Dangerous_Assignment_50 03 27_014_The_Sheiks_Secret.mp3

0:00Dangerous assignment, starring Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell. Good morning, Commissioner. Good morning, Steve. I was a flight back from Switzerland. Small the cell. Just got in. Glad you liked it, because you're taking the next plane for Cairo. Cairo? You mean today? Look, I don't even have a clean shirt left. You can dunk it in the nail when you get there. Yes, Commissioner. How are you doing on Steve's plane ticket? I was able to get him space on the next plane. Takes off in an hour. Good. Oh, great. I haven't had a date for a week and now you want to fix me up with a mummy. Steve, remember Shikaroon? Sure, he's no friend of mine. He should be. What do you mean? About five years ago I taught him to play poker and he cleaned me.

1:03And as you know, the Shik controls a territory on the edge of the Sahara. He has a wall-city there. Yeah, I was there once. Quite a joint. We think there's uranium ore in his territory. You don't think the Shik's making himself an A-bomb, do you? No, but we do know that six months ago we concluded an agreement for meeting representatives of several countries to explore and develop the area. That agreement expires X-Wenzy and the Shik has suddenly refused to renew it or even see our representatives. Yeah, sound like someone up the alley, huh? Yeah, apparently these other interests have the inside track with him right now. We want you to change all that. Oh, great. Sounds like a cinch. Where is the Shik now in his walled city? No. According to our information, he's staying on his houseboat in the Nile at Cairo right now. Steve, get to the sheet. What you say don't was up to you, but it's vital that our agreement with him be renewed. Well, I said, you've got your assignment, Steve. Yeah, yeah, I know. Good luck.

2:21The National Broadcasting Company is proud to present Dangerous Assignments, starring Brian Dunlevy as Steve Mitchell, colorful two-fisted government agent. At all those places of the world where danger and intrigue walk hand in hand, there you will find Steve Mitchell on another Dangerous Assignment. Yeah, this assignment's really a cinch. All I have to do is stick my nose into a hornet's nest of more powerful politics and change the whole course of events, just by reminding the leader of 30,000 fanatical tribesmen that he and I used to be pals. So, I slip a copy of how to win friends and influence people into my suitcase and head for Cairo. It's Friday when I get there. I check in at the Delta Hotel and then I head for the sheet's houseboat on the Nile. Stop where you are, offended. You cannot come aboard this boat. Who are you? One of the sheet's guards. Look, tell the sheet that Steve Mitchell is here.

3:24The sheet will see no one. Who's that guy up on the deck? That is Ahmed, the sheet's confidential secretary. Look, Ahmed, I warn you do not set foot on this boat or it will be the guard done pleasant duty to shoot you. Guard? Guard? Oh, good afternoon, Mikhan. Is the sheet changed his mind about seeing me? No, I am afraid not, Mikhan, but truly he will see me. I am sorry, but I have my orders. The sheet will see no one. Now, please leave. Both of you, I'd want. Very well. Okay, but I'll be back. I would not advise you to offend me. Well, looks like you didn't have any better luck than I did. Say, your face seems familiar. I am Mikhan. I was once the chief's trusted lieutenant. I thought I recognized you. I'm Steve Mitchell. Steve Mitchell, of course. It has been a long time. Yeah. Hey, what's going on anyway? I wish I knew Mitchell. Up until last week I enjoyed the sheet's complete confidence. But suddenly everything has changed. Shake up in the tribe, huh?

4:27Now you will not even see me. Something must have turned him against me. Something or someone. I must have turned him against just about everybody. How about that secretary, Ahmed? I have been wondering about him. He's been acting strangely the last few days. I've asked him several times to get me an audience with his sheet, but he seems very evasive. I wonder if somebody's paying him to be evasive. I do not know. Look, you know the lay of the land around here a lot better than I do. Maybe you can help me. I would be glad to if I thought I could, but it is very discouraging. Yeah, but somehow I've got to see the sheet. Very well, Mitchell. I will try to help you. Meet me at the Sphinx Club at eight o'clock tonight. Perhaps I will have thought of a plan by then. I get back to my hotel just in time to see a figure that looks like Ahmed scooting through the lobby. In my room there's a bowl of fruit on the table with a note compliments of the management.

