← The Relic Radio Show (old time radio)
The Relic Radio Show (old time radio)
Mr. Chameleon and Mr. Moto
The Relic Radio Show begins with Mr. Chameleon, and his story from July 28, 1948, The Brownstone Murder Case. (30:27) The second story is The Victim, from Mr. Moto. That story aired June 24, 1951. https://traffic.libsyn.com/forcedn/e55e1c7a-e213-4a20-8701-21862bdf1f8a/RelicRadio941.mp3 Download RelicRadio941 | Subscribe | Spotify | Support The Relic Radio Show If you’d like to support Relic Radio, please consider a donation at Donate.RelicRadio.com. [...]
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This is the Relic Radio Show. Old time Radio entertainment still standing the test of time from relicradio.com this is the relic Radio Show. Back this Tuesday with another hour of radio drama. We'll begin this week with Mr. Chameleon and hear the Brownstone murder case from July 28, 1948. After that, it's Mr. Moto and the victim. That story aired June 24, 1951. Tonight we again present the famous Mr. Chameleon of Central headquarters in his most famous cases of crime and murder, brought to you by the makers of Bayer aspirin. For those who do not know who Mr. Chameleon is, we give a quick sketch of his character. Born of a well to do family and a college man, he tried from childhood to live up to the name he bore Chameleon by taking on the color of whatever situation in which he found himself appearing in endless guises, finally entering the police force where he became known as Chameleon, the man of many faces. The underworld's most dreaded man. Throughout this series, the listener will invariably know who Mr. Chameleon is, no matter in which disguise he appears. But the criminal he's tracking seldom does. Tonight we give you Mr. Chameleon and the Brownstone murder case. In some circles, 11 o'clock at night is considered early at the Carlisle Arms. It is very late indeed for the paying guests at the brownstone front in the 70s, which is now a genteel boarding house, retire around 10. After that, the musty halls are usually deserted. But now, on the second floor outside of one of these rooms, Madame Lorraine is talking to her friend, Mrs. Kramer. And Mrs. Kramer, a timid, rabbity little woman, is saying, I wish you wouldn't go prowling around. Really, Madame Lorraine, you ought to stay away from that end of the hall. Well, I don't intend to, Mrs. Kramer. I'm telling you. I heard voices last night in the back part of the house that's supposed to be shut up. It is shut up. It hasn't been used in years. It was being used last night. Either that or there was someone in Professor Haywood's room. And the professor is away. His room supposedly is locked. Anyway, I'm going to do a little private investigation. But what for, Madame Lorraine? Just to satisfy my curiosity. I've always been A curious woman, Mrs. Kramer, and now I'm a bored one. I'm sick of the old fogies who live in this place. Colonel Robbins, for instance. Speak of the devil. Did you ever hear anything like that radio of his? Colonel Robbins can't help it if he's deaf. He doesn't play his radio for long. Well, at least it'll stop anyone from hearing me. Go down the hall. But about Miss Darling. You know how queer she is. She's warned everyone not to go snooping around her room. And her room's right next to the door that leads to the empty wing. Miss Darling is a silly neurotic. A young neurotic. That's even worse than being an old one. She can't scare me. Live dangerously, that's my motto, even after 50. But go back into your room. I'll see you tomorrow. I still wish you wouldn't. My dear, indulging my curiosity is the only pleasure I have left in life. Good night. Good night, Madame Lorraine. Poor little rabbit. But then, all of us here in the Carlisle Arms are pathetic. Has been really. That radio. Ah, well, the Colonel has his radio. Professor Haywood has his bridge. I have my curiosity. Here we are. Here's the door that leads into the empty wing. Ah, that's strange. It isn't blocked. Well, this is very interesting. Where does that stairway go to? There's a light on the stairs. Who closed that door? No. Oh. Oh, no, please. And now at Central Headquarters, in the office of the Commissioner of Police. With him is the famous Mr. Chameleon, the man of many faces. The underworld's most feared man. So there you are, Chameleon. There are the facts of the case. Madame Louise Lorraine was found strangled this morning in the second floor hallway of a boarding house, Carlisle Arms. A piece of wire had been knotted around her throat. Body was lying in front of room number three. Room that usually was occupied by a Professor Haywood. Mm. What's he professor of? Commissioner, then? I wouldn't know. One of the borders, I suppose. Anyway, Chameleon, it's a brutal business. And in such refined surroundings too. Amazing. The Carlisle Arms. A home away from home for gentlefolk. Well, Commissioner. Get over there immediately, Chameleon, will you? And find out just how gentle those gentle folk are. Oh, Mr. Chameleon, it's so awful to think this should happen in the Carlisle Arms. I've worked so hard to build up a high class clientele and now I'm afraid I'm going to lose them all. Madame Lorraine lost a life, Miss Carlisle. I'm sorry. That was very selfish of me. She was such a person too. So vital, so alive. She was a former opera singer, you know. And she still had plenty of temperament. Little too much, perhaps. Well, yes. She and Colonel Robbins. He's the gentleman in room number two. They had a few arguments about his radio. He's hard of hearing. He turns it on a little loud occasionally. Oh, yes, Yes, I see what you mean. Ms. Carlisle, who else lives on this floor? Well, there's Mrs. Kramer and Ms. Darling. Ms. Darling is a bit eccentric. In what way? Well, she's young, Mr. Chameleon, but she wears the most dreadful old clothes. She never fixes her hair. She never uses makeup. Sometimes, well, she gets a bit hysterical. Oh, but she's really