 Another proudly we hail one of radio's outstanding dramatic half-hours starring Lee Tracy and presented transcribed by your army and your airport. Radio City, New York, here is your star and host on proudly we hail the distinguished Broadway stage, screen and radio star Lee Tracy. Hello everyone, welcome again to proudly we hail our program today is a tale of international intrigue, unusual characters, a fatal train trip and very important documents. I'll be back in a few moments after a word or two from Kent. The United States Army need volunteers now. Young men and young women are needed for all types of jobs. Help keep your country strong and list for active duty right away. Get full details from your nearest U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force Recruiting Station. We are volunteered today. And now with your star Lee Tracy in the role of Hank Warren, your army and your Air Force presents the proudly we hail production of White Knight Black Rook. The Simpland Orient Express is Europe's most famous train. Starting at Calais on the northern coast of France, it crosses the borders of no less than seven countries before it finishes its run in Istanbul. On this train ride, the famous and the infamous, the rich and the poor, people of many creeds, many beliefs, many occupations. Intrigue is often a passenger and death has been known to share a compartment. Recently, both the intrigue and death rode this crack expressed together. To while away the time, they played a game of chess. For pieces, they used their fellow passengers. One contestant on the side of intrigue carried information of a secret and dangerous nature. It was information of great value. This individual we shall call the White Knight. Also on the train were those on the side of death who sought to destroy the White Knight and take the information. These we shall call the Black Rooks. Amidst them rode the kings, the queens, the pawns, as well as other knights and other rooks. All the pieces that go into a game of chess. This strange game began just before the symphonerian pulled out of Paris. Oh, brother. Something to matter? Oh, no, excuse me. I didn't mean to stare if you like that. You're an American. You don't say. You don't say. Except that I expected to find myself traveling with a lot of people who couldn't speak English. I was pleasantly surprised. That's all. Well, my name is Hank Warren. You're a pleasant surprise too. What's your name? And why aren't you traveling in the first class compartment? Oh, I couldn't afford it. And I thought it would be more fun like this. And my name is Gloria Ferguson. Gloria Ferguson graduated from college in June and Papa gave her a trip to Europe as a present. I don't know whether I should be flattered or not. Gloria Ferguson's school mom who saved her pennies for three years so that she could give herself a trip to Europe. What about you? Hank Warren graduated from college in June and Papa gave me a trip to Europe. Now I work over here. I am an international spy. Would you like a stick of uranium? Oh, go on. I'd love a stick. Now tell me what do you do? Well, I'm one of those romantic and mysterious foreign correspondents who's going to Venice for a much needed vacation. That's where I'm going. This may be the beginning of a beautiful friendship. You suppose these other people know what we're talking about? Well, we'll ask them. Pardon, Mamzel. You understand what we're talking about? We understand very well. Thank you. Thank you. And, uh, you, sir. I am the bell and Vladimir. I am Alex von Hollenfeld. Once upon a time, I would not have had to listen to the chattering of imbeciles, but time to change the baron understand. Thank you. And how about you, sir? One thing about you Americans always stands out to your bad manners. Well, Gloria, we've been formally introduced to our fellow partners. And it seems that only Manamazelle, uh, Manzelle Duval, Collette Duval, a very great actress on her way to Domodossola. We're pleased to meet you and find a kindred spirit. And we're sure you're a very great actress indeed. Well, the time has come to be gone. Hello. Well, well, Tuvarich, you made that by the hair of your chinny chin chin. Yes, I did, but I made it. It's almost dark. Too dark to see much and just dark enough for a cocktail and dinner. The countryside is so beautiful. We even more so tomorrow when we get into the Alps. Oh, you don't know what a thrill this is for me. I have a strange subtle effect on woman kind. Let's go have a drink. How about it, Collette? You'd like to join us? Thank you. No, Monsieur. I shall wait for a little. Anybody else? Huh? Well, that's what I thought. Well, here we are. Diners up ahead. I think they're three of the sourest men I've ever seen. Well, Europeans don't have too much to be happy about these days, Chicky. Those three look like they'd cut your throat for a dime. For a nickel they would. Cigarette? Thanks, golly, I'm full. Food's pretty good as far as we go. Pretty awful after that. You've been in Europe a long time, haven't you, honey? Off and on since 39, mostly on. Well, look, lady, I'm on a vacation. Now, let's leave the ills of the world off of this trip. I'm sorry. It's just that I feel like someone who has come to enjoy herself and I have no right to. It's like I'm a well-fed spectator. Excuse me, could I join you? Oh, sure. Sit down. Thank you. I'm sorry I didn't introduce myself in the compartment. Only for the train. It's not good for me, my heart. I am Dr. Carl Veeborg. Oh, I'm glad to know you, doctor. This is Miss Ferguson and I'm Hank Warren. It's a pleasure. As you have already eaten, but would you join