 tired of the everyday routine, ever dream of a life of romantic adventure, wanna get away from it all. Designed to free you from the four walls of today for a half hour of high adventure. Tonight we escape to the waterfront of Havana, and to an underworld where men live and sometimes die by a bizarre code of their own. As Burnham Carter tells it in its exciting story, Night in Havana. Something was wrong. Halfway up the street or by his works that evening, I realized that something was wrong. None of the regulars were to be seen. Assuredly something was wrong. But what? And then I remember that since I had decided to live an honest life, it was really no concern of mine. As I came abreast of the Why Worry restaurant, I saw the Dutchman, Maru, who owned a cabin cruiser and who was consequently a man of some prominence in the smuggling trade. He was standing on the weighing machine, either door slapping him with his big hands. Ah, penny. A penny? See, see, see. When I hit 93 pounds, when I reach 195, I'll switch from beer to coffee. When I hit 190, I go back to beer. You like the rice and fall of the tide in Havana, huh? Two pounds of beer to go. If you're headed for the Cafe Mosca, I'll join you. Bueno, bueno. Eh, come along. Eh, Tio. Got a few dollars to lend me? Aye. I have not seen any money in weeks. I was hoping to find a purchaser for my gun this evening. Oh, Tio, you're kidding. You're going to sell your guns? How will you live? Honestly. Honestly, Maru. Please, you are attracting attention. Quiet, you have attractive attention. Quiet. The police, the police. Lieutenant Molina across the street. Oh, here they come. Who's that with him? Sergeant of these newly promoted, very ambitious and... No, no, I missed the highlight game last night, Maru. I remained at home and read instead. Tio, stand where you are. Oh, it is, Lieutenant Molina and Sergeant... Search this one, Sergeant. Nothing, Lieutenant. This one conceals nothing. You see, I lead a dull and peaceful life. I see that you do. Your lips bleeding. Is he upset? I bear the noble will. They have a hard life, too. It is still bleeding, huh? Yeah, yeah. You can doctor it at the camp in Moscow. They must have been told to get someone for something. You know, I held my breath doing that frisk. I was afraid you might be carrying your gun. I was, but when I saw them coming towards us, I put it in your pocket. May I have it now, please? Yeah. That is not what I would call honorable, Tio. Maru, there is solely honor in this world that one is just not able to toss it about indiscriminately. Tell me, does my life look bad? Yeah, it's beginning to swell. Ah, Amalia will be very upset. Amalia? Who owns the Moscow? Yes, we are betrothed. No. I did not know that. Congratulations. Congratulations. Come, come. See, Amalia. There's nothing, Amalia. The police are in a tattoo lane. There is nothing. Oh, the police? Yes, they were here. A lieutenant. Wait, he gave me his card. Yes, Lieutenant Molina. Ah, tell me, did he mention the cause of all this ill-feeling? An American tourist. A very rich one. A very gay one. She has been robbed. Ah! And so soon after the police chief let it be known that American tourists were not to be robbed. Ah, Amalia, what did she lose? An emerald. An emerald of great size. Oh. She had it in her purse. Left the purse in the Café Diablo. Theo. Ah. You had nothing to do with this matter, did you? Ah! Oh, no, no, my friend, nothing. I wish I had. You promised, Theo, you promised. Ah, I know, I know, but... Ah, Amalia is not easy to be honest. I would have been honest years ago. Could I have earned money? Little one, listen to me. Ah. After each of your transactions, they have kept you in the jail. It is like my account books. One malefaction, one payment in jail. See. Now you owe them nothing. There are no debts. But you have a debt. The mortgage of $2,100 on this Café. Oh, let it be. Little by little, we shall pay it. But there is my pride to consider my dove. To this marriage, you bring the Café Mosca? I bring nothing. Ah, Theo, you bring your love. Is that nothing? Oh, in your eyes, it is much silver. In the eyes of the bank, it's nothing. Who is this American tourist who carries emeralds in her purse? Oh, Mrs. Turner. She is here with her husband. They have great wealth. They came from Miami in their own cruiser. It is called the seabird. And it is almost as large as Marus. Theo, promise me you will not become involved. Ah, I promise that if I do, it will be within the law. Oh, little one, I beg you. It will be within the law. I swear it to you. Did