5:28I pick out an apple and start for the window thinking about the whole deal. Then suddenly I quit thinking and start listening. The sound is pecking away at my ears. The faint sound, but it keeps up. Then it registers. My boil around is coming from across the room, the table, the bowl of fruit. I grab the bowl, run the window, open it, and then I heave it out in the garden below. The concussion knocks me back. I can hear a couple of windows breaking. I run downstairs to the lobby that clerk is waving his hands in the air. What happened? That explosion! That explosion was meant for me. A little thin-faced man scooted out of here a minute ago. Yes, he took a taxi. Is this hotel driver's regular stand? Yes, it is. Look, I've got to meet a guy at the Sphinx Club in a few minutes. When that cab driver returns, send him over there.

6:28Welcome to my humble Sphinx Club, sir. You are just in time for the entertainer. I am looking for a guy named Mikan. Ladies and gentlemen! Measures! Over here. Hello, Mikan. Please sit down. Thanks. I almost didn't make it tonight. Looks like I'm at the planet of bomb in my room. What? What, Michel? Look, you found out anything yet. Only that this chick is no longer in his houseboat. That doesn't do as much good. Hey, who's that guy out there talking about Hollywood? His name is Eddie Martell, a very clever entertainer. Listen to him. I think you'll find him amusing. I'd like to give you my humble impression of a few American movie stars. Let's see if you can recognize him. Can I have your attention, please? All of you at the back of the room there? Now, how about this impression? Now, let them, baby. I don't want to have any trouble with you. We do it my way, or we don't do it at all. Fuck me!

7:28Hey, he's not bad. He seems to be very popular here. Let's try this one now. No, she's here. You can't talk like that to her man at the other side. You know, I won't stand for it. You hear? I won't stand for it. But he wants to see Stella. Oh, you're really boxy tonight. Here's one more. Try to catch this one now. If I were King, I'll be five. King, what treasures I would bring. Van Johnson! Van Johnson. Who was it? Who wasn't said Van Johnson? All right. Waiter, take that man on his table and put him on the nile. Well, I think that's about over now. Thank you. Thank you very much. I'll be back for the midnight show with more of them. And I'll see you later. Well, looks like he's heading for our table. Hi, chum. You know, I can spot an American a mile away.

8:28And I always have to stop and say hello, hello, hello. Have a seat. Thanks. Howdy, my tell's a name. Steve Mitchell, this is Mikan. Hi. Allow me to compliment you on your egg, Mr. Moteff. Yeah, it's pretty good. Ah. It's just an egg. If you got it, you can impersonate almost anybody. Now, take you, for instance, Mr. Mitchell. I haven't heard much of your voice, but I think this might sound something like it, huh? Is that close? Not bad. Over here. There is a telephone call for you. For me? Are you sure? Yes, sir. If you will come with me. Okay. Excuse me. I'll be back in a minute. Yeah, sure. Of course. Where is the phone? In the back room. Mitchell offended a cab driver came in here a minute ago. He said you wanted to see him. Oh, yeah, I do. Ah, here we are. There is the phone over on the table. I will send the cab driver back when you are through with your call. Okay, thanks.

