Screen Guild Theater: 13 Rue Madeline (A0056)

Summary

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Podcast Summary: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio

Episode: Screen Guild Theater: 13 Rue Madeleine (A0056)
Host: Adam Graham
Date: January 24, 2026

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Main Theme & Purpose

This episode features a vintage audio drama: the Screen Guild Theater adaptation of “13 Rue Madeleine,” a suspenseful story from the secret files of the OSS (Office of Strategic Services) during World War II. Host Adam Graham sets the context for the episode, highlighting its focus on the realities, risks, and tough decisions underpinning spycraft during wartime. He bookends the broadcast with insightful commentary and listener feedback, creating a nostalgic and reflective experience for fans of classic detective radio.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Selection of the Episode

• Adam Graham introduces the episode, noting that while other adaptations exist (such as the Lux Radio Theater version), the Screen Guild Theater's take was chosen for its completeness and comparative sound quality.
  • Quote: “Our second OSS movie adaptation...I decided we’d go ahead and do the Screen Guild Theater version of this story.” – Adam Graham [00:56]

2. The OSS Story: “13 Rue Madeleine”

OSS Formation and Espionage Training

• Setting: The United States, early WWII. The OSS forms, training new groups for covert operations in occupied Europe.
• Characters:
  • Jeff Lassiter and Bill O’Connell (trainees and roommates)
  • Suzanne de Bouchard (French agent-in-training)
  • Col. Charles Gibson and Bob Sharkey (OSS leadership and trainers)
• Training Scenes: The brutality and intensity of training (espionage, sabotage, killing) are highlighted, emphasizing how agents are prepared to deceive and resist capture.
  • Quote: “You’re going to be taught to kill, cheat, to rob, to lie…toward one objective…the success of your mission. Fair play? That’s out. Years of decency, forget all about them." – Bob Sharkey [05:22]

Undercover Dangers and Double Agents

• Suspicion arises around Bill O’Connell, ultimately revealed as a planted German agent (“Kunstel”).
• Decision: Let Kunstel collect misinformation and escape with it, thus deceiving enemy intelligence.
  • Quote: “We’ve had him pegged for a long time. He’s after something big…the second front? We think so…We’ve got to arrange for him to get the wrong information.” – Gibson & Sharkey [08:09]

Preparation for Missions

• Lassiter, Suzanne, and others await assignment in England, prepping for missions into France and Holland.
• The narrative weaves in OSS strategies: building legends, organizing resistance contacts, and using flase information to mislead Nazis.

Active Espionage & Betrayal

• On a drop into occupied territory, O’Connell (Kunstel) betrays the team, leading to Lassiter's death.
  • Quote: “Lassiter’s static cord was deliberately cut…his chute never opened. He was murdered.” – OSS Operator [18:17]

The Stakes and Sacrifice

• Sharkey takes over the mission, knowing the risks of capture and torture, accepting he may never return.
  • Quote: “You know what it would mean if you were captured? …Pure torture…I'll have my L-pill at one bite and I'll be gone.” – Sharkey [19:15]

The Climax: Interrogation & Resistance

• Sharkey is captured, held at 13 Rue Madeleine, and tortured for information about the invasion but refuses to break, sacrificing himself to secure the mission and thousands of allied lives.
  • Quote: “I know Bob Sharkey would rather die than talk…Be sure that no one in that house escapes.” – Gibson [25:19]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On What It Takes to be an Agent:
  “You’re going to be taught to kill, cheat, to rob, to lie…Fair play? That’s out.”
  — Bob Sharkey [05:22]
• On the Moral Cost of Espionage:
  “If he doesn’t make his break or if he tries to follow you, you’re going to shoot him…and be sure it’s for keeps.”
  — Sharkey to Lassiter [15:12]
• On Betrayal and Death:
  “Lassiter killed in jump. Connell disappeared preceding mission area as planned. Signed, Suzanne.”
  — OSS Operator, reading coded message [17:55]
• On Commitment and Sacrifice:
  “You know what it would mean if you were captured…pure torture…I’ll have my L-pill at one bite and I’ll be gone.”
  — Sharkey [19:15]
• On Torture and Staying True:
  “Where, Sharkey? Where are they coming in?…I’m glad you remembered everything I taught you…but not good enough.”
  — Interrogator and Sharkey [25:18-26:18]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:56] – Adam Graham introduces episode choice and context.
• [02:08-04:00] – Beginning of the radio play: OSS formation and recruitment.
• [05:22] – Bob Sharkey’s famous speech on the harsh realities of spycraft.
• [08:00-09:12] – Exposure of the mole (O’Connell/Kunstel) and plan to use misinformation.
• [10:55] – Briefing for the critical mission into France.
• [16:00] – Parachute jump, betrayal, and fatal sabotage.
• [18:20] – Discovery of Lassiter's murder.
• [19:15] – Sharkey volunteers for the most dangerous part of the mission.
• [23:11] – Extraction of key French scientist, Dubois.
• [25:18-26:18] – Sharkey’s capture, torture, and steadfast refusal to betray the OSS.

