Counterspy: Industrial Spy Ring (A0068)

Summary

The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio
Host: Adam Graham
Episode: Counterspy: Industrial Spy Ring (A0068)
Original Air Date: December 14, 1942
Podcast Release Date: March 7, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode features a tense installment of Counterspy, centering on industrial espionage and Nazi infiltration on the American home front during World War II. David Harding and his team investigate a suspected spy ring embedded in a patriotic American manufacturing company, only to uncover double-crosses, deadly ambitions, and a network of deception that reaches right into the heart of loyal American families.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Breakdown

Opening and Set Up

• [02:05] Introduction to the Counterspy Agency
  The episode opens with David Harding and his Counterspy team in Washington, setting the patriotic and suspenseful tone for the anti-espionage operation.
  • “Washington calling Counterspy. Washington calling Counterspy.” – David Harding

The Hughes Domestic Conflict

• [03:47 – 08:45] Suspicion, Betrayal, and Murder
  • Henry Hughes, a sophisticated and well-educated businessman, is embroiled in a personal and professional double life.
  • His wife, Laura, confronts him about infidelity and suspects deeper secrets. A heated argument exposes the strain of espionage life.
  • Notable quote:
    • “Which means more to you, your country or me?” – Henry Hughes [05:42]
    • "You swine. You insinuating pig..." – Laura Hughes [04:18]
  • In a chilling sequence, Hughes drugs Laura during a drive and stages her death as a drunken accident to eliminate a liability.
    • “The injection was just enough to make you unconscious. When they find your body, it will have bled naturally. An accident. Your stomach full of liquor.” – Henry Hughes [08:37]

The Investigation Begins

• [10:03 – 16:08] David Harding Gathers Intel
  • Harding is alerted by field agents to the suspicious circumstances of Laura’s death and Henry Hughes’ war-critical occupation at the Pittsburgh Bronze Casting Company.
    • "What's the catch? ... The ignition wasn't turned on..." – Harding and Agent [10:26]
  • Investigation reveals a two-year unaccounted period in Hughes' life and intrigue about the company’s bookkeeper, Elmer Bruce.
  • Harding enrolls Bruce in a covert plan: pay Hughes with marked bills to track the flow of money and uncover potential espionage contacts.
    • “You are to put these designated bills in the pay envelope each week of Henry Hughes until notified to the contrary. And you’re not to mention to anyone... that you have met or talked with me.” – David Harding [15:10]

Following the Money: The Cinema Connection

• [16:10 – 18:36] Clues Through Financial Tracking
  • Tracing Hughes’ spending reveals regular payments at a movie theater, which matches neither his grief nor the schedule for feature films.
    • “Although they change the feature picture only twice a week, [Hughes] goes to the same movie house three times.” – Field Agent [17:42]
  • Harding dispatches an undercover agent (“J4”) as an usherette to observe Hughes’ contacts.
  • Notable plot turn: the woman Hughes meets at the theater is revealed to be Phyllis Lawrence, the daughter of Bronze Casting Company’s president.

Confrontation and Unmasking the Conspiracy

• [20:25 – 26:56] The Ring Exposed
  • Harding’s confrontation with Mr. Lawrence exposes familial betrayal and further layers of spy intrigue.
    • "The young man your daughter happens to be interested in is in the employ of our enemies. Germany." – Harding [23:04]
    • Phyllis Lawrence vehemently defends Hughes, revealing her love affair and refusing to believe in his treachery.
    • "Henry's fine and you know him. He's my sweetheart." – Phyllis Lawrence [24:41]
  • Plot twist: Phyllis reveals complicity in her father’s treason; Mr. Lawrence's factory has been funded by Berlin and is part of the spy infrastructure.
  • A recording device left behind by Harding captures a critical confession between Phyllis and Lawrence, which leads to their arrest.
    • "There. Oh, quick, quick. Harding left that there to take us. He’s heard everything we’ve said." – Phyllis Lawrence [26:22]

