MUSIC:

OPENING FIGURE

ANNCR:

DANGEROUS ASSIGNMENT! Starring Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell!

MUSIC:

THEME...SEGUE TO NARRATION BG

STEVE:

Yeah - danger is my 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 gonna wind up with my taking the safest way out of a jungle -- and walking right into a deathtrap!

MUSIC:

UP TO CUTOFF

ANNCR:

The National Broadcasting Company is presenting transcribed DANGEROUS ASSIGNMENT. . . starring Brian Donlevy in the role of Steve Mitchell, colorful, two-fisted government agent. At all those places in the world where danger and intrigue walk hand in hand, there you will find Steve Mitchell, on another...DANGEROUS ASSIGNMENT. ~

MUSIC:

RESET

SOUND:

DOOR CLOSE...STEPS UNDER

STEVE:

Morning, Commissioner - you sent for me?

COMM:

Got a job for you, Steve - looking for a young lady in the Amazon country.

STEVE:

Oh, oh. Don't tell me -

COMM:

Don't worry - the lady isn't an Amazon.

STEVE:

You had me worried for a minute.

COMM:

Edith Martin could hardly fit into that category. She's five feet three and weighs a mere one hundred fifteen pounds. And at the moment I'm afraid she knows more than is good for her.

STEVE:

Who is this Edith Martin?

COMM:

An archaeologist, Steve. Several months ago she went into the Amazon Country with an expedition headed by a Professor Stoner. A week ago the camp of that expedition was attacked.

STEVE:

Natives?

COMM:

I doubt it. The attacking party opened up with high powered rifles from somewhere in the jungle - never came out into the open. Both the Professor and his guide were wounded but they managed to escape. However, in the confusion they got separated from the girl.

STEVE:

And she's still missing?

COMM:

Right. There's been no sign of her since. The guide - a man named Barney Wilson, seems to think there's a good chance Edith Martin is still alive -- that she's hiding out with some natives of that region.

STEVE:

Any idea why the party was attacked?

COMM:

Yes. You see, Steve, a few minutes before the attackers struck, Edith Martin had rushed into the camp. She was highly excited...could hardly talk. She started to tell Wilson something about "military installations" - but that's as far as she got.

STEVE:

Military installations in the Amazon jungle? What do the local authorities say about that?

COMM:

They don't know any more about it than we do. They want our help. If there are secret military installations of any kind in that area -- it's much too close to the Panama Canal!

STEVE:

Yeah. Okay...where do I start?

COMM:

Professor Stoner and the guide Wilson are now at a hospital in Manaos -- a river spot some eight hundred miles up the Amazon.

STEVE:

Right.

COMM:

Check with them there. ..learn what you can, Steve. Then find Edith Martin and find out what she knows! Well, that's it! You've got your assignment! Good luck!

MUSIC:

THEME...SEGUE TO NARRATION B.G. FOR:

STEVE:

Sure - I've got my assignment. Fly down to South America and find a lady archaeologist named Edith Martin who - if she's still alive - is hiding somewhere in the jungle country of the Amazon because of something she knows that she shouldn't. It's early Wednesday evening when I arrive at Manaos. I head for the hospital. The nurse on duty there tells me I can't see the guide, Barney Wilson, just yet...but when I ask about Professor Stone she points to a wiry, grey-haired gent who's pacing up and down in the waiting room. I go over and introduce myself.

PROF:

Thank heavens, Mr. Mitchell -- thank heavens you're here at last.

STEVE:

How are you feeling, Professor Stoner?

PROF:

Well enough..well enough. The hospital discharged me this afternoon but I stayed on because I was concerned about Barney...and well, I was anxious to see you. Now we can get started, can't we?

STEVE:

Get started?

PROF:

Edith, Mr. Mitchell...we've got to find her. We've got to.

STEVE:

We'll sure try, Professor. Suppose you sit down now and fill me in on a few facts.

PROF:

Of course. Of course.

STEVE:

(AS HE SITS) The nurse tells me Barney Wilson just got out of surgery...

PROF:

I owe him my life, Mr. Mitchell.

STEVE:

That so?

