Counterspy: The Case of the Mexican Rancho (A0086)

Summary

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The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio

Counterspy: “The Case of the Mexican Rancho” (A0086)

Original Air Date: February 22, 1949
Podcast Release Date: May 9, 2026
Host: Adam Graham

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EPISODE OVERVIEW

This episode of Counterspy centers on an elaborate sting operation staged by U.S. and Mexican authorities to trap international spies flocking to a supposed uranium deposit in Mexico. David Harding and his team orchestrate a complex ruse involving fake land ownership and a staged auction, aiming to root out espionage agents and criminal elements vying for access to strategic resources. What begins as cloak-and-dagger intrigue among foreign operatives is revealed to be a clever counterintelligence operation, culminating in a dramatic roundup.

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KEY DISCUSSION POINTS & STORY BEATS

1. Introduction & Set-Up ([01:06]–[02:03])

• Adam Graham introduces the episode and gives a brief (out-of-story) introduction.
• The plot is formally set: A mysterious postcard prompts three conspirators—a chemist, Magna Lawson, and Dressler—to head for Mexico, hinting at secretive plans revolving around uranium.

2. The Spies Converge ([04:40]–[07:31])

• Magna Lawson, Dressler, Jansen: Receive coded messages calling them to Mexico, acting urgently under the pretense of illness or breakdowns.
• Their Goal: Investigate and potentially profit from newly discovered uranium deposits in Mexico. They discuss acquiring information, mining rights, or contracts for sale to a foreign nation.

“I saw an article in the newspapers. A new uranium deposit in Mexico.”
— Magna Lawson ([06:01])

• Dressler reveals layers of intrigue: other agents are also heading for Victoria, a small town near the rumored deposit.

3. Setup in Mexico & Murder Plot ([09:19]–[12:14])

• The conspirators arrive and traverse dangerous mountain paths to reach a vantage over the mining operation.
• Magna and Dressler collude to eliminate Jansen, fearing he's a loose end. They loosen his saddle and spook his horse to stage an "accident," killing him.

“And one who drinks is apt to talk too much…It should be easy to dispose of him in Mexico by an accident.”
— Dressler, confiding in Magna ([07:31])

4. The Counterspies' Net ([12:22]–[16:09])

• Peters and Harding (U.S. Counterspies) are undercover and surveilling the operatives.
• After witnessing Jansen's murder, they redouble efforts, collaborating closely with Mexican police.
• They establish a fake identity—Harold P. Sturgis, an American supposedly owning part of the uranium tract—with Peters taking on the disguise.

“We’ve created him [Sturgis]…Supposedly owns part of the valley where the uranium strike is. Several suspicious persons have already inquired.”
— Harding ([14:36])

5. The Spider’s Web—Magna Goes Undercover ([16:47]–[21:00])

• Magna, posing as a botanist and secretary, intersects with “Sturgis” (Peters), seeking employment to gain access to documents and samples.
• Seduction and Subterfuge: Magna works to ingratiate herself and is tasked with photographing mine records—and, if necessary, arranging an "accident" for Sturgis.

“I pride myself on being rather ingenious. I do something to him in the car before we even arrive at the plant.”
— Magna Lawson ([19:12])

6. The Con is Revealed ([21:00]–[28:07])

• Harding & Peters expose Magna’s plot to drug “Sturgis” with chewing gum—he feigns sleep and catches her rifling files with a camera.
• The ultimate sting is set: an auction for the supposed uranium land. International suspects are invited, having been vetted via fingerprint and handwriting checks on their applications.
• At the auction, Harding locks the doors and exposes the operation: the entire setup was a trap to round up foreign agents. The deposit is fake; the operation was an elaborate countermove.

“We took some worthless ranch land…put a fence around it, a couple old buildings and a smokestack…gave out information that uranium might have been found. We didn’t add that it might have been, but wasn’t.”
— David Harding ([26:12])

"...you, Magna Lawton, and you, Carl Dressler, I’m placing you two under arrest for murder."
— Harding ([27:34])

• As Dressler tries (and fails) to escape, Peters states he witnessed and will testify to the murder of Jansen.

