 Hello everyone this is Paul Lucas inviting you to stay tuned for the next half hour for one of radio's outstanding dramatic productions. Proudly we hail. Proudly we hail one of radio's outstanding dramatic half hours starring Paul Lucas and presenter transcribe coast to coast in cooperation with this station by your army and your Air Force. Radio City New York here is your star on Proudly we hail the distinguished Broadway stage screen and radio star Paul Lucas. Thank you Kenneth thank you. Our play is entitled The Last Chance. The time today. The scene somewhere behind the iron curtain. The story, the tale of treachery and the few surprises. After this important message our first act curtain will rise. The woman in the Air Force is a woman who has found that it's smart to serve her country. She wears the trim waft uniform and she has a good future and a good outfit. If you're between 18 and 34 go to your nearest United States Army and United States Air Force recruiting station and ask for details. Be smart do it now. And now with your star Paul Lucas in the role of Stefan Donner your army and your Air Force present the Proudly we hail production The Last Chance. Anyone with the slightest amount of musical appreciation ranks Stefan Donner as one of the greatest composers and piano virtuosos of his time. Audiences everywhere loved his music and applauded his playing but as an individual they did not like him at all. Cold, arrogant, disdainful Stefan Donner appeared to look up to no man and down on most. A temperamental genius who considered himself above the piddling bickering of a world on the brink of an explosion. He took no sides and welcomed the performance in Moscow as much as one in Washington. Adapting his work to the dictates of his listeners. As a result Stefan Donner traveled east and west with more immunity than a top diplomat. And few knew or dreamed the true meaning that lay behind his movements. Pardon sir you said another one ring? Yes sir a messenger boy brought it up it was left at the desk a few minutes ago. Now let's have a look. This is your last chance. Either we do business or I take mine to others who will be more willing to listen. The car will be waiting at the same place at eight o'clock. Your men ring is to come with you. Same as before no signature. Looks nasty sir. Very. Whoever this fellow is I don't think he's bluffing. I suppose we took an earlier plane. I thought of that but what could we gain? We'd get away safely all right but if this anonymous letter writer knows what he intimates the next time we came east would be the last. But how could he know sir? It's a possibility we've always faced. Would it be the secret police blokes here trying to lead us into a trap? I don't think so. Why should they? If they suspected they would come and get us and that's all there would be to it. No this looks like blackmail. Pure and simple. It would seem that we have no alternative but to play along with him. We've had our ultimatum. What about the new score sir? Don't we have to take it out on the morning plane? That's what was planned of course. I've just finished it. I am sure Richards would like it. Does this sound like Armament Figured? Well no matter that's not the problem right now. What will you do with it when we go out sir? Leave it right here with the rest of the music ring. You don't expect me to take it along with us do you? No sir. Oh now come ring. That's not like you. You are the optimist. Let's just put our brains together and figure out the best way to walk into a lion's den and pull his tail. Looks like the car there sir. Alright be ready to improvise ring. We don't want any unfinished symphonies. Curtains on the windows and curtain between front and back. Whoever our host is he's shy about our knowing where he lives. He's charming. Looks like a hunting lodge in the middle of nowhere. Recognize any landmarks ring? That's a tremendous honour. Come in. Come in. And Max close the door. I can feel the chill from here. I'm afraid of light. Now we've all had another light from the fire. It's quite sufficient for our needs. Max take their coats. Max eh? And who was that lovely fellow who brought us here? Oh lordy. He won't be joining us too later. He's running and headed. Well now we know your friend. Who are you? Come over by the fire. It's much more comfortable. You know I've been a great admirer of yours for some time both on and off the concert stage. Sit there if you like. Some brandy perhaps? What do you say with these pens with the politeness and get to the point? I'm sorry I had to be so abrupt to my methods. I don't like being abrupt but my name is Ziggler. Does it mean anything to you? Not a thing. Does it mean anything to you ring? I can't say it does sir. Well if you're telling the truth my ego is hurt but my head feels a bit more secure. Now Mr. Ziggler I am in no mood to listen to a commentary on the state of your ego or your head. You have brought us here for a purpose. I want to know what the