PROF:

Wounded as he was, he practically carried me out of that jungle on his shoulders. I'd received a head wound - not serious, understand - but loss of blood, y'know. (SIGHS) Yes, Mr. Mitchell...if it hadn't been for Barney --

STEVE:

Just exactly what did happen, Professor?

PROF:

Well, it all took place 1ate of an afternoon...a week ago yesterday, to be exact. Edith had been away from our camp all day, I became rather concerned when she didn't return so I went out to look for her...

STEVE:

Go on.

PROF:

I walked along the river for a distance and then I heard the shots. I raced back to the camp as fast as I could and when I got there I found Barney and some of his native boys trying to fight off attackers...

STEVE:

What about Miss Martin...did you see her...talk with her?

PROF:

No ...I didn't see her at all. There was so much confusion --

STEVE:

But she had talked with Barney Wilson.

PROF:

Yes...yes.

STEVE:

Just exactly what did she tell him?

PROF:

Something about warning the authorities...military installations. That's all.

STEVE:

I see. Just where was this camp of yours located, Professor?

PROF:

A full three day's journey from here, Mr. Mitchell, into wild and primitive country. First up the Amazon to one of its smaller tributaries -- the Quandor...and up this river past Bledsoe's place.

STEVE:

Bledsoe's place?

PROF:

A trading post run by a man named Jim Bledsoe. From there it's another full day's march into the interior. It isn't easy to find, Mr. Mitchell. But that's where I can help you.

STEVE:

You want to come along, hm?

PROF:

Of course. I can't tell you how badly I feel about what's happened, Mr. Mitchell. Edith is - well, like a daughter to me.

STEVE:

Yeah. Okay.

PROF:

We can start tonight. There's a small supply boat leaving at ten.

STEVE:

Ten? That doesn't give us much time. I wanted to have a talk with Barney Wilson.

PROF:

You can, Mr. Mitchell. I'm certain they'll let you see him soon. In the meantime, I'll make all the necessary arrangements for our transportation.

MUSIC:

IN AND UNDER

STEVE:

I wait around the hospital for another hour...finally get in to see Barney Wilson...but he hasn't any more information to add to what the Professor's already told me. It's almost nine-thirty when I walk out of his room and start down the dimly lit hospital corridor toward the elevator. That's when it happens.

SOUND:

KNIFE WHIPS PAST AND BOINNNNG:

STEVE:

The knife whistles past my ear and thuds into the wall behind me. I dive to the floor and wait. Then I hear a sudden flurry of footsteps on the stairs. I scramble to my feet and take off after them.

SOUND:

FOOTSTEPS DOWN STAIRS THEN OUT

STEVE:

When I get down to the first floor, I stop and look around. The corridor is deserted. I've lost the knife artist. So somebody has taken this quaint little way of letting me know they'll go all out to keep me from finding Edith Martin.

MUSIC:

HITS, TRAILS OFF INTO:

SOUND:

HARBOR NOISES IN B.G...STEPS ON DOCK UNDER

PROF:

(OFF, CALLS) Mr. Mitchell! Mr. Mitchell! -- Over here!

STEVE:

Okay, Professor.

SOUND:

HIS FOOTSTEPS TO PROF.

PROF:

We're just about ready to cast off.

STEVE:

This the tub we're taking?

PROF:

Yes. Not much to look at, I'm afraid. But she'll take us where we want to go.

STEVE:

I hope so. Well, let's get aboard.

SOUND:

THEY GET ABOARD UNDER:

STEVE:

Looks like we're the only passengers.

PROF:

Most people travelling up river prefer the large steamers..

STEVE:

Most but not all, professor.

PROF:

Eh?

STEVE:

Looks like we're going to have company after all - that large gent coming down the pier with a suitcase.

PROF:

Oh, yes.

BUTTON:

(OFF..HE'S BIG AND BEEFY AND JOVIAL) Evening, gents. Evening!

STEVE:

Hello...

BUTTON:

Room for one more aboard?

STEVE:

There usually is.

BUTTON:

(COMING ON) Good...good.