7. Adam Graham’s Commentary & Analysis ([31:52]–[37:07])

• Praised the episode for its intricate plotting and satisfying twist: “We had counterspy countering spies. That’s been a while, and so, I like that…the reveal is satisfying of the elaborate plan that Harding put together.”
• Notes on realism: Graham remarks such an operation would be tough to pull off in real life—citing jurisdiction issues and the unlikelihood of mass arrests by foreign agents on Mexican soil.
• Critiques character decisions, especially the visibility of Jansen’s murder ("Killing Jansen seemed like a dumb decision... They were aware that this location would be crawling with different agents, so strong chance someone might see them.").
• Observes the era's sponsorship situation: Counterspy popular enough to air two times a week; reflects on historical Pepsi ads and why the “two full glasses from one bottle” promotion was a big deal in the 1940s.

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NOTABLE QUOTES & MEMORABLE MOMENTS

• Magna’s premeditation:
  “It should be easy to dispose of him in Mexico by an accident.”
  — Dressler ([07:31])

• The con revealed:
  “Your attention, please. Everybody in this restaurant asked for a ticket to attend this auction… we have been working here in Mexico with the consent of the Mexican police… Therefore we took some worthless ranch land... gave out information that uranium might have been found... I am placing you all under arrest by the United States government for espionage.”
  — David Harding ([26:12])

• Justice delivered:
  “And you, Magna Lawton, and you, Carl M. Dressler, I’m placing you two under arrest for murder.”
  — David Harding ([27:34])

• Graham on the episode’s thrill:
  “...really entertaining episode... it was nice to get into something that really felt like a big Counterspy operation.”
  — Adam Graham ([31:52])

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TIMESTAMPS FOR IMPORTANT SEGMENTS

• [01:06] – Adam Graham’s introduction
• [04:40] – Spies receive coded postcards and head to Mexico
• [09:19] – Murder of Jansen planned and executed
• [12:22] – Counterspies’ dragnet and undercover arrangements
• [16:47] – Magna ingratiates herself with “Sturgis”; begins infiltration
• [19:12] – Magna outlines plan to drug and steal from Sturgis
• [26:12] – Harding reveals the entire operation to the assembled spies; mass arrest
• [27:34] – Harding specifically arrests Magna and Dressler for murder
• [31:52] – Adam Graham analysis and historical background

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SUMMARY & TAKEAWAYS

• The episode artfully blends classic postwar spy tropes—a race for strategic minerals, undercover agents in foreign lands, murky allegiances—with a twist ending worthy of Mission: Impossible.
• It not only entertains with subterfuge, betrayal, and action but also offers a snapshot of American radio drama’s approach to postwar anxieties.
• Adam Graham’s closing remarks contextualize the episode in broadcasting history and provide thoughtful, light-hearted critique.

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For mystery fans, “The Case of the Mexican Rancho” is a suspenseful and cleverly-plotted romp through the world of counterespionage, culminating in a satisfying gotcha moment that delivers on both intrigue and justice.

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Transcript

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

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[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

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[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

Oh, no. We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Together. We're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

Anyways, get a'@libertymutual.com or with your local agent.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.

[Magna Lawson]

If the world were like a sleep number mattress, everything would adapt for your comfort. Because as your life changes and your body changes, sleep number mattresses adapt and shift to give you personalized comfort night after night. And now everything's on sale during our Memorial Day event. Save up to $1,200 on mattresses for a limited time. To experience a whole new world of comfort, visit a sleep number store or go to sleepnumber.com sleep life sleep.