me in a drink? Oh, thank you, but I'm just too full to think of it. I can stand a brandy. Excellent. Gaffer, who was you for this year in the terminal for myself? You're Americans, of course. May I ask where you're going? Venice. You're married? Not quite. Just an old friend. About four hours old. But of course. How charming. Venice is a beautiful city. Do you know it well? I do. This is Miss Ferguson's first trip. Oh, you love it. Where are you bound for, doctor? I must go on to Montfalcon. That is where I have my practice. Oh, it blames. My pleasant journey to Mademoiselle and Monsieur. You're very scientific. I see that our other companions have come for dying. The woman seems very charming. She's quite a gal. Just an actress. Yeah, that old guy by himself is barren, something or other. I don't know who that other pleasant character is. I think his name is Pallet. I saw it on the passport when the conductor came around. What's the matter, Dr. V. Borg? The drink that bad? Oh, no, no, no. I'm still a little tired from running. Well, we'll be pulling into Dijon soon. We can get off and walk around if you like. Oh, yes, Les. You know, this is a big compartment without anybody in it. Yeah, but don't expect to sleep much tonight with everybody in it. Where did that guy put my bag? I need some cigarettes. Ah, here it is. Well, look. Well, what's the matter? Take a look. It's all cut up inside. Who would want to... Where's your bag? Over here. You don't think that... Mine's been broken into two when it's all cut up. See what's missing? I'll have a look at the other baggage. I guess we got a thief on the train. What an awful thing to do. This one's got the same kind of treatment. Well, everything seems to be here in mine. I don't have anything of any value in it anyway. Why should they cut the lining? This is though someone was looking for something. The barren suitcase got it too. Here's another one. Are you looking for something, Mr. Water? Yeah, someone's been playing games with our luggage. Oh, just checking to see if the other's got the same treatment. I'll thank you to keep your hands off mine. Okay, Bob, keep your shirt on. Look at this. How do I know that isn't something that you and your friend didn't do? You know something. I don't like you. Thanks for nothing missing. I'll have a look at mine and we'll get the conductor. This ripping was done with a sharp knife. Oh, Sherlock Holmes. Funny, I got a bunch of traveller's checks that haven't been touched and when they leave cigarettes behind, that's screwy. Let's get the conductor. I have already run for him. Good for you. Hey, come in, old man. Have a look at this. How much more time have we before the plane leaves? Oh, I'm sorry, kid. What did you say? You're thinking about our suitcases being cut up, aren't you? Yeah. I'd say somebody is after something that somebody else has got and they don't know where it is and who's got it. None of the other passengers have their luggage touched. They must think it's somebody in our compartment. You're a very smart girl. I think it's kind of exciting. Maybe you'll think this is exciting, too. Someone is following it. You're kidding. How do you know that? When we stop to look at that church, I notice someone standing across the street watching us. No, no, no, no. Don't look now. We'll stop here and light a cigarette. You face me and look over my shoulder. You ready? See him? I think so. There is somebody over there. Back away. It's dark to see who. Who is an awfully deserted street? This time of night, most of the streets are pretty empty. Let's get back to the train. Well, we're headed there right now. When we come to the next corner, you keep going. I don't run. I'll wait and see who our friend is. No, that might be dangerous. Why don't we both run for all we're worth? Warren Fry might be nobody after all. I think you're crazy. Okay, now here we go. You keep moving. I'm going to cross the street. Something happened. What do I do? Get back to the train and get help. Go on now. You're looking for somebody, Jack? Hey, come back here. Hey, Hank, are you all right? Yeah. Yeah, I'm all right. I'm not so hot as a sleuth. What happened? Did you see who it was? No. He popped me before I could see anything. It's too dark, I guess. Give me a hand, will you? I seem to be stuck to something. Wow. Oh, no wonder. What is it? Just this. Had me pinned by the shoulder of my coat to the wood there. What a horrible looking knife. I'm glad whoever threw it was off his aim tonight. Well, Hank, for serious, you might have been killed. Somebody around here is playing for keeps. But why are they playing with me? I don't know. This is probably the little toy that was used on the suitcases. It might be somebody in our compartment. Wouldn't be a bit surprised, honey. We won't say anything about this now. All right, but I'm getting scared. Me too. Come on, let's get back to the train. Lee Tracy is starring in the role of Hank Warren the proudly we hail production of White Night Black Rook will return for the second act in just a moment. But first, a word to men with training in communications and electronics. The man with the radio is just as essential as the man with the gun. It takes both to make a real fighting team. The communications man is right up front with a fighting man, sending information and giving directions by radio and telephone. If you're skilled in communications and electronics, you're vitally needed by the United States Army today. In the United States Army, you can serve your country to the best of your ability. And at the same time, learn all about the most up to date equipment and techniques in