SOUND:

(HIS FOOTSTEPS FADING IN TO SLIGHTLY OFF)

BUTTON:

You gents going far?

PROF:

Bledsoe's place.

BUTTON:

That so? (CHUCKLES) Well...well...well. So am I. Uh - my name is Button. William J. Button. Guess you heard of me.

PROF:

No, I don't think I have but --

BUTTON:

Traveling man. Been traveling up and down the river for twenty years. Bledsoe is a regular customer of mine. Uh - excuse me, friend -- I'm coming aboard.

STEVE:

Here...I'll help you with your suitcase...

BUTTON:

(EFFORT) Thank you, friend...

SOUND:

CLIMBS ABOARD

STEVE:

Hey, this thing is heavy. What do you sell Mr. Button, anvils?

BUTTON:

What do I sell? Why I sell just about anything. You name it and I got it. If I ain't got it, I'll git it! Dickey vests and bicycle clips -- rear view mirrors and sweet potatoes - uh - ocarina, that is. I got a list that long. Two weeks ago I sold a pair of elevator shoes to a native and -- (LAUGHS) he's been living high on the hog ever since. (BIG BOOMING LAUGH, THEN CUTS IT OFF AS:) Uh - excuse me, friend...I gotta go yaw with the skipper a minute.

SOUND:

HIS FOOTSTEPS FADE

STEVE:

(AFTER A PAUSE) Something tells me, Professor, this trip is going to be a barrel of laughs.

PROF:

(PREOCCUPIED) Uh, what's that, Mr. Mitchell?

STEVE:

That Button character - he's a happy kid.

PROF:

Oh, yes. Yes.

STEVE:

Something the matter?

PROF:

Oh, no. Nothing like that. I was just trying to remember where I'd seen that fellow before...

STEVE:

Button?

PROF:

Yes. Oh well...no matter.

SOUND:

TOOT OF BOAT WHISTLE...AND ENGINES START CHURNING UNDER

STEVE:

Getting under way...

PROF:

So we are...so we are...

STEVE:

Yeah...and I'm a little disappointed.

PROF:

Disappointed? What do you mean, Mr. Mitchell?

STEVE:

I expected another passenger.

PROF:

I...I don't understand.

STEVE:

Whoever tried to prevent me from making this trip.

PROF:

What's that?

STEVE:

Half an hour ago - at the hospital - somebody tried to kill me.

PROF:

Good lord, Mr. Mitchell - who would - (BREAKS OFF)

STEVE:

What is it?

PROF:

I...I just remembered where I saw Mr. Button before - earlier tonight...the hospital.

STEVE:

What?

PROF:

Yes. Right after I left you. He was entering the building...asked me for a match.

STEVE:

I see. So Button was at the hospital tonight...and here he is on the boat with us...heading for the same destination. (BEAT) You know -- something tells me this trip may not be such a barrel of laughs after all.

MUSIC:

IN AND UNDER

STEVE:

Our boat pulls out into the middle of the channel and we start chugging upstream. I settle down with my back to a packing case, trying to keep one eye on the jolly boy, Mr. Button. By next morning we're deep in the interior.

SOUND:

RIVER BOAT..JUNGLE B.G.

STEVE:

It's hot and sticky. The Professor stands at the rail, staring ashore at the jungle sliding past. Button spends most of the day dozing on deck -- his hat pulled down over his eyes...But I can't tell whether he's really asleep or watching me from under the hat brim. It's late in the afternoon when we finally dock at Bledsoe's Trading Post. In his office, we tell him what we want.

BLEDSOE:

Why sure -- be glad to help outfit you boys. You understand that's mighty rugged country up there.

STEVE:

Yeah --- we'll need an experienced guide.

BLEDSOE:

There's one hanging around the Post right now, I think.

SOUND:

COUPLE STEPS TO DOOR...DOOR OPENS

BLEDSOE:

(SLIGHTLY OFF) Reagan!

SOUND:

COUPLE STEPS BACK IN UNDER

BLEDSOE:

(COMING ON) They usually hang around here between jobs. Reagan's a good one.

STEVE:

He work for you, Bledsoe?