[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 are enjoying this podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. Today's program 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 or become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters for as little as $2 per month at patreon.greatdetectives.net now from February 22, 1949, here is face of the Mexican Rancho.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

Pepsi cola p e p s I. That's your smartest caller by. Pepsi Cola presents Counterspy. Washington calling David Harding. Counter spy. Washington calling David Harding. Counterspy Harding Counterspy calling Washington, United States. Counterspy is personally appointed to investigate and combat the enemies of our country both at home and abroad. Tonight, the case of the Mexican Rancho. A counter spy report to the American people brought to you each Tuesday and Thursday by Pepsi Cola. Pepsi Cola hits the spot. Two full glasses. That's a lot. That's right. You heard what they said. Two full glasses of sparkling Pepsi from one big 12 ounce bottle. You're getting an extra glass full. And what a delicious glass full. The most refreshing, delightful cola that ever tickled your taste. You can't top Pepsi's tangy flavor. And that big, big bottle saves you money. Goes twice as far. Pepsi's America's big big Favorite and America's biggest cola value. So why take less when Pepsi is best? Whenever you reach for refreshments, remember why take less when Pepsi's best? And now to count. A few weeks ago a swarthy faced, ealy eyed chemist was in his laboratory in San Francisco. He was going through his mail. Suddenly he stopped. There was a picture postcard. He read it here. Jansen has been seriously ill and am going for a vacation. Won't you join me, Aunt Mary? Slowly the chemist counted the commas, the periods, even the spacing of the writing. Then he picked up the phone. Tell Mr. Brown I'm resigning. There's serious sickness in our family. In a luxurious apartment in Chicago, a small, attractive, fiery young woman in a negligee was reading a picture postcard.

[Magna Lawson]

Dear Magna, am not expected to live long. Want you with me, Aunt Mary.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

Well, Bert.

[Magna Lawson]

Oh, I'm glad I caught you before you went to the bank meeting. The doctor just told me the result of my examination. He says it's definitely a breakdown. That I must leave and get away from everything for a while. Yes, I'm packing. Well, as soon as I know where I'll be, I'll let you know. But for a while I've got to be alone.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

Well, Jackson, this drawing room is real chummy with you. And Magna and I back together again.

[Magna Lawson]

I wish you'd stop keeping us in suspense, Dresser.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

You two acted very promptly on your postal card. You say we're to stay on this train till we get to Mexico, Mr. Dressman. Yeah, that's correct, Jansen. Suppose right now we all take a look at this map of Mexico. Very, very interesting.

[Magna Lawson]

Now I think I begin to understand. I saw an article in the newspapers. A new uranium deposit in Mexico.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

That's why I love you, Magnus. What intuition you're training, Pastor. Remember, I'm here too. Now, these fine black lines, they're the mountains. Now over here, right in the center of these mountains, this is a plateau. The Mexican city of Victoria. Population too small even to be lifted, eh? The tomb Vittoria may be one of the most important cities of Mexico.

[Magna Lawson]

Is the uranium deposit owned by the Mexican government or by whom?

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

I'm not sure yet. But I believe the deposit may be on land owned by several individuals. Just how can we profit, sir? What is there to sell a foreign nation? Information concerning the percentage of uranium or the method of refining the uranium or a contract with Mexico to ship part of the ore to other countries.

[Magna Lawson]

If he handled this flight, it could mean it.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

Jensen, go up to the club car and Order us all chicken sandwiches and coffee, huh? All right. Wouldn't you rather have a high ball? You heard what I said, Jensen. All right, all right.

[Magna Lawson]

I have a premonition about Janky too.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

You're right again. In fact, we worked together last. He has been drinking heavily.

[Magna Lawson]

And one who drinks is apt to talk too much.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

It should be easy to dispose of him in Mexico by an accident. Now, you and I, we must study this map of Mexico carefully. We live in a little hotel in Victoria. Come in, Mrs. Peters. Counters five, plane one bound for Mexico. Victoria is about 40 miles north of the uranium discovery. You don't want to stay in Victoria. There's another town 40 miles to the south of the uranium field, La Festa. You and Mr. Harding get rooms there in a ranch house. That would be fine for a while. We'll want to keep undercover, that's all. Now remember, Peters, I'm flying to Mexico at your request. I brought along along this map of Mexico. Mr. Harding. I'd like to show you the publicity that's gotten into the papers about a uranium deposit in Mexico. It certainly started something. What did the report from the Mexican police say about it? The force said that persons of questionable character were flocking to Victoria. Victoria? That's right. Here on the map. Unless I miss my guess, foreign agents are swarming there like flies to moleses. What are you chuckling about this for me? Yeah, it's you. Oh, I. I was just thinking of a funny story. You've got something up your sleeve somehow, Peters. I have a hunch. A hunch? There are going to be some very interesting developments in those mountains within the next few days. And it's mountain passes, magnet.