your field. So visit your nearest US Army and US Air Force Recruiting Station and find out how you can help get on the army team. Join the United States Army today. You are listening to proudly we hail and now with your star Lee Tracy in the role of Hank Warren, we present the second act of White Night Black Rook on through the night heading south and east towards the symphonic and on board the game of chess grows more critical, the players more judicious and careful in their respective moves. White Night to White Bishop three, Black Rook, the black team spawn. Anybody feel like a game of rugby? No. Well, how about bridge? This is a game I have never played. That would let you buy me a drink. Well, things are looking up. Gloria, how about you? No, mademoiselle can rest. Let's make it a party. Baron, young man is Baron. Let me. Oh, now, now, now. Come on, Baron, climb down off your title and have a little fun with it. Come on, it'll do you good. Well, it is very unusual. I don't often do this sort of thing. But since you and that is the old stuff, Baron, how about you, Palak? How did you know my name? Oh, I know all about you, Palak. You like to walk at night. I wouldn't be surprised if night throwing wasn't one of your hobbies. What are you talking about? Gippet, come on, folks, let's go watch all. Sure, you won't change your mind, doctor? No, no, thank you. Dr. Beporgé. Please? Dr. Carl Beporgé, Montselec's son. That's a laugh. Isn't it, Mr. Palak? I thought perhaps the American was in it with you, but in checking I find that you are all alone, Mr. Anadolf of Sophia. You don't make much sense. Perhaps this does. A God never makes sense. Indeed, we shall see. You thought you had given us a slip, run for the west and double back like the fox. Throw off the scent, oh, no. I don't know what you're talking about. I wasn't sure until we reached Dijon, and we had a chance to make a telephone call. Now everything fits. We don't have the time to get the information we want out of your head, but to see that you do not deliver it, we are prepared to take certain steps. Wasn't it childish, cutting up the bags? Very. I have a childish companion who likes to make sure of everything. Now we are going crazy. Now we are going for a little walk. If you make one sound, I should shoot. I'm quite willing to take my chances after that. Of course, should you give me what I want, I might forget to kill you. No, I'll give you nothing. All right. Open the door. Walk to the end of the corridor. We shall have a cigarette where the car is joined. A lot of cigarettes. Yes, go on. Oh, the countess said to me, Saron, you are a good man, and if I was 20 years younger, I'd marry you myself. Oh, very, you're a man after my own heart. I think you're wonderful. If they could stay on the stage with me, we would make a great team, no? Perhaps if I had been born an actor, instead of a baron, I might have... Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! I had them! Please! Please! Hey, conductor! Please! I have no time now. We eat nothing. Come on, here, here. Maybe this will slow you down for a second now. What happened? A man fell off the crane. Did he hurt badly? I'm afraid he's more than hurt. He had the misfortune to fall under the wheel. Somebody pulled the emergency card, huh? There's a correct, monsieur. Hey, Dr. V-Board, so as the whole thing happened, it was he who pulled the cord. Can't you sleep? No, I keep thinking about that poor man. Alex, I'm not thinking so much about him, because I am about our friend Dr. V-Board. What do you mean? Pretty hard to fall off a crane. How did V-Board see it happen? Well, he told the police. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know. First the bag, then the business in Dijon. Now, Alex falls off the train. What did the police say when they told them? They took it all down. Please, I'm finding it difficult enough as it is to get some sleep. I'm going out in the car to first smoke. You want to come? Oh, no, Frank, I'm dead. Well, try and sleep. It'll be daylight soon. Mr. Vard? No, I wondered how you could sleep. There isn't much time. I wasn't asleep, and I have good ears. And I know what you think. Now what happened? Do I fall off the train, too? Keep your voice down. You've got to believe me. Pollock was going to kill me. He was too sure of himself, and I managed to turn the tables. Some table turning. Don't interrupt me, and please try to get it through your stupid head that I would not be taking you into my confidence like this if I did not think it absolutely unnecessary. I must trust someone. How do you know you can trust me? Henry Lauren, Allied Press. I know you from your writing, and I've seen your picture. Now, will you please stop asking silly questions and listen? Never mind who I am or what I am. I have information that let us say a friendly government wants and needs. It is just important to others to keep me from delivering it. I know you from your writing, but to keep me from delivering it. If they cannot get the information from me, they'll kill me just for I can't pass it on. Pollock was one of them, and I'm sure from what he said there's another one of them in our compartment. The Baron? I don't know. Pollock failed to kill me, but his accomplice will try and may succeed. Couldn't. Pollock have taken this information from you? What I know, I carry here in my head. Where do I come into it? After the accident, I wrote a letter. It is in cold. I want you to deliver for me just in case. You will leave it to this men at delegation. This is the address. It is where you are going anyway. Will you tell me what this information concerns? Remember now, I'm a newspaper man. This is not for loose papers. It concerns the names of key members of an underground movement in a certain country. I can say, what happens if you get through all right? I'll be getting off soon. If I do get through, I'll send you a telegram. It will say the sun is rising. If you do not hear from me before you leave the train, then you must deliver this letter. Will you do it? Yes. I'll do it. But I got a feeling somebody thinks that I've got something to do with this already. Pollock did it first. He said they checked in Dijon. You're not suspected now. Well, I hope you're right. All right. Deal me in. I always did like poker. We'll be stopping at Domadonce soon, won't we, Harry? Yep. Didn't that where you leave us, Collette? Well, despite all the intentions it makes, it's been very nice meeting you. Why don't you see over and come see me at the theater? Yes, we could, and all we got to go on. No, this is too bad. Baron, what about you? Domodossola is there. I'm getting off also. And if you'll procure a ticket for me, I shall be more happy to come and see you before. Oh, yes? Will you leave in us too, Baron? I'm sorry, but I must. I have a cousin who is going to have me for a guest. It will be a big surprise to him. What time is it? Time to wake up. You sleep very nicely. Don't snore or anything. What happened to Dr. V-Board? He got off at some whistle-stop. We left Domodossola. But I thought he said he was going to Moffo County. Well, I guess he changed his mind. Well, it must have been some kind of strange coincidence, don't you think? Yeah. How do you like this big compartment all to ourselves? I should blush. Well, we'll probably pick up some friends in Milan. Oh, I certainly needed that sleep. I feel much better. What time is it? 11.30. Well, no wonder I'm so hungry. Is it too late to get something to eat? I ordered some sandwiches. Didn't know when you'd wake up. Oh, Hank Warren, you're a thoughtful man. Oh, I have all kinds of talents. I even sometimes... You look so strange with your mouth open. Well, this is a bit of a surprise. But you got off the train. I just could not resist your charming company. So I got back on again. Another car, of course. And Mr. Warren does. Doesn't he? Please, the letter, please. You don't want me, baby. You probably want the good doctor. He got off long ago. I know all about that. The doctor is in good hands by now. Now, give me the letter. I saw him give it to you last night. That surprises you. I am just full of surprises, Sherry. Give it to me. Sorry, I don't read you. Give me the letter, Mr. Warren. Unless you want me to shoot your friend. Oh, I don't think you'd do that, Collette. You don't want to hang. Then I will show you. Hank, she means it. Two women understand each other. For the last time, will you give me that letter? Knock, knock, knock, knock. Say one word and I'll shoot. What is it? Telegram for Mr. Henry Warren. It's arrived at the left stop. Thank you very much. I will give it to Mr. Warren. But, Senora... I will open it for you. Here it goes. The sun is rising. What does that mean? It means, Collette, old kid, that V-Board gave your friends a slip and got the home plate safely. It means that you can close your mouth now and put away that gun. Don't believe it. Life is real. Life is earnest. Just to show you how much I believe it, here's the letter V-Board gave me. In case he didn't make it. And since he did, I give it to you as a token of our appreciation for being such a wonderful actor. I guess it can't be worth much now. I guess it can't be worth much now. I guess it can't be worth much now. Mr. Bruce, thank you so much. Mr. Bruce, thank you so much. It must make a journey to your bowl. It must make a journey to your bowl. Hank, why did you give her that? Because she thought it was a code list of the names of some underground people. What do you take me for, woman? That was just a lot of gibberish that I wrote down on a paper and put in the right envelope. The paper she wanted is in your purse. What? Hank, Juan, I think you are an international spy. So will you please tell me what this is all about? Sure. But wait a minute. Have a stick of uranium first. Now. Well, chess was over for the time being. The White Knight would play again. A black rook had fallen, but there were others to take his place. At Milan, intrigue and death left the symphonic express. The game would go on elsewhere. Star Lee Tracy will return with a word about next week's show, but first a word about freedom. In this great country of ours, freedom is not just a word, it's a fact. And all of us must help preserve it. The young men and young women who volunteer and wear the uniform of the United States Army are helping to keep freedom a fact. The moment you put on the United States Army uniform, everyone knows that you're an active member in the fight for freedom. So visit your nearest U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force recruiting station. Get all the details and how you can serve yourself and your country in these critical times. Get on the Army team. Be a volunteer today. This has been another program on Proudly We Hail presented in cooperation with this station by your Army and your Air Force. Proudly We Hail stars Lee Tracy. White Night Black Rope was written by DeWitt Cobb. The music was composed and conducted by John Guarneri. Proudly We Hail is directed by Charles Wilkes. This is Kenneth Banghart speaking, and here again is your host and star, Lee Tracy. Next week, join me on an ocean freighter pounded by a lashing hurricane and captain by a madman in a gripping play called The Dark Sea. Goodbye.