a fine young woman. And she comes from a fine family. That's fine. Now, let me see. That would be her room over there, wouldn't it? Yes. What's the door next to it? Oh, that's always kept locked. That opens into the wing of the house we never use. And this room here, this number three, this belongs to Professor Haywood? Yes. Where is the professor right now? Well, I have no idea, Mr. Chameleon. He's always going away for a couple of days at a time. But he's such a nice young man. I assure you he comes. He comes from a fine family. Yes, well, maybe so, Ms. Carlisle. But where was he last night when Madame Lorraine was murdered? Are you positive that he wasn't in his room? Of course I'm positive. He left on Monday. Well, he could have sneaked back. Remember, the dead woman was found in front of his door. Mr. Chameleon, surely you don't think the Professor. Oh, here comes Colonel Robbins now. Ask him what everyone thinks of the professor. Oh, Colonel. Colonel Robbins. Did you call me, my dear? Yes, colonel. This is Mr. Chameleon, the famous detective from police headquarters. Oh. Oh, yes. How do you do, Mr. Camellia? How do you know? Nasty business. What? Fine figure of a woman. Who do you think killed her? Well, off hand, Colonel. I couldn't say. Who? He doesn't know, Colonel, but he seems to suspect Professor Heywood. The professor? What nonsense. Fine, upstanding chap. Excellent bridge player, too. Never overbids. You really think he did it, Mr. Comedian? Colonel, over my desk at Central Headquarters there hangs a motto. The innocent must be protected. The guilty must be punished. If Professor Heywood is guilty. But he wasn't even here last night. Perhaps not. The coroner tells me that Madame lorraine died between 11 and 11:30. But you heard nothing, Colonel Robbins. You're mistaken, Mr. Chameleon. I didn't hear a thing. That's what I said. You heard nothing in the hall? Oh. Oh, no, no, no. As you may have noticed, Mr. Chameleon, I'm slightly hard of hearing. Mr. Chameleon. Oh, a Detective Sergeant Arnold is calling you, Mr. Chameleon. He's downstairs. What is it, Dave? Come on down here, will you? I've got something to show you. Just drop everything and come on quick. Mr. Chameleon, I want you to hear them. That is, if they're still going out at Hammer and Tongues. Who is it, Dave? Two of the rumors. Mrs. Kramer and that Ms. Darling. They're in the music room. Music room? Did you ever see such an old mausoleum? Don't you like the Carlisle Arms, Dave? Gives me the creeps. Full of poor old dodos, most of them just waiting to die. Well, one of them did die, Dave. It's possible that she died because she had more life and vitality than the others. Wait a minute, Mr. Chameleon. You have no right to talk to me. Yep, they're still at it. I have the disclaimer, and you're going to listen. Take a look at that, Miss Darling. That cute little trick, isn't she, Mr. Chameleon? She's young, Dave. Yeah, and what good is it doing her? I know perfectly well. You saw Madame Lorraine last night just before she was murdered. No. I said good night to her and then I left her. And she told you what she was going to do. She told you where she was going. No. You're lying, Mrs. Kramer. You're going to tell me what Madame Lorraine said to you before she. She went to her death. You've got to tell me. I won't. All right. But let me tell you one thing. You keep away from my end of the hall. I warn Madame Lorraine and I'm warning you. You keep your distance or else. Or else what, Miss Darling? What? Well, go on. What will you do to Mrs. Kramer if she doesn't keep away from your end of the hall? Who are you? This is Mr. Chameleon. I told you he was on the case. Of course. The great chameleon. Mrs. Kramer, we're honored. This is the famous detective I'm sure you read about. How do you do, Mr. Chameleon? How do you do? But I don't know anything about it. All I know is there's something horrible going on in this house. And I'm afraid. I'm afraid. Well, now, don't be afraid. But, Mrs. Kramer, if there is anything that you can tell us. No, no. Just let me go to my room. Though I'm afraid to even go through the halls alone. Well, Detective Sergeant Arnold will go along with you. You go ahead, Dave. Okay, Mr. Chameleon. I'll be Seeing you before you go back to headquarters. And remember what I told you, Mrs. Kramer. Ms. Darling, why are you threatening that poor woman? Because she knows more than she's telling, Mr. Chameleon. I'm sure of it. What has that got to do with her keeping away from your room? Nothing, except that I like my privacy. I've got a phobia about privacy. Tell me, aren't you pretty young to be living in a place like this? Mr. Chameleon, I live exactly as I please. Maybe I like this atmosphere of creeping death. Anyway, it happens to be none of your business. Everything that happens in this house is my business. Including you, Miss Darling. Where is your family? I have no family. They're all dead. Anything else you want to know, you can find out on your own. I will. Oh, I'm sure you will. After all, you're the amazing Mr. Chameleon, aren't you? The famous detective, always turning up in all sorts of disguises. That's right. Must be fascinating, though. You're so attractive, it seems a shame to cover it up. Thank you so much, Miss Darling. But I'll tell you something about a disguise. You work from the inside out, so you feel differently. So you act differently. That's what does it. How interesting. I read that you'd even posed as a woman. Everything from a prince to a street beggar. Oh, you compliment me. Well, let's see what you can do here, Mr. Chameleon. Let's see what you can get away with at the Carlisle Arm. I'll do my best. What about this Professor Haywood? Professor Heywood? He's all right. Rather vague, but thorough. But why? I wondered where he was at the time of the murder. And I wondered just when he was coming back. What's the matter, Dave? Glad to get out of the Carlisle Arms, Sir? Help