[Magna Lawson]

The horse can worry, not me. How are you making it chansey?

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

Personally, I. I'm fighting to death on a horse. Well, it offers to the top. Then we can get a good look at the uranium deposit down there on the plateau. Come on, get up. Come on. That's it, Jensen. Path is so narrow. You right ahead. Oh, I can't get ahead, Magnus. He's far enough ahead.

[Magna Lawson]

This path is very narrow and very steep and very rocky.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

Your intuition is uncanny. Magnus Jansen knows nothing of a saddle. When we get to the top, get off and tell him you'll tighten the saddle girth instead. Loosen it.

[Magna Lawson]

The horse must be headed down this path.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

At the right moment, I will accidentally trick the horse with my knife.

[Magna Lawson]

Dancing's at the high spot already.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

As soon as I get a good look at the location down there, I'll

[Magna Lawson]

know how to operate the United States will have secret agents down here too.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

Undoubtedly they're here already. The Mexican secret police.

[Magna Lawson]

Ho, ho, ho. Oh, boy.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

Hey, the reports are true, all right. Look down there in the valley. Let me have those glasses, Jansen.

[Magna Lawson]

I'm going to get off and fix the girth on your saddle, Janssen, and snoop.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

How dangerous?

[Magna Lawson]

Well, if your saddle slipped to one side, it would throw you on your head.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

And under the horse's feet, mounds of dirt. Look at the size of the smokestack. From that shacking I can see high fences and armed guard. It looks to me like mining has just started. Yes, like the start of a tremendous operation. Could be one of the largest uranium operations in the world.

[Magna Lawson]

Let me turn your horse's head around. This way, Jansen.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

Thanks. We're not the only ones who are down here to get information to sell to foreign countries. I've already recognized several other operators.

[Magna Lawson]

Would you take your knife dresser and cut off that strap and back at Jansen's force there.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

Sorry. Why?

[Magna Lawson]

It might flap and frighten your horse.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

This one?

[Magna Lawson]

Yes. Look out. Look at him. Stop him. Stop him.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

Stop him. He's swaying from side to side.

[Magna Lawson]

There he goes.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

Stayed on longer than I thought he would. Well, we'll take the path back on the other side of the mountain. That's why I told Jansen not to be seen with us.

[Magna Lawson]

Breathless. Who owns that land down there where the uranium deposit is?

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

That's what I want to talk to you about, Magnus. Part of the land is owned by an American, Harold P. Sturgis.

[Magna Lawson]

Oh.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

He's expected to arrive in a few days. I want you to meet him, make him like you.

[Magna Lawson]

I think that will be possible.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