Resolution

• [26:56 – 27:36] Arrest and Aftermath
  • Harding’s agents detain Phyllis and Lawrence; their escape attempt is thwarted (car sabotaged, other agents standing by).
    • "Yes, the distributor cap is missing. And I wouldn’t move either one of you." – Harding [26:54]
  • Final tragedy: Henry Hughes, the key operative, commits suicide as agents move to arrest him.
    • "That's just what he did. Killed himself when my men went to arrest him." – Harding [27:28]

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Host Commentary and Reflections (Adam Graham)

Insightful Analysis

• [31:42] Focus Shift in Series Style:

  • Graham highlights the episode’s evolution towards an intelligence and surveillance narrative, with Harding collecting data more than taking immediate hands-on action.
    • “...more of the program is hoarding, collecting data and information from the field rather than being more hands on with everything as he was in some other episodes.” – Adam Graham

• World War II Plausibility:

  • The story is considered plausible due to the real threat of Nazi sympathizers in the US and industrial infiltration tactics.
    • “There had been Nazi sympathizers in the United States prior to the war, so the idea that some money had been sent over and was used to set someone up as a provider of war supplies, that seems really plausible.” – Adam Graham

• Gestapo Portrayal and Narrative Choices:

  • Graham critiques the Gestapo's depiction as somewhat incompetent, pointing out the trope of making the villain seem less clever to allow for satisfying heroism.
    • “A lot of World War II stories had this sort of conflicting message...the only way that they can be stopped is by absolute dedication and vigilance. But they're not all that bright.” – Adam Graham

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• “Which means more to you, your country or me?” – Henry Hughes [05:42]
• “The injection was just enough to make you unconscious. When they find your body, it will have bled naturally. An accident. Your stomach full of liquor.” – Henry Hughes [08:37]
• “There seems to be no record of Henry Hughes at all during that period.” – Field Agent [12:28]
• “Phyllis Lawrence, daughter of the president of the Bronze Casting Company.” – Agent J4 [21:00]
• “The young man your daughter happens to be interested in is in the employ of our enemies. Germany.” – Harding [23:04]
• “There. Oh, quick, quick. Harding left that there to take us. He's heard everything we've said.” – Phyllis Lawrence [26:22]
• “That's just what he did. Killed himself when my men went to arrest him.” – David Harding [27:28]

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Listener Feedback Highlights

• [32:44] Harrison notes familiar voices and discusses casting details, with Adam confirming actor identities and reflecting on the differences between New York and Hollywood productions.
• [34:25] Mechanic66 points out action realism regarding friendly fire in a previous episode, prompting Adam to consider agency protocols off-mic.

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Important Timestamps

• [03:47] – Hughes’ marital confrontation and murder plot
• [10:03] – Harding learns of Laura’s suspicious death
• [15:10] – Marked bills plan set into motion
• [18:24] – Movie theater clue breaks the case
• [23:04] – Harding confronts Mr. Lawrence with espionage allegations
• [26:22] – Secret recording captures conspirators
• [27:28] – Conclusion: arrest and Hughes’ suicide
• [31:42] – Host commentary and analysis

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Conclusion

This Counterspy episode fuses personal betrayal with high stakes national security threats, blending emotional manipulation, undercover work, and suspenseful plot twists. The host's analysis offers valuable historical context and critiques the storytelling conventions of wartime radio. Those interested in classic radio, spy fiction, or WWII-era patriotism will find this an engaging and representative installment.

Transcript

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[Podcast Host (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 this week's episode of Counterspot. But first, I do want to encourage you. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software and our listeners support and appreciation campaign continues. You can become one of our Patreon supporters for as little as $2 per month. Just go to patreon.greatdetives.net but now, from December 14, 1942, here is Industrial spy R.

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

Washington calling Counter spy. Washington calling Counter spy. Washington calling Counter spy.