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Host Reflection & Listener Feedback

• Post-Show Commentary: Adam Graham emphasizes the realism and intensity of “13 Rue Madeleine,” contrasting it with more sanitized portrayals in other WWII radio dramas.
  • Quote: “Definitely a more raw story…showing everything that could go wrong and reflecting the risk…as well as some of the tough decisions made in wartime.” — Adam Graham [29:07]
• Listener Comments:
  • Discussion on the plausibility of undercover work in gangster vs. police dramas.
  • Enjoyment of contrasting radio and film adaptations.
  • Appreciation for early performances by actors later known for iconic roles (e.g., Jack Webb as Joe Friday).
  • Debate on the effectiveness of accents and dialects in old radio shows.

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Conclusion

“13 Rue Madeleine” stands out as an intense, uncompromising depiction of WWII espionage, filled with tension, betrayal, and sacrifice. The Screen Guild Theater dramatization, combined with Adam Graham's knowledgeable and nostalgic commentary, creates a compelling listening experience that blends thrilling dramatics, historical perspective, and thoughtful reflection on the nature and cost of clandestine warfare.

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Transcript

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[Adam Graham]

Welcome to the great adventurers of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. If 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. 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 and become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters for as little as $2 per month by going to patreon.greatdetives.net well, our second OSS movie adaptation. We're not actually playing Lux Radio Theater. There is a Lux Radio Theater version out there, but it's not a complete recording and sound quality is not great and to be honest, none of them have like super amazing sound quality. But I decided we'd go ahead and do the Screen Guild Theater version of this story. This one originally aired November 25, 1948 and the title is 13 Rue Madeleine.

[Narrator]

From Hollywood, Humphrey Bogart, William Lundigan, Leon Ames and John Beale in the thrilling and sensational war story 13 Rue Madeleine. Yes, from Hollywood, the Screen Guild Players brought to you each Thursday night by Camel Cigarettes.

[Bill O'Connell]

Foreign.

[Narrator]

Guild Night when Camel Cigarettes bring you your favorite stars in their greatest motion picture roles. Tonight, it's one of the most dramatic stories that came out of the recent war. From the secret files of the OSS 20th Century Fox Studios Exciting human documents. The Screen Guild players present 13 room Adelane. Starring Humphrey Bogart, John Beale, William Lundigan and Leon Ames. With Francis Robinson. This is a page out of history in our time. This is a record of valorous men who served without uniforms or medals or acclaim. This is a story of the oss. The Second World War was already six months old when a presidential directive created the Office of Strategic Services. The famous OSS A super secret intelligence service. The first espionage system in the history of our nation. By the early part of 1944, it had already trained 67 teams of OSS agents. And now a new class. Group 67, after careful and exhaustive screening, is taken under tight security to a beautiful country club near Washington. Two of that group are Jeff Lassiter and Bill o'.

[Bill O'Connell]

Connell. Hey, this is quite a place, huh? Pretty luxurious.

[Narrator]

What do you mean luxurious? They said we got a funk. Two to the room. So, you picked a roommate yet? No, no, not yet. Okay, you got one.