We've got to use him to get into that carefully fence deposit. We've got to get a look at the plans and reports in there. It is possible. We've got to get control of his land. What's the matter, Peters? Dave, I'm mad. Boiling. I just saw one of the coldest murders and I was helpless to do a thing about it. I thought you were up by the high cliff all day. I was nestled comfortably in the boulders when a girl, a beautiful girl and two men came riding up. That's why on the uranium feel like we thought we would? Yes. Glasses and everything. But this girl, she loosened the saddle girth of one of the men, got the horse, headed down the steep trail and then the other man pricked the horse with his knife. The horse ran headlong down the trail and the saddle slipped, killed him out right. The other two didn't go down to see, but there wasn't any question after they left. I went down. Don't ask me anymore. You weren't near enough to hear what was said? No, I was 100 yards away. I'm looking forward to meeting up with that girl. The man too. I think you're going to have that chance by tomorrow night. Wonderful. Now Peter, the Mexican police are cooperating to the limit. We've got the town of Victoria covered, every inch. All the liquor glasses from the cafes taken to the kitchens and immediately fingerprinted. Now this file here, full of such fingerprints and our Washington files show that many of these are wanted characters. Our pictures. Thousands of feet of film have been taken of all foreigners who've come to Victoria. I hope when we get through we'll have an international rogues gallery. You said you thought I'd have a chance to meet this girl tomorrow night. As a result Peters of a dozen traps we've set. One trap I set with the registrar of deeds in Tauria. Now supposedly a young American by the name of Harold P. Sturgis. That's what I'm going to pretend I am. Yes. There's really no such person, but we've created him. Young Sturgis supposedly owns part of the valley where the uranium strike is. Several suspicious persons have already been to the registrar of these and inquired about that land. They've been told that Sergius is expected to arrive momentarily in Victoria to look over his property. Have you made the reservation? Yes, for tomorrow. Oh. Now let's make Sturgis a playboy. Not too smart. I've already gotten you a yellow sport jacket. Loud black. Oh brother. I think Peter, you're going to see plenty of action. Back to counterspy in a moment. Pepsi Cola hits the spot. Two full glasses, that's a lot, lot more value. Take less when Pepsi's best. More and more among fellows and girls, among mothers and dads. You hear that sane and sensible question? Why take less when Pepsi's best? No budget, no allowance. Ever had a better friend than tangy sparkling Pepsi Cola. Because one big 12 ounce Pepsi bottle gives you two delicious drinks that's twice as much tangy taste, Twice as much delicious Pepsi to go just twice as far. That's why more and more families say why take less when Pepsi's best? Yes, families like yours and mine, families all over America, they're all saying, why take less when Pepsi's best? Pepsi Cola so delicious and each bottle makes two drinks. It is certainly the cola for the purchaser who thinks the Everybody's drinking Pepsi. Just compare it with the rest. So much more and so much finer. I take less than Pepsi's Best today, tomorrow always get America's biggest cola value. Take home a carton of six big, big Pepsi bottles. Insist on Pepsi at the store and say Pepsi at the fountain. Say Pepsi at the sand. Say Pepsi whenever you reach for refreshment, Remember, why take less when Pepsi death. Now back to Counter Spy. The town of Victoria, Mexico, and the bar at the Hotel Ciudad, where Peters of the Counter Spies is posing as a young playboy.

[Magna Lawson]

Pardon me. I don't usually come into bars and speak to strange men. But I should. Harold Sturgis.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

I am. Unless you want me to be somebody else.

[Magna Lawson]

I think you're going to be a very interesting boss.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

Boss. Excuse me. Won't you sit down?

[Magna Lawson]

Thank you. My name is Magna Lawson, and you already know mine. Yes, Mr. Sturgis. You see, I'm a botanist. But I've got to make a little money so I can stay a few days longer and finish my work.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

That certainly is understandable.

[Magna Lawson]

Well, I'm also a. A very good secretary. Shorthand, typing. I thought that possibly while you were down here, you might need a secretary.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

Funny part of it is that I do need one. I need one badly.

[Magna Lawson]

Do you mean you really could use me?

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

Well, I'm here on business. Besides, I'm terrible at details. I've got letters to write, deeds of land to look over and papers to examine over at the mine.

[Magna Lawson]

You haven't asked me my price yet.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

What is your price?

[Magna Lawson]

$10 a day for a very efficient secretary and one who can be absolutely trusted. Is that too much?

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

Definitely no. For the hours are apt to be quite irregular.

[Magna Lawson]

Oh. Then it's a deal.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

A very pleasant deal.

[Magna Lawson]

When do I start?

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

I'd like to have you sat in about half a minute.

[Magna Lawson]

Now you're making fun of me. But I'm really serious, Mr. Sturgis, honestly. When do you really want me to start?

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

How about first thing in the morning?

[Magna Lawson]

Well, tomorrow's Sunday. I want to go to church first, and then I'll start.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

I can see you're a very sweet person, Ms. Magna, and I know you'll be very trustworthy. Ah, Magnum. What's the latest with the Sturgis man?

[Magna Lawson]

Sturgis is trusting him with everything. I've already been into the valley with him. Right where the mining is going on.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

I know. I was watching through the glasses from the ledge. Can you get a sample of the uranium ore?

[Magna Lawson]

I'm sure I can. Even better. He's going back to the main office tonight. He's going to look through the company records to decide whether or not to sell his land.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

The chance of a lifetime. Magnus, use your camera.

[Magna Lawson]

I'll take dozens and dozens of pictures

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

of their files cited dopam so you can really do a job.

[Magna Lawson]

And if that should fail, see that

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

he meets with an accident. We've got to know what the files contain.

[Magna Lawson]

I pride myself on being rather ingenious. I do something to him in the car before we even arrive at the plant. This road and location is so rough. I don't see how you can see all the holes at night, Harold.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

Nervous, Magna?

[Magna Lawson]

Oh, why should I be?

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

Just that we're alone, a long way from town.

[Magna Lawson]

I don't think I'd be nervous to do anything. Carol. How much farther to the office?

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

Half hour. The office is right next to the mine shaft. I don't know whether to sell my interest in the land or not. Magna. Tonight I want to go through all the papers in the files.

[Magna Lawson]

Well, you might make money in the end by not selling, but it's going to be very complicated being all snarled up in it. And you don't like details.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

That's just what I'm worried about. I have enough money. Why make more if it's going to become too involved? What are you doing?

[Magna Lawson]

Here? Take something chewing up.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

No thanks, not right now. After we look over the reports tonight, you tell me whether you think I should sell or not.

[Magna Lawson]

Doing. I'm relaxing you.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

But I honestly don't want.

[Magna Lawson]

Stop being stubborn. All right.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

You're a persistent woman. You always get your way with men, huh? That's nice, isn't it?

[Magna Lawson]

Well, doesn't the gum taste good?

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

Sure does. Only you tickle meself. You were more interested in a little stick of chewing gum than you were whether I should sell out.

[Magna Lawson]

I'm really at heart just a woman, Harold. I have to have my own way.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

These deeds to the land are complicated, Magna.

[Magna Lawson]

You're not accustomed to a business life, Harold. This is where my secretarial work comes in handy. Now those papers on the table over here.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

Original deed of ownership, title guarantee. Excuse me. How long we've been working?

[Magna Lawson]

About an hour.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

I feel groggy.

[Magna Lawson]

Rest for a couple of minutes.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

Oh, if I rested, I'm afraid I'd fall asleep.

[Magna Lawson]

Sometimes a 5 minute nap just fires you right up. Put your head down on the desk. Quiet.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

Well, I guess I've got to.

[Magna Lawson]

Yes, that's the way. Harold. Harold. The chance of a lifetime.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

Hello, Peters. Chief she tried to dope me tonight by giving me chewing gum. While I was supposedly asleep at the factory. She went through the files with a camera. Was she fast and good? Watch yourself. Oh brother, will I? She's poisoned. It's time to force action, Peters. Pretend to take her into your confidence and tell her what your plans are. When are you coming over to Victoria, Chief? This town is a hotbed of intrigue. I think I'll move over tonight. If we're going to start bearing down, there's no telling what will happen. Why did you send me such an emergency message, Magnus?

[Magna Lawson]

The American, Harold Sutis. He decided to sell his land in the valley.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

What? Why is he so foolish?

[Magna Lawson]

He's the playboy type. Jester. He would rather have quick money.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

Now we've got to buy that fool's land.

[Magna Lawson]

How? Did he sell for $100,000 then offer it to him.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

I'll buy it myself.

[Magna Lawson]

No, I think it becomes suspicious. But two nights from tonight he's going to hire the entire restaurant at the Hotel Ciudad to auction the land off.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

Who knows about his plan?

[Magna Lawson]

Only us so far. Tomorrow night he will announce the auction and those who wish to attend must leave a note in his hotel box. Ask me for a ticket.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

This will be our opportunity, Magnus. For perhaps 100, $200,000. If you buy a property we can resell for millionaire Harding. La Festa, MEXICO TO counter spy FIELD OFFICE El Paso, Texas Arrange to have two large transport planes available near the town of Victoria Tomorrow night at 9pm Vittoria. Tomorrow night, 9pm that is all. How are you coming with that list of applications, Peter? Here are the results. Dav 84 persons have written requests to me for tickets to the auction tomorrow night. Of these 84, we have wanted orders on 62. Fingerprints on the applications, handwriting, known aliases and so forth have been checked against our dragnet operation in Victoria. Right. All right, we'll consider these 62, see which ones we issue tickets to. Most of the big ones I want to arrest. So we'll give them tickets to attend the auction. The small fry we won't give tickets to. They'll return to the States and think we don't know anything about them. Now, Charles Dennis record 1937 released in custody. No, no, Peters. No ticket for Dennis. Check Nicholas Bansdorff. Wreck it. Oh, Peters. This Bansdorf we've been looking for for years. Transportation Saboteur. Yes, Peters. A ticket to the auction for Bandor. And especially engraved ticket to my sweet secretary and Dressler. Her real boss.

[Magna Lawson]

Sydney had a Clever idea, Harold, renting this restaurant.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

I didn't realize how many people would show up, Mag. I never saw so many international characters before you. They probably believe they're going to get

[Magna Lawson]

a bargain when you put your ranch up for auction. What do you think?

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

You.

[Magna Lawson]

Harold, who is that big man walking onto the middle of the floor?

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

I believe that's Mr. Harding of the United States Commerce Firm.

[Magna Lawson]

Oh, I. I think I really forget the wooden footage.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

Second, please. Your attention please. Everybody in this restaurant ask for a ticket to attend this auction. Now, in order to conduct the proceedings with the utmost efficiency, all doors are locked and armed guards are stationed outside the doors. Now gentlemen, and the few ladies present, I'd like to introduce myself David Harding of the United States Counter spy. We have been working here in Mexico with the consent of the Mexican police. You see, uranium deposits are very vital today. And it occurred to me that if a Mexican deposit were located, espionage agents of many countries, espionage agents both big and small would come flocking to see what they could learn, accomplish or sell. Therefore, we took some worthless ranch land out here, 50 miles from any large city, put a fence around it, a couple of old buildings and a smokestack. Then we gave out information that uranium might have been cut. We didn't add that it might have been, but wasn't. I'd like to ask my assistant, Mr. Peters to stand up. You.

[Magna Lawson]

You count as I.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

That's right, Ms. Magna. And you stand up too. I'd like to remind you all we're not in the mood for fooling. Stand up. And now, Mr. Dressler, stand up. We have a record on every person in this cafe. And I am placing you all under arrest by the United States government for espionage. But you, Magna, Lawton, and you, Carl M. Dressler, I'm placing you two under arrest for murder.

[Magna Lawson]

No, no, no, not murder.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

The murder of fool Mr. Harding. The murder of Lars Jensen. He fell from his horse. It was an accident. Tell him, Peters. I was hiding about 100 yards distant. I saw you Dressful and Magnus set the whole murder. And I'll testify to send you both to the electric chair. Not me. Watch the window. Dressler said. All right, Samuel. There's the window. Dressless, glad to jump through. There's the door. Planes are waiting outside to take you back to the United States. Anyone else wish to try the window? No. And start walking to the door. When your friends drop in. Be generous, but be thrifty too. Serve plenty of delicious Pepsi Cola. Pepsi's big 12 ounce bottle gives you not just one sparkling glass full, but two. Get a carton of six and serve 12 delicious drinks. Yes, Pepsi is America's biggest cola value. You get twice the tangy tea, twice the refreshment, twice the Pepsi. So why take less when Pepsi zest? Whenever you reach for refreshment, remember Pepsi Cola Christmas boxes. Two cold glasses. That's a lot, lot more value, lots more zest. Why Take less than $0.10? Tune in every Tuesday and Thursday, same time, same station for counterspy Listen on Thursday for the exciting Counter Spy tastes of the Poison Pedley. The powerful underworld king with the strange laugh. The painted store window that led to a ripped jacket and a charge of murder. The secret document at a city hall that forced a former actress to give her best performance. Be sure to listen on Thursday, day after tomorrow to the case of a poisoned peddler on Counter Spy. Tonight's counterspy program originated in New York, was directed by Ted Corday and featured Don McLaughlin and Mandel Kramer with music by Jesse Crawford. Counterspy is a Philip State floor production for Pepsi Cola. Enjoy some Pepsi. Ice cold tonight. Get up and go. Power. That's what you get from a nourishing breakfast built around Cheerios. Cheerios are crisp, crunchy little oat donuts packed with good old fashioned oat nourishment. Curios are ready to eat. They give you all the important vitamin B1 and minerals of oats and a wonderful taste grill besides. Buy them, you'll soon be feeling your curios. And for another half hour of exciting adventure, listen tomorrow night over this same network to the Lone Rangers.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

And Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.

[Magna Lawson]

Hey, everyone.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

Check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date?

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

Oh, no. We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual together. We're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

Anyways, get a [e-mail] or with your local agent.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. Well, I thought a really entertaining episode. And after the stuff we've been dealing with fha, it was nice to get into something that really felt like a big counterspy operation. I mean, we had counterspy countering spies. That's been a while. And so I like that. And the plot is really entertaining and the reveal is satisfying of the elaborate plan that Harding put together. Now, obviously, in terms of real life implications, this would be difficult to Pull off as even though you've got the Mexican government cooperating, you're having US agents arrest people in Mexico. And counterintelligence agents tend to be a little bit more subtle and play a different sort of game. But, you know, I will gladly suspend my disbelief on this because it was fun. I do kind of question Peter's not figuring out what was going on because I was and Harding was dropping hits. And I also thought killing Jansen seemed like a dumb decision, at least doing it on the mission. I get that they were worried that he might start talking, but if he thought that was a big enough worry, it would have been better to have some fake mission that they were going on somewhere else where you could just focus on getting the murder done because they were aware that this location would be crawling with different agents. So there was a strong chance someone might see them. So that decision seemed a bit off. But other than that, I thought the episode worked rather well. Now, let's talk a little bit about the sponsorship situation. And this is an interesting era for the program as it was airing twice a week, which was indicative of its popularity. It was certainly not unprecedented, but definitely noteworthy. I think this is a really good show for that sort of thing because in terms of ongoing cast, you just have Don McLaughlin and Mandel Kramer, and generally about half the script is carried by the bad guys. And the show wasn't one of those that had only one writer. So if the ratings and the interest and the sponsors are all there, then yeah, why not? Pepsi, of course, is one of those iconic companies still around to this day. Of course, on Great Detectives, we get to hear some of their late 50s ads on Johnny Dollar. But these late 40s ones are interesting. In particular the horror issue about two glasses for the price of one. And that's an interesting promotion. Of course, as someone who grew up during the 80s, 12 ounce cans were the norm with even bigger bottles, 16 or 20 usually. But back in the late 1940s, Coca Cola standard bottles was 6.5 ounces. So Pepsi's 12 ounce was a deal. And it set them up really as the sort of value brand and like, hey, you know, you can have a couple people over, you can share a Pepsi. Now, of course, you know, it's hard to find a soda drinker who would not be able to finish a 12 ounce glass of their favorite beverage. But again, this was a big deal back in 1949. Now it's time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day. Thank you to Jeffrey patreon Supporter, since October 2023. Currently supporting the podcast at the first mate level of $7.14 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, Jeffrey and that will do it for today. If you you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software and be sure to rate and review the podcast wherever you download it from on the Great Detectives Podcast. We'll be back on Monday with the Adventures of the Saint and on the Great Adventures of Old Time Radio. Join us back here on Tuesday for Tarzan. In the meantime, send your comments to [e-mail] follow us on Twitter radiodetectives. Check us out on Instagram instagram.com Great detectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham signing off.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

And Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual, even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

Hey, everyone, check out this guy and his bird. What is this your first date?

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

Oh, no. We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual together. We're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

Anyways, get a [e-mail] or with your local agent.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.

[Magna Lawson]

If the world were like a sleep number mattress, everything would adapt for your comfort. Because as your life changes and your body changes, Sleep number mattresses adapt and shift to give you personalized comfort night after night. And now everything's on sale during our Memorial Day event. Save up to $1,200 on mattresses for a limited time to experience a whole new world of comfort, visit a sleep number store or go to sleepnumber.com sleep number to a good life Sleep.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

And Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

Hey, everyone, check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date?

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

Oh, no. We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual together. We're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

Anyways, get a [e-mail] or with your local agent, Liberty.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner]

Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.