Dangerous Assignment: Nigerian Safari

The National Broadcasting Company brings you Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell in... Dangerous Assignments! The time near midnight. The place Nigeria West Africa. Two men stand on the swaying observation platform of a train, which winds its way across a yawning chasm between two mountains.

This gorge we're crossing looks pretty deep. Yeah, about a thousand feet. I didn't realize there were some many mountains in West Africa. This is a third trestle we've been over in the last hour. It is hilly country, but soon we reach the inland plateau where it is more level.

Oh, you've been around this neck of the woods before, huh? Yeah. Oh, incidentally, I don't think we've met. I'm rust-holding. Yeah, I know. Huh? I have been following you, hair-holding. Follow me. Hey, wait a minute.

Get away from me. This is where you get off here, fool down! You've seen him as Sergeant Markov in Bo Guest, as Charles Dade in two years before the mast. And now here is our star, Brian Donlevade, in another two-fisted portrayal as Steve Mitchell, in Dangerous Assignment.

Look, Ruth, I still don't know what this is all about. One minute I'm doing a smooth rumble with a smooth blonde. The next minute you're dragging me to a taxi, shoving passports and plane tickets down the I can't help it, Steve. I can't do it.

Commissioner, tell me. Oh, there he is. Over to car. Steve, Rose, over here. Coming, Commissioner. You'll see that Steve suitcases checked about the plane. Okay, Commissioner. Steve, let's get in my car a minute. We can talk here.

Okay. Now, make this quick, Steve. You're leaving for Nigeria, West Africa in five minutes. West Africa, now look, Commissioner. You've got to move fast, Steve. We may be too late as it is. What do you mean? One of our men has been over there two weeks.

two weeks rust-holding he was to send a report back not later than new today we have heard a word from him well maybe he got delayed i don't think so steve afraid russ is dead dead what's this all about manganese manganese but stuff to use making steel yes last week all shipments of manganese to this

country where suddenly cut off we think the interest behind that move trying to form a worldwide manganese cartel if they succeed our entire steel industry will be crippled i still don't see what All this has to do with West Africa.

Two weeks ago, we heard rumors that a rich bane of manganese had been discovered over there in the border country of Northern Nigeria. Oh, I see. That area is controlled by a native tribal chief named sober.

And you sent rust to negotiate with this sober? Yes. We want sober to sign an agreement permitting United Nations representatives to start mining operations in that area. And we've got to get to them before the agents of the cartel do.

And that's where I come in? On the surface, you'll be a foreign correspondent trying to get an interview with someone. Let it get out, you're looking for. Also that you're trying to locate another foreign correspondent, Russ Holder.

Lucky me. I get to play target. I'm afraid so. It's the quickest way of flushing the opposition out in the open. Steve, you'll be up against a tough outfit. They'll stop at nothing to keep you from getting to sober.

They'll throw every obstacle in your path they can, including a bullet. Great. And they'll be trying to get the sober ahead of you too. Steve, the plane's ready to take off. OK, Ruth. You're first stop in Nigeria. You'll be the Alexandria Hotel. We know Russ stayed there for a while.

Alexandria Hotel, right? Steve, if Russ is still alive, find him and work together. He isn't caught alone. But above all, get through the sober and get him to sign that agreement. You've got your assignment? Good luck.

Good afternoon, sir. Welcome to the Alexandria Hotel. You wish you were ruined?

Yeah, and a blotter. This rain is even more so than what the Florida papers say about California. please sign here. This is the rainy season you know. No kidding. From now until October. You sound proud of it. You mean it's this way all over Nigeria? Fine. It's just Steve Mitchell, United States. Boy, take Mr. Mitchell suitcase to room 22. Will you be staying with us long

Mr. Mitchell? No longer than I can help. I shouldn't be here at all. Sir. I'm a foreign correspondent. A friend of mine was supposed to do his story over here, but I guess he wanted into a bar somewhere and forgot all about it. So now I have to do it.

What was your friend's name? Holden, Russ Holden. I missed a Holden state at this hotel while he was in Lagos. When they check out several days ago, I believe he took the train to Gugama. Gugama? Where's that? Inland and to the North, Mr. Mitchell. He is a long trip by train. What kind of country is it up there? Very wild, sir. I guess I'm going to need more

suitable clothes. Is there a store around here where I can get out of it? Oh yes indeed sir. Carter's it's right in the next block. Okay. I'll give it a whirl as soon as I get out of these wet clothes. Right up the stairs until you're right sir. The boy'll have your room all ready for you. Yes sir. What can I do for

you? Let me see your register. You wish your room? Let me look at that register. Why so what business have you with me? Register. Give it to me. All right. Let's have it. Oh, he is Steve Mitchell. You may have it back.

