.
- Harding: "You could be the principal factor in possibly exposing one of the most clever spies in this country today." (12:07 – 12:09)
- Higgins: "Good Lord, Harding."
- A Deadly Gambit:
- Surveillance tracks Higgins meeting a "dark, beautiful woman" matching Blake's companion (13:12 – 14:14).
- Clever disguise is revealed: Winston changes from blonde to dark hair using a wig, confirming she is the same woman. She's adept at shifting her appearance and identity.
- "There were unmistakable signs of dark colored face powder. There were also traces both of blonde hair and black hair. The black hair had definitely come out of a wig." (14:30 – 14:56)
The Sting Operation
- Beachhouse Trap:
- Harding coaches Higgins to let Winston see the key to his secret files—but cautions against drinking any coffee she offers on their next evening together (17:50 – 18:22).
- Higgins confesses his emotional turmoil:
- "I've fallen in love with her."
- Harding: "Good heavens, you can't."
- Higgins: "I think she's innocent." (18:50 – 19:15)
- Confrontation and Reveal:
- During a staged evening, Harding and Peters arrive as Winston retreats to freshen up.
- The butler is revealed as Victor Stroz, an international spy in disguise. Stroz is arrested (24:19 – 24:51).
- Exposing Winston’s duplicity via a secret recording:
- "We must break him and force him to commit suicide the way Blake did. If he won't, we'll poison his coffee." (26:35 – 26:50)
- Winston is unmasked as Gerta Stenya, a paid spy, and Stroz is her husband.
Emotional Fallout and Resolution
- Higgins, devastated by betrayal, is comforted by Harding:
- Harding: "You may have saved the lives, Colonel, of thousands of our men." (27:48 – 27:52)
- Higgins: "After all, the war isn't over yet. Every one of us has still got to sacrifice. Some one way, some another. I guess this way is mine." (28:13 – 28:18)
- Memorable Quote:
- Adele Winston (unmasked): “I would have laughed at the stupid dog.” (27:11)
Adam Graham's Commentary & Historical Context
[30:48 – 34:57]
- Adam discusses the evolution of the series and this script’s 1945 adaptation:
- Notes the episode's forward-facing perspective on war sacrifice in the original versus a retrospective tone in this iteration.
- Comments on the absence of other foreign spy services in the intro, reflecting the post-war world.
- Highlights the significance of Peters as a recurring, competent assistant; character played by Mandel Kramer became a fixture of the series.
- Points out a logical complexity introduced by Peters’ presence:
- In the original, only Harding could contact Higgins, but here Peters is around—this creates a somewhat less plausible narrative device.
- Touches on actor backgrounds and how Mandel Kramer’s larger role was a breakthrough in radio.
Listener Feedback & Host Wrap-Up
[34:57 – 36:25]
- Adam shares a few listener comments and thanks Patreon supporters.
- Closes with show schedule announcements and directs listeners to contact the podcast or follow on social media.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Harding on duplicity:
- "They're experts at making murder appear to be suicide." (04:18)
- Peters, summing up motives:
- "When a man commits suicide, it isn't his health and it isn't finances." (05:23)
- "Look for the woman." (05:28)
- Winston (recorded, exposed):
- "We must break him and force him to commit suicide the way Blake did. If he won't, we'll poison his coffee." (26:46)
- "I would have laughed at the stupid dog." (27:11)
- Higgins grappling with emotion:
- "I've fallen in love with her." (19:13)
- Harding delivering the sobering truth:
- "You may have saved the lives, Colonel, of thousands of our men." (27:48)
- "Every one of us has still got to sacrifice. Some one way, some another. I guess this way is mine." (Higgins, 28:13)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- [02:37] – Drama segment begins
- [04:18] – Harding raises suspicion on suicide
- [08:57] – $8,000 ring discovery
- [09:41] – Insurance clue names Adele Winston
- [12:00] – Colonel Higgins is recruited as bait
- [14:30] – Disguise reveal (wig and face powder)
- [18:50] – Higgins’ emotional confession
- [24:19] – Butler unmasked as spy
- [26:35] – Secret recording – the spy plot exposed
- [27:48] – Emotional fallout and resolution
- [30:48] – Adam Graham’s commentary
Podcast Language and Tone
The episode is performed in tense, melodramatic “golden age” radio style, with sharp dialogue, clipped espionage banter, and emotional confessions. Adam Graham’s commentary is friendly, knowledgeable, and warmly appreciative of classic media and radio talent.
Conclusion
This Counterspy episode exemplifies wartime radio drama’s blend of intrigue, suspense, and sacrifice, anchored by strong performances and detective plotting. Adam Graham’s insights help place the show in its proper historical and artistic context, making this episode a treat for mystery fans and old-time radio enthusiasts alike.