BLEDSOE:

Guides don't work for anybody but themselves.

SOUND:

STEPS FADE IN UNDER

PROF:

We'll need a native boy and provisions, of course.

BLEDSOE:

Yeah -- I can handle that, too. Got a boy named Blas.

REAGAN:

What is it, Bledsoe?

BLEDSOE:

Mr. Mitchell -- Professor Stoner -- Johnny Reagan.

STEVE:

Hi.

PROF:

Mr. Reagan.

REAGAN:

How are you?

BLEDSOE:

They want to take a trip up into the Quatala country. You available?

REAGAN:

Pretty rough country.

PROF:

We'll be glad to pay a bonus.

REAGAN:

That makes it sound not so rough. Okay. When do you want to start?

BLEDSOE:

I can have your stuff together by morning.

STEVE:

Morning it is.

REAGAN:

Right. Got a boy for me, Bledsoe?

BLEDSOE:

Blas.

REAGAN:

He'11 do. I'll get him going. See you later.

SOUND:

STEPS FADE

PROF:

My -- he's not a very talkative man.

BLEDSOE:

No -- but he's a good guide. Sort of lucky for you he happened to be around.

STEVE:

(PAUSE) Yeah -- isn't it?

BLEDSOE:

Can I give you fellows some advice?

STEVE:

Sure.

BLEDSOE:

Here -- on the map.

SOUND:

RUSTLE OF MAP

BLEDSOE:

My place is right here.

STEVE:

Yeah.

BLEDSOE:

You'll be heading up this way. That means you'll be passing through dangerous country. Been really better if you were coming in from the other direction.

STEVE:

From the south there?

BLEDSOE:

That's right.

STEVE:

Well there's nothing to prevent us from going out that way, is there?

BLEDSOE:

Not a thing. That's my advice. There is a pass right here in the mountains to the south. Be a lot easier going out that way -- and a lot safer.

SOUND:

STEPS FADE IN UNDER

STEVE:

Okay -- thanks.

BUTTON:

(FADING IN) Well, well -- got the old map out, I see. Somebody going on a trip?

BLEDSOE:

Hello, Bill. Yeah -- the Professor and Mr. Mitchell.

BUTTON:

The Quatala country, huh? You know, long as I been around these parts I never set foot in that territory.

BLEDSOE:

Thinking of branching out?

BUTTON:

I might be at that, Bledsoe. Yes sir...lot of good prospects up that way, I should think.

STEVE:

Prospects for what?

BUTTON:

Oh -- lots of things. Safety razors, yo-yos, lollipops. Take that there village of Hipan -- say maybe I'll tag along with you gents. That is, if you don't mind.

PROF:

Well, we hadn't figured on anyone else accompanying us.

BUTTON:

What do you say, Mr. Mitchell? Any reason why I couldn't come along?

STEVE:

(PAUSE) None that I can think of.

BUTTON:

Fine -- fine. Ought to be a real interesting trip.

STEVE:

Yeah -- I'm sure it will be.

MUSIC:

CURTAIN

ANNCR:

In just a moment Steve Mitchell will continue his DANGEROUS ASSIGNMENT.

MUSIC:

RESET AND UNDER

ANNCR:

And now, back to DANGEROUS ASSIGNMENT, and Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell.

MUSIC:

UP AND UNDER

STEVE:

So it looks like we're going to have an unexpected guest on our trip -- Mr. Button. But I figure if he's got anything up his sleeve -- like a knife, for instance -- it's better to have him where I can keep an eye on him instead of having him trail us through the jungle. Early the next morning Bledsoe checks our supplies with Reagan and the native boy, Blas.

SOUND:

ANTICIPATE LIGHT JUNGLE B.G. ..STEPS FADE IN UNDER

BLEDSOE:

(FADING IN) Well, gents, you've got everything you need.

STEVE:

Okay.

BLEDSOE:

(CALLS) Blas.

SOUND:

STEPS FADE IN UNDER

BLEDSOE:

Take your orders from Reagan and Mr. Mitchell.

BLAS:

Yes.

BLEDSOE:

Well, take it easy, gents.