Lieutenant Molina mention a reward? No. He said that if I acquired information concerning the emerald, I was to inform either him or Mr. and Mrs. Turner at the hotel florist. Ah, well, perhaps it would be best to learn whether there is a reward and of a size sufficient to warrant time and effort. I am going to see Senor Stern, Amalie. Theo, little one, I am afraid. Oh, there is nothing to fear. An honest man need never have anything to fear. Let me have Lieutenant Molina's car, my doll. It may help me to impress the Americans. Yes. Senor Stern. Yes. I am Lieutenant Molina of the secret police in my car. Ah, well, come in, Lieutenant Molina. Tell me, is there another detective with that name? It seems to be... Well, well, it is a common patron name, like in your country, Smith. Oh, oh, yes. Have you found the emerald? Regrettably, sir, no. But I would like to talk about it. Then I'll call my wife. She's the one who lost it. The knucklehead. Lucille! Ah, this is Lieutenant Molina of the secret police. Ah, it is a great honor, senora. You see that, Gatti? I saw. Now, sit down, Lieutenant. Care for a drink? No, thank you, not while on duty. That was on your mind, Lieutenant. My wife and I have a dinner date tonight. It has occurred to us, the chief and I, that although we will, of course, eventually catch the thief, it will take some time. You understand. There are a thousand rat holes and rats hold many nations and much cunning. They don't have much time. Mrs. Turner and I are leaving Havana tomorrow afternoon. And that brings me precisely to my point, the matter of a reward. Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. Not another nickel. If I can't grease the wheels with 750 bucks, they just won't be greased. I'm a reasonable man, Lieutenant, but I'm no sucker. Of course you are not. Seven hundred and fifty. Gatti, I'm sure the Lieutenant knows his business. If he thinks the reward ought to be boosted, then boosted. I want that emerald back. Now look, I'll say it. Would a thousand be better, Lieutenant? Oh, indeed it would, Senora. Then all four thousand, Bucky. You say it, Senora, Senora, whether I go between them or not. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know how it works. Okay, call it a thousand. A thousand dollars? Ah, it would not pay the mortgage on the Café Mosca, of course, but considering that virtue is said to be its own reward for being, it was handsome. I spent the next two hours seeking knowledge of the emerald, but the activities of the police had forced the best of the regulars into hiding, and I learned nothing. And then, as I was walking along the street of Solz in the old city, a voice spoke to me from the darkness of the gateway to the ancient convent known as El Corazón. Teo Martinez, your servant. Got a matter we'd like to talk to you about. We? Him and me. Oh, your pardon. I could not see your friend in the shadows. We got a mutual acquaintance. Georgie Young. Georgie Young? Oh, gee, gee. I have not seen him since the profitable years of prohibition. Before we left, ma'am, he said to look up if we ever needed someone to work an angle. He'd give us his letter of introduction. Oh, thank you. Here, a striking match, please. Yeah. Ah, a little closer, please. Ah, dear friend Teo. These muchachos are okay. I have a deal with them, just like in the old days, Georgie. What? You know my name? What is yours? Moore, Gus Moore. My name's none of your business. Stop it, Leo. His name's Leo Walsh. We only been here in Cuba a little while. You said that you needed somebody to work an angle. Yeah. We got a shipment on the Florida coast just beyond Key West. We want it brought here tonight. There's 400 rifles. Please, please, please. I am not interested in the nature of your cargo. You tell me that you are important, and that is all an honest man need know. Yeah. Is it Georgie Young who provides you with the merchandise? Yeah, yeah. Just like in the old days. It can be done, gentlemen, but it will cost money. Of course, $1,500. That's highway robbery. Let me rough him up a little. Stop it, Leo, will you? Okay, Martinez, $1,500. Cash on delivery. Half of it now. $300 now. I'm sorry, no. Well, that's all the cash we have. How do you propose to get more? How much is this worth? The American tourist assembly. What's so funny? Oh, just the way is unfortunate. I'm sorry you would not understand. You talk too much. See, one of my great failing. I can fix that kind of now, Leo. Well, how about it? That rocks worth more than $1,200. Oh, much more? But the question is, what can one unload it for? Tell