9:29Hello. Good evening, Steve, Mitchell. Chic Haroon. Hey, where are you? Here in Cairo. Look, I've been trying to see you. I know. I have been kept informed as to your movements. It's a mining agreement. I'm well aware of that. But I have no intention of renewing it. I intend to make other arrangements. Look, won't you at least let me talk to you about it? You will do no good, Mitchell. And let me advise you for the last time to let the method drop. If you do not, if you persist in interfering, then I cannot be responsible for the consequences. Look, forget that I once saved your life. Just remember, I taught you to play poker now. At least you owe me a chance to do it. Good night, Mitchell. Later tonight, I'm returning to my world city. Wait a minute. Oh, great. Mr. Mitchell, sir? Oh, are you the cab driver? Yes, sir. The hotel tracks had you wish to see. Yeah. You picked up a little thin-faced guy named Ahmad in front of the hotel about an hour ago.

10:30Where'd you take him? I have written the address on a piece of paper, sir. Oh, thanks. Here is for you trouble. Thank you, sir. I'm right close. Here I'll be heading for the States again, I guess. I imagine it would seem good to get back home. Or meet you. Hey, Martell. Huh? How'd you like to make a few extra bucks? You kidding? Is it honest and who cares? I think I might have a little job for you in a few minutes. Yeah, okay. See in my dressing room, okay? That's a deal. What is this all about, Mitchell? Look, Mikan. That phone call just now is from the chic. What? Where do you see it? Somewhere in Cairo, but he's living for his world city. That means we've got to act tonight. But they still don't understand what you wish with this Eddie Martell. Look, he's an impersonator. He could imitate my voice on the phone. He meant that your voice. That's right. I want Martell to call Ahmed. I believe he's me until Ahmed. I know he planted that bomb, and I'm on my way over to settle things with him. But what did he accomplish? Well, I'm going to be right across the street from Ahmed's place when he gets that call.

11:31If he's working under the chic's orders, he'll probably get panicky and run to the chic. I'll follow him. If he's working for somebody else, he'll probably run there. I'll still follow him. I see. Well, I hope it works. In the meantime, Mitchell, I will continue my efforts to see the chic. OK. If you do locate him, tell him I know I'm trying to fill an inside straight. But I think he owes me at least a chance to draw it to it. I do not think I understand your message, Mitchell. Maybe not. But I think the chic will. Well, I'll see you later, Mekhan. So I make the deal with it. He might tell the call Ahmed at nine. I pay the guy across the street five bucks to let me roost on his roof. It's a good spot. I can look right into Ahmed's room. At five to nine, a girl comes in. She's wearing a red dancing skirt. She and Ahmed seem to be talking about something pretty important. Nine o'clock comes. Nine fifteen. Still no phone call. I wait until nine thirty, and by then I'm sure something has gone wrong.

12:33I go back to the Sphinx Club and head for Eddie Martell's dressing room. There's a man standing in front of the door. What do you want? I want to see Eddie Martell. Why? Who are you, Steve Mitchell? Now look, it's OK with you. I want to see Eddie Martell. Is he in the dressing room? Yes. And it is quite all right with me if you wish to see him, Mr. Mitchell. There he is. Oh, brother. Not a very pretty scientist. I guess he won't be impersonating anybody from now on. No. Please tell me why you wish to see Eddie Martell. What is it to you? Allow me. I am Lieutenant Abura of the Cairo Police. Well, Lieutenant, as long as we're laying credentials on the table, you're a mine. I'm going to see. Why are you in Cairo, Mr. Mitchell? I've been trying to see Sheikh Haroon. You think this chic is involved in the skilling? It looks like it. His boy, Ahmed, planted a bomb in my room.

13:34I see. Mitchell, you are aware of Sheikh Haroon's power. Are you prepared to confront him with an accusation? No. I'm just trying to confront him. Period. Without more evidence, I cannot help you. All right. I think I know where I can get the evidence. The hard way. The Sheikh Secretary, Ahmed. Come then. Let us pay him a visit. Really hot tonight, Lieutenant? Yes, and the air is quite still. These weather conditions usually signify the start of the come scene. Come, scene? What's that? A blinding sandstorm from the Cairo. Oh, fine. That's about all I need right now. A nice sandstorm. Well, here we are. This is Ahmed's rooming house. His room is right here in front. Mitchell, we will enter without knocking.