me, Mr. Chameleon. I can't stand that joint. Oh, Miss Carlisle's okay, but some of our guests. Boy, there's something awful funny going on there. There's been something funny going on there for quite a while, Dave. What do you mean? Madame Lorraine's death was only the beginning. I'm very much afraid there's more violence to come. I must come here. Better get back in there immediately. Tonight, perhaps? No, this afternoon might be better. Hey, wait a minute. Don't tell me that place is under surveillance. Yes. Yes, it is, Dave. We've kept it quiet, but we've been watching it for weeks. I have a very good idea what's going on there, but no evidence. Now it's up to me to bring in the evidence and pass. Well, I still don't see. Hey, Mr. Chameleon, what's that? That in your hand? Well, this. Oh, that's. That's a key from the Carlisle Arms. Room number three. Room number three. But that. That's Professor Haywood's room. Yes. Yes, Dave. I'm Professor Hay, Mr. Chameleon. And the case of the brownstone murder continues in just a moment. There's no need for you to let an ordinary headache upset you and spoil your whole day. To get relief that so fast, you'll be amazed. Take two Bayer aspirin tablets with a glass of water. Bayer aspirin works quickly because it starts to disintegrate within two seconds after you take it. Now, to see this astonishing speed for yourself. Drop a Bayer aspirin tablet in a glass of water and watch what happens before it reaches the bottom of the glass. It begins to disintegrate. That's exactly what it does in your stomach. And that's why Bayer aspirin is ready to go to work almost instantly. You take it. So when you want quick relief from headache, neuritic or neuralgic pain, do as millions do who want fast relief. Take genuine Bayer aspirin. Always ask for it by its full name, Bayer Aspirin. Never by the name Aspirin alone. Get the 100 tablet bottle and you get Bayer aspirin tablets for less than a penny apiece. And now back to Mr. Chameleon and the Brownstone murder case. It is late afternoon, and in front of the Carlisle Arms, Detective Sergeant Arnold has accosted a man of indeterminate age with rumpled clothes and thick glasses. And as he climbs the steps carrying a suitcase, Dave Arnold says to him, hey, wait a minute. Where do you think you're going? To my room, of course. I happen to live here. Detective Sergeant Arnold. Huh? Chameleon. I beg your pardon? The name is Professor Hayward. Gee, I'm sorry, but no kidding. You sure look different. Take it easy, Dave, and follow me upstairs. Professor Haywood. Oh, I was afraid we'd never see you again. Oh, why not, Ms. Carlyle? Why not? Haven't you read the papers? Don't you know about Madame Lorraine? All that? Yes, that must have been ghastly. Poor woman. I liked her, though. She was a bit overwhelming. Just how well did you know her, Professor? Is that any affair of yours? Please, Detective Sergeant, can't you leave my guests alone? For years I've worked to build up a nice clientele, and now the police are driving them away. Oh, I don't suppose the murder had anything to do with it, Miss Carlyle. Well, isn't that one of the worst aspects of murder, that the police come butting in? Is that supposed to be a joke, Professor? Yes, aren't you clever? Quite a card, aren't you? Let me tell you, Professor. And you too, Miss Carlisle, a little later. We're searching this place from top to bottom, including the unused wing. Detective Sergeant Arnold, I'm just as anxious as you to find Madame Lorraine's murderer. What are you laughing at, Professor? I beg your pardon? Oh, I was just thinking that is rather amusing. I mean what I just said. That the worst aspect of murder is the police butting him, Miss Carlisle. Is he quite right in the head, the professor? Of course he is. And it's your manner I object to. I don't mind your searching the house, but to think that all my nicest people may be driven away. Who, for instance? Well, Mrs. Kramer, for one. She's packing right now. She's leaving first thing in the morning. Oh, dear, that is too bad. She always made our fourth at bread. Is that all you can think of, Detective Sergeant Reynolds. Arnold. Arnold Reynolds. Whatever it is, do you mind very much if I take my suitcase to my room? Not if you don't mind if I go along with you. There isn't very much I can do about that, is there? But, Miss Carlisle, please don't worry. I shan't believe you. Oh, thank you, Professor. I'm very glad to hear that. I'm just wondering if Mrs. Kramer is leaving in the morning. Do you suppose she'd still be willing to play bridge this evening? I've been looking forward to having a little game with her and Miss Darling and Colonel Robin. Okay, Dave, we can talk, but keep your voice down. So Mrs. Kramer is trying to clear out of here, is she, Mr. Chameleon? Yes. Mrs. Kramer is terrified, Dave, and she has reason to be terrified. Well, what do you want me to do, keep her here? No, no, let her think that she can get away. Let other people think that she can get away. But look, Mr. Chameleon, does it occur to you she might have murdered Madame Lorraine? She could have. You're quite right. She could have. But let things rest as they are. Just search this place with a fine toothed combination. Especially that empty wing that's been untenanted for years. Oh, you know something? I wouldn't be at all surprised if I found out more than you will over the bridge table this evening in my role of the professor. It's your bid, Professor. I'm well aware of that fact, Ms. Darling. I was just thinking I. Make it one, no trump. I haven't bid yet. Oh, I thought you said the spade. Sorry, my dear boy. That's quite all right. I passed. What did you say, Mrs. Kramer? Mrs. Kramer, please keep your mind on the game. How can I, Miss Darling, with the police upstairs? Why are they taking so long to search the place? And why isn't that Mr. Chameleon supervising the search? He was so courteous, so attractive. Did you say two