[Counterspy Agent/Assistant]

Artie Counterspy calling Washington. Harding counterspy calling Washington. Phillips h. Lord, counter spy. The Blue Network is proud to present Phillips H. Lord's Counterspy, a dramatization packed with thrills and adventure. The fascinating portrayal of undercover agents working against enemy spies within our borders. All over this great country tonight is an invisible army of men and women highly trained to protect us from professional enemy spies within our borders. Imagine chief counter spy of them all as David Harding.

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

In Pittsburgh, Henry Hughes, cultured, well educated and sophisticated, entered his hotel suite on the seventh floor. Seated before a dressing table in the bedroom was his most attractive wife. Hello, Laura. Mixing up a little?

[Phyllis Lawrence]

You're late, Henry.

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

Oh, the matter's down at the office. Guess I'll send for a drink. Want one? Already had one. Oh, having a drink alone, eh? Perhaps you weren't alone.

[Phyllis Lawrence]

You swine. You insinuating pig. You come in with that saintly way you have it. I know where you've been.

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

At the office.

[Phyllis Lawrence]

Yes, the office. With lipstick all over your collar, night after night, coming and thinking. I don't know. You think I'm a fool.

[Counterspy Agent/Assistant]

Stop it, you little hellion.

[Phyllis Lawrence]

Hellion? I gave up everything. You decent. Family, money, position, honor. I followed you every place of God for 10 years. You scam. You fake traitor.

[Counterspy Agent/Assistant]

What's that? Laura?

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

Oh. Oh, I can't cry. I can't even do that anymore. Why do I love you so? Now, look, you've been great. Sure, sure. I've been seeing someone else. You know, it's business. Now, as soon as I get all the information I'm after, we can leave this country. We'll be rich the rest of our lives. Now, I can't tell you the things I'm doing. Not allowed to. Gestapo would kill me. They promised that if I make good on this job, it means a big job over there. We'll get out of this country.

[Phyllis Lawrence]

But this is my country, Henry.

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

Can't it be what I've been through for years, loving you, ready to die

[Phyllis Lawrence]

for you, but cheating all the time on my country?

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

Which means more to you, your country or me? You. There, that sounds more natural. Well, Laura, I've got to go out for a while tonight. Now, you go to a movie or something. I'll be back as soon as I can. Where are you going? I've got to drive over the mountain. The Connorsville. It's about 90 miles. You lie.

[Phyllis Lawrence]

You're lying like you always do. You're going with her. You're letting me down. I can see it in your eyes. Well, you can't. You won't.

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

Now, wait a minute. Okay. Okay, come along. I'll prove it to you. You mean you want me to go with you? Yes. I'll prove to you that it's business. We'll have some drinks, drive over and make a good time of it. You mean it? Henry, I'd rather have you with me than anyone else. Oh, I'm such a fool. But I do love you so.

[Counterspy Agent/Assistant]

Here's the bottle, Laura. Have yourself another drink.

[Phyllis Lawrence]

Oh, it's beautiful tonight, sir.

[Podcast Host (Adam Graham)]

Kennedy.

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

You can see for miles. Sure, we're about 4,000ft up. Look. Look how those clips drop right down from the side of the road.

[Phyllis Lawrence]

What's the matter?

[Counterspy Agent/Assistant]

Oh, I thought I'd turn and drive

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

right up to the edge. We can sit for a few minutes

[Counterspy Agent/Assistant]

and look out at the view.

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

Henry, the front wheels are right on Here. It's both of them, of course.

[Counterspy Agent/Assistant]

See how I can handle a car?

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

I didn't have a drink like you did. It's exciting. Have another drink. All right, but I'm busy now. Yeah. Clean on my shoulder. Henry. I'm sorry. What's the matter?

[Phyllis Lawrence]

Oh.

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

Oh.

[Phyllis Lawrence]

Oh, it's all right now.

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

But something. Something like that. Oh. Perhaps there was a pin or something in the cushion. Oh, it's not like a. Henry. Henry. Yes? What's stuck into me? What was it? How should I know? You do know.