[Bill O'Connell]

Name's Jeff Lassiter.

[Narrator]

Bill o'.

[Bill O'Connell]

Connell. Jake, how are you?

[Suzanne Dubuchard]

These introductions are in order, gentlemen. I am Suzanne Dubuchard. Isn't it a beautiful play?

[Narrator]

All in the line of duty, they said. For personal assessment and further training.

[Bill O'Connell]

Rugged, huh? I should say so. Big lounge like this. Soft leather chairs, books, magazines. Look, we've even got a Gammon set. That's right. You play?

[Peloton Advertiser]

Yeah.

[Bill O'Connell]

You want to take me on for.

[Adam Graham]

A couple of games?

[Bill O'Connell]

Sure.

[Suzanne Dubuchard]

Oh, nice. I will watch. I've always wanted to learn that game.

[Bill O'Connell]

Fine. They look lazy. What do you say we make it interesting? Oh, I just play for fun. I'll call it. Well, I tell you what. A thousand a game. A no, let's make it a million. All right, a million.

[Suzanne Dubuchard]

You mean a million. Follow.

[Peloton Advertiser]

Sure.

[Bill O'Connell]

What about it?

[Suzanne Dubuchard]

I think you are both crazy.

[Narrator]

As they play, two other men are sitting in an office upstairs. Charles Gibson, right hand man of the OSS chief. And Bob Sharkey, former All American in charge of training. Get them started tomorrow.

[Bill O'Connell]

Bob, in three months they got to be in shape to go. They'll be in shape. That's my assignment. That's one of them. What do you mean? 22 potential OSS agents.

[Narrator]

All of them speak French.

[Bill O'Connell]

One of them can speak German. Well, it's your job to find out who it is. Yeah, not as easy as it sounds. Why? Because one of your students is a German agent. All right, now. All right, I've got a couple of things to say before you begin your active training. From here in it's work pressure is on. Start right now to learn the use of a cover story. A logical lie about who you are and what you're doing. This is your most important defensive weapon. If the enemy cracks, your story when you're in the field, you'll be tortured. If you get a break, you'll be shot. Now, the average American is a good sport. He plays with the rules. Well, no secret agent is a good sport. That is no living agent. You're going to be taught to kill, cheat, to rob, to lie. And everything you learn is toward one objective. Just one. That's all the success of your mission. Fair play. That's out years of decency, forget all about them. Are turning your suit because the enemy can forget and has. Okay, let's get to work. Got a lot to do in the next three months.

[Narrator]

Lost school and I could hardly believe my own ears.

[Suzanne Dubuchard]

What a business at noon. The first time in three months.

[Bill O'Connell]

You weren't the only one surprised, Kitties. Boy, the way they've been pouring it on.

[Narrator]

12, 14 hours a day.

[Bill O'Connell]

Hiking, swimming, learning. Got a kill and rob and steal. How to send a wireless message in code. How to make a parachute jump. And then getting your cover story done. Pat, Honest, I'm not sure my name is Lassiter anymore.

[Suzanne Dubuchard]

It's not real.

[Bill O'Connell]

Sure it is. Gang, I guess this means a lot to you, huh? Getting back to France.

[Suzanne Dubuchard]

Perhaps I will find out then. I have waited so long.

[Bill O'Connell]

Oh, someone close to you, my ass.

[Suzanne Dubuchard]

He just reported meeting at Bancroft.

[Bill O'Connell]

Well, mustn't give up.

[Suzanne Dubuchard]

The women of France will never give up.

[Bill O'Connell]

Hey, Bill, we got an hour of dinner. How about a little game, huh?

[Suzanne Dubuchard]

Sure, Jeff. How much do you owe?

[Adam Graham]

Enough.

[Narrator]

15 million, but I'm chopping it down.

[Suzanne Dubuchard]

15 million? How big? You are rich.