hearts, Mrs. Kramer? Mrs. Kramer said nothing, Colonel. Her hands are shaking so she can hardly hold her card. I can't help it. All I want to do is to get away from here to. Oh, dear, oh, dear. What is it, Mrs. Kramer? The ace of spades, Professor. Right here in my hand. The ace of spades means death. Oh, for heaven's sake. Well, it does mean death. It also means a. Read the old shuffle them, Professor. No, no, wait, Colonel. That detective sergeant is right behind you. Really? Is the search all over, Sergeant? Yes, the search is over, Colonel. Well, what did you find out? Nothing. Judging from his face, maybe more than you think, Miss Darling. Professor, may I see you alone? Oh, yes, certainly. Detective Sergeant Professor Hayward. He's not taking you away, is he? No, no, he just wants to save me alone. You. Excuse me, ladies. Well, Dave? We didn't find a thing, Mr. Chameleon. Not a blasted piece of evidence. Went through everything, every room, including that empty wing. Whoever the killer is, whatever is behind this, someone is awful smart, but not quite smart enough. Well, how did you make out? Did the cards tell you anything? They told Mrs. Kramer that death was very close. And maybe they told me something, too. This is a case, Dave, where the culprit has to be caught red handed. But when, Mr. Chameleon? Tonight. Tonight? Mm. Things are going to start happening tonight. And I'll know when there's going to be a signal. And I'm pretty sure I know what that signal will be. Colonel Robbins. Colonel Robbins. Did someone call? Yes, Colonel. Oh, Professor. Come in, my dear boy. Come in. I saw your door was open. I'm sorry, I. I didn't catch that. Your door is open. I wondered, would you mind very much not playing your radio just for tonight? You want to listen to the radio? I want you to turn it off. I've a bad headache and can't get to sleep. I sleep better, too, professor, if I listen to music late at night. What are you doing? I've turned the radio off, Colonel. But you can't do that. I'm listening to my favorite program. It'll be over within 15 minutes. Half an hour at the most. Half an hour will be too long. Even 15 minutes. Well, I'm sorry, Professor, but I intend to hear my program. Turn that radio off, Colonel. I will not. A man's home is his castle. Professor, I realize I may have it on a little too loud, but since I am slightly hard of hearing. Are you, Colonel? Am I what? Hard of hearing. Tonight at bridge, I said as softly as I could, that detective sergeant is behind you. And you heard me perfectly. Why, yes. Yes, I did. You're not deaf, Colonel Robbins. Not at all. Please turn off that radio or I'll turn it off for you. Well, that's better. Turn it on immediately. Why, Colonel, what have you been covering up with all that noise? What do you expect to cover up now? Are you out of your mind, Professor? Get away from that radio. Oh, that's it. That's what you hope to drown out. All right, Colonel Robbins. Professor, where did you get that gun? Part of my academic equipment. Keep your hands up and keep moving ahead of me. Fast. Scream came from Mrs. Kramer's room. Who are you? I'll turn you over to the police. Think it may be the other way around. Here we are. Ms. Kramer, you all right? Yes, Professor. But Ms. Darling here tried to kill me. I woke up and she was bending over me in the dark. Then Ms. Carlisle rushed in and saved me. Well, how could you tell if it was dark, Mrs. Kramer? Maybe it was Ms. Darling who rushed in to save you. That's ridiculous. No, it's not. It's true, professor. It was Ms. Carlyle who intended to murder Mrs. Kramer. She's lying, Professor. She. But I don't understand. What are you doing with that gun, Colonel? Why is he pointing that gun at you? The professor is an impostor, my dear. Yes, I am an impostor. We all are, in fact, including Miss Darling, whose real name is Evans. Madeleine Evans. Plain clothes policewoman who was sent here to keep an eye on this house. What? Yes, I looked you up in the files this morning. You're a very pretty girl under normal circumstances, Madeline. Yes. You see, the powers that be thought it was best that we shouldn't know. We were working together under the same rule. What the devil? Chameleon. You're Mr. Chameleon. But that's not possible. It. Yes. Yes, he is Mr. Chameleon. Why didn't you recognize him, Colonel? Why didn't I recognize him? Well, I'll tell you why. Because you'd known me for weeks as Professor Haywood. You were accustomed to Professor Heywood's mannerisms, his personality. You'd accepted him and cataloged him as being perfectly safe. But we've done nothing. Why should you be watching this house, Ms. Carlisle? You and Robbins both have prison records what go way back, of course. But later you decided to operate a hiding place for criminals on the lam. You had a wonderful front, highly respectable boarding house. Perfect hideaway for men wanted by the police. Mr. Chameleon, do you mean that, Madame Lorraine, that most of the guests here are criminals? No, no indeed, Mrs. Graymond. Only Colonel Robbins. Every once in a while. Haven't there been odd looking transients? Of course there have. They were hidden away in that empty wing. And spirited out during the night, I suppose. Exactly. Colonel Robbins, with your radio drowning out any sounds, then Madame Lorraine. That explains her murder, Mr. Chameleon. That's where she was going to try the door of that empty wing. She'd heard voices. She told me she tried the door. The chances are she even went through it to her death. They were going to kill you Too, of course, Mrs. Kramer, because you knew where she was going. And just how can you prove all this, Mr. Chameleon? Ms. Carlisle, there is the wire lying on the floor. You had to drop it before you had a chance to use it on Mrs. Kramer. But I'm sure that same sort of wire strangled Madame Lorraine. No, that's not true. I had nothing to do with killing Madame Lorraine. Well, then who did? He did. Colonel Robbins. You filthy