[Commercial Announcer]

It was you.

[Phyllis Lawrence]

You've done it. There was a hypodermic needle. You poisoned me. You had.

[Counterspy Agent/Assistant]

Ain't too dangerous to have around. You and your jealous creature. Help your head off. Nobody will ever hear you up here. You're going over the cliff.

[Phyllis Lawrence]

They'll get you for this. They'll get you for murder.

[Counterspy Agent/Assistant]

Oh, no. The injection was just enough to make you unconscious. When they find your body, it will have bled naturally. An accident. Your stomach full of liquor.

[Phyllis Lawrence]

Henry. Damn it.

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

Let me.

[Phyllis Lawrence]

Hey,

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

Now. Emergency braking. Happy journey, my dear. Now to get the front wheels over. Now the back wheels over.

[Counterspy Agent/Assistant]

J7 calling Counter Spy headquarters, Washington.

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

Harding speaking.

[Counterspy Agent/Assistant]

J7 Pittsburgh. I think you should fly here immediately, Mr. Harding. What's your report? Very attractive wife of a Henry Hughes drove car while intoxicated off mountain cliff. Henry Hughes holds a rather important position in the Pittsburgh Bronze Casting Company which is now doing war work exclusively.

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

What's the catch?

[Counterspy Agent/Assistant]

She's supposed to have driven off the cliff while intoxicated. But the ignition wasn't turned on. The key was in the lock turned off.

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

Quite remarkable. In defense worker. Have a complete report ready. I'm flying immediately.

[Counterspy Agent/Assistant]

Calling J7, Pittsburgh. J7 Pittsburgh. Check.

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

Come in.

[Counterspy Agent/Assistant]

I just had a thought. Check on the bookkeeper of the Pittsburgh Bronze Casting Company. Find out everything about him. Will arrive in about an hour.

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

Now, these reports, Mr. Harding, they're all on Henry Hughes. You did well to get them this quickly. Notice this, sir. Very well. Help it. It's a matter of two years. There. There seems to be no record of Henry Hughes at all during that period. You check Passport files? Yes, Mr. Harding. If Hughes left the country and re entered, he did so without leaving any record of it. There isn't a thing here that points suspicion in any way to Henry Hughes. What about the bookkeeper of the Bronze Casting company? Elmer Bruce, 65, small of stature, light hair, blue eyes. Lives with wife. Both regular church attendants. She's a Sunday school teacher. They have a daughter and two sons, one grandchild Ruth is very well thought of by his neighbors. He's a great lover of books. Goes to the library at least four nights a week. The library, huh? Quite a scholarly chap. I think I'll drop over to the library and see if Bruce happens to be there. Pardon me. Were you through with this book? Oh, oh, yes, yes, yes. I was just browsing through it. Won't you sit down a moment? I'd like to speak to you. Why yes, certainly. Aren't you Elmer Bruce? But that's the most amazing thing I've ever heard of. I've never seen you before. Well, this meeting isn't quite as accidental as it might seem, Mr. Bruce. For certain reasons, I didn't want to go to your home. I meant to have you look at my credentials. Mercy. Oh, there's nothing to be nervous about. Have I done something wrong? I, I just wanted to ask you a question, Mr. Bruce. Do you happen to know a man who works for your company by the name of Henry Hughes? Why yes. Wasn't that a catastrophe, his wife's death? Yes, a terrible thing. Mr. Bruce, of course, you pay all the employees of the Bronze Casting Company by check? Oh, yes, yes, 462, counting the two janitors at night watchman. That is the last count. Was that I see. Mr. Bruce, tomorrow your accountants are going to call on you and Mr. Harold Lawrence, the president of your firm. Oh, yes. Now, these accountants are going to recommend that you pay the employees from now on in cash instead of by check. Oh no. I want you to fall in with the accountant's plans to pay from now on in cash. But, but I couldn't. I'd be untruthful. I'm sorry, Mr. Bruce, but these happen to be government orders. A great deal depends upon them. I'm sorry too, Mr. Harding. I respect my government, but even for it, I couldn't lie. Mr. Bruce, it's very refreshing to meet a man of your principle. I, I, I don't wish to be an unreasonable prick. I just want to do what's right. Well, couldn't you say under the present day circumstances you recommend paying by cash. And you wouldn't have to say what circumstances. Well, rather delicately skirting the truth. Well, I might, for my country. Oh, that's fine. Now, you'll receive from the bank each week some separate bills of different denominations which we will have the numbers of. Now, you are to put these designated bills in the pay envelope each week of Henry Hughes until notified to the contrary. And you're not to mention to anyone under any Circumstances that you have met or talked with me. Oh, my gracious. It's a big responsibility. I hope I'm a big enough person, Mr. Harding. After all, I've always lived in my very small way. And I'm not a broad or big person. I know all about you, Mr. Bruce. You're considered a very fine person. Thank you. Now I'll have to leave you. I'm going back to Washington.