REAGAN:

(SLIGHTLY OFF) Let's get started if you're ready.

PROF:

Very well. Come along, Mr. Mitchell.

STEVE:

Wait a minute.

BLEDSOE:

What's the matter?

STEVE:

Where's our friend Button?

BLEDSOE:

Oh, he's gone.

STEVE:

Gone?

BLEDSOE:

Left an hour ago...went back to Manaos on the supply boat.

STEVE:

But I thought --

BLEDSOE:

That he was going with you? (CHUCKLES) No. Long as I've known Button he's been wanting to go up into that country...but he's never made it. Last night, though, I kinda thought he'd really go.

STEVE:

I see.

BLEDSOE:

Yeah...but I guess he's kinda anxious to get back to his wife.

STEVE:

Oh?

BLEDSOE:

Funny guy, Billy. Big -- loud -- rough. But he's got a soft spot. His wife --- been sick quite awhile.

STEVE:

Sick? She wouldn't happen to be in the hospital in Manaos by any chance?

BLEDSOE:

Matter of fact, she is.

PROF:

That could explain why he was there, Mitchell.

STEVE:

Maybe. You sure he took the boat back, B1edsoe?

BLEDSOE:

Why -- he said he was going to. I was busy when the boat shoved off -- I really didn't notice.

STEVE:

I see. Well, come on, Professor. We'd better get started before it gets any hotter.

MUSIC:

BRIDGE

SOUND:

JUNGLE B.G.

STEVE:

Feeling better, Professor?

PROF:

Much. I just had to stop and rest.

STEVE:

We've been going at a pretty good clip all morning.

PROF:

Mr. Mitchell -- what do you think of our guide?

STEVE:

Reagan? He seems to know his business.

PROF:

I know - but I'm a little uneasy about him.

STEVE:

Oh?

PROF:

He's been eyeing us rather oddly from time to time.

STEVE:

Probably trying to figure out what we're up to. Remember, we haven't told him why we're making this trip.

PROF:

Where is he?

STEVE:

He and the native boy walked down by the river a few minutes ago.

PROF:

Are you sure?

STEVE:

Come on -- we'll take a look.

SOUND:

STEPS THROUGH BRUSH UNDER

PROF:

You don't suppose they've gone off and left us?

STEVE:

Relax, Professor -- why would they do that?

PROF:

I don't know, but --

STEVE:

See -- there's the native boy - under that tree, taking it easy.

PROF:

Yes, but I don't see Reagan.

SOUND:

FADE IN RIVER B.G. UNDER

STEVE:

He can't be far.

PROF:

Really, I don't like this. I don't like it at all.

STEVE:

Take it easy. I'll keep an eye on Reagan if you're -- Hold it!...

SOUND:

STEPS OUT ABRUPTLY

PROF:

What is it?

STEVE:

Over there - on the river bank.

PROF:

Reagan. What's he doing?

STEVE:

Looks like he's tossing some twigs into the river. Hey -- there are small strips of red cloth tied to those twigs.

PROF:

They're floating downstream.

STEVE:

You could spot something like that from quite a distance.

PROF:

What in the world does it mean?

STEVE:

I don't know, but I'm gonna find out. Stay here.

SOUND:

STEPS THROUGH BRUSH UNDER

STEVE:

Reagan!

REAGAN:

(OFF) Hm? Oh -- Mr. Mitchell. (FADING IN) Yeah - what is it?

STEVE:

That's just what I'd like to know -- what is it?

SOUND:

STEPS OUT

REAGAN:

Oh -- you mean the cloth and twigs?

STEVE:

Yeah - I mean the cloth and twigs.

REAGAN:

This is my private little communication system. Lets the natives downstream know I'm on my way. I always like to let them know I'm coming.

STEVE:

Why?

REAGAN:

It pays to give them advance notice. It's the friendly thing to do. And a lot safer.

SOUND:

DISTANT DRUM STARTS UP

STEVE:

Well -- let's get -- Hey, listen!

REAGAN:

That's the answer to my calling card. It sounds like we're welcome. Come on.