14:35I suggest you be prepared for anything. Yeah. Wait a minute. Look. There on the floor. Yes. This is Ahmed. It was Ahmed before he collected that slug. Well, Lieutenant, now do we see the Sheikh? Yes. Where is he? Somewhere in Cairo. Nikhan may be able to help us. Nikhan? Yeah, he was the Sheikh's second in command. He's checking some places the Sheikh might be here in town. Hey, wait a minute. There's one other. Who is that? The dancing girl in the red skirt who came to see Ahmed while I was watching his room. I've got to find her. Mitchell, do you realize how many dancing girls there are in Cairo? Sure. We like trying to find one tree in a forest, I suppose. But it's all I've got to go on right now. I'll check with you later, Lieutenant. For the next three hours, I cover every cafe bar and dive I can find.

15:38I see a lot of dancing girls, all shapes and sizes, quite a few are wearing red skirts. But none of them is the one I'm looking for. The sandstorm is started by now and it's really a built. Ah, fine I give up and head back to my hotel room. I open the door. And there's the first night just been turning Cairo upside down to find the girl in the red dancing skirt. The gun looked very business like, but she was trembling. Close the door, Mitchell. Okay. So I'm next. First Ahmed, Naomi. I was Ahmed's sweetheart. You took a pretty funny way of showing it. I did not kill Ahmed. You did. I'd... There you look. This isn't neat cover-up if it works. I saw you go to his room a little earlier this evening. He was alive when I left. What makes you think I killed him? I knew he was trying to see you. I thought he was trying. They did not put any bomb in your room. He wanted to tell you that the chic was gone. The chic is gone, but what did he hold it?

16:40What? The picture on the wall behind you is moving. Here you come, barrel. Get down. This slug is tearing to the rug beside us. I'd dive out into the hall and head for the next room. The door is locked. By the time I've battered it down the room's empty. I hear someone pounding down the fire escape. I stick my head out to window and the wind promptly blows a couple of sand in each eye. I can't even open them for them, and I've let alone see what a sniper is. I go back to my own room. That girl is gone. Oh, now I'm right back where I started from with a handful of nothing. I call Lieutenant Abura. He and his boys give the room next door a thorough going over. I'm waiting for him in his office when he finishes. Mitchell, I thought you said the chic was a friend of yours. I did. Why? We went over the hotel room next to you as very thoroughly, the one from which you were shot at. There were several cigarette butts and a half empty glass of water. So the sniper had been waiting there for me? What's that got to do with the chic?

17:40The fingerprints on that glass were his. What? Are you sure? Of course I am sure. Several years ago, doing a political uprising, this chic was a guest of ours temporarily. We got his fingerprints then. They matched the ones on the glass. Well, after this, I'll pick my friends more carefully. Mitchell, I will tell you frankly, I do not know quite what to do about this. Even though the chic fingerprints are on that glass, it would be very delicate and dangerous thing to go out to his wall, city, and formally accuse him of an attempt on your life. He's tribesmen of phonetically loyal to him. Well excuse me. Sure. Lieutenant the Buddha speaking. What? Oh, just a minute. This for you, Mitchell. Oh. Hello? This is me, Khan Mitchell. I've been trying to get in touch with you. Yeah. They told me at your hotel that you were at police headquarters. Anything new? I covered all the places I thought the sheep might be. About two hours ago, I saw him come out of one of them. Did you get a chance to talk to him? Only as he was getting in his car to return to his city.