[Phyllis Lawrence]

J7 has just arrived from Pittsburgh by plane, Mr. Harding.

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

Send him right in. Got any news? Quite a bit, Mr. Harding. Very interesting. Let's see. This report covers two weeks. Yes, sir. Henry Hughes has received two pay envelopes each containing $125. All of that money was marked and the banks were instructed to watch for it and to make careful notes where the different bills were turned in from. You spent about $80 each week. Let's see, he got paid Saturday. By Monday noon the bank had received $20 from the Berkshire Clothing Company. $15 from the Red Moth, that's a nightclub. $30 from the hotel where Henry Hughes has his apartment. $5 of the money was received by the bank from a little cigar stand around the corner. Hughes evidently changed a bill there. Let's take Tuesday, a ten dollar bill from the gasoline station and garage where Hughes keeps his car. Let me see that second week's report. I think I know what you've noticed, Mr. Harding. Let's see. Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Yes, first week. Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Yes, sir. Three times each week one of those marked bills was returned to the bank from the Revelero Moving Picture House. How often does this Revelero Moving Picture House change its feature pictures? Twice a week, sir. And yet Henry Hughes, shortly after his wife's death, over which he grieved greatly, goes to a certain movie house three times each week. Although they change the feature picture only twice a week.

[Phyllis Lawrence]

Yes, Mr. Harding.

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

See that J4 goes to Pittsburgh immediately. Gets a job as usherette in the Rebel Arrow Moving Picture House. Then have her contact me for further instructions.

[Phyllis Lawrence]

Yes, sir.

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

Now this case is beginning to look pretty big, George. I have a feeling that we're going into action.

[Counterspy Agent/Assistant]

We'll continue tonight's case of counterspy in just a moment. But first, here is a message of vital importance to women and girls who want to take an active part in the war effort. Your country needs you and needs you now as a student nurse. The need is so great that 19,000 student nurses will have to enter mid year classes in January and February. Will you be one of them? You won't attack the enemy but you'll fight. You'll fight pain. You'll fight casualties. Even as a student, you will release some experienced nurse to help our fighting men on the fields of battle. Here is a direct call from your country to answer it. Women and girls between 18 and 35 who are citizens and high school graduates in good health should write to Student Nurse, box 88, New York City. That's box 88, New York City. And they will give you full information. Now back to Phillips H. Lord's counter spy.

[Phyllis Lawrence]

J4 reporting to Harding from Pittsburgh. J4 reporting from Pittsburgh.

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

Harding speaking. Proceed.

[Phyllis Lawrence]

The man in question entered theater at 4:10, went down center aisle to row D. Asked girl to remove coat from a seat and sat down next to her. After a while, spoke to her and from then on they carried on conversation. This happened Monday and Wednesday. The same girl each time.

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

Who was the girl?

[Phyllis Lawrence]

Phyllis Lawrence, daughter of the president of the Bronze Casting Company.