liar. Camilla. She's the one who planned the whole thing. All I did was to play my radio. No. He killed her. She set the wire around Vanilla Lorraine's throat. She used a pair of pliers to tighten the wire. They're in her pocket now. Shut up, you fool. Okay, Ms. Evans, look for the pliers and then we'll all of us take a ride down to Central headquarters. And of course, as you know, Mrs. Kramer, the flyers were in Ms. Carlisle's pocket. Immediately afterwards she Robbins confessed to everything. Anyway, my dear lady, it's all over now and you can draw a free breath. Oh, Mr. Chameleon, if it hadn't been for you, I'd be dead. Oh, nonsense. We cops simply did our job. Didn't we, Miss darling? I mean, Ms. Evans? We did. And Mrs. Kramer, I hope you'll forgive me for threatening you. It was the only way I had of warning you to keep away from that door to the empty wing. My dear, you saved my life. Well, goodbye, now, goodbye. Well, Mr. Chameleon? Go ahead and say it. Tell me how bungling, how incompetent I was not to penetrate your disguise. That's what you're thinking. I was thinking how very attractive you are, Ms. Evans. What an excellent operator. The only thing is, the next time when I ask to have you assigned to work with me. Let's see to it that we play bridge as partners, not as opponents. You're much too good. Now, tell you a secret I hate to lose. And with these words, Mr. Chameleon, concludes tonight's murder case. The next time an ordinary headache threatens to spoil your day. Get fast relief by taking genuine Bayer aspirin. You'll be amazed at how quickly Bayer aspirin works. And the reason is that it starts to disintegrate within two seconds after you take it. To see for yourself that this is true. Just drop a Bayer aspirin tablet in a glass of water. And watch what happens before it reaches the bottom of the glass. The tablet will begin to disintegrate. It does the same in your stomach, hence brings relief with astonishing speed. So the very next headache, neuritic or neuralgic pain you have. Use Bayer Aspirin for really quick relief. And when you buy, ask for it by its full name, Bayer Aspirin, not by the name Aspirin alone. Get the 100 tablet bottle and you get Bayer Aspirin tablets for less than a penny a piece. Listen. Next Wednesday night at the same time for Mr. Chameleon, the man of many faces in the case of Death and the Dependent Husband. The part of Mr. Chameleon was played by Carl Swenson. With dialogue by Marie Balmer. From the original story by Frank and Ann Hummert. Music directed by Victor Arden. Your announcer is Howard Cleaning. Listen, everybody. Thousands of laboratory tests on scores of individual teeth show that new Lion's Toothpaste actually gets teeth brighter. Two and a half to five and a half times brighter than any of the five leading brands. Brighter by far than any other toothpaste. And the reason is that it's not just another old toothpaste with an added ingredient. But is completely new and radically different in formula. A new kind of toothpaste that cleans without soap and polishes without chalk. So get more brightness in your smile. Go to any drug or toilet goods counter and ask for Lion's toothpaste, Mr. Chameleon. The new mystery drama will be heard in another performance next Wednesday night at this time. This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System. This is Mr. Moto. Mr. I A. Moto. NBC presents the World's Greatest International Secret Agent. Mr. I. A. Moto, the popular Japanese character created by Pulitzer Prize winner John P. Marquan. Ruthlessly fighting the enemies of freedom. Mr. Moto's only weapons are his mind, his courage and his fabulous knowledge of international persons, places and things. Tonight's story concerns the victim and stars Mr. Moto. Mr. I. A motto. I watched Dr. Stoutenvert with fascinating, incredulous horror. He was maliciously and cold bloodedly driving a human mind towards the abyss of complete schizophrenia. He turned from the controls of the machine and bent over the trembling, half conscious body of Alec Gleason on the operating table. His cold, pale eyes glinted malignantly as he examined his Prisma. All this while the machine hummed. Even he is stubborn and defiant, this one. Yes, Dr. Stadenberg. Yet if we drive him insane, his usefulness is nothing. Alec, listen. Where are you? I am in prison in the Soviet zone of Germany. And someday I'll get you. Switch it on. Yes, Doctor. My name is Alec Gleason and I have never been tortured or mistreated. Now say it. My name is Alec Gleason and I have never been tortured or mistreated. Assignment G31 began exactly one full year ago. It required the greatest preparation and delicacy. Much of the story must remain shrouded in secrecy. Many of our counterintelligence operators in the Soviet zone of Germany had a hand in to tell. Too much could expose their covers and endanger their lives. It began a year ago when Janet Gleason received the now famous Gleason letter. I remember very well the night she brought it to me in my New York apartment. Mr. Moto, it's absolutely incredible that Alec could write a letter like this. But Mrs. Gleasonick is his handwriting. It's his handwriting. But he couldn't have written it voluntarily. You think he was still forced to write it? Either that or he's gone out of his mind. You are suggesting that. Yes. I believe he's a prisoner somewhere in Soviet Germany. I think they're doing things to him. Dreadful, horrible things. They've done it before. Vogler, Mincenti and now gross. And may I read the letter again? Certainly. Thank you. I know something's wrong. I know it. Dear Janet, at last I have come to realize the truth. The Wall street warmongers have split Korea in two. Can you imagine Alec writing that American imperialists are preparing for an atomic attack on Europe? They've driven him crazy. I have found a new way of life here in Soviet Germany. And I shall not return to America. I have discovered the truth. And you will never