purpose is. You're wonderful Donna. Super. All right. You think you play a dangerous game. Well my game is twice as dangerous as yours. Now this is making no sense to me at all. I play a dangerous game. I play the piano sir and that is all. And if I can prove otherwise? I would be most interested to see such proof. I'm sure you would. I'll convince you without it. No matter how I became interested in you suffice it to say that I did. For a number of months now I've been watching your movements. You speak in riddles sir. You play poker well but unfortunately I hold all the cards. I am Ziggler and like you or unlike you rather I am the true neutral only I don't play the piano. I play both ends against the middle. I like two things excitement and money and I'm getting my share of both. I buy on one side and I sell on the other or vice versa and sometimes I sell the same information twice. Quite a game. That's all. That's how I know all about you. What's the use of trying to bluff? I see. I knew what. Now just like I knew you'd come here tonight. You still haven't convinced me that you can prove anything. Even if I couldn't I could put you under such a cloud of suspicion that you'd become worthless. And sign your own death warrant. That's a well signed document my friend. But I do have proof. Question. How does Stefan Donner get his information to his Western employees? Answer. Any information passed on to Donner is transposed into a musical score which sounds good both for those who listen to it as music and to those who hear it as a code. Ah that startled you. Very ingenious idea. Very and I congratulate you. And again where is your proof? It should be here another half hour or so. You don't say. That is if it's still in your hotel room. That's the errand I send Lodia is to bring back any music that looks newly written. Does that convince you? What's your game Ziggler? I can't break your code. Through various sources I know your latest score is extremely valuable. When Lodia returns with it I want you to translate it for me. I shall then sell it to various interested parties and probably back again to those from whom it was stolen. I shall also demand a sizable sum from your employers for your release. It's as simple as that. By tomorrow I'll be in Zurich ready to start negotiations. You know Ring it is an experience to be entertained by a mad man. Oh quite so. I might add if you refuse to cooperate there are ways to convince you. And how could you be sure that my translation would be correct? I know what the information concerns my knowledge of the entire situation is vast. I'll know whether it's correct or not. It would seem you have us. What happens to us in the meantime? Lodia and Max will keep you company and tend to your needs until the transactions are complete. I'll send word and you'll be released. I must say you've thought of everything Ziggler. He's a very clever fellow Ring. He is indeed sir. Gentlemen you flatter me. And incidentally I'm sure you wouldn't be so rash as to try anything violent. If it becomes necessary my faithful Max is very proficient with a burp. Well it certainly seems to be taking you to treat her quite some time. Oh he'll be along any minute have no fear. Ah we have planted the seed of doubt in the quagmire of Mr. Ziggler's mind. My dear Donner plant all the seeds you like. There'll bear no fruit to help you. But Lodia is a long time at the fair isn't he? Of course you realize should anything happen to endanger me or my plans. I shall have to rid the world of one of its greatest musicians. That's something I should never forgive you for. All right Donner I realize you're not bluffing. What happened to Lodia? Don't tell me the shoe is on the other foot. I'm not joking Donner either you tell me what you were hinting about a while ago or I'll turn Max loose on you. Now for a mastermind like yourself I should think it would be obvious. I knew whoever you were you might want to get into my hotel suite. I didn't think you'd know about the music but still there was the possibility you'd be looking for that or something else. Before Ring and I left we informed the hotel people that someone had been trying to get into our room. And I was most indignant. It would seem that it was successfully. Hmm that startles you. Max get outside and watch the road. If Lodia talked you realize that if he did talk you'll have cooked your own goose too. Now wait Max get the other car then come back here and help me. We'll be going back to the city. You get over there and turn around quickly stay seated Donner. A shame we had to put your man in the trunk but somehow I think he'll be safer there. And now what may I ask is the plan. It's simple you will take Max and I to your rooms three good friends. You can do your transposing there for us and then we'll all be off to another quiet place I know. Don't you think that's a bit risky if your men lowly made such a disturbance the police may be waiting to question me. Oh have no fear Max will do a