18:42He would not listen to me. He said your mission was hopeless. What did he say when he gave him my message about drawing to an inside straight? Nothing. I'm afraid he did not understand it. I see. Well, thanks for the triumph, Khan. Lieutenant, I just had a thought. I know it's a tough proposition to get into that walled city if you're not welcome, but what happens in a sandstorm like this? You're in the scene, everyone remains indoors on the cover. There's only a fool would venture out into it. That's what I mean. What's you and maybe a couple of fools? Oh, it's Mitchell. How could we get there? What the jeep, I suppose. Could you dig up some goggles? Yes, I suppose. But look, look. I think I understand now what Ahmed was talking about. It seems like a wild guess, but it's the only answer that makes sense. But to make sure we're going to have to pay a visit to the sheep in his walled city. There are the wolves just ahead, Mitchell.

19:45Yeah, come on. I hate to think of what this sand would be doing to our eyes if we didn't have these goggles. So do I. There the gate is closed. There's no sensory object. Here's your right. Come on. I hate to think of what this sand would be doing to our eyes if we didn't have these goggles. Here's your right about the sandstone, Mitchell. City may be unguarded. Yeah, come on. Let's find the place to climb this wall. It's too high to jump about 12 feet. Mitchell, many things about this slide. Do not understand. Me too. But I think it's beginning to fall into place. Hey, wait. There are a few missing rocks in the wall here. Maybe I can get enough for a handhold. I'll give it a try. Mitchell, be careful. I'll see you on the wall. He will shook instantly. Yeah, I know. Here's another hold. Can you reach the bottom of your head? Yeah. I've got a hole in the mouth.

20:45As soon as I pull myself up, I'll give you a hand. Hey, I've got a hold. Can you reach my hand? Yes. There you go. I'll think of it. Okay. We'll drop down just inside the wall here. I'll go first. Come ahead. Well. Hey. This wall shelter us from the window, little. Yeah. Now, look. There's a secret entrance to the six chambers. He showed it to me when I was here five years ago. Where is it? Right around the corner of that building over there, I think. I will be crossing about 20 feet of open space, but we've got to take a chance. You ready? Yes. Let's go. Mitchell, we have been seen. Yeah. Get behind the corner of the building here. Come on. Here we are. Now you press one of these rocks and it's opposed to open the door. Mitchell, hurry. I've got it. Quick. Get inside. Okay.

21:45Pull the door shut behind you. I cannot see a thing. Turn on your flashlight. Good. Now, up this slide is steered. This leads to the six chambers. That guard who saw us, he will be taking a chance to. He doesn't know about that secret entrance. Okay. This door takes us right into the chic's room. Now, get ready for anything, Lieutenant. Mitchell, the room is empty. No. I don't think it is. Mikan should be here. You are very clever, Mitchell. Still quite still both of you. Hello, Mikan. You're a very persistent man, Mitchell. Not quite as persistent as you are, I guess. How did you know? If you'd known anything about poker, I might never have caught on. But when you told me the chic didn't understand my message

22:47about drawing to an inside straight. That does not matter now, Mitchell. I'll tell the interplace after that. But the Mitchell, where is the chic? I think I know that, too. But he told you at the swings club. You know, that was the impersonator Eddie Martell. I thought I was going to use him, but Mikan beat me to it. With the chic's fingerprints and the hotel room. I guess it wasn't too hard to place a glass with those fingerprints there. Mikan. You're wasting time. The point is both of you not too much to live. I... I'll pour it, keep your hands inside. Watch out, Lieutenant. I want you! I pour a crash into the table and knocks the lamp to the floor. It's darkness now. And now, Mitchell, I have a different fate in store for you. I can't spend some time. I knew about the trap door and the pitful alarm the chic had shown them to me once. So, you escaped the heat, but you cannot get out of this room. Why don't you call for help, Mikan? Or maybe you don't want any of the tribe to know what's in that pit.

23:48You are quite right, Mitchell. It's a matter to be certain between the farmers. I start circling in the dark. I know Mikan's across the pit, but he doesn't know which side I'm on. Then a finger of light stabs at him from the floor. A burrow is still alive. And it turned on his flashlight. Mikan shoots out the light. But in the second it is on, I'd located him. He is standing on the other side of the pit with his back to it. That's the one direction he isn't expecting me to come from. The pit's about 10 feet across, but I know it's my only chance. I get a running start and die across the pit of Mikan. Mitchell! Ah, lost your gun, huh? I do not need it. There's enough strength in my arm for me. What are you doing? Just a hammerlock, buddy. Now we'll see how you like the pit. No, Mitchell! The pit! No! No! Please, Mitchell! Do not drop me! Don't worry, Mikan. I'll get a hold of you by one hand. I want to keep you nice and alive.

24:50Don't let go of me! Don't let go! Mitchell! Yeah, Lieutenant? Breaking down the door. Good. Get back! Bring him away quickly! It is a guard. Keep him covered for a minute, Lieutenant. Yes! Stand back! What the hell is your matter? God! God, get me out of here! If he takes one step towards me, I'll drop you, Mikan. No, no, no, God! Stay where you are. Me, bitches! Hey, thanks! Sleep me! He'll slip more than that if I let go your arm. Hey, guns, do me! Sure, sure. Just tell these guards what you did with the chic. No, no, God! Do not listen to him! Pull me out! Okay, Mikan. I'll just let go of you and then... No, no, no, no, no, no! Go on, open up, spell it! What is this about the chic? You told us he was ill, Mikan. Start talking to me. You'll be right down there with him. I did the chic. He's dead! Stayed! Keep talking. I... I changed him. What? Okay, guard. Help me pull him out. You got a hold of him? Yes! Here we go. God, God, listen to me. It was not the truth. What I just said, I...

25:52He's all yours, guard. And if you'll check the bottom of that pit, I think you'll find what's left of the chic. No, no, come, Mikan! Let me go! You have hand me with him! And you will come on through! How are you doing, Lieutenant? Oh, I will be all right. This is a shoulder wound. Good. And you? Oh, I'm okay except my right arm feels about three inches longer than my left arm. Mitchell, why did Mikan kill the chic? He knew the chic was going to renew our mining agreement. But Mikan had sold out to the other interests, so he killed the chic. But this business of making it look like the chic was still alive? Sure, until after the mining agreement had been signed with the boys who were paying Mikan off. And he could announce that the chic could met with an accident, and as second in command, Mikan would take over the tribe. What will happen now? When the six boys find out that Mikan killed their leader in order to change that agreement, I think they could be talked into preserving the status quo.

26:52You know, that's funny. What is? You've heard the old saying. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. How do you mean? Well, Mikan knew more about poker than he realized. He knew how to bluff, and that's a large part of the game. But if you're going to play a game, you better know all about it. Mikan should have known what an inside straight was. I see. Just what is an inside straight? You mean you don't know anything about poker, either? No. Not I think. That's very interesting. Come on. You start the school as soon as we get back to Cairo. It may be that I've found me a pigeon. A pigeon? That's an American term, meaning... Well, I think I'll let you find out what it means soon enough. Come on. Very well. We will play your game, but just one favor. Sure, anything. Dealer's choice induces wild my deck and no limit.

27:56Oh, great. My pigeon has turned into a buzzard. You have just heard another episode in the exciting new adventure series, Dangerous Assignments, starring Brian Donleveg as Steve Mitchell. Dangerous Assignment is written by Bob Reif with music by Bruce Ashley and is directed by Bill Carn. Be with us again next week at this time when Brian Donleveg, starring as Steve Mitchell, will embark on another Dangerous Assignment. Throughout the week, NBC brings you unparalleled drama in action-packed Mystery Adventure programs.

28:59Tomorrow here, big town with crusading editor Steve Wilson fighting crime and viciousness. On Wednesday, listen to the champion of the people, Mr. District Attorney in a fast-moving 30 minutes of action drama, and big story with a true tale from the front pages of America's newspapers. Richard Whitmark is a merchant seamen on Cavalcade tomorrow on NBC.