see me again. So do not try to find me. Alec. It's like a letter a 10 year old would write. You received it this morning? Yes. It was mailed from Berlin four days ago. And when did Alec leave New York? April 2nd. He was going to Paris first, then Rome and Berlin a month in each. He arrived in Berlin three weeks ago Saturday. To do what? Gleason Oil had a refinery in Berlin before the war. It's all been re. Equipped. Where in Berlin, in the British sector. Alec went over to supervise the installation of a new catalytic cracking plant. And? Well, Alec arrived on schedule three weeks ago Saturday. And the following Wednesday he left the plant at 6 o'clock and they haven't seen him since. But weren't they concerned? No. They received a telegram from Paris signed by Alex, saying that he'd been suddenly called back to America. Obviously the telegram's a fake. But I am wondering what particular motive the communists would have for taking him prisoner. Do they need a motive? Alec is a prominent American industrialist. He's an authority on the catalytic cracking of crude petroleum. They could be after what he knows. Or they could want him to come out publicly on the side of Communism. Can you imagine what the Daily Worker would do with that letter? It requires no imagination at all. Mr. Moto. Help me. Please find Alex for me. That may be difficult and expensive. We're not exactly poor, you know. I have 5,000 shares of Gleason Oil preferred stock in my own name. It occurs to me that. Yes? Could you fly to Berlin with me tomorrow? Well, of course, if it's necessary. I have ways of arranging the flight. What time would we leave? That depends on how quickly I can see the one man in New York who can help us. Who? I cannot tell you his name. He is posing here in New York as a communist leader. I see. One thing more. Yes? Can you get a letter of credit to the bank of England for 50,000American dollars by tomorrow? It's rather a large sum of money. Can you? Well, I. Yes. Yes, I think so. Good. I will contact my man here. If all goes well, sometime tomorrow evening we will take off for Europe. It's good to see you, Moto. I've been pretending to be a communist for so long. Please, Please do not tell me about your work. Tell me one thing. Is Madeleine Roudier still in Berlin? Yes. Is she still with British Counter Intelligence? Yes. She's now known as Emmy Bruner. She runs a clock shop just off the Potsdammerplatz in the American sector. You are still her New York conductor? Yes. How do I get to her? You give her this watch. Call on her at exactly three in the afternoon and give her this watch set at 10 after 8. That's her code. 8, 10. 3 in the afternoon. This watch set at 10 after 8. A clock shop off the Potsdammer Platz. Excuse me, but I wonder if it is possible to speak with Frulein Brunner? I am Frulein Brunner. 3 o'clock. Yes. And my watch is stopped at 10 after 8. Who are you? My name is Moto. Mr. I.A. moto. Not the Mr. Moto? I am sorry if my miserable reputation has preceded me. You worked on the Resnick affair? I did. What do you want? Information about an American citizen named Alec Gleason. Alec Gleeson. He arrived in Berlin a little over three weeks ago. He has disappeared behind the curtain. It would seem so. He may have wandered in by accident or been kidnapped. He is a prominent American oilman. There are many reasons why they would want him. You know that. I am doing this sort of thing all the time. That is why I came to you. I get them out, and in return I ask only that they tell the world. But very few of them talk. They are either afraid or so sick that rational thinking is impossible. Can you help me? The quickest way is with money. Alec Gleason's wife is with me in Berlin. She is a wealthy woman. You understand. I take nothing myself. I have to pay certain people. How much? If he is in the Soviet sector and if I can find him, his release can be obtained for a hundred thousand marks. That can be arranged. Give me a week. Find Mrs. Gleason. The oldest clothes you can. I will make some inquiries. Bring her here a week from tonight. So you are Mrs. Gleason? Yes. Yes, I am. Your hands are so. So smooth. I hope that once more before I die, I can be a woman again. Frulein, I can't tell you how much I appreciate what you're doing. We are both very grateful, Frulein. Thank you. Your husband, Mrs. Neeson, is in Strau Prison. I have not found him. No, I am telling you, that is where he is. They are trying to force him to come out publicly on the side of Communism. They have waited long for a rich, important American. They want him to make speeches to the workers in the Soviet zone. But why? Why, Frulein? Mrs. Diesen is most gracious and kind, but she is not completely well at the moment. Mrs. Gleason the party propaganda is stating that American workers are slaves. It would be a great triumph to have an American industrialist confirm this statement. But, Alex, an American citizen. Why can't we just march in with some soldiers and. Please, Mrs. Gleason, keep your voice down. Even my clocks have ears, and it is much more difficult than that. Then what? What do we do? I can get more money. I can table London. Mr. Moto, the facts are these. He is in Strau Prison. A Russian named Manilov, who is a lieutenant in the Volkspolizei. Is the what? The Volkspolitzai. They are the secret police. Go on. Manilov works at Strela Prison. He will try to arrange something for a hundred thousand marks. And that was the beginning. For three long months we planned. I sat up nights polishing my Russian until I spoke it like a native. I studied a floor plan of Strahlo Prison until I knew every corridor, every door, every cell by heart. Janet Gleason waited with a desperate patience born of her deep love for her husband. Emmy Bruner worked with the fanaticism born of suffering and hate. She anticipated every danger, foresaw every possibility. At last we were ready. And at last, Maniloff was able to arrange it. He came one