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

What?

[Phyllis Lawrence]

Yes, sir.

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

Oh, I'll contact you later.

[Phyllis Lawrence]

Yes, Mr. Harding.

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

I'm leaving for Pittsburgh immediately.

[Counterspy Agent/Assistant]

Tell J7 I'm going to call on

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

Mr. Lawrence, President of the Bronze Casting Company. Pardon me. Mr. Harold Lawrence home here, sir. May I ask who's calling? You Kindly taking my card, if you please. Would you step in, sir? Thank you. Few wait, sir. I'll take your card to Mr. Lawrence. Certainly. See you immediately, Mr. Harding. He's in the living room. May I have your hat and coat, sir? I think I'll take it with me. May I take your package for you, sir? No, I'd like to keep that with me, too. Right this face, huh? Mr. Hardy.

[Counterspy Agent/Assistant]

Delighted to meet you, sir.

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

I'm very glad to meet you, Mr. Lawrence. Sit down, sit down. William. Should have taken your thing. Well, I. I'm just stopping for a moment. Mr. Lawrence. You have a daughter? Why, yes. Phyllis. It's a little difficult for me to broach the subject, Mr. Lawrence, but. What is it, Mr. Harding? Speak up, ma'. Am. Look, are you aware, Mr. Lawrence, that your daughter is quite interested in a certain gentleman? Why, no. Phyllis has many gentlemen friends. I. I don't think she's partial to anyone especially. Well, I'm afraid, Mr. Lawrence, that I must tell you that she is. Just a moment, Mr. Harding, I respect you and your position, but whether my daughter is partial to any young man or not is none of your business. Well, I don't blame you for saying that, Mr. Lawrence. And believe me, I'd never be here if it were not for a very serious purpose. What is it? Well, the young man that your daughter happens to be interested in is in the employ of our enemies. Germany. Now let me get this straight. My daughter. You mean Philip? Yes. She's interested in a man who's a German spy? I'm afraid so. No, no, no, you're wrong. Who is he? A man employed by you. Henry Hughes. No, no. Harding Hughes. Hughes? Wife Phyllis doesn't even know him. Besides, his wife was just killed. Why? Hughes is a fine man.

[Counterspy Agent/Assistant]

I'm sorry, Mr. Lawrence, but Henry Hughes

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

is a member of the German Gestapo.

[Phyllis Lawrence]

He's lying. He's lying. It isn't so. Don't you believe him, Father.

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

Phyllis, have you been listening?

[Phyllis Lawrence]

Yes. And Henry isn't a spy. He's a patriotic American, just as patriotic as you are. What?

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

Henry? Henry. Henry who, Phyllis?

[Phyllis Lawrence]

Henry Hughes, if you've got to know. I've loved him for months, but I wouldn't see him then when his wife was killed. I didn't see why I shouldn't see him. He's honest, he's decent. And I'm not ashamed. I love him, Phyllis.

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

Do you know what you're saying? I can't believe.

[Counterspy Agent/Assistant]

Mr. Lawrence.

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

I'll leave. I think this is between you and your daughter.

[Commercial Announcer]

Father.

[Phyllis Lawrence]

This man has tried to poison your mind. Henry's fine and you know him. He's my sweetheart.

[Counterspy Agent/Assistant]

I'll call you shortly on the phone, Mr. Lawrence.

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

Goodbye. Phyllis, I want the truth.

[Counterspy Agent/Assistant]

How long you've been seeing this man Hughes?

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

How do you know he isn't what Mr. Harding said he is?

[Phyllis Lawrence]

How do you know? I do know. And he loves me. Ask him. He didn't love his wife anyway. He told me. Ask him.

[Counterspy Agent/Assistant]

I'll ask him nothing.

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

You've been meeting him behind my back. You've been lying to me about where you were going. You haven't told me a thing about it.

[Phyllis Lawrence]

Why should I? Is it a sin to love a man?

