IWCF 41 Charter City Square Dance

I was a Communist for the FBI, starring Dana Andrews and an exciting tale of danger and espionage. I was a Communist for the FBI. You are about to hear a strange story. Names, dates, and places are, for obvious reasons, fictional, but many of these incidents are based on the actual experiences of Matt Savetic over nine fantastic years lived as a Communist for the FBI. Here is our star, Dana Andrews as Matt Savitic. For nine years, it was a steady diet of treachery and betrayal, all wrapped up in a tissue of Red lies. I lied so much I couldn't even believe myself sometimes. But even when I hated myself most I knew that I was helping to expose the menace of Red fanaticism. That's why I had to keep on being a Communist for the FBI. In a moment, listen to Dana Andrews as Mat Samtic undercover man. Now here is Dana Andrews as Mat Savetic undercover man. This story from the Confidential File is marked Capital City Square Dance. The bus was bringing me into Capital City, the state capital for my job was to influence the legislature toward communist slanted laws. The hotel Sheldon, I found a room reserved for me. In that room was a tall, thin, skull faced man with deep set black eyes that made me shiver. My appearance frightened you, comrade, not at all. Don't lie. Don't ever lie to me. I want, Comrade Keels, you. Were sent here to Capital City because as Secretary of the Civil Rights Congress, you have a position from which to act openly act. The party needs the passage of a bill. But looking at her terry as a fellow traveler, I think you'll have no trouble persuading him to start this bill as a writer, and a more popular bill. Of course. Oh, they get the popular bill passed, they have to pass hours long, will it? That will help all right? But even at that we'll need a lot of votes. At your job. Well, it've can depend on my organization and you. I hope funds have been deposited in your name at the Citizens Union Bank Funds. No matter how much pressure we can arrange to be put on the congressman, there is a danger of failure. You will purchase us some additional measure of assurance that the bill will pass. Of course, do we meet here. I prefer to remain undercover when possible. I run a penny arcade at Third and Franklin. In the recording booth, you'll find a switch mark tone control. Turn this switch on and off three times, then twice, three times, and twice. The panel will open. Beneath the table. Inside, you'll find the tape recorder. At ten o'clock each night, you'll record your messages to me and listen to whatever instructions I might have for you. I understand we will never meet in person, except when absolutely necessary, a fact i'm sure you appreciate. Need a list of the market building hop in Matt. Hello, Frank, got you in Washington. I flew here when the FBI got your report. Well, I know it was important, but I know it was that important. When the Reds start monkeying in our legislatures, it's top priority. Danger man, The wrong kind of law getting passed can need more trouble than one hundred pieces of sabotage. Yeah. Well, here's a cop of the bill the party wants passed. I'll read it later, right now, boil it down for me. Well, skipping the comedy double talk. The law says simply that no man in the state can be fired from any job, union, or organization for reasons of political belief. That's all a protection the Kami's need. But that caused trouble orders for a while. Play along with it, Matt. It'll give you a chance to spottle the red activity here and give us their setup. But one of the bill looks like it'll get passed. See that it doesn't, Senator Terry, I understand you were sympathetic to the views of my organization. This is a copy of the bill we'd like to get started where to a degree I am sympathetic. I love. I'll see what I can do, mister Seti, I see that this bill goes on as a writer. Yes, I understand, but it takes votes to pro. Pressure is being brought to bear on your fellow senators from many sources, of course, but even that may not be enough. We know that, and we plan to obtain other votes. You might know someone less than the public eye who could help with that problem. Well, there is one person I know, a girl, a girl, a very extraordinary girl, Irene. Stannard, and she can deliver the votes I'll need. If she can't. I'm sure she'll know who can. Irene is a very talented girl. Where do I find her? Try the Sheldon Grill later tonight. It's the focal point of Capital City's political social life. She's usually around and how I know her? Look for the most beautiful woman in the room if she has red hair. You found Irene Stannard. You say, Senator Terry mentioned my name? Yes, miss Standard, and I can tess I like his taste. No, thank you got Ain't you the right to call me Irene? Mine? Matt? Obviously there's something you want me to do for you? How but you don't have much money? A nice looking ones? Never do. You put it right on the line, don't you? Irene saves time and just lots of trouble. Tell me what you want, Matt, I'll tell you what it costs. Votes on a bill. Terry is going to start. How many votes would you need? A lot? I'm afraid that's out of my league. I could get you a few. Sorry I wasted your time. Okay, wait, sit down, Mine, you do act impossibly. I could tell you who could get those votes for you. I thought you could. There's a lovely blue mink stole and a store window down the street. I'm a dream in blue mink. If I had to pay for it, it'd be a nightmare to me. Fie to one, it's not your own money. Ten to one. I could find this vote gether myself without your help. Okay, can't blame a girl for trying make it. You introduce me to this man with the votes tonight. Now help me get this bill passed. When it is, you'll be wearing that stoll. All right, miss, I'll take you to him now. There was no effort to follow the beautiful red headed irene as you led me to a pink stucco palace stalling over an acre of Capital City's most exclusive suburbs. In contrast to the quiet taste of Senator Terry's home, this one was furnished in the gaudy splendor of an Oriental Siberia, and the monstrous bulding owner was all of that and more. Sitting behind his desk in a brocaded silk robe, he looked like a great Easter egg. No sirmony between dear friends like you and me. I've