[Bill O'Connell]

Oh, the government will take most of it. Go ahead, Jeff. You start. Sorry, man, that'll have to wait. Mr. Sharkin. What's up? Dinner's an hour early tonight. Start the field problem first thing in the morning. You think you found the Nazi, Bob? Yes, I'm sure I have. All right. Who's the German agent? Bill o'. Connell. How did you know? He's number one man in the class. That was the tip off. And last night I heard him trying to pump the Bouchard. Trying to find out if she expected to go back to France. Then the field problem clinched it. You read the report? Yeah. That test was designed for them to make mistakes. They learn more that way. Well, o' Connell didn't make any mistakes. He's been through it all before. Name is Kunstel. Ad there. 5. One of the best. When you want to pick him up? I don't. What? And he mustn't know he's even suspected. We've had him pig for a long time. He's after something big. Where it wouldn't be Kunto. Information. The second front? We think so. Where and when? Yes, they'd like to know that Prince was a big shot. The German High Command is counting on his information. So we've got to arrange for him to get it. The wrong information. And we've got to let him take it back to them. I see. The plan will include a logical way for him to make a mistake. It must be cleverly staged. Remember, we're dealing with a very smart man. When do we start? We get to England. I'll leave tomorrow. You can follow with a group.

[Narrator]

Within a few days. Group 68 has flown to England and quartered in a country house not far from London. They are held there under tight security, awaiting their assignments.

[Bill O'Connell]

And the plan proceeds. Colonel, how well do you know Holland? I lived there for two years. I know it very well. I thought so. Oh, Colonel, the pictures change. How do you read? You read the papers. They're full of talk about a second front. Everyone knows there's going to be one. You take a talent. What I think doesn't count. That's somebody else's job. We just obey orders. Oh, yes, sir. Sure.

[Narrator]

Colonel, I've.

[Bill O'Connell]

I've been given a job. I need help. Someone with a proper background. Someone who's proved he can come through in a pinch. You want to go to work? I didn't go through all that training to be an English country gentleman. Okay. Pack your gear. We're going up to London now in 10 minutes. No goodbyes, nothing. No word to anyone about what I've said. You're under tight security starting right now. That clear? Yes, sir. It's clear.

[Narrator]

What do you think, Bob?

[Bill O'Connell]

Did he take the bait? I think so. Gibson. I put him in with Vandeivel, Holland, Intelligence. We've opened up everything to him. Maps, plans, reports from all our agents. And I put six planes at his disposal. If he makes a break in one of them, we're okay. Blitzki makes a break. Who'd you pick for the real job? Lassiter and the de Bouchard girls. They're on their way down here now. You'll brief them yourself this afternoon. Lassiter. This is it. This is the payoff. You think you're ready? I think so. Good. You're going to France. You too, Badou.

[Peloton Advertiser]

Bouchard.

[Bill O'Connell]

As Lafferty's communicator, I'll make it as brief as I can. The Nazis have a terrific new rocket bomb that carries a warhead with two tons of explosives. For the last six months, they've been building up a huge stock, saving all our resources for just one thing. The invasion. This bomb depot is somewhere between Caen and Le Havre. That's all we know. Even the French underground hasn't been able to spot it for us. That's our job, huh? To find the bomb. People now that's part of it. To destroy it, we must know every detail of its construction. One man can help us with that. Monsieur Dubois. This is his picture. Brand that name and picture on your mind. The success of your mission, possibly of the entire invasion, is linked to that man, Monsieur Dubois. What's his collection with the bounty for? Designed and built. We want to talk to him. Hey.

[Narrator]

Hey.

[Bill O'Connell]

You get it? Bill.

[Suzanne Dubuchard]

Bill o'.

[Bill O'Connell]

Connell.

[Narrator]

How are you, fella? I didn't know you were down here in London. Well, you walked off in the middle of the night.

[Bill O'Connell]

I know. I had to leave in a hurry. Oh. Good job. Good prepping. Not much action, though. Looks like I'm grounded. What are you doing here? Prepping for a mission. Yeah. Sorry. I can't tell you. What? I always knew you were a bad investment. What owe you now?

[Narrator]

13 million?

[Bill O'Connell]

14. I'll whittle it down when I get back. When are you leaving? Don't know for sure. Well, I wish I were going with you, kid. Me too. Well, I gotta run now. I'll be seeing you, pal.

[Narrator]

Bring me back a souvenir, will you?

[Suzanne Dubuchard]

Bang.

[Narrator]

You bet. Bob. What about o'? Connell?

[Bill O'Connell]

Do you think he's sold a legend that was set up so well, I began to think Holland was the right place myself. Besides, he's playing with real stuff. Requests come in from agents in Holland. He fills the request, the supplies get there. He's got to believe it. But he hasn't made the break. No. He gets explained. Could go anytime. Maybe he feels he's too hot, that we're watching him. He started, we might pick him off. Maybe. But in a few days, it'll be too late. He's got to get that misinformation back now, of course, huh? Well, suppose we fortune to make his break. End him his end of his chance on a silver platter. How? Give them a logical reason to leave, maybe. Maybe even send them ourselves. Send them on a phony mission? Sure. We're getting information, o', Connell, but we aren't getting enough. The Germans think we're going to France. That's fine, but what do they suspect about Holland? They're not stupid enough. No, sir. They must know what they're preparing in Holland, too, and where. Got to send someone over there to find out for us. Yes, sir. Good man. The best. We have someone who knows Holland as well as you do. I know the man.

[Narrator]

Who?

[Bill O'Connell]

Me. Ah, that doesn't make sense. I need you here. Your job's important. It's more important to have the right man over there now. Forget it. It's impossible. I don't know. Got to have that information. If you let me go, I'll get it for you. I could take over your work here, I guess. You'd be directly in touch with me by radio, o'.

[Narrator]

Connell.

[Bill O'Connell]

I think I'll take a chance. Yes, sir. I'll need some help. We'll need a team, another man and a communicator. Whom do you want? Lassiter. Lassiter? Why Lassiter? Walter, we work together at school. I know him. Takes time to know people. Yeah. I think he'd like to go. Yeah, well, I guess he would, But.

[Narrator]

Mr. Sharkey, this whole thing's silly.

[Bill O'Connell]

I went all through school with o'. Connell. I've slept in the same room with him for months. It's crazy. I don't feel too bad about it. Lassiter, he's smart. One of the smartest men. They have for a long time. O', Connell, alias Kunzel. Fooled me, too. Now you understand the entire setup. I don't guess so. Okay, now comes the rugged part. Think the rest is easy. We think o' Connell is sold. If we're right, we'll make his break. You'll never see him again. But if he's not sold, he should in any way suspect you're on a double mission. You're going to play it his way. His way? What's that? If he doesn't make his break or if he tries to follow you, you're going to shoot him. Shoot him? And be sure it's for keep. Oh, that's rough. That's war. Ok. Could do it. Can you? Yeah, I can do it. I can do it.

[Narrator]

And so the curtain comes down on act 1. Now present act 2 of 13, rue madeleine. Starring humphrey bogart, leon ames, john deal and william lundigan. With francis robinson. The plan goes forward and OS headquarters in London. Sharkey and Gibson wait tensely for a report. As a B24 speeds through the night toward Holland. Inside the plane, three people in jumpsuits sit quietly, waiting. A woman and two men. They sit in absolute silence until finally.

[Bill O'Connell]

Yes. Yeah. Well, you've been sitting there staring at me. What's the matter? Nothing. Sure there is. But looking at me like I was. Okay, we're gonna test you.

[Narrator]

Sorry.

[Bill O'Connell]

I guess I'm a little nervous. Yeah. Yeah, I'm a little nervous, too. We're getting close.

[Narrator]

Check your static lines.

[Bill O'Connell]

Miss.

[Suzanne Dubuchard]

Check.

[Bill O'Connell]

Check. Check. Right over the target.

[Narrator]

Now Be ready. Keep your eyes on me.

[Bill O'Connell]

Yes.

[Adam Graham]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

You know that 14 million you owe me?

[Bill O'Connell]

I'm.

[Narrator]

I'm working it off the foot running in Action Station. I go first. What's 14 million?

[Bill O'Connell]

Lass never.

[Narrator]

Never had time to spend it anyway. Number one.

[Bill O'Connell]

Go. Unless. Better jump. We're even.