night, very late, to Emmy Brunner's cock shop. Emmy, it is perfect. He is a different man. Yes, Maninoff, it is good. I will pass as a Mongolian. Russian anywhere. The smooth, shaved head. The slanting ice. It is perfect. And his face, Amy? His face. I injected paraffin under the cheekbones. Mr. Moto, I am sorry. I had no ether, but it was impossible to obtain pain. Frulein is to the Oriental a state of mind. In a few weeks the wax will melt and drain away. The contours of your face will go back to normal. Money, love. The last check. Let's go over it again. A card certifying he's a member of the Folkesbury Club. Good. And my identity card? Yes. And a ration card. Yes. I have bribed Gleason's regular guard for two weeks, beginning tomorrow. If you pretend to be sick, you will take his place. And you understand that if you are caught, I will deny I ever saw you. He knows that. Money, Love Gleason is in the sub basement, cell 40. When you report into me, I will give you the keys. Even if I am alone, do not let on you know me. The whole thing is of the greatest danger. I will use every discretion. Alec Gleason may not be easy to convince. Why not? They keep 3 inches of water on the stone floor of his cell. What? For months now, he has been lying on a narrow wooden bunk. If he wishes to move, he must walk to the water. It is ice cold. It is. And he is in bare feet. And inhumanity to his brother as well as the impulse. Hypnosis. They have done other things. You mean the pail? Yes. Three times a week. The pail. They put a large galvanized scrub pail over his head. Then they beat it with an iron bar. Oh. There is not a mark made on his body, but the noise of it crashes in his ears like the music of hell. I must go now. It's dangerous for me to be in the American sector. You will report for work or to prison tomorrow night. Mr. Motto. Yes, Manilov. And thank you, Manilov. Before you go, why were you so surprised when we told you Mrs. Gleason was in Berlin? Because part of their torture of ale Gleason was to tell him. Tell him what? Tell him his wife was dead. Water on the floor. Go away. I'll say anything you want. You leave me alone. Mr. Kingston, please. Justin, I am a friend from outside. Do you understand? Mr. Kingston, your wife and I are trying to get you out of here. I'll never get out. Go away. I am pretending to be your attendant. I am really a Japanese American. Your wife and I are in Berlin. I'm lying. They've got hurt. No, no, no, Mr. Kingston, they have. They told me. Please believe me, Mr. Kingston. She's dead. Janet is dead. Leave me alone. Look. No, no, Please. Please. Keep your eyes open. Look. Look at this. It is the locket you gave your wife for her birthday last year. Look. Look at it. Mr. Kieson, please. Please. It's a trick. They've killed it. They said she's dead. Please, Mr. Keeson, believe me. I know. I look like a Mongolian. Russian. I am not. And your wife is all right. I swear she is. Let. Let me see the locker. Yes. Here. Listen, are you. I promise. I give you my word. Your wife is alive. She is well and in Berlin. Please. Please. We are trying to get you out of here. Please. Please. Be quiet and give me back the locker. No, no, it's mine. It's mine. If they find it, everything will be ruined. Give it to me. I want it. It's mine. Someone is coming. Then it's him. Who? The doctor. They take me upstairs. Give me the locket. Mr. Gleason. In the name of heaven, give me that locket now. Trust me. Ah, our rebellious patient. And who are you? The new guard, Doctor, the regular one is sick. Lieutenant Maniloff assigned me to his place. Your identity card. Yes, Doctor. Here. You know what to do. Yes, Doctor. Have him in the operating room in 10 minutes. Yes, sir. No. No, I won't go. I won't go anymore. You will do as yourself. Upstairs in 10 minutes. What followed was a nightmare of horror. I took Alec Gleason upstairs to the first floor where Dr. Stoutenburg waited in a small, well equipped operating room. Alec Gleason was strapped to a standard type operating table and two silver electrodes were fastened in place at his temples. Another to his back at the base of his spine. Dr. Stoutenberg flicked a switch and the machine hummed evilly. He must make a speech for us. A week from Thursday is to tell the workers here the true state of affairs in America. The auto hypnosis and suggestion must be complete. Yes, Doctor. Listen to me, Alec. Turn it on. Yes, sir. In American factories, the workers are chained to their jobs for 17 hours a day. In American factories, the workers are chained to their jobs 17 hours a day. Good, Alec. Excellent. Here, where the glorious Soviet culture flourishes like a flower, I have for the first time in my life seen true freedom. Here, where the glorious Soviet culture flourishes like a flower, I have for the first time in my life, seen true freedom. Excellent. By a week from Thursday, he will publicly repudiate his American citizenship and. And then what? Misumoto. The majors say incredible things. Electromagnetic hypnosis. They'll kill him. No, no, no, Mrs. Gleeson. That is not their way. When is he to make this speech? There is a youth rally in the Congress hall of the Berlin Zoo a week from Thursday. Frulein Bruno, I just can't stand this. It's so sickly. I promise you that a week from Thursday you will have him back. You are sure they don't suspect you? Manilov has dodged them. My papers are in order and the makeup is flawless. Is Manilov coming tonight? Any minute now. Is. Manilov is afraid. He is playing both ends against the middle. It is hard to be punctual when you sleep with the terror. Hear me now. We can do it tonight. Gleason makes the speech a week from Thursday. Yes. There will be you, alec Gleason and Dr. Staudingart in the car. Yes? Yes. You pass within three blocks of the border separating the British from the Soviet sector. How you do it is up to you. If you fumble, I will deny everything. Of course. Denied. Greece needs to speak. I