Don't understand. You ought to say nothing about this. Forget all about me. Do you understand? But no, I don't understand. To help you forget. Yes, sir. What can I do for you? The clerk at the hotel told me I could get some clothes for the back country here, but I see you've got some other customers over there. I can wait.

So tell the truth, sir. It's a relief to wait on you. Uh, what? That gentleman over there with the pith helmet on backwards is Mr. Brighton. He's being outfitted at first hunt and waiting on people like that is always a trying experience.

Mm. Who's the girl? She don't look very trying. That is Mrs. Brighton. Oh. Luckily they've hired one of the best guides around here, the tall gentleman, Mr. Campbell. Well, fix me up with whatever I'll need, huh?

Let's see now. You want a tunic and... Mr. Brighton, watch out with that rifle, Mr. Brighton! Hey! Are you alright, sir? Yeah, two inches to the right and I wouldn't be. Oh, my goodness! Right and what down that gun before it goes off again?

You okay, Mr. Yeah. I don't know what to say. I'm so grateful you saw it all there. Look, where'd you learn to handle that gun anyway? I will find out how to load it in.

Yeah, you found out, all right. Such a stupid action. I'm frightful, it's all right. Peter, I think you've just seen with yourself enough for one day. Let's go back to the hotel. I need a drink.

It's probably a good idea, Mr. Brighton. I'll attend to the rest of the staff. All right, and I look old man. Yeah, yeah, you're frightfully sorry. Let's let it go at that. Peter! Look, I'm very sorry this happened to my store, so I'll get an outfit together immediately.

Okay. That would be an easier way of making a living than this. Yeah. I can't say I'd care to play nursemaid with trigger-happy tenderfoot like that. Oh, incidentally I'm Steve Mitchell. Laird Campbell. Cigarette? Oh, thanks.

I can see it. Mm-hmm. Yeah, being a guide you expect a certain percentage of lemons, but it looks like I hit the jack by this time. And make it worse, brightness decided there's only one spot in Nigeria where he wants to hunt.

up north past kugama kugama and tomorrow we're taking that stinking train uh... look camo i'm a foreign correspondent and i'm supposed to get a story on a tribal chief up there soba yeah you know them yes that's a hundred around a couple of times you give me this good luck charm a few years ago

yeah say how would i go about getting to soba's village I was pretty rugged country. You have to pack in from Kugama. Say, our Safari will be headed in that direction. Why don't you go along with us? I could take your right to Soba's village. Well, I wouldn't want to inconvenience you.

All nonsense, no inconvenience. Believe me, I'd be glad of the company. And I don't think Brighton would have any objections. How about it? Well, that's a thought gamble. Thanks for the offer. I tell you, we can talk about it on the train to Kugama, huh? Okay. See you on board, Mitchell.

What a cattle train. How do we get to Kugama anyhow? Tomorrow noon. Care for another drink, Mrs. Brighton? Sure, I'd care for one, but better not. Look at Peter over there scowling away. He thinks I've had too many already.

Mr. Brighton doesn't approve, huh? He's one of those physical fitness bugs. You must have read about Teddy Roosevelt when he was a kid. He's been trying to live dangerously ever since. You know, you sound like you come from my side of the Atlantic.

Kansas City. Oh. How do you happen to... How do I happen to wind up Mrs. Brighton? Who knows? One day I'm in the chorus of the Bladium in London. The next day, I'm Mrs. Peter Brighton.

And I've been on a bicycle ever since. I think I'll have that drink after all. Oh! You're gonna go late. You're gonna read me like a book. Oh well. Is this the next to you occupied, sir?

No, no, help yourself. Thank you. What were you saying about being on a bicycle, Mrs. Brighton? Last year it was pig sticking in India. Have you ever been pig sticking? Not that I know of.

There has been much time on his hands. No, he works. He's always got some big confidence going on. He pulls around with a lot of different interests, soils, mining, stuff like that. I see. Well, getting late, I think I'll turn you.

OK, see you in the morning, Mrs. Brighton. Good night, Mr. Mitchell. Right. It is very amusing. What? Permit me. I am Varchak. What's amusing? That everyone is suddenly going to Kogama. Oh, for years I have operated trading post up there, and nobody pay any attention to that region.

But now suddenly everyone is interested in it. You know? There's a hunting party and a newspaper hack after a story constitute everybody Varchak? There's hunting expeditions and the story you seek. They would not by any chance have to do with the rumors of a discovery of manganese orent at region would they?

You're doing the talking. If you prefer, I will confine my conversation to the scenery. Like I say, you're doing the talking. As a matter of fact, we are passing through some very beautiful country right now.

Oh? Yes. Well, approaching a gorge which is quite spectacular, the view from the observation platform is a rewarding one. Is it? I can do with some fresh air anyway. Thanks. You are quite welcome. Evening.

Oh, I joined the view. Yeah, at the sun boards we're going over. Ah, just almost a thousand feet deep here, Mitchell. Mitchell? How come you know my name? Who are you? Hey, what are you doing? Get your hands off me, will ya?

Here's where you get off, Mitchell. Watch out, my friend. to reach you down there. Let's go, me and you're up. Hey. Yeah! But national broadcasting company is bringing you Brian Donlevay, starring in the role of Steve Mitchell, in the third of an exciting new adventure series, Dangerous Assignment.

You OK? Edward Close. What happened to Mr. Mitchell, Mr. Campbell, and I was sitting in the smoking car, we saw a man follow you outside, and then there were sounds of a fight. There was a fight, or two, the other guy lost.

Over the side. That was some view you sent me out here to see you for check. Or wasn't that what you had in mind? I do not understand. What's the next time we get to Campbell?

Can I know? Give him a few minutes. I have about a four hour layover there. Telegraph office in the station? Yeah. Telegraph office? Yeah. Depress association I work for is very strange, Warchick. They like me to send them stories now and then.

So that's what I'm going to do, if it's all right with you. Here's these report, Commissioner. Good, let's have it. Considerable interest being shown in manganese air by 10 to foot hunter named Brighton and trader named War Check.

Joining Brighton Safari to vicinity chief Sobers village. Good. Sounds like it's been a busy week, Commissioner. Oh, in a minute. Almost got tossed into Canyon two hours ago. What? Afraid Russ Holden wasn't as lucky as I was.

I was afraid of something like that road. Oh, the horse! Wait, what's wrong? There's two-hour layover here in Fano. And borrowing one of Campbell's native gunbearers to take me back to that ravine I almost got shoved into.

Let's see. We're just about under that railroad trestle right now, Zoru. Look, not the pretty sight, is it? Yeah, that's the guy who jumped me all right, Zorob. What, I have seen that man before.

What? Where? No, can't remember. Well, try to remember. Zorob, try. It's very important. See, they ought to have some identification here and there's a wallet. I did. Once, Greybird. Never heard of him. Warner! Warner! Me find something?

What is it? Here. A wristwatch. Bones, too. It's Russ Holden's wristwatch. Crane leave station soon. Time to go back, Warner. Yeah. Come on, Sir. He lived around this North country most of his life. No matter if that he wants to sell this tribe.

Oh, Mr. Mitchell, did you find anything at the bottom of a ravine? I found what I was looking for, Warchak. The body of men who attack you? Such a visually thing to have a little boy. Somebody have a grudge against you or some such silly thing?

Apparently somebody does, Brighton. Still the man of mystery, Mr. Mitchell? Look, Warchak. Warchak, I've got one rule on Safari. Everybody minds his own business. business. But of course, Mr. Campbell. What's that going with us?

Yeah. Yeah, it's bright and if we can tag along as far as this trading post. Oh, it's a glad old company. It helps keep my wife from getting bored. How much longer before we get there, Campbell?

I will pull into Kugama about noon. We'll take a couple of hours to load the jeeps. That'll get us started around two. My sunset tonight will be camped in the bush. How about putting some more wood on the fire, Campbell?

Yeah, sure thing. Give me a hand, will you, Mitchell? Okay, Campbell. I have Saturn. Scrubbing... What was that? Big cat out there somewhere. Go on, go on. Maybe we'll get a crack at him tomorrow.

I can hardly wait. There's a wonderful ride on a stuffy train, and a few charming hours bouncing in a jeep. Now a mangy lion waiting for us. How did I get so lucky? Well, if you will all excuse me, I think I will go to my camp.

That's a good idea, me too. Probably a good idea if we all turned in pretty soon. The one to get started by Don. Who's out there? Suru? Oh, oh, come on in, Zorro. What is it?

Wanna gamble with you? No, uh, Campbell's in his tent isn't he? Not in tent? Wait a minute, he said he was gonna check the jeeps before he turned in. We'll look for him there. Uh, something I can do, Zorro?

No, me talk to Wanna Campbell. Oh, incidentally, have you remembered yet where you saw that dead guy in the ravine? Me only talk to Wanna Campbell. Only talk to Wanna Campbell. hmm what's with him mr. Mitchell huh it's a lot of brightens what can I do for you buy me a drink right I don't have anything fine I'm not a known Peter would carefully

am I any liquor from his provision list the world was that came from over there in that brush gamble gamble you're I am Mitchell zero what happened just going back to my tent I heard zero scream found him like this.

His throat's been cut. Campbell, Campbell! What's all the boys about that? Rightful scream, my... Who the... Best boy I ever had. He's dead. Murdered. Murdered? By who? And it's just what I'm wondering, Wojcik. Perhaps a fight with one of the other bearers.