[Narrator]

Jeff. You get all over your dime.

[Bill O'Connell]

We'll.

[Narrator]

We'll start from scratch.

[Suzanne Dubuchard]

Number two.

[Bill O'Connell]

Go.

[Suzanne Dubuchard]

Hey, what's the matter with that static?

[Narrator]

One hit ain't paying out.

[Bill O'Connell]

Hit a.

[Suzanne Dubuchard]

You there.

[Bill O'Connell]

Hey.

[Adam Graham]

Hey.

[Bill O'Connell]

Bob. You're sure that message will be Bouchard's transmission? Sure. Our operator worked with her. Everything's positive. He knows they're touched. Read it again. Lassiter killed and jumped. O' Connell disappeared preceding mission area as planned. Signed, Suzanne. That's a tough break. Yeah. I'm in. This message just came in from the.

[Narrator]

Radio operator on the train.

[Bill O'Connell]

Thanks. Justice. What is it? What's up? Lassiter's static cord was deliberately cut. What? His chute never opened. He was murdered. What a rotten way done. The question is, what did you so know? Could he have known about Lassiter's mission? No. He probably picked up Lassiter's papers. He knows we gave him fishy credentials. More than that, he knows the Holland invasion is a phony. Yeah, or wouldn't have killed Lassiter. I've done a great job, all right. I stepped into the pitch and swung my brain down. I'm conceding the victory. I don't concede anything until they throw.

[Narrator]

Dirt in my face.

[Bill O'Connell]

All right, now, let's go on from there. We've got five days to get another man over there, pick up Dubois and blast the target. Who do you got to send? There's only one man. Who? Me. No, we haven't got time to brief another man. We'll need those five days on the other end.

[Narrator]

I'm sorry, Bob.

[Bill O'Connell]

You know the date and place of the invasion? I did know, but I forgot. You know what it would mean if you were captured once you discovered who you were. Pure torture. I'll have my L card with one bite and I'll be gone. You'll never find out anything about the invasion. Bob, I wish I could let you go, but, Gibson, I need the break. I've been working too hard. Pot. I need the chain. You won't come back. You're a warrior. This time I'll keep my eyes on the P.

[Narrator]

Within 24 hours, Sharky is.

[Bill O'Connell]

On his way to France.

[Narrator]

A parachute landing, a quick meeting with Suzanne has been advised to stand by.

[Bill O'Connell]

And the following morning At Paul de A little town about 40 miles from LA.

[Narrator]

A prosperous looking French businessman is registering at the local hotel.

[Bill O'Connell]

Can you refer, Monsieur? How long do you wish to stay? Long enough to accomplish my mission. How long will that be? Two or three days. I'd like a room with. Excuse me, monsieur. I must trouble you to see your papers. Why? No, no. Security regulations. The orders came today. From now. Your paper, please.

[Narrator]

I want your authority then.

[Bill O'Connell]

Thank you. Gestapo. Oh, all right. But this red paper. The nuisance just holds up over here. My paper. Gabriel Shavat, insurance claims adjuster. Autograph, description, signature. Yes, it all seems in order. Then if you don't mind. Just a minute now. What else? Where was your grandfather buried? Which one? On your father's side. The family cemetery at Toulon. Anything else? No. I hope you like your room. I followed you through myself. Your country. I had headquartered at Toulon. Check the city file. There is no Shabbat buried in the Samurai cemetery. Yes, yes, son, go on. It is a small thing, but not a natural mistake for a Frenchman. It's the small ones that count. What else? I followed him when he left the hotel. He went to the mayor's office. One of my men got a picture of him as he went up the steps. Got the picture with you right here. Consort. He had no idea that he. It's a shot. He's not himself. Must be important, Hans.

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Bill O'Connell]

Back to Pontebeek. I would have seen him there.

[Suzanne Dubuchard]

Monsieur Consel. The man was here to see you yesterday. From the Department of Compulsory Labor Addition.

[Bill O'Connell]

He told you we sent him, Monsieur?

[Suzanne Dubuchard]

He had papers, a letter of commission.

[Bill O'Connell]

What did he want?