got someone to see a woman, that's Eric Jason Bowman. Capital City is leading citizens and most successful lobbyists. The lighted sir, And you came here for votes in the legislature, because that's all I have to give votes on the bill being started. That's right, and frankly one without much chance, of course, why else come to me? Will There's no guarantee, of course, but within reason I can deliver what you need for a fee the man after my own heart. Yes, sir, I do love a man who doesn't shilly shalli. Yeah, I love you too? How much? Twenty five thousand as a retainer for my services and another twenty five when the bill passes more if there's trouble and expenses of. Course, wow, I'll have to let you know, volman, very well. Not before any deal can be considered. I must be sure your bill is a proper one. Understand now, your organization. Is un secretary of the Civil Rights Congress. Ah, there are rumors that your organization is a front for the communist. Mister Svedi, Well, it's. About of course, you can assure me that such is not the cave. Oh yeah, sure, high and fine. You take my word on it, no questions asked, of course, my dear fellow, I trust you and I understand Volman, I sure do him and his conscience. He helped you pass alaw legalizing murders. You paid him for it. While we're stopping, I. Just remembered I promised my mother i'd make a record and send it to her. I can do it here and miss turning our kid. I'll go in and wait. No, you going home? I right now see you tomorrow. Hi, mass Yeah. I don't know what you're involved in and who backs you, and I don't care. Good night, mat. Between a punching bag and peep shows, I found the recording booth twenty five cents a play inside. I switched on the tone control three times, then twice. With the recording table, a small panel slid up into your bela compact tape recorder. I turned on the playback to see if Comrade Kells had left any message for me. Comrade Sethtic, you admit progress, no doubt your visit with the lobbyist Volman and in his demand for a large sum of money, this was expected. The party feels the passage of this bill worthy expense. Pay him. I turned the machine on again and put up the microphone Semitic reporting Volman asked twenty five thousand retainer and twenty five more for the job. I must ask you to reconsider paying him, Comrade Kells. I believe Volmann untrustworthy and a serious danger to the party's plans. I'm holding up payment until your reply tomorrow. Night Tell's knowledge made it plain I was being watched, so after a late meal, I went straight home. I knew my stalling the comic plant was dangerous, but I didn't realize how dangerous until I entered my hotel room and found the skull faced Kells again waiting for me. I didn't expect to call on you in person so soon, comrade, until you refused to obey me. Oh wait, I wasn't refusing. It was just at my impression of Almen. I couldn't be less interested in your impressions, Comrade Kells. You should have faith in your leader's decisions. I do, I wonder, and Comrade Svetic, that should worry you. Now back to Dinner Andrews starring as Matt Sivek and I was a Communist for the FBI and the second act of our story. The Common Instigated Bill was on its way through the state legislature as a writer on a bill known as S one S nine. The red bill was worded in double talk, with no hint of the pressure being brought to bear by a dozen powerful and in some cases innocent organizations to see that S one seven nine was passed. The bill passed the Senate, and one person was not surprised, the lobbyist Bolman, and with six votes to spare, the House of Representatives will be tougher nonsense. The bill will pass. You'll see I better. I'm paying fifty thousand dollars to see it. I've been paid more and less probably, but but I guess we make enough to pay income taxes. Please don't mention those words. Comrades Swetic, twenty five thousand dollars has been placed in your countercover. Final payment to Vohlman. Be careful. FBI agents from Washington are in town. Syndic reporting. House of Representatives will vote on bill S one seven nine Monday. Your orders heard and understood. Don't worry about the FBI. I'll be very careful. Hello there, Hello Irie spending another recording to your mother. M oh yeah, what are you doing here? So you go in and decided to wait for you. I was hoping you'd be glad to see me. Hi, sure, sure, I am. Glad enough to have a late dinner with me. I know of a wonderful place not far from here. I'm sorry, but I've got something that I have to do. Say, on second thought, I will go if we can stop by your apartment first. What's so funny my apartment? That was the place I was going to take you for dinner to your very good health. Nets salortimpo pargastars. Sounds nice. That means health well and love and time to enjoy it. Oh, a pretty wonderful. Got to tell me why you wanted to come up here. I need to use your phone without being seen. Pfinitely private or hand and one you can be sure isn't tapped. So okay, you guess rights over there in the cabinet, help yourself and I'll wait in. The other room. The call was to the FBI, and even on the private line, I used code to arrange a meeting. I slipped out of Irene's apartment without saying goodbye, and a few minutes later I was in the FBI office telling what I knew. Okay, Matt, anything else, Well, you'd better keep an eye on Senator Terry. I think he's just a misguided idealist, but in his position he can. Do a lot of harm. Well, it's time to stop that red bill, Matt. We'll arrange to have it protested. That'll help. Too bad. You couldn't have got to it sooner. Kels has had me covered like a blanket. I didn't want his men to even see me near a phone, because when Kels gets suspicious, there's no fun at all. So S. One nine and its rider has been protest today. Well, that's too bad. You don't seem very upsetful, man. I never get upset, bad for a man of my weight. Besides, the bill can still be passed. After the protest. The representatives will be sure to read our bill carefully. Now, that will finish it, they'll. I'll say, well, I shall see to it. In fact, I have already made arrangements for the necessary majority. Well, if you succeed, I have the last twenty five thousand. Amount is slightly incorrect. What trouble causes my price to rise? