Dangerous Assignment: Little White Pill 05/31/1950

Welcome to Choice Classic Radio, where we bring to you the greatest old-time radio shows. Like us on Facebook, subscribe to us on YouTube, and thank you for donating at choiceclassicradio.com. Wheaties presents Dangerous Assignment. On stage tonight from Hollywood, Dangerous Assignment, another in the Wheaties big parade of exciting half-hour presentations. Dangerous Assignment starring Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell. Dangerous Assignment starring Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell. Yeah, Dangerous Assignment. I get sent to a lot of places I can't even pronounce. They all spell the same thing, though. Trouble. But when I walk into the commissioner's office, I don't realize that this assignment's going to involve my trying to poke a hole in the iron curtain with just one weapon. A little white pill. Good morning, commissioner. Steve, Bill Sorensen was arrested in the Balkans the other day. Bill Sorensen? He and I used to be roommates at the Naval Academy. I know. That's why you're elected. Elected to what? Sorensen was arrested on charges of espionage. His trial started today. He's confessed a lot of things, among them being a member of Naval Intelligence. What? Now, look, if Sorensen were a member of Naval Intelligence, that's the last thing in the world he'd ever admit, commissioner. I know. Now, Steve, we think Sorensen's under the influence of a certain drug. We think it's a new one that makes you say anything you've been told to say. Now, if we're right, if that's the drug that's being used, here's the antidote. This little white pill. Sounds like a lot of ifs, commissioner. I know, but that's all you've got to work on, Steve. All right. Hey, now, wait a minute. You're not trying to tell me I'm supposed to go over to the Balkans and give Sorensen this pill, are you? Yes. He's being held in a jail in the city of Zava. Hmm. Look, isn't there anyone who can help me? Yes. Here's a torn page out of a book, Steve. Take it to the Vinesh Bookshop in Zava. You'll find help there. Now, Steve, get over there. Administer the antidote to Sorensen, and then get him and yourself out of there, if possible. Well, that's it. You've got your assignment. Good luck. Dangerous assignment will continue in just a moment. But first, a word from Frank Martin, the Wheaties man. Say, speaking of Wheaties, breakfast of champions, if you've got a small baseball player around your house that kind of comes in from the corner lot, barely in time for supper, we've got a message for him. It's from Jackie Robinson, Pride of the Brooklyn Dodgers, and a Wheaties fan. My advice on training Jackie Robinson says, is to start young. Get lots of Wheaties nourishing and swell eating. And you bet they are. Wheaties nourishing vitamins, minerals, food energy. You can't beat whole wheat for nourishment, and you can't beat Wheaties for whole wheat for kids, for grownups. There you are. Whole wheat flakes with milk and fruit. This champion recommends them. If you've got a growing up champion on hand, dish them out and have some yourself. Wheaties breakfast of champions. Now, here is Dangerous Assignment, starring Brian Donlevy in the role of Steve Mitchell, colorful, two-fisted government agent. Yeah, this is a job I'm going to love. I can see that already. Steve Mitchell, armed with a book page and a pill, saves the day. But the only thing that's worrying me is who's going to save Steve Mitchell. It's Tuesday when I get to the Benish Bookshop in Zareva. I flash the torn book page to Benish, and he leads me into the back room. Here you are, Mitchell, the floor plan at the prison. Study it carefully. Hey, hey, brother. This makes Alcatraz look like a country club. Now, here is the cell on the third floor where Sarnson is imprisoned. On the floor, directly below, is the courtroom where his trial is being held. Yeah, and here's the nearest outside door on the ground floor below the courtroom. Yes, at five o'clock this afternoon, there will be a truck outside the door, but it can only stay there for three minutes. The trial will continue all afternoon. If you and Sarnson can get to that door around five, you can make your escape in that truck. Well, you told me how to get out of the place, but you've omitted a couple of small details like how am I going to get into the place, and how am I going to slip this pill to Sarnson? How you give him the pill will have to be up to you, Mitchell. But this camera and these forged identification papers identify you as an employee of World Photos, and you will be given admittance to the trial. I see. Look, have you any idea what Sarnson found out that they didn't want him to know? I didn't know. But you had better get over to the prison, Mitchell. You have no time to lose. Remember, the truck will be waiting outside the gate at five this afternoon. May I have your attention, please? Quiet! Please. Thank you. Allow me to introduce myself to the press. I am Colonel Mitro, commandant of this prison. Now, I have gathered your reporters and photographers together in order to examine your papers. You, sir, I will start with you. Me? Yes, your papers, please. Oh, there they are. So, they appear to be in order. One moment while I check my list. Yes, your name is Annette. It is your pass, which will admit you to the trial. Thank you, Colonel. One moment, please. What's the matter? Matter. Nothing is the matter. I merely wish to inform you that one of your colleagues is here. My colleagues? Yes, another representative of World Photos. Oh, I see. Well, it's a pretty large outfit, Colonel, and I... There she is over there. Mr. Avni. Oh, look, don't bother. You called me Colonel Mitro? Yes. Here is a colleague of yours, Mr. Avni. Mr. Mitro. Oh, really? You will excuse me now. I must examine the rest of the credentials. You over there, may I see your face? Your face looks familiar, Mr. Mitro. I believe we have met before, haven't we? I don't know, have we? Perhaps in Vienna last year. Yeah, yeah, perhaps. How long have you been working for World Photos? Who? Not very long. How about you? Five, six years. Strange. We should have run into each other several times, both working for the same company. Well, it's sort of a big outfit, you know. Yes, but even so... All your papers are in order, ladies and gentlemen. And now, if you will follow me, I would like to conduct you on a brief tour of our prison. We want all of you people to see what a model prison this is. How every comfort is provided for each prisoner. In our spotless kitchen down there at the end of the hall are prepared tasty and nourishing meals which... Ah, here you will be able to see and judge for yourselves. Krupar! Yes, Colonel? Krupar, show the people the fine food you are carrying on that tray. Yes, Colonel. Well, as you see, ladies and gentlemen, it is quite a tasty lunch. To which prisoner are you taking this tray, Krupar? To the self-confessed spy and enemy of... The enemy of... Enemy of the people, Krupar. Enemy of the people, Colonel. Yes. You see? We show mercy even to confess spies like this Sorensen. You may go now, Krupar. Thank you, Colonel. And now we will resume our tour. Under right you see the administration officers, not the country and the officials. Hey, Krupar. Yes. Would you like to have your picture taken? My picture? Oh, but of course that would be nice. Sure. Servant of the people carries food to enemy of the people. Here, just hold it a second like that. There. Oh, thank you. Wait a minute. I want to... one of you without the tray. Here, I'll take it. That sure looks like a good lunch. Stew, hot tea. I'll just set the tray on the floor. And I'll have a... Oh, please be careful. That's okay. I just built a little tea into the saucer out port bag. I hope it is alright. The Colonel would be furious if anything happened to that specially prepared lunch. Especially prepared, why? I thought these were the kind of meals you served all the time, even to the enemies of the people, Krupar. Why, why, did you... yeah, yeah. Yes, of course. I forgot. Mr. Mitchell. Huh? Oh, Colonel Mitchell. Mr. Mitchell, may I inquire what you are doing? Why, just snapping some pictures of Krupar here. No harm was intended, Colonel. It is the firm policy of this prison that all members of the press will stay together under my supervision. Yeah, yeah, sure. Sorry, Colonel. Well, let's resume the grand tour. We finish the tour, then go into the courtroom to wait for the trial. I'm sweating it out, wondering if Sorenson has drunk the tea I'd slipped the pill into. And if so, how long before the antidote will take effect, then a husky guard leads Sorenson into the courtroom. They sit him down about six feet from me. I have to keep my camera covering part of my face because Sorenson is still under the effect of the drug and spots me. He'll probably spill all about me. I jump with a face like a vulture, starts hammering questions at Sorenson. And his answer sounds like he's reading them out of a book. Is that not true? Yes. Now, Mr. Sorenson, it is also true that you own a marine construction company. Yes, it is true. Now, this company undertakes the construction of various piers and also repairs boats. Yes. But actually, this company is but a front for your espionage activities directed by you. Yes, that is true. Now, tell the court the exact nature of your espionage activities. I spied on ship movements at the waterfront. I also kept records of troop movements. Go on. I spied on. Go on. No. Wait a minute. What am I saying? That's not true. I've never done any spying. The prison owner was confined. I'm not a spy. I'm not a spy. I run a legitimate business. I've never engaged in this business. I'll take the prison. Take the prison. I'm not a spy. The courtroom is in an uproar. The guards yank Sorenson out of his seat. And just then our eyes meet. Sorenson groups one eyelid for a second and then turns the goal. The antidote has worked. He's okay now and now is my chance. I shoulder my way through the crowd into the hall. A lot of people are milling around. I get to Sorenson and the guard just as they reach the elevator. What do you want? Stand back. Come on Sorenson. Let's get to the elevator fast. Okay Steve. Oh brother, I'm glad to see you. What happened? They had you drug bill. I slipped an antidote into the tea they brought you. Look, our only chance is to get to the ground floor and out to the truck at the gate before they sound the alarm. Here we are. Good. The hall's deserted. They're probably still milling around upstairs. Come on. That door down at the end of the hall Steve. Does that lead outside? Yeah. There's a truck waiting there for us. Here we are. Oh great. It's locked. What? Yeah, and it was supposed to be open. Steve. How's he? Somebody's unlocking the door from the outside. Yeah, brother. We better get lost. All right, here they are. My guard and another one with him. Come on. Yes, both of you. We will not hesitate to shoot. So, you will escape. But the little plan did not work. And now you will have a cellmate, Mr. Torrance. Wheaties now. Are you with them? All over this big, wide country, people are going to be shaking the wheaties into the cereal bowls tomorrow morning. All over the country. In big houses, little houses, penthouses, ranch houses. Because all different kinds of people, no matter what they do, know that a good breakfast can help them do it better. If you're going to do the ironing tomorrow, or if you've got a tough day ahead, do it better all morning with the help of wheaties for breakfast. First, you need your wheaties. Farmers can farm better. Drillers can drill better. Plumbers can plum better with a better breakfast. You start with these likeable little flakes of whole wheat. And you work better all morning long. Crisp. And they're crackling with energy. Fresh and they're bouncing with nourishment. Just pour the wheaties into the bowl. Sugar them, cream them, strawberry them if you want to. See if you don't feel a difference. Tomorrow, start with wheaties and work happy. Now back to dangerous assignment and Steve Mitchell. We have done well, Boris. We have captured not only Sauron's son, but the man who was helping him escape. The colonel will be pleased with our... Run tell him at once. I will hold my gun on these two while you're gone. Very well. Well, thanks for the try anyway, Steve. That's okay. I'm sorry I didn't work out. But it will, Mitchell. Huh? Go quickly. Hey, what do you mean? Hey, wait a minute. Don't tell me you're the boy that they told me would help me inside the prison. Yes. When you grabbed Sonsen from me at the elevator, I was not expecting it. I was not expecting you would hit me so hard. What? That is why it took me so long to get down here and open the door for you. Oh, brother, now I've seen everything. But you must hurry. The truck is waiting for you over there. Yeah, I see it. Okay, guard. Thanks a lot. One moment. Huh? Hit me. Again? I must have some reason for allowing you to escape. Hurry, it's not much time. As soon as they discover you've got a way, they will set off their alarm. Well, okay. This is a pretty poor way to show my appreciation, but thanks anyway. Come on, Sonsen. We spot the truck outside, dive into it and roar through the prison gates. The siren splits the air and the gates clenched up behind it. We turn into the highway and I scam the accelerator down to the board board. Get down, that's the machine gun. What am I doing? I sure give a lot for an automatic pilot in this buggy right now. Steve! I'm okay, just a little bulk of glass in the face. There, we're out of sight for a little while now, but they'll be coming after us. We've got to ditch this car and take off to the city on foot. Listen, that's coming after us all right. Hey, wait a minute. Those low-hanging trees on the side of the road. Steve, watch it! The tree's drunk ahead! I see it. You know, Steve, I thought we used to get into scrapes when we were plebs at the Naval Academy, but they didn't hold a candle to this. Yeah, well, midshipman, you better come up with an operation plan right now as to where we're heading. You got any ideas? Yeah, my fiancé's brother. He's a black market operator, has a hideout in town. Well, leave the way. Steve, I've stumbled on a something hot. There's a Navy task force cruising in the eastern Mediterranean, heading this way. You mean one of ours? That's right, and sometime tonight they're going to run into some mines. What? How do you know? Well, the other day I spotted a fishing boat down at the waterfront. It looked phony to me, so I did a little snooping. It was a mine layer. I got close enough to pick up a little of their conversation. Their plan was to lay a few mines in the path of the task force. Afterward, they could always claim they were floating mines from the last world. Oh, great. Look, have you any idea of where they laid the mines? Well, from what I picked up, I think I could locate them on a chart, but somehow we've got to get word of that task force, Steve. Yeah, that isn't going to be easy. Here we are, Steve. Who is there? Sorensen. Sorensen. Quick, come inside. Okay, come on, Steve. Trivonnik, this is Steve Mitchell. He arranged my escape. Where is Eva? Eva, what do you mean? Well, I thought she would be with you. Why? Well, she said she had worked out escape plan for you. Why? She went to the jail posing as photographer. She had a little red truck with that. Wait a minute. Eva, what are you doing? She had a little red truck with that. Wait a minute. Eva Trivonnik? Yes, yes, my sister. Sorensen's fiancee. Holy smoke, that's the girl I met in the prison. She was posing as another representative of World Photo. She was what? Yes, she had a little red truck, and she was going to try and arrange an escape. Steve, I'm going back there. They'll hold her as your accomplice. No, you're not. Eva's in trouble. I tell you, I'm going back. Don't be a fool. Get out of my way, Steve. Look, if anyone goes back there, it's going to be me. Yo, but you can't... Look, you've got to plot the position of those mines on a chart and get word out somehow. I'll see what I can do about Eva. How can we get word out? They probably got the telephone switchboard tapped. Yeah, and they probably got the depot covered too. Wait a minute. Hey, why didn't I think of a Trivonnik's plane? Why? Like I told you, Trivonnik, here's a black market operator. He does a lot of flitting around undercover. He's got a little plane staged out of the cow pasture just outside of town. Yes, you see, Mitchell, I do not approve of the government in power here, so unknown to them, I make them pay me for the privilege of remaining in power. Well, if we could get out of here by plane, we might be able to contact the task force by radio. Trivonnik, I guess it's up to you. Look, you say you like to make the government pay you. Well, this would cost them plenty, but I'm afraid there wouldn't be any dough in it for you. That's what bothers me. But... Men once told me there were other things in life besides money. Perhaps this will give me a chance to find out if he was right. Very well, I will try to get you out. Good. Write down the location of the cow pasture where you've got the plane. Sarnson, get out of the chart and plot the position of those mines. You gonna go after Eva? I'm gonna try. You two, get out to the plane and get it warmed up, and if I'm not there in one hour, well, don't wait for me. I take back streets and cut across fields. Twenty minutes later, I get to the road outside the prison. They've set up a searchlight and a roadblock, and they're a long line of parked cars and trucks, the guards are checking them one at a time. I spot Eva's red truck, the third one back from the roadblock. I've gotta act fast. Then I see a lieutenant in a heavy overcoat standing on my side of the road. I ease over. Oh! Lieutenant. Oh, Mario. One of the reporters covering the trial, Lieutenant. There's a body over here. A body? Where? Show me. It's in the bushes. Fuck that, I don't see any body. What is it? Right here, Lieutenant. It's gonna be yours. I slip on the lieutenant's coat and cap, then I run over to Eva's truck and jump onto the running board. What do you... Wait. It's Steve Mitchell. Yeah, pull out a line and head for the roadblock. But they will stop us. Maybe not, if they don't get a good look at me. Come on. All right. Keep going slowly, straight ahead. Oh! All cars in front, so do we check. Colonel, meet Rosorders. Oh, forgive me, Lieutenant. Proceed. Speed up. You know how to get to that pulp pasture where your brother keeps his plane. Yes, Steve. Okay, head for it, and don't spare the horses. There it is. They've moved it out of the barn. Come on, hurry. Eva! Eva, you okay? Yes, Bill. Get in, get in. We're already in the vehicle. Okay. All set? Yeah. Yeah, let her go. Hey, look ahead of us. On the field. Come on. Get in. Get in. Get in. Get in. Get in. Get in. Get in. Get in. Get in. Get in. Get in. Get in. I'm in the field. Police cars, they must have followed you here. Oh, great. Four of them blocking the runway in a grove of trees behind it. That's it, brother. We're through. Here's why it's Wheaties' breakfast of Champions. What are you doing tomorrow? Going to the factory? Getting to the shop early? early or just taking it easy with three kids in the house to clean. If you've got things to do tomorrow start tomorrow with Wheaties breakfast of champions. They're whole wheat flakes and they give you whole wheat energy vitamins minerals proteins too all the good work speeding nourishment that whole wheat has to offer you get in Wheaties. That's why with milk and fruit they help make a better breakfast that helps you do a better job. So look tomorrow next day as soon as you can get Wheaties on to the breakfast table. Be good to yourself. Have a bowl of Wheaties and feel the difference in the morning's work. Now here is the conclusion of dangerous assignment. Steve what are we gonna do we can't take off and who says we can? But those police cars are blocking the runway ahead. So people just go the other way that's old full engine. Left brother. Hey what the? Hey you're turning the plane around. Certainly now we're taxiing. Hey you're heading right for those trees watch out. Who breaks? And right brother. So. Look it's a clearing in the trees. Certainly in my business one must prepare for such emergencies. Now left brother. Hey what do you know another cow pasture on the other side of the grove. This one I call my emergency runway. Well I gotta hand it to you Travnik but we're not off the ground yet. Hold on it's going to be bumpy check off. Look back there. The shooting at us get down leave a bill. Oh dear oh dear well holding the wing cut down wind resistance I suppose. Yeah we're liable to collect more than a whole no wing if you don't get this baby airborne soon. No sooner spoke than ditch. Oh boy you better head for the coast Travnik. Yes I agree the sea air will be welcome change right now. Steve part of the location of those mines but how are we going to get in touch with that task force. Hand me that microphone Travnik. Yes sir. Here you are. Steve what frequency are you going to try. That was I was trying to remember there's a aircraft voice circuit that they always guard. Four one something. That's right wait a minute. Wait a minute it's four one four one four five kilo cycles. Yeah yeah I'll tune to it. Why are you going to call them. We address them as US Navy Task Force they'll think it's a trick. I know we don't have any idea what code name they're using. Wait a minute we'll tie it in with the Naval Academy somehow. What do you mean. The name of a building or yeah that's it look Bill you and I room together as plebes in Bancroft Hall. Maybe that'll work I'll give it a try. Leave the Bancroft Hall. Leave the Bancroft Hall over. I hope they're within range so they can receive us. I'll try it again. Leave the Bancroft Hall. Leave the Bancroft Hall over. Bancroft Hall please. Hey. Bancroft Hall please identify yourself. Steve they picked us up. Yeah. Leave the Bancroft Hall. If you've got a Navy register aboard look up Steve Mitchell class of 1935 but first take this message. Mines. Floating mines at latitude three seven degrees three three minutes north longitude one eight degrees two six minutes east repeat and over. Bancroft Hall the plate latitude three seven degrees three three minutes north longitude one eight degrees two six minutes east emergency turn nine emergency turn nine. Oh boy they must have been right on top of those mines Bill. Yeah I heard someone giving emergency turn signal. Oh brother that's too close. Yeah know the frequency of the Zarvo radio station traffic. Oh certainly but they have lousy programs. Well turn around a bit and see if you can pick up a newscast. I'd like to see how we're doing. All right. You know I'd sure hate to go for a routine like this every day. You can say that again but we are safe now that is all that matters. Wait wait wait wait. Here is our radio station. Good evening friends and comrades. This is Colonel Mitro speaking. Well our old friend. I have been asked by the radio station to make a statement concerning the brazen and treacherous jailbreak this afternoon. Rest assured the fugitives will be apprehended shortly. I'll hold your breath Colonel. And I am happy to announce that the ring leader of the plot has been executed in prison guard who turned traitors to the people. Steve turn it off. That was our friend. He was trying to help and now he is dead. Yeah and we think we went through a lot. Well I hope he knows we got away. He must know. Yeah well one thing I know as long as there are guys like him that iron curtain is going to have a few holes in it. Dangerous assignment starring Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell is written by Bob Wright with music by Basil Adlam and is produced and directed by Bill Karn. Join us again next Wednesday when Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell embarks on another dangerous assignment. And this is the Wheaties man Frank Martin inviting you to listen next Monday night to Frank Lovejoy and Nightbeat on the Wheaties Big Parade. See you then. Going to bake a pie sometime soon. Make it with Crustquake the Betty Crocker pie crust mix. You know it's a tender flaky crust that's at the bottom of every delicious pie sure as you use Crustquake and so easy. Just add water to Crustquake. And what pie crust. Tender crust, tasty crust, rich, short, lovely crust just like Betty Crocker makes and you can make it. Just add water to Crustquake. Crustquake the Betty Crocker pie crust mix. Tomorrow Perry Como sings at the supper club on NBC.