[Suzanne Dubuchard]

More men from the village for the labor battalion.

[Bill O'Connell]

Did you give him any?

[Suzanne Dubuchard]

I couldn't, monsieur. My people will no longer follow me.

[Bill O'Connell]

Look.

[Suzanne Dubuchard]

This paper. You see when it says Death to the German collaborator? Oh, Monsieur, all day long I have found it in my car, in my office.

[Narrator]

Everywhere I go.

[Suzanne Dubuchard]

They do not understand. I have only done what I thought was right. I only hope to avoid reprisals.

[Bill O'Connell]

Where is this man who came to see you?

[Suzanne Dubuchard]

He has disappeared. Me on the ground. He will never be found. Monsieur. I do my best and the people do not understand.

[Bill O'Connell]

There's a company of guards stationed here. Yes, sir. At the hotel. There.

[Narrator]

Was part of the plan brought out to every last minute detail. The moment the hotel is left without a guard, a small group of men slip in quietly through the back. They go directly to a room on an upper floor and fling open the door.

[Bill O'Connell]

Come along, Dubois. You're going to England.

[Narrator]

A plane is waiting In a secret place. Dubois, put aboard the plane, takes off. Shaki remains behind.

[Bill O'Connell]

He has work still to do. He doesn't know that his picture has been given to every German agent in the coastal section.

[Narrator]

And two days later, in Gibson's office in London.

[Bill O'Connell]

We just got a transmission from the. They've got Mr. Sharkey. They've taken him to a hog. 13 Rue Madeleine. Sharkey, did he get a break? No, sir. He was taken alive. Just three questions, Sharkey, that's all. What was your mission? Where is the invasion coming? When? We'll make you tell. You know that charging. You know a man can take only so much punishment. Remember, you taught me fair play. Years of decency. That's out. Remember? You've done your job. Now I'll accomplish my mission. Where, Sharkey? Where are they? Coming in. I'm glad you remembered everything I taught you. You're a top man in your class. But not good enough. Here comes. I'm all right. Hans Sharkey, you just made a bad mistake. Take him downstairs. We'll make him talk. Gentlemen, you pilots have been chosen for your special qualifications. You've been asked to attempt a hazardous mission to blast a target of zero feet. You'll be risking your lives. You've got a right to know why. Their target is that bear.

[Narrator]

Headquarters in Laha.

[Bill O'Connell]

13 Rue Madeleines. They're holding an American agent there. If he talks, it may cost 2 million American lives. He won't talk. Not as long as he can stand the punishment they're giving him. Only no human body can stand it too long. I know Bob. Sharkey would rather die than talk. Be sure that no one in that house escapes. Where, sharky? Where? Where? Tell me, sharky, where?

[Adam Graham]

Where.

[Bill O'Connell]

I am. Raid. Where? Where? Are they coming over? Where? Where?

[Suzanne Dubuchard]

Where?

[Bill O'Connell]

Where? Console. You ready? Sa. You ready to talk? Yeah, I'm ready.

[Narrator]

Humphrey Bogart, William Londigan, John Beale and Leon Ames will return to the microphone in just a moment. Now, in the spirit of the day, a final word of thanks to our stars for a most enjoyable and exciting half hour.

[Bill O'Connell]

Well, Vernon, we're on the thankful side ourselves too, today. I mean, we're really all grateful for an opportunity to appeal at the Screen Guild Players. Bill Lindigan, would you second that? We all would, Bogey. This program supports the Motion Picture Relief Fund and its country house and hospital. And every actor in Hollywood considers it a privilege to share a network. That's right.

[Narrator]

The Screen Guild Players are directed by Bill Morris. The adaptations are by Harry Cronland. Remember, Thursday night is Screen Guild Night. And next week, one of the finest pictures of the year. A great story in a magnificent cast Night Song, starring Marlobron Van Heflin and Hoagie Carmichael. Be sure to listen. 13 Rue Madeleine was presented through the courtesy of 20th Century Fox Producers of When My Baby Smiles at Me. Humphrey Bogart will soon be seen in his own Santana production. Knock on any door. William Lundigan's next picture will be RKO's follow me quietly. Leon A will next appear in the Metro Golden Mayor production Little Women. John Beal can soon be seen in the Paramount picture One Woman for fun and hilarity. Don't miss Camel Cigarettes. Other great show over these same stations. Tomorrow night, the Jimmy Durante show with Alan Young. And remember, Thursday night is Screen Guild Night. The greatest stars and the greatest stories brought to you by Camel Cigarettes. This is Vern Smith speaking.