me, how did you acquire this? All the time I picked up at a bar while the husband was dead drunk. Well? I will make the arrangements. You give me $300 on the emerald. You get the $300 now as a binder. I'll hand you the stone when you've delivered. Very well, I agree. No, you listen carefully to me. You will both meet me at the Café Mosque at 11 o'clock. We shall drive from there to a certain beach where we pick up the boat. Is that clear? Yeah. Leo will meet you. And you? Well, I'm staying at the van. I got to make arrangements for the truck. I'll meet the boat when it comes back and hand over the emerald. Just tell me where. The beach at Marienau. There's a dirt road. You cannot miss this. No. Three hours to Key West, 15 minutes to load, three hours back to Cuba. The boat will arrive at Marienau by five tomorrow morning. Is it well? Yeah. Here's your $300. Much thanks. You know what I do to the chapies who talk too much? Stop it, Leo, will you? You'll meet at the Mosque at 11. It will be my pleasure. Well, is that coffee you drink, Maru? Oh, sit down, Theo, sit down. Yeah, it's coffee all right. I hit $195 a half hour ago. What's up? If you are not too busy tonight, there's a little shipment to be moved in from Key West. Oh, how much? A thousand dollars for you. And for you? That. Only $100. Go on. What do you take? I'm stupid. No, you are a devil. One can hide nothing from you. Very well, I receive $150. Ah, you! Easy to deal. What time do we leave? Around 11. I'll have support ready just off Guanabaco. You know the dark cell? Yes. Bring the thousand with you. I will give you a thousand tomorrow, soon after we return. Bring it with you or we do not even leave. Well? I will bring it with me. Good. Have some coffee. No, gracias. It is necessary now to see Amalia. Until 11. Until 11. Bored little one, you were gone so long. I had much business to transact. Amalia, I am working on a deal, a very big deal. So big that I need a thousand dollars to swing it. Theo. See, see, I have 300 and I need 700 more. Amalia, will you lend it to me? I have but 800 in the whole world. Well, lend me seven. Oh, if this deal proceeds as planned, Amalia, you and I will be married this week, and then I shall settle down as an honest cafekeeper. Ah, Theo, for that I would give all the money there is. Where is this boat? I don't see it. Patience in your watch. It's the end of the dog. A doggie calls it some crummy doggie. Not quite, please. Maru. Here, Theo. Captain Maru, this is Senor Leo Walsh. Uh-huh. Yeah. You, uh, have some money, Theo? Here. $1,000 has agreed. Senor Walsh will guide you to the exact spot at Key West. And gentlemen, I wish you both a good joint. Save your wishes for somebody else. You're coming with us. No, no, I make it a point. I say you are so does this. I have a repugnance for guns between associates. And I don't trust people who talk so much. They're coming with us. Lock it in. I shall do as you say. All right, now you, Skipper. Thank you. Some tub. You'll never see a faster one. How fast? 40 knots. All right, shove up. Now come here, it's a quiet big mouth. Oh, I was just thinking. I was thinking that the life of honesty contains almost as much interest as the kind I have formerly. In just a moment, we will return to escape. How long you been in, pal? No matter how long, 20 years, 20 months. Social security now provides you with insurance protection with benefits which you'll get when you retire at 65 or when you reach 50 if you're totally or permanently disabled. Social security also represents family survivor benefits for a serviceman's widow and minor children. The full story of how Social Security works is available in a number of different pamphlets. These pamphlets are available now in service libraries and reading rooms. They take only a few minutes to read and the information you get will help you plan for the future. First of all, you should know what Social Security can mean to your family in the event of your death. And it's important to learn how many years of service you'll need to qualify for this second retirement check. Servicemen can collect Social Security at age 65, but women are eligible at age 62. Have you investigated your Social Security benefits? And now back to... Escape! And the second act of Night in Havana! For hours we were passing through the Florida Keys. Maru had no difficulty in following Senior Walsh's directions. There was a place where a finger of land got into the water, an old rum-runner's landing base which I remembered well. A truck was waiting and three men who came forward as we tied to the dock of rotting planks. Senior Walsh spoke to them briefly and in ten minutes the heavy crates were on board and we were off again, clearing the land quietly at a low speed and then roaring into the open. Come on, pour it on, pour it on! I'm giving it full throttle now. Relax, sonny. Listen, Square Head. You talking to me? Who else? I don't like for you to call me sonny. I do it because you're so bright. How would you like a third eye? Senior Walsh, Maru, enough, enough. Carry this as far as you please once we aren't short, but until then... Yeah, we'll go into it first after we're done. I lived into this squabbling, stretched out on the bench in the cockpit, my head and my arms gazing into the sky and soothed by the powerful hum of the engines, so steady that they were in themselves a sort of silence. I thought of Amalia and I was soft and comfortable as she was and that we were both at the right age for marriage. Steady people who knew that what we had was worth a dozen romantic flights to the land. And I thought of how now there would be a little money for the racing of the mortage and the Café Mosca. And then I dosed. And then... What's the matter? I'll come you cut the motor. Shut up. Theo, are you awake? Do you hear? See. Where have you been? Monoculars. What are you looking for? Coscot. Where are you from? About two miles off the coast between Matanzas and Havana. I see them. They're to the west about the same distance. What is the time? 4.20. The sun will be up in less than two hours. Which way is the heading? I cannot... There's a searchlight. This is... They were tipped off. They were looking for us. Somebody talked. Martinez, shut up. It's radar. They're all so equipped. They've come to us. Dump the cargo. When they come, we've been fishing. No, every set I got is tied up on those boxes. I said dump the cargo. And I said no. We'll run for it. This boat's faster than that one. At this angle, they have us cut off from the open sea. If we go west, we pass Havana. If we go east, Matanzas. As soon as we move the radio for help, we call. And I said we'll run for it. Now take the wheel, fat boy, and pull it on. But on, they're moving fast. I command. Now you don't. This does. Get back to the wheel. Careful, Maruc. Careful, his fright. Run, sonny. Then where you are? Christ. Right on me. Let me see. Ugly, Maruc. Very ugly. Help me. Then drop the dinghy and roll to shore. Try to make it back to Key West. You need care immediately. We'll both go to shore in the dinghy. But my boat's a coast guard. I will turn it out to sea and set the throttles. She'll give them a run for their money. But when they overtake us, they would fight the cargo. They know the boat is mine. Step at a time, Maruc. The moment we will do as I say. First we feed senior wars to the fishes. Then the dinghy goes over the side. Then you and I. I landed the dinghy only a short distance below the place where I let the car. Before 5.30, Maruc was in good hands, and I was at the Flores Hotel, knocking at the door of the suite occupied by senor and senor Sturna. At that moment, I would have surrendered all false of profit for this night's labor and returned for assurance that only Amalia $1,700 would not be lost. This is a sweet time to meet. I give you a thousand apologies, senor. Only an emergency forces me to do this. We can't get your emerald. Now, do you understand? Yeah, sure, sure. Only we need your cruiser. You must come with me in your cruiser. And now, now, I assure you it is our only chance. There is no danger, senor. All right, I'll get dressed. I'll be waiting for you across the street in the black touring car. Never heard of it. As I wouldn't fear. They just about lied enough to distinguish. We arrived. Hey, you have brought the cash. Yeah, yeah. How much do I have to pay? The maximum, senor, $1,000. They would not do it for less. I am sorry. No, it's okay. I didn't think you could keep them down even to that. My own course. She's here exactly on course. Eh, we are almost there. I think that you had better give me the money now. Yeah, it's in my right hip pocket. Lieutenant, help yourself. Ah, much thanks. Senor, I am sorry that our regional laxity in guarding the possessions of your wife has put you to all this trouble. No, forget it, forget it. It's one piece with the rest of the trip. I've had a lousy time. Oh, I am most sorry. We naturally prefer to have the tourists as love cookers. No, it's not your fault. I was mostly too drunk to see any of that. I have always tried. Senor, there is more than $1,000 in this pocket. There is $1,100. Oh, yeah, yeah, I meant to tell you the thousands for the emerald, the other hundreds for you for all of your courtesy and attention. Oh, regulation forbid me to accept, Senor, but since it would be discourteous, much thanks. Hey, we are past Cominitas now. Yes, sir. There is the doctor tomorrow now. Hey, let me take the wheeler. Someone on shore is blinking a light there. Three times. I have noticed it. What are you doing, heading out to sea? No, no, no. I will back in. So. And now comes the most important part, Senor. When I bring the boat to a hold at the dock, you must take the wheel and keep your hand on the throttle with the motor running. And when I say to you, now, you're throwing the clutch and full speed ahead. Do you understand me, Senor? Sure, but why? It's all arranged, isn't it? See, see, it is arranged. And this is the most crucial part of the arrangement. OK, whatever you say, but, sir. All right, you take the wheel. Now remember, keep your hand on the throttle. And don't forget easy. Here comes my man along the dock now. Remember, when I say, now. Go ahead, let's get this over with. Senor Moore? Martinez? See, see, everything has gone well. West watch? At the wheel. Oh, good. Throw me a line to get my voice to start unloading. First, before you tie us up, we will conclude our affair, huh? You have the emerald for me? Oh, yeah. Must thanks. Here is our cable. Make fast the boat, huh? Yeah, I got it. Now, Senor, now! Lie down on the deck. What? But quickly, you will not be surprised forever. Lie down on the stand. Well, I don't understand. You will soon be out of range. You'll lead an interesting life, Malena. It has its moments. I saw you hand him the cable. I was sure I'd ripped the stand off as soon as I gave it throttle. Well, Senor, I took the precaution to untie it on our side first. The sun is rising. Senor, do you know of any satisfaction to compare with that accompanying it? Good job. Well done. Three days later, I was sitting at a table in the Cafe Mosco with Maru. His wounds still trouble him, and he had lost much weight no matter he was remedying as quickly as he could. Two more beers. Yeah, better make it three. Visit our boat. No, no, no, don't turn your head. It's Lieutenant Molina. Oh, oh, she found my boat. You are ready with the story? Stolen while I was ill. I know nothing about it. Well, no, no, I will testify to it. No, no, no, no, Maru. I have lost my taste for reading. I now spend most evenings at the highlight games, and I find that I'm... And, Maru? Yeah? Oh, I just found a boat that belongs to you. Do you have so many that one may be lost without your feeding and necessity of reporting it? I've been ill. I've not been down to the harbour these three days. I have a question to ask. Ask it, Senor. They found several large crates on board. They did? Do you know what we discovered in them? Scrap metal. Scrap metal? Used for ballast. Careful, Bill. I see, see, to celebrate my wedding, which, of course, this afternoon. So I have heard. You are going to lead an honest life to you? See, see, I have been experimenting with it, and I find that it suits me. Well, keep it confidential. Otherwise, the budget for the police department may be cut to the bone. Goodbye, Lieutenant. Go with God. You heard what he said. Scrap metal. I'm not surprised. In the old, my friend George Young sent to me. He wrote that he was in on a deal just like in the old days. In the old days, he saw many a bootlegger barrels of whiskey which contained only water. In that way, you see, he did not break the law. And may be said to have earned his money honorably. As I may be said to do too. You call holding a cafe earning money honorably? Well, it depends on the clientele. And in that respect, Maru, perhaps it would be better after the wedding, of course, if you took your custom elsewhere. Suppose I tell you that from now on, I will be as honest as you yourself. Will you let me patronize this bar? Gladly, Maru. But, of course, I will be doubly watchful of the cash register. Escape is produced and directed by William N. Robson. Tonight we have presented Night in Havana by Burnham Carter, adapted for radio by Walter Brown Newman. Featured in the cast were Tony Barrettistio, Alan Reed as Maru, and Janet Nolan as Amalia and Mrs. Turner. Also heard were Ted Van Elks, Bill Conrad, Jeff Corey, and Jack Webb. Good night then until the same time next week when once again we offer you Escape. Escape has come to you through the worldwide facilities of the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television Service.