will assign you to cut his hair and shave him. Manilov do they suspect anything? No, no. Motus. Russian is perfect to close the papers. But a single slip and it is finished. He will empty the cell of water tomorrow. The breaking of his will is over. Only the hypnosis is to continue. Your animals. All of your animals. I'd like to take every one of you and. Don't listen, please. Moneylok. I am holding the money. A hundred thousand marks. Deliver him here on Thursday and you will be paid. Now go quickly. Moneylok. It is dangerous, Fraulein. Yes, I must have a revolver. Carrying a gun is dangerous. On the night of the speech. Being without one will be more dangerous. Mrs. Leeson. Yes? Somehow, before a week from Thursday, you must buy me some adrenaline and some caffeine. Otherwise I am afraid your husband will be mentally and physically unable to cooperate with me at all. An American military doctor is the most likely source. All right. And also a hypodermic needle. I can get you that. Then all that remains for us to do between now and a week from Thursday is to pray that God will protect our efforts. There. Mr. Gleason. Your hair is cut. You are shaved and dressed. How do you feel? The workers in America are all victims. Alec, listen to me. I am not going to hurt you. I am your friend. What? Who's that? I have to give you an injection. No. Not enough Help you at relevant and Catholic. Please don't hurt me anymore. I must have your cooperation and help. In just a few seconds you will feel stronger. Your head clearer. Now please. Hold still, please. There. Now don't say anything, just listen. Your speech tonight is supposed to be of your own free will. There will be no guards. Just you, Dr. Stuffenwert and I. You are not supposed to be a prisoner. Not a prisoner. I will be driving. You will sit in the back with the doctor. I have here an iron box. No, don't. Please don't. Alec. They put a pail over my head and they beat it with blood. No, no, no, Alec. Oh, it is so very, very important that you understand. I cannot manage it alone. I have to drive. Now listen. On our way to the Congress Hallet, we have to pass through an alley that is three blocks from the British sector. When we get to that point, Alec, do you understand me? I think so. When we get to that point, I will honk the horn twice. Short hunks. Can you hit Dr. Stadenfurt with this iron bar? You will be in the back seat with him. Hit him and shove him out of the car. Out of the car. Alec, it is very important that you help me. Remember, two hunks of the horn. Fit him. Shove him out of the back seat. Backseat doctor is coming. Oh, Alec. Alec. It is very, very dangerous and you are sick. But you must try very, very hard. In less than an hour, you can be with your wife. You're driving too fast. You'll make him nervous. Yes, Doctor. You're all right, Erlich? Yes, I'm fine. You seem much stronger. Your pupils are dilated almost as often. Eric, what are you. Go. Help me. Open the dialect. Open the Dalek. Quickie. Stop him. Out. Hurry. Hurry. Alec. I. I can't. How do you have him? I can't. All right, all right. Just a hundred yards. Alec, they're soldiers. Where? Your left. They've seen us. Look out. They got right down. Alec, get down on the floor. Hang on. We coming to the barrier. Frulein. What are they doing there? They're 20 minutes late. Sometimes there are delays. What could go wrong? Perhaps at the barrier there was something. Oh, God. Please get him out. Please. First we sit here and listen to those clocks. They drive you crazy. They remind me, Mrs. Gleason, that time is running out. But every second we draw closer to the edge of the abyss. Yet still we cannot decide whether we want to win the last war. Or the next. What? I'm sorry. I. I'm just not used to this. It's horror. It's so fantastic. Not to me. So when you go back, tell them in America. Tell them to get down on their knees every day of their lives and thank God for their country. Tell them what you've seen here. Oh, Mr. Morto. Mr. Mordo. We had an accident at the barrier. A rifle bullet exploded a tire. I mean. He's dead. No. No, no. Is it recent? He may not recognize you. The effect of the adrenaline has worn off. Please try not to upset him. Come in. Alec. Oh, Alec. Alec. What is it, darling? It's me, Janet. You're all right now. All right? Don't you know me, darling? I'm Janet. I'm your wife. Janet. My what? You have just heard Mr. Moto, the world's greatest international secret agent. In the Victim, James Monk starred as Mr. Moto. The script was written and directed by Harry W. Junkin, produced by Carol Irwin. And now, with a preview of next week's story. Mr. I. A. Moto. Thank you. Next week, the story of a man of God who held the devil for a playmate. Of an Anu princess whose elegant, tapering hands held the secret of riddles undevined the hitherto untold history behind the experiment known as Project 77. And now, may the sweet, soft mystery of night surround your slumber with the perfume of cedar and jasmine. And may the first breath of morning greet you with the fragrance of a thousand roses. And enjoy the very best in radio. Be sure that you dial and write. Seems like the very best in radio morning, noon and night is from this station, Morning, Noonnoon and night, NBC. Bill Baker invites you to join the $64 question next on NBC. That's the relic Radio show for this week. I hope you enjoyed it. You can find more from Mr. Chameleon, Mr. Moto, this podcast and all of the others at the website relicradio.com you can donate while you're there. If you'd like to help support this and all of that, visit donate. Relicradio.com or click on one of the links on the website. We've got some downloadable sets for certain donation amounts, though any amount is always appreciated and helpful. Thanks to those who have helped out. Thanks for joining me this Tuesday. I'll be back tomorrow with an hour of mystery on Case Closed. Next Tuesday with our next episode of the Relic Radio Show.