[Bill O'Connell]

This is NBC, the National Broadcasting Company.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. Well, definitely a more RAM story than oss. And then your typical episode of Cloak and Dagger, really showing everything that could go wrong and reflecting the risk that was taken if you chose service in the OSS as well as some of the tough decisions made in wartime. Of course, a lot of this very much condensed from the movie, but it does remain an effective wartime tale. Now, we do have some comments regarding our encore episodes. We start with Bullets or ballots, where mechanic 66 writes, it should have been extremely obvious he was still a cop. As Bogey said, all the trouble started when he joined. Also, asking to meet the guys in charge after being in the gang a few days was a dead giveaway. It cracks me up every time that Joe Friday does that when he goes undercover. In Joe Friday's defense, the big difference between the Dragnet stories and Bullets or Ballots is usually Friday is undercover, not as someone who wants to join the gang, but particularly when interacting with the narcotics world. He is pretending to be a drug pusher who wants to make a big buy and therefore wants to talk to someone higher up the food chain, which is a bit more plausible. It I think it does require more suspension of belief in bullets or ballots given that Edward G. Robinson's character was known to be a cop and you started having all these troubles with the operation when he joined. So a little different for Sergeant Friday, but I think a fair point. And then Brian says, never saw this movie. Going to have to find it after this. I love finding the differences between the radio and film versions. Sometimes I'll forget all about either and end up wondering why I know it. What exactly is going to happen next Anyway, these are lots of fun on long road trips. Thanks so much Brian. And then Harrison comments on Suspicion I've always wanted to watch this movie, but never got around to it. I was also expecting it to take a dark turn at the end since it was a Hitchcock movie and was extra surprised by how it turned out. It made me like the story even more. Then we have some comments regarding Operation Fleur de Lis. Harrison writes, wow, I didn't expect the climb climax between Rene and Duke to play out the way it did. Besides hearing one episode of Pat Novak, this is one thing I've seen Jack Webb in Outside of Dragnet, if my memory serves me right. So it was a real treat. Dr. Whodunnit wrote Joe Friday, flirting. I suffered secondhand embarrassment. It's definitely a challenge for an actor being associated with a role. And in this case, the Escape episode came two years before Joe Friday, but the association is definitely there for many listeners. And then Mechanic66 writes, Harry Bartel was good as the major as a young French resistance fighter. Not very convincing. Good story. And Harrison chimed in, I'm just glad we didn't get to also hear Harry Bartel as Harry Bartel selling Petri wine. Well, I I was never too bothered by Harry Bartel's performance in that because the French character he was playing was a bit naive and even though he was very sure of himself, he was inexperienced and didn't know what he was doing. And so even if the accent wasn't precise, I think Bartel got the essence of the character and the weakness of the accent I tended to interpret as a somewhat boyish uncertainty, so I tended to blend it all with the character. But the dialect is definitely not something you'd get away with today. Alright, well, now it's time to thank our Patreon Supporter of the day. And I want to thank kpass. Patreon supporter since May of 2023, currently supporting the podcast at the Secret agent level of $4 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, kpass, and that will do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow the podcast using your favorite podcast software. And if you're enjoying the podcast on YouTube, be sure to like the video, subscribe to the channel and mark the notification bell. We'll bring you one more OSS movie Adaptation special next Saturday. The Great Detectives podcast returns on Monday with Danger with Granger and the Great Adventurers Podcast picks up on Tuesday with the next installment in Tarzan. In the meantime, do send your comments to box Thirteenreatdetectives.net Follow us on Twitter at radiodetectives and check us out on Instagram. Instagram.com Great detectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.