MUSIC:

IN AND UNDER

STEVE:

He smiles and turns away, and I don't know whether he's telling the truth or not...but I've got a hunch I'll find out before long. We shove off again and keep going until night. The Professor is still jittery about the guide. So he stays awake for the first half of the night.

SOUND:

JUNGLE B.G.

STEVE:

He wakes me at midnight and I take my turn until morning. I make a couple of swings around the camp area, but everything seems to be in order. Blas and Reagan are stretched out under their blankets near a fallen tree trunk. The professor finally settles down and dozes off. At dawn, I wake him.

PROF:

(SLEEPILY) Wha -?

STEVE:

It's morning -- we better get started.

PROF:

All right. (GETTING UP) Have you called the others?

STEVE:

Not yet.

SOUND:

STEPS ON GRAVEL UNDER

STEVE:

(CALLING) Reagan - Blas.

BLAS:

(SLIGHTLY OFF) Yes?

STEVE:

Come on, Reagan.

SOUND:

STEPS OUT

BLAS:

He must be very tired.

PROF:

Come, Mr. Reagan -- we have a long way to go today.

STEVE:

Come on -- get out from under those blankets.

SOUND:

PULL OF BLANKETS TO ONE SIDE

STEVE:

Hey!

PROF:

Mitchell!

BLAS:

His throat -- it has been cut!

PROF:

Horrible!

STEVE:

No wonder he wouldn't wake up.

SOUND:

DISTANT DRUMS START UP

PROF:

But who could have done it?

STEVE:

Listen -- the drums again!

BLAS:

Blas is leaving!

STEVE:

(EXERTION) Oh, no.

BLAS:

(STRUGGLING) Let go -- let go!

STEVE:

Look - settle down. You're a lot safer with us than you would be alone in the jungle.

BLAS:

But -- (PAUSE) Yes. You are right.

STEVE:

We better get out of here fast. Any idea where we are?

PROF:

Not very far from the site of the ambush.

BLAS:

That village where the drums come from - - it is not far.

STEVE:

Are those drums friendly?

BLAS:

(PAUSE...AS HE LISTENS) Yes. They tell of your arrival.

STEVE:

Good. Let's go.

SOUND:

STEPS THROUGH UNDERBRUSH...SUSTAIN

BIZ:

BOARD FADE OUT...BOARD FADE IN

SOUND:

STEPS THROUGH UNDERBRUSH...DRUMS ARE CLOSER NOW

BLAS:

That is the village ahead.

STEVE:

Yeah -- we'd better stop here.

SOUND:

STEPS OUT

STEVE:

Blas -- you can speak their lingo, can't you?

BLAS:

Yes.

STEVE:

I've got an idea. Go into the village and see if you can get them to send out a message on their drums that the white men are here - and that one of them is the Professor.

BLAS:

Blas go.

SOUND:

STEPS FADE IN UNDERBRUSH UNDER

PROF:

Mitchell - I don't understand.

STEVE:

Look, Professor -- it's possible Edith Martin is being hidden by some natives, or at least some of them might know where she is.

PROF:

Why, yes -- that's true enough.

STEVE:

So if she hears that you're here, maybe she'll come looking for us. At least, it's a chance.

MUSIC:

IN AND UNDER

STEVE:

We pitch camp on the spot. Pretty soon Blas comes back and says he's set up the deal. The drums pound on and on. But the hours drag by and nothing happens. I wander down near the river, thinking maybe my gag wasn't so hot. Then I hear a faint sound behind me -- but one I recognize real quick...The bolt of a rifle.

SOUND:

RIFLE BOLT

EDITH:

(SLIGHTLY OFF) Don't move.

STEVE:

Wha- !?

EDITH:

Turn around slowly.

STEVE:

Okay. Eight to five you're Edith Martin.

EDITH:

Who are you?

STEVE:

Steve Mitchell. Looks like you got the message after all. I was sent here to find you.

EDITH:

Oh?

STEVE:

You don't sound convinced.

EDITH:

Several people have been trying to find me -- I'd just as soon they didn't.

STEVE:

Yeah - I know. But I think these credentials of mine will take care of any doubts you might have about me. Take a look.