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

It's a sin to love an enemy. That man Harding must know what he's talking about.

[Phyllis Lawrence]

I tell you, it's lies. Lies, lies. A pack of lies. I'll prove that they're lies.

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

I can feel the shade. Harding's driving off in his car.

[Phyllis Lawrence]

Can we just fool that stupid ass?

[Counterspy Agent/Assistant]

I'd like to have my hands on

[Phyllis Lawrence]

him killing his wife. That's led up to this? I told him not to, but he

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

was afraid of her.

[Counterspy Agent/Assistant]

She got so jealous.

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

We've got to get out, Phyllis. Things have gotten too hot.

[Phyllis Lawrence]

No, it isn't all up yet. Henry's driven over the mountains tonight. The counter spies evidently haven't arrested him yet. And we can see that he doesn't talk. On his way back here, he's found with a bullet.

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

Yes, yes.

[Phyllis Lawrence]

Let's get the car. We'll drive and meet him.

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

Do you think Harding was suspicious of us?

[Phyllis Lawrence]

Of course not. Harding think you're a respectable businessman and I'm your innocent daughter. Led astray. He came to warn us.

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

We'll take if we can do away

[Phyllis Lawrence]

with Henry before he talks.

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

What's that?

[Phyllis Lawrence]

What?

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

That package by the chair.

[Counterspy Agent/Assistant]

Right there.

[Phyllis Lawrence]

Oh, that's where Hiding. The city must have been in such a hurry he forgot it.

[Counterspy Agent/Assistant]

Wait a minute.

[Phyllis Lawrence]

It's a short wave.

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

There.

[Phyllis Lawrence]

Oh, quick, quick. Harding left that there to take us. He's heard everything we've said.

[Counterspy Agent/Assistant]

Quick, the car in the garage. Don't stop for a thing.

[Podcast Host (Adam Graham)]

Come on,

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

you drop.

[Phyllis Lawrence]

Prime it. It's cold.

[Counterspy Agent/Assistant]

Shut up. I'm starting this. I'm afraid it won't go.

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

Yes, the distributor cap is missing.

[Counterspy Agent/Assistant]

And I wouldn't move either one of you. Two of my agents are in the back and have you covered.

[Phyllis Lawrence]

Very clever.

[Counterspy Agent/Assistant]

The next time you go to a theater to meet a man, Phyllis, if

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

you ever do, be sure and look around and see who's sitting in the seat behind you.

[Counterspy Agent/Assistant]

What my daughter has done has no bearing on me. Why am I arrested? Oh, come, Mr. Lawrence. You've been operating this factory on money supplied by Berlin. You make parts for airplane motors so that your firm is close to many manufacturers and you have access to their plans.

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

Besides, he's not your daughter, Frulein Groque.

[Phyllis Lawrence]

Henry's responsible. The fool. You ought to be shot.

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

That's just what he did. Killed himself when my men went to arrest him.

[Phyllis Lawrence]

Henry?

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

Yes, Henry. Your father.

[Counterspy Agent/Assistant]

We'll be back in just a moment to tell you about next week's exciting counter spy case. But in the meantime, we wish to call your attention to the government's urgent appeal for the conservation of gas for cooking and heating. Gas must be conserved for the following reasons. It is used for fuel by many industrial plants which are now expanded to double or triple their normal peacetime size. And it is used widely in the manufacture of armor plates, gun barrels and similar equipment, which must be hardened or molded at extremely high temperatures. Because its flame is freer from impurities than the flame from coal or oil. Gas is used almost exclusively in these processes. And gas is in itself a raw material for certain products. Synthetic rubber, for example, and ammonium nitrate, which is used in the manufacture of explosives. That is the why. And now here's the how. Of gas conservation. Don't use the kitchen range to heat the house. If you heat with gas, keep your house below 65 degrees. Cook with a low blue flame. Use hot water sparingly. Those are directions direct from Uncle Sam. They may not sound as intriguing as an assignment to track down and capture enemy spies, but the conservation of gas practiced by millions of soldier citizens on the home front will be echoed in cheers of victory from our fighting men because the conservation of gas will help give them equipment and weapons they need. Next week, David Harding encounterspy will be back with you again at this same time for the case of the trail count, the society woman who talked too much, the highball glass served by waiter 37, the man at the zoo, the long underwear at the railroad station, and the ultra polite third degree. That's next week's unusual counterspy. 11 days till Christmas. Give the presents with a future. The greatest gift of all. A share in America. Give war bonds and stamps.