bit of reconnoitering beforehand. If the police are there we'll have to give up the idea of the music although I hate to. That would be a pity if you do that what is there left to sell. Why the most valuable prize of all. You I'll sell you to both sides. Very neat touch. Oh Lucas starring in the role of Stefan Donner in the proudly we hail production the last chance will return in just a moment for the second act. Who's the smartest woman of the year by the woman who puts on that new blue uniform of the United States Air Force. Smartly tailored neatly groomed she's being seen more and more around the nation these days and she's smart in another way too. She started a great career as a WAF one of the women in the Air Force working side by side with the men of the Air Force. She wears her Air Force blue proudly with a sense of personal accomplishment because she's doing a needed job. In administration in radio as a technician or operator in the medical service as a technician or in hundreds of other interesting fields. More and more young women 18 to 34 are finding out that the smart thing to do is to get the complete details at the nearest United States Army and United States Air Force recruiting station. Put on the smart blue uniform worn by the women in the Air Force. How about you can you qualify you are listening to proudly we hail and now with your star Paul Lucas in the role of Stefan Donner we present the second act of the last chance. All clear Max. No fear for the talking. He's dead. He made a run for it and they shot him. And for a little bit of the police still in there. It's hard to tell. I don't think fish could risk it. When I want to know what you think I'll ask you if you go in there you'll go without me. You lost your nerve. I want to keep my head. If Donner here tried to betray us he'd betray himself he wouldn't want to do that. I don't know what he would want to do. If you want to go in with him I'll wait here in the car. I'm disappointed in you Max. Don't blame me for your mistakes. Well done. Looks like you and I will have to go this alone. I admire your courage not your intelligence. Suppose you get out. If you make a run for it I'll not try to stop you. But remember I have your man rink. Should you try to expose me to anyone who might be waiting they'll be interested to hear what I have to say too. So like two good friends let us go in and have a look at your music. Get up. I don't start the engine till we return. If we're not back in ten minutes you know where to go Max. Wait for me there. And if you don't come. Then what you do is your own business. You Inspector Markov. Correct her Donner. They said in the lobby that you are waiting to see me. What is this shooting business all about. Oh this is her grover. He thinks he's a music critic. One of the best. They said a man was shot. Yes you were right someone has been trying to get in here. But a man waiting for this bandit. The bandit tried to resist and it was necessary to shoot him. Now have you any idea here Donner why anyone would want to break into your rooms for money perhaps for my music. I don't know. Maybe for my music. Hey grover. I hate to think of anyone dying for your music. I can't think of nothing fine. He's a very drawn fellow inspector. He's always giving me bad reviews. I have not much on music myself. But my wife she likes her playing. Every time you give a concert here she goes. Ah your wife has far more taste than this pen pusher. He thinks my music decadent. It does not meet with his. Look I will let you be the judge here. Now you know nothing about music inspector. Well let me play my new piece for you. It's a pollinate. We'll see what you think of it. Here he doesn't like it. It moves him not at all. What do you think inspector. It's very gay. Yes but to grover it must not be gay. Music must sound like tanks and guns and airplane. Look at the look on his face inspector. I really don't know why I put up with him. My wife. Oh my wife she would enjoy to hear this. She plays a better self. She does. All right then. I like your wife. I think she's a lovely woman. Oh you're joking sir. She's as big as. No matter inspector. She likes my music. Tonight that's enough. You have done a good job and I wish to repay you. Do you think your wife would like this composition. Like it. But you can't do that. Oh I can't grover. Well I certainly can and I shall. I imagine she would like it autographed too. Here grover give me your pen. This is wonderful of you. I don't know what to say. Think nothing of it. What's your wife's first name. Alvina Alvina. What a beautiful name. Isn't it grover. But that's the only copy you have. But why should you care. You don't like it anyway. It's the only copy. Now don't listen to him inspector. He's just jealous. He'd like me to give it to him. There with kindest regards from one lover of fine music to another. Stefan Donner. How is that. That's wonderful. You don't know how much this will improve things with me. She was sometimes. You