Dangerous Assignment: Sunken Ships

A national broadcasting company brings you Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell in Dangerous assignment over here here. I am with the both scream over this way Here, let me help you eyeball give me your hand You set the charge of network this way good and no one saw you leave the sheet Ah, right on schedule.

The ship goes to the bottom and only the two of us know the location. And wait, wait, no, no, put down the knife. No, no, no, no. Three ships sunk in two weeks, Steve. The last one caused the life of six passengers.

Good commission. Why send me halfway around the world just because three ships were sunk? Steve, those ships carried US rehabilitation supplies. I see. Now as usual you'll pose as a foreign correspondent. Here's your press credential Steve, your passport and plane ticket.

Ruth, did you say plane ticket? You take off in two hours. Now look, I was figuring on a little deal. I can't wait till tomorrow. No, it can't wait. And that's another thing Steve. On this assignment there's to be no women and no gambling.

It's strictly business, dangerous business. OK Commissioner. All right Steve. Your first stop in Saigon is the Malayan Star Lines. The manager's name is Breven. You've got your assignment, get going. You've seen him in the Great McGinty, as Major Devereaux in Wake Island, as Trampus in the Virginian.

Now here is our star, Brian Donlady, in another two-fisted portrayal as Steve Mitchell, in Dangerous Assignment. For time now, the place, Saigon, in Scrutable City of the Orient, where the ancient of the modern rebels in the narrow crowded streets, Saigon City of Intrigue, of Shadows, of Forgotten Men, of Danger.

Mr. Brevant, I believe you're in charge of the melee and star lines here in Saigon. That is correct, Miss you. Mitchell, Steve Mitchell. I'm a foreign correspondent, I just flew in, I'd like an interview.

There's not much of which to talk. Three ships of our lines here for Singapore. The first night out in explosion, they're gone. Just like that, huh? We just like that. Could I take a look at the passenger list for those three ships?

Certainly. I have them on my desk. Thank you. You don't carry many passengers. Only a few. Any survivors? From the first sinking nun. From the third sinking also nun. How about the second? One. Who is it?

An Englishman named Dixon, the cook. Is he around anywhere? I'd like to talk to him. Arran! Where did the Englishman Dixon come to my office? Most of your crews have been with the lion quite a while?

It is the exception rather than the rule, Monsieur. Out here, one must take what men one can get. I see. What kind of cargo were your ships carrying? That is the mystifying part, Monsieur. You are the cargoists.

As you see, the melee and star lions carry American rehabilitation supplies. Tickwood, spices, rubber, the usual. This teakwood. I notice all of it comes from the same place. Yes, the plantation of Monsieur Sirat. It is inland up the Saigon River.

Come in. You want it to see me, Mr. Brevant? Oh, yes. This gentleman is Monsieur Michel Elginaleist. Nice to meet you, sir. Hi. Mr. Brevant tells me you're the only survivor from the second sinking.

Or may I be only one for many of them? That makes you pretty lucky, doesn't it? Lucky ain't out of it. Look, did you notice anything unusual aboard your ship before the explosion? Well, I was back off, getting a bit of air before turning in. I noticed a silhouette of a small boat in the moonlight.

Or for a starboard beam she was, and running without lights. Without lights? That's right. Anything else? I didn't have time to notice anything else, Mr. Because just then there's a sheet of flame. The whole ship goes up in the air and the next thing I know, I'm holding on to a spar in the water for dear life.

Mm-hmm. Have you any idea what your ship's position was when she went down? Here is our configure. We was in show water close to Polo Condori. That is an island a hundred miles off the coast of Indochana this year.

But of course it is but a guess we have no way of knowing the exact location. Yeah, well thanks for the information. I think it ought to make a good yarn. Do you intend to remain here in Saigon long?

Oh that depends. I'd like to talk to Mr. Surat, the plantation owner. You know where I might find him? There is a gambling casino just down the street, Missy. If he is in Saigon, he will be there.

Good. I'm beginning to feel lucky. I am certain you will not lack for games of chance in Saigon, Missy. I personally find gambling a book, but it would seem I am in the minority. Yeah, I guess you are. Well, thanks for the story. I'll see you on.

He's in inquisitive, James. Thank you, Mr. Bewong. Yes. He is indeed. Here's paper, Jebrity. That is what he said. Dixon, tell her unto once am I telephone for me. I'm going out for a while.

16, all right. Sorry, Mr. You'll lose a game. Look, this game has slowed death. Haven't you got something with a little more action on it? And Missy would perhaps prefer the dice table downstairs. That's a thought, thanks.

I beg your pardon. Oh, no, it is my fault, Missy. Let me pick up your chips. Oh, you are my kind, Missy. It was very clumsy of me. As a matter of fact, I bumped into you deliberately.

It was the only way I could think of to meet you. Missy, you guys are ready with? A little bit stone. If you're looking for something to tack on after the Missy, it's Mitchell. Steve Mitchell.

They call me Leanna, Missy. They picked a nice name. Well, here you are, chips. You pick up my chips and my luck with them. You must allow me to buy you a drink. You see, I am superstitious.

Good, so am I. And having a drink with you is suddenly a superstition of mine. Let's go to the bar. Leana? Leana. Well, I should have known you wouldn't be alone. It is only my brother, Miss.

Oh, wait. Where are you going, Leana? It is all right, Matika. I'm sure the American will take good care of me. Miss, your Steve Mitchell, my brother, Matika. Hello. You're serving defending. Yeah, Matika. You play some of my teeth now while we have our drink.

Come along, Steve. You lived here in Saigon, Leona? For the most, but I'm restless. I travel a lot. Tomorrow night I leave for Singapore. Oh, I guess my luck hasn't changed after all. I would not be gone long.

How are you going to Singapore? I travel by Tramp, Timon. It is not so boring. Not on the melee star lines. Right, yes. Oh, here we are. Sorry to crowd it right here. Why don't we move down to the other end?

There's room here. I will move over. Oh, thank you. No trouble, sir. No trouble at all. What will you have, Stephen? Bourbon and... Hey. What is it? I just saw someone I know, Ayanna. Excuse me just a minute.

Of course. Be back on Earth. I will order the drinks. Well, my dear. You seem interested in the Midleian Star Line, sir. You think he is involved? It is possible. Very well. I will proceed on that assumption.

Boy, come here. We miss you. I want a message for living for me. Good evening, Mr. Brevant. Oh, Mr. Mitchell, is it not? Have you written your story yet? Not yet. I'm a little surprised to see you here at the casino.

When we talk this afternoon, you told me gambling board you. It does. But I do find interest in observing Gambler's Miss you. Particularly when high stakes are involved. involved. Oh, this year I congratulate you on the speed with which you have made yourself acquainted in Saigon. What do you mean? Did I not observe you conversing at the bow

with Sirot? Sirot? This stout gentleman. You mean the guy who was standing next to me, the one with a face like a toad? Your description does not flatter him, but it is accurate. Well, Thanks, Aran. I'll see you around.

Undoubtedly, Miss Yur. Sorry, I took so long now. Oh, it's quite alright. Well, here is your drink. Thanks. Say, what happened to the guy who was next to me here, the one who moved over to make room?

Oh, I did not know Steve. I was not noticing. Mm. It's alright. Is that his name? Yeah. Well, cheers. Yes. We should meet you. Meet you. Over here, boy. You are a busy man, Steve.

I see him today. Mr. Mitchell? Yeah, what is it? You are wanted outside, Mr. Oh, by whom? Oh, he not give name, Mr. But he's a quite urgent. Here. Oh, thank you, Mr. I know, I know.

You will be gone, but a minute. I will wait for you. Mitchell, a family. Who are you? You are Steve Mitchell. What do you want, a calling card? Yeah, I'm Steve Mitchell. I suppose you tell me why you got me out here.

I am Dali. I suggest that we walk a Fendi. Oh, you always suggest with a gun, Dali? When it is necessary a Fendi. Come. Mind telling me where we're going? Certainly not. Right around the corner here and into the alley.

Cozy in here. and dark and empty. Wait a minute. Looks like we've got company in here. It is but my friend Banjack, a friend. Oh, hello. What's the matter? Is he bashful? He cannot speak.

His tongue was removed by force some years ago. But he is strong and willing. Banjack. What you bet reminded me of from Banjack will serve to open the conversation. Look, I don't know what this is all about.

to be brief, Effendi. You have information which I require. The locations are the three sunken ships. The ships? You think I know where they were sunk? Banjo. Look, perhaps that will refresh your memory. How can I tell you the location when I don't know?

Again Banjo. I tell you, this wasn't going to do you any good. I don't know where those ships were sunk. Very well. If you intend to be stubborn, you may proceed Banjo. I told you not to resist.

Well, you think I'm going to stand here and let this big ape make me and smeat on me. Very well, Fendi! It is a pity, the Fendi bleeds so easily, Banjack. But I must not deprive you of extended enjoyment.

You may kick him. I will tell you when to stop. The National Broadcasting Company is bringing you Brian Donlevy, starring in the role of Steve Mitchell In the second of an exciting new adventure series, dangerous assignment.

A time, the next morning, the place, a luxuriously furnished bedroom, and a spacious villa near Saigon overlooking the sea. Ah, you are awake at last, Fendi.

Eh, you can call it that. Wait a minute. You're, Leon, is a brother, aren't you? Matique. You're servant-of-handing. What? Would you mind telling me how I got into this harem? You are in the house of my sister, Lyanna.

How did I get here? Well, Lyanna became worried when you did not return to the casino last night. We went outside to look for you and fucked you crawling out of the alley badly beaten.

So we brought you home with us. You are all bloody. How do you feel now? All bloody? Hey, help me out of this mink-lined cradle, will you? Oh, of course. Where are my pants? Really, where are my pants?

No, no, no, no. It was I who put you to bed. And here are your pants. Huh? Thanks. Where's Leanna? Swimming in the ocean. Come. You can see her out the window. Hey, she's quite a swimmer, isn't she?

Did she always swim out that far? Oh, yes. Every morning. I'm not that ambitious this morning, but a dip would do me good. Quiet! It's Wimah, you'll save! Thanks! That water made me feel almost human again. Any cigarettes around here?

Right here on my robe. Here you are. You look much better than when we found you last night. You know, you've taken off a good care of me, Liana. Why? Why? Oh, perhaps. Perhaps there have been so many places, many times, many men in my life.

And with me, there's always been the same. But the last night I saw you, I knew you were something different. How different? Does that make your bruises feel better? It helps, you know. That's a kind of medicine I could get addicted to, Leanna.

Perhaps, perhaps when I return from Singapore, there will be more time to become addicted. Maybe. When do you sail? How day tonight? On the Malayan Green? I guess my luck's still now, go ahead. Okay, look, I gotta go back to my hotel and pick up a change of clothes.

But anyway, I'll be down to see you off tonight. Hey, how'd you get in here? I am Sarat. I learned you were registered at this hotel, so I took the liberty of waiting here in your room.

Quite the liberty, wasn't it? The occasion demands it, the courtesies must be omitted. What's the occasion? I will be brief. Mr Mitchell, I will assume you are a man who is interested in money. That's a safe assumption, Sarat.

I believe you are in possession of certain information which is of value to me. Here we go again. Sir? Look, you happen to know a couple of cutthroats named Dylai and Benjak? Benjak's a big lug with no tongue.

Dylai and Benjak? I have not had the pleasure of the acquaintance, sir. Oh, it's no pleasure, believe me. Sir, I'll skip it. Now, what's this about certain information I have? I will not waste words.

Ten thousand American dollars for the location of the sunken ships. Ten thousand? It means a lot to you, doesn't it? You've been shipping teakwood on the melee and star line, haven't you? From my plantation up the river, sir.

It is a matter of record. I didn't know teakwood was that valuable. I repeat my offer. Ten thousand American dollars. Huh? I'll have to have a little time to think it over, sir. I cannot grant you much time, sir.

I'm sailing tonight on the melee and queen. You have until seven thirty this evening. Okay. I will expect your answer before sailing time. Until then. Good day, sir. Mr. Brevon, please. I am sorry, sir, but he's gone.

Gone? Yes, sir, on a business trip. He is sailing in half an hour on the Malay and Queen. Could you get word to him that... Never mind, I'll call you back. Come in. Mitchell. Dixon, what's the matter?

Knife, in me back. What happened? Malay and Queen, ready to sail? Yeah, I know. I saw someone go aboard. That was on the other ship. You mean the ship that was sunk? Yes. Who was it?

Followed me here. Stabbed me. Who stabbed you? I... Ahhh! Dixon! Dixon! Sorry to keep you waiting, Mr. Mitchell, but I don't leave the bridge until we're out of the channel. That's okay, Captain. I'd like you to look at these credentials. They'll explain who I am and why I'm aboard your ship.

Hmm... You're investigating the recent sinkings. Yes, Captain. A couple of people seem awfully interested in the location of those sunken ships. I'm kicking an idea around that maybe there was something pretty valuable aboard them.

What would it be? I don't know. Are you carrying the same sort of cargo on this ship that was on the others? Yes, as far as I know. Another shipment of teakwood from Sirat's plantation?

There is. Also, some American rehabilitation supplies. Tell me, could those rehabilitation supplies be salvaged after they were sunk? Oh, no, no. The water had ruined. Captain, suppose you wanted to sink a ship and recover something from it later.

What? Where would you sink it? I suppose in shallow water. Yeah. Now, what's the first shallow water we'll be passing through tonight? Now, let's see. We'll pass through the arbor's shoals, or we'll have to midnight.

Depth there is only fifteen patoms, I see. Is that the passenger list on your desk? Yes. Yes. Looks like the gang's all here. Revant, Leanna, her brother Matique, and Sorett. Captain, I need your full cooperation.

Why, certainly. What is it? I'd like you to order these four passengers to be in Brevant State Room three hours from now, at 11 tonight. Revant, I demand an explanation of this being hauled up to your cabin like a common criminal.

What, Mr. Sjogat? I am as much in the dock as you. I do not think it necessary to point out that this may cost you my business, Brevant. If you would only tell us the reason for all this, Effendi Brevant.

Matika, I'm sure there must be a good reason for all this. If we are but patient, we will learn what it is. Here's the men who is responsible, Miss Yomitra. Hello, Anna. Matika. Your servant Effendi.

Good evening, sir. Sir, Rat. Apparently you forgot our appointment, Mr. Mitchell. I didn't forget it. I had a couple of other things to take care of. Perhaps, sir, you'll be good enough to explain what this is all about.

Sure, I'll explain. I'll make it short. I think one of you is responsible for the sinking those three ships. You are joking, Steve. Sorry, Leon. But to suggest that I could have anything to do with it. You're a good swimmer. I'm afraid I'll have to count you in. It's so ridiculous to think that I, or my brother, could be involved in such a thing. You make a serious charge against

us, Effendi. I know. This is an insult to my long years of service on the line. Perhaps it is a serious charge as far as the others are concerned, Mr. Mitchell. But to suspect that I am involved as ridiculous. Much valuable teak would have mine was sunk with those ships.

Yeah. And maybe it's more valuable than I thought at first. What do you mean by that sir? I'll let it ride for the time being because I've got another piece of news for you. Of course it isn't really news to one of you. What do you mean, Steve?

There was a ship's cook named Dixon, survivor of one of the sinkings. Tonight he saw one of you come aboard. He recognized you as being on that other ship. So whichever one of you it was, killed him to shut his mouth.

I assure you, this is the first of these ships I've been aboard, sir, and also the last. One of you, four, is the killer and dynamiter. That person has a bomb planted on this ship and plans to dive overboard before the explosion, and that explosion is due for about midnight, 45 minutes from now.

Steve, this is ridiculous. Is it? Just keep your eyes on that clock, all of you. Nobody's gonna leave this cabin for the next 45 minutes. We're gonna sweat it out together. watching that minute hand creep around the midnight.

1130. Anyone feel like talking yet? Really, Mitchell? Really, what's wrong? Haven't you carried this silly joke high enough, Dean? There is only one way to prove he is mistaken in his suspicions, Leanna. That is to wait?

Can't we get a little air into this cabinet? It's so infinley hot. You know something, Sarat? It's gonna get a lot hotter. Seven minutes to midnight. We reach shallow water in about 10 minutes. That means 10 minutes before the ship gets blown up.

Anybody's tongue loosening up? Sarat? I demand to be released from this pestle. Brevant? You must be insane. Brevant? Do you think I once considered you? Yeah, yeah, I saved the romance. Matik, how about you?

You feel like talking? When one knows nothing, one can say nothing of Andy. OK. Keep watching that minute, Anne. I can't stand this any longer. I've got to get out of here. You've got to let me go.

So you're the one who's right? No, no, no. You must believe me. I would be the last one in the world to blow those ships up. Why? So, there's gold hidden, those crates of cheek wood.

Sart, you're fully with only bluffing. Now you have told him. You haven't told me enough. Keep talking. I have nothing more to say. Looks the right. Three ships have been sunk on account of this.

Now open up, start talking. Oh no, you better talk before I beat it, Artie. Now spill it. Alright, alright. During the war on air raid, the ship carrying gold bullions steamed up the river to escape, but it was sunk near my plantation.

I think I can take it from there. You recovered the gold and this is the way of been sneaking it out of into China, hidden in crates of teakwood? Yes, it was Leon as I did.

Shut up, Art! But someone must have found out about the gold and has been sinking the ships? sinking the ships in shallow water so they can get the gold later. A Fendi Mitchell, now that we know Surlad is guilty, you would please allow me to leave by having a headache.

Mitchell, it's almost midnight! Yeah, nobody's leaving until I find out who's mine, this ship. A Fendi Mitchell? Look, you're looking at your watch, Matik. Why? Matik, Matik, what is the... Matik, you didn't. You did!

You put the explosives on this ship somewhere! Where'd you plant it, Matik? Where did you plant it? Let me out of here! You're not going anywhere! The natural gresser will explode into me! Matik, you sank those ships!

You and Leanna betrayed me very well. Sarat, put that gun away. Sarat! Sarat! And for you, Leanna. Sarat! Stand that gun, Pravant. Three weeks! Where's the Night Progressor, and where is it? Sarat, you jughead, you killed the only man who knew where it was hidden.

We've got a minute and fifty seconds to find that nitro. Genius. Any ideas, Pravant? But he could not have put it below decks, minestations all over the ship. It must be in this cabin. Come on.

What? Get back, Pravant. We... Take that side of the room, I'll take this. Alright! Gotta be in here somewhere, it's gonna be. There's nothing over here, Mitchu! Wait a minute, listen, there's something kicking. What?

Yes, yes, I did it! Under the bunk! Look that black suitcase. Easy! Oh, which of about? Go over one quick! Yeah, I gotta get out of the way, Vermont. I gotta get it over the rail.

Hurry, Mitchu, hurry! Only a few seconds more, but I'll explore it this far as you can! You're not gonna have to tell me that! In the deck! Alright, Mitchu! Yeah. Except that I'm about five years older, Captain.

That was close. Yeah, too close. Probably buckled if you were the ship's weight. Yeah, well, you better put Sarad under arrest. You can turn him over to the authorities when the ship reaches Port. Yeah. Chances are getting a gold that's already been sunk. They're pretty slim, but it's probably a lot of it's still at Sarad's plantation.

The government can check that. Mitchell, allow me to say I have never seen one so calm in the face of danger. All the time we were waiting in my cabin after I realized what your plan was.

My house was in my foot. You think mine wasn't? It was choking me. Look at me, Brevant. I look like a fairly intelligent guy, don't I? Well, yes, of course. With a normal assortment of brains.

Totally. And a reasonable amount of common sense. But of course! And will you tell me something? What is it? Why did I ever get myself mixed up in a job like this? You have just heard the second in an exciting new adventure series, Dangerous Assignment, starring Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell.

Dangerous Assignment is written by Bob Rife and directed by Bill Carn with music by Bruce Ashley. Be with us again next week at the same time when Brian Donlevy, starring as Steve Mitchell, will embark on another dangerous assignment.

This program came to you from Hollywood. This is NBC, the National Broadcasting Company.