Yeah. Perhaps. Oh, sounds coming up. We'll leave as soon as Brighton's ready. Look Campbell, maybe I better head for a solubus village this morning instead of tagging along with you Huh? I would advise you trying it alone Mitchell. I'll take you over there later as soon as Brighton's had enough honey for today

Okay, is the war check going with us this morning? No, he said he'd rather stay here camp Hey Campbell, huh? I Didn't get a chance to talk to you last night after zero was murdered, but I think I know why he got it What do you mean?

Zero told me that he'd seen the guy who tried to push me off the train before. Huh? Where'd he seen him? I don't know. But I think he remembered last night and wanted to tell you about it.

I wish he could have found me sooner. Well, here comes Brighton. We can start now. Hey, if you don't mind, I'm gonna speak pretty close to Brighton while we're out in the bush. Afraid his gun might go off accidentally in your direction again?

Yeah. I might not be so lucky this time. What time is it, Mitchell? Five to eight. Sitting in this jeep in the middle of the jungle is not my idea of sport. The sun is getting hotter by the minute.

So are the mosquitoes. Yeah. What's keeping, Camper? He said he and his gunbarrow would pick up the trail of that lion and come right back for us. Gone almost now. I'll probably be along in a few minutes, Brighton.

No, this isn't turning out at all the way I'd hoped. That I suppose I shouldn't have expected anything else. Huh? Yeah. I'm sick of the whole business. I said never have let Campbell talk me into coming way up here in this Godful Segun country.

It was Campbell's idea to come up here? He said it was yours. Oh no! He told me the hunting was better around here. Come on. Mmm. Get out of this Jeep. Let's get into the brush.

Hurry up! But Campbell told us to stay in this place. Yeah, yeah, yeah. He's probably circling around behind us right now. Come on. I don't understand neither did I They'll just now here into this brush Why is Campbell shooting at us?

Not us me look you sit tight right here, and you'll be okay. It's me. He's after Mitchell, where are you going? So this village. It's about two miles west here. I hope Sounds like the village just ahead some square down and, well, here goes, don't let me stop the feast.

If one of you will just tell me where your chief is. He is not the feast. Yes, does. Who are you? I want to talk to Sobah, your chief. Is he around? Around the cholo.

Now wait a minute, look. Oh, yeah, what is it? A wise man wants to talk to you. Is your name Sobah? You come at bad time, white man. We have death dance for one of my people, Zuru. Bring his body into village this morning.

Yeah, I know. Look, Soba, this is important. I've got to talk to you right away. Go to my hut, white man. We finish death dance, then we talk. A runga! You sound like man who speak with strict tongue, when a Mitchell may be your people are right ones to dig in my ground for metal.

But you are too late. What? Other man promised my tribe much food and medicine. What other man? He's trader man. Work check. Work check. Oh, looks like I picked the wrong guy. Where is he?

He's still in village. Yeah, I see him. How about that other hut? Excuse me, Soba. Watch it. Watch it. Ah, Mr. Mitchell. It would seem you arrived too late. Now look, watch it. I've been through too much in this deal to let that cartel you're working for.

Come on on top now. But you're mistaken, Mitchell. I worked for no cartel, but for myself. Why? You are bidding for mining rights. Cartel is also bidding for them. What more profitable place for me than in the middle where I can do business with the highest bidder?

I'm a fight! I'm a fight! Oh! War check! Oh, I was about to put a portal to him. I'm a fight! War check didn't stay in the middle very long. Campbell! Any agreement War check has with the Chief, it's void now.

With you out of the way, Mitchell, I think we'll be able to- Your man, Garber, missed, huh? So you're gonna finish a job yourself? Yeah. You ought to get a promotion for this, Campbell. Uh-uh.

Just money. A lot of it. Yeah. even mind-killing zuru when you realize you remembered seeing you and graver together. That's a lie. So, but it's not true. Mitchell here kills Zuru. You kill Rav Zuru. Look, so, I tell you, I didn't kill Zuru. It was Mitchell.

Why time to lies when my men pick up Zuru's body? They find good luck charm I gave you long time ago. Oh, I must have dropped it when I've been over Zuru every day. No, good luck charm under Zuru's body.

Barunga? No, no, Sarbha. Barunga, blockan. Mitchell! Who is Marunga? Good. He killed one of my people. He died. You don't waste any time, Silva. Mitchell, what? Come. We go to my hut. We talk some more.

Good. You can sign the agreement. I have the papers right here. No sign. What? What? Why? Soba no sign name. Soba can only make it. Oh. Well, look, Chief, don't worry about that. Right now, your ex is going to look like a million bucks to me.

Come on. You have just heard the third in an exciting new adventure series, Dangerous Assignment, starring Brian Donlevay as the visual. Dangerous Assignment is written by Bob Rife and directed by Bill Carn with music by Bruce Ashley.

Be with us again next week at this same time when Brian Donlevy, starting as Steve Mitchell, will embark on another Dangerous Assignment. This is NBC, the National Broadcasting Company.