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[Podcast Host (Adam Graham)]

Welcome back. An interesting episode and you're already seeing more of an evolution of the program where more of the program is hoarding, collecting data and information from the field rather than being more hands on with everything as he was in some other episodes. Although of course he came in at the end. In terms of overall plots, I think this is relatively grounded in terms of what was possible. There had been Nazi sympathizers in the United States prior to the war, so the idea that some money had been sent over and was used to set someone up as a provider of war supplies, that seems really plausible. And of course it highlighted the fact that Harding was looking really strongly at things that federal agents might not generally check into but would be concerned with because the person or someone involved had ties to the war effort. The direct involvement of the Gestapo here may have been a less believable element of the story, particularly given that the Gestapo was pretty sloppy, particularly the way that he failed to make that car crash look believable. But a lot of World War II stories had this sort of conflicting message which where we have to be vigilant. We are dealing with absolute evil and the only way that they can be stopped is by absolute dedication and vigilance. But they're not all that bright. It's kind of the tricky part of not making the enemy too impressive or overpowering, but also making them a little less competent. That would undermine your audience's belief in them as a threat if they only listened to and watched media portrayals alright, listener comments and feedback now we've got a few on Counterspy and particularly the episode the Case of the Loganberry Point Spy. We start with Harrison, who writes Captain Lawson sounds slightly like the laugher from the old Time Radio Superman program. Also, there wasn't a cast listing, but Liza sure sounded like the type of character Virginia Gregg would play. Well, thanks so much Harrison. And yeah, it was actually the same actor. I can tell the voice very distinctive. I've been looking for the name for years, but I was finally able to nail it down thanks to an episode of the Big story. That's Craig McDonnell plays a lot of old time radio roles, very distinctive voice. He does have a bit of range, but you can tell when it's one of his and so I'm thrilled to be able to credit him in his work. Now as to the Virginia Gregg comment, Dr. Whodunit and Mechanic 66 picked up on the idea of this sounding a lot like a Virginia Gray character. However, Counterspy was made in New York. Virginia Gregg worked out of Hollywood. So yeah, while I would agree if this was on the west coast this would have been a perfect program for her to be cast in, but it would have been some other actress and I don't know all of the New York actresses quite as well and I do think there was maybe more of rotation and sort of cross pollination with theater in the New York radio plays. And then mechanic66 also wrote all the fishing boats approaching the sub from all sides while shooting is the setup for some serious friendly fire. That is fair enough and I think that would be a definite concern. Now I also think it would be fair to assume that since this wasn't just a bunch of civilians striking out on their own, that the head of counterspy was there and that he would have provided some instructions and precautions against that potentiality. And that was just not something that we heard on stage. And that's why we didn't end up hearing about a bunch of friendly fire in the wake of this incident. But it was something that would have needed to be addressed and Good point. All right, well, now it's time to thank our Patreon Supporter of the Day. And I want to thank John patreon Supporter since November 2024, currently supporting the podcast at the Secret agent level of $4 or more per month. Thank you so much for your support 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 will be back on the Great Adventures Podcast next Saturday with another episode of counterspy. And then on Tuesday be sure to listen for Tarzan and then join us back here on the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio podcast for our second Listener Support and Appreciation Special. In the meantime, do send your comments to box Thirteenreatetectives.net From Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, son and all.

[David Harding (Counterspy)]

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