understand. Of course I do. There you are inspector. No wait. There is something wrong. Well speak up man. What is it. We can't keep the inspector here all night. Nothing. Nothing at all. He's an odd fellow isn't he. He seems to remind me of someone. Thank you again for all you've done inspector and I'm sure there won't be any more trouble. They are all wrong about you. They say that you don't like anybody. Now we know better don't we. My best to your wife. Good night sir. Good night here Donner. I can't tell you how much of a pleasure it was. Calling me when I'm here anytime inspector. If you could only see your face. You certainly have your nerve Donner. I'll hand you that. Of course. I realize you'd never give that fool your precious composition unless you either had another copy or know the score by memory. I assure you that's the only copy and this for remembering how it goes. My memory is very poor. I think Max can refresh it for you. And before we leave would you mind giving me back my pen. Oh how careless of me. Your pen of course. I must admit it's stimulating dealing with you Donner. I can see how you've managed to fool them all. Even you. You've outsmarted me twice this evening. I congratulate you. But I've still got you. Before I'm done I'll have the information you so generously gave to that knuckleheaded policeman. I have found it a tried but through axiom Ziggler. Nothing is certain in this world but that's and taxes. Tell me what other information are you taking taking to sell in Zurich. Oh things I've managed to pick up here and there. I should make quite a killing. One way. Or the other. Isn't this a cozy little look. I don't like it as much as the large quiet and out of the way. All right enough of this. Either you'll do as I want or Max will get to work. I'll be no party to this. What do you take before I'm a musician. And I'll not be intimidated by you or anyone Max. Keep away from me. You picked the wrong man to do your dirty work at him. Well inspector. It's a pleasure to see you again. You down there. Did you get him. He says. Rock his neck. I thank you. Search him. What about the one there. Like a civil sir. A busy evening had done a thanks to you. My men rank. Is he. He had him out of the trunk first. He seems to be all right. What about yourself. I'm afraid. I feel a little faint. I am not used to this kind of thing. Feeling better ring. Much thank you sir. A lot of difficulty. We'd better get some sleep. I still don't quite understand how you managed it. When I autographed a pollinist for Markov I didn't write the usual thing. I wrote Groober is a spy named Ziegler. Being kidnapped by him wants me to carry stolen documents out of country. Follow car park in front of hotel. My men in trunk of same please help us. A stroke of genius sir. But how could you tell he'd read what you'd written. Well I thought the chances were pretty good that he would. Markov is now my friend for life. The pollinist should keep him out of Alvina's doghouse for some time. He was afraid I'd just given it to him to pass on the message. You saw how joyous he was when I told him he deserved it and anything else I could give him. Yes but he didn't make any other copies and ring. What do you think I'm playing. You mean you didn't give him that. What do you take me for. Of course not. But our poor friend Ziegler thought so. I don't suppose your story could be under any suspicion. Why should it be. Ziegler was loaded with stolen documents. Markov likes me best next to Joe. And his wife will probably name all his children after me. And everything considered sir I'd say our luck's been right with us. Everything considered ring I would agree. Beautiful melody don't you think. From the pen in the master sir. Registered nurses the United States Air Force Medical Service offers you a great opportunity. To serve your country and further your own career. Yes you can become a commissioned officer with good pay and allowances. While you receive postgraduate training in anesthesia operating room management and techniques nursing administration and other related fields. Nurses with special qualifications may train as flight nurses at the famous Air Force School of Aviation Medicine. For complete information right to the Surgeon General United States Air Force Washington 25 D.C. I repeat that the Surgeon General United States Air Force Washington 25 D.C. Do it now. Transcribed in cooperation with this station by the United States Army and the United States Air Force Recruiting Service. Proudly we hail Stars Paul Lucas. The last chance was written by DeWitt Copp. The music was composed and conducted by John Gwaniere. This program was produced under the supervision of Charles and Rogers Productions and was directed by Charles Wilkes. This is Kenneth Banghardt speaking and here again is your host and star Paul Lucas. We cordially invite you to join us next week over the same station for proudly we hail. Our plays and title border incident. Until then goodbye.