EDITH:

Toss them to me.

STEVE:

(SLIGHT EXERTION) Okay.

EDITH:

(PAUSE) Yes. I guess you...(FALTERING)

SOUND:

COUPLE QUICK STEPS UNDER

STEVE:

Here -- I've got you.

EDITH:

Thanks. It's been a little of a strain.

STEVE:

I can imagine. How many have been after you?

EDITH:

I think there were four of them -- probably the ones who built the rocket-launching platforms.

STEVE:

Rocket-launching platforms!? So that's what the military installations are.

EDITH:

Why, yes, didn't Professor Stoner tell you about them?

STEVE:

The Professor? No -- he said he didn't get a chance to talk to you after you rushed back into camp.

EDITH:

That's not true! I told him what I had seen and then we got separated.

STEVE:

Well, what do you know. Looks like the Professor's been playing a little game with me.

PROF:

(SLIGHTLY OFF) Quite right, Mitchell.

STEVE:

Huh?

EDITH:

Professor Stoner!

PROF:

Drop the gun, my dear. I said drop it!

SOUND:

RIFLE DROPS

PROF:

Thank you.

SOUND:

COUPLE STEPS FADE IN UNDER

STEVE:

Don't tell me you're the boy who had the rocket platforms built, Professor.

PROF:

Hardly. But when Edith told me she'd seen them, I realized someone had built them for possible future use against the Panama Canal. A very valuable secret.

STEVE:

I get it. You want to keep the news from leaking out until you can find out who built them and work a little blackmail, hm?

PROF:

You could not have put it more accurately, Mr. Mitchell. And now, since the two of you know much too much for my own welfare, I am afraid I will have to ---

SOUND:

RIFLE SHOT OFF

PROF:

(GROANS)

SOUND:

BODY FALL

EDITH:

The Professor - he's been shot!

STEVE:

Quick -- into the brush. I've got your rifle.

SOUND:

FEW QUICK STEPS INTO BRUSH...COUPLE OF RIFLE SHOTS

STEVE:

Down!

SOUND:

THEY DROP TO THE GROUND

STEVE:

You okay?

EDITH:

Yes. Those men who were after me -- they must be the ones who killed Professor Stoner.

STEVE:

Yeah - he didn't live long enough to set up his little blackmailing gag. We've got to get out of here. (CALLS GUARDEDLY) Blas! Blas!

BLAS:

(OFF) Over here.

STEVE:

Get with us.

SOUND:

CRAWLING THROUGH BRUSH FADES IN UNDER

STEVE:

We'll head for the pass to the south that Bledsoe told me about. Lead the way, Blas.

BLAS:

(SUDDENLY) In the clearing -- one of them!

EDITH:

He's got a gun!

STEVE:

I see him!

SOUND:

SHOT

VOICE:

(OFF) ... (GROANS)

EDITH:

You hit him!

STEVE:

Okay, now let's ---

SOUND:

MACHINE GUN BURST OFF

STEVE:

Hey -- one of them's got a machine gun. Come on --

SOUND:

CRAWLING THROUGH BRUSH...ANOTHER MACHINE GUN BURST

BLAS:

(GROANS)

SOUND:

CRAWLING OUT

STEVE:

Blas!

EDITH:

He's been hit in the leg!

STEVE:

Come on - I'll help you.

BLAS:

Blas can not move.

STEVE:

Pull yourself on to my back, then.

BLAS:

It will be too slow that way -- they will catch us.

STEVE:

They'll sure catch us if we lie here yapping about it.

BLAS:

I have my machete. Leave me here and I'll --

STEVE:

Yeah -- you'd have a great chance. One man with a knife against three with a tommy-gun. Now shut up, and climb aboard.

BLAS:

(EXERTION) All right. Thank you.

SOUND:

ANOTHER BURST OF MACHINE GUNS

STEVE:

Shooting blind. Once we get into that gulley ahead we can stand up. Come on.

MUSIC:

BRIDGE

SOUND:

LABORED STEPS THROUGH UNDERBRUSH UNDER

STEVE:

(EXERTION) You see anyone following us, Edith?

EDITH:

No one. I think maybe we've lost them.

STEVE:

I hope so. I don't know how much more of this piggy-back routine I can take. Particularly up hill --

BLAS:

We are approaching the pass -- soon we will be safe.

STEVE:

Did you mark the locations of those platforms on my map?

EDITH:

Yes -- as accurately as I could.

SOUND:

STEPS OUT OF UNDERBRUSH ONTO GRAVEL UNDER

STEVE:

Good. As soon as we get back to civilization, I'll turn it over to the local authorities and let them come in here and clean house.

EDITH:

Steve - here's the pass. We've made it!

SOUND:

STEPS OUT

STEVE:

Brother -- I was beginning to think we wouldn't. (EXERTION) Here, Blas - I'll set you down for a minute.

BLAS:

All right.

STEVE:

How's the leg?

BLAS:

A little better. I think I can use it a little now.

STEVE:

Well -- looks like a downhill pull from here. It's sure a good thing Bledsoe told us about this short-cut.

BLEDSOE:

(SLIGHTLY OFF) Yeah -- it sure is.

EDITH:

(STARTLED GASP)

STEVE:

Wha -! Bledsoe!

BLEDSOE:

That's right. Drop your gun, lady.

SOUND:

GUN DROPS

STEVE:

So you're the boy who had the rocket platforms built.

BLEDSOE:

I'm the boy.

STEVE:

Sure -- your trading post puts you into a perfect spot to have stuff brought into the interior piece by piece.

EDITH:

It was your men who tried to kill me because I saw the platforms.

BLEDSOE:

Sure -- but they missed. So I figured why go to the trouble of trying to find you...It was much easier to let Mitchell, here, do it.

STEVE:

You told me the so-called best way out -- this pass. Then you come here and wait for us. Real neat.

BLEDSOE:

I thought so. Well, Mitchell -- usually with me it's ladies first. But this time I'm going to have to make an exception. You first.

BLAS:

No.

MUSIC:

IN AND UNDER

STEVE:

I jerk my head toward Blas. He's holding the machete in his hand. Its long curved blade gleaming wickedly in the sunlight. He starts hobbling slowly and painfully toward Bledsoe.

SOUND:

SLOW HOBBLING STEPS UNDER

BLAS:

Mitchell man he save Blas life. Blas not let him die.

STEVE:

Blas - get back!

BLEDSOE:

Another step and I'll drill you.

STEVE:

(NARRATES) But Blas keeps going. Bledsoe takes his eye off me a second and swings his rifle toward Blas -- and that's all I'm waiting for. I dive at him just as he pulls the trigger.

SOUND:

COLLISION...SHOT...CLANG

STEVE:

The shot goes wild, knocking the knife to the ground. I connect with Bledsoe's jaw.

SOUND:

SOCK

BLEDSOE:

(GROANS)

SOUND:

BODY FALL

EDITH:

Steve - you all right?

STEVE:

Yeah - thanks to Blas. That took an awful lot of nerve, doing what you did.

BLAS:

Blas only try to pay back.

EDITH:

Cast your bread on the waters, you know.

STEVE:

Yeah -- but I didn't realize it would come back with so much crust. Come on, let's wake up sleeping boy and get out of here.

MUSIC:

CURTAIN

ANNCR:

Our star Brian Donlevy will be back in just a moment.

ANNCR:

(1:00)

MUSIC:

THEME ... FADE FOR

DONLEVY:

A trip to Berlin to round up a bunch of tough kids known as the Black Stocking Gang. That's next week's DANGEROUS ASSIGNMENT.

MUSIC:

THEME UP AND DOWN FOR:

ANNCR:

DANGEROUS ASSIGNMENT....starring Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell, with Herb Butterfield as the Commissioner -- is written by Bob Ryf and Adrian Gendot, with music by Robert Armbruster, and is produced and directed by Bill Karn. Others in the cast were ________________________ Be with us again next week at this time, when Brian Donlevy, starring in the role of Steve Mitchell, will embark on another .... DANGEROUS ASSIGNMENT!

MUSIC:

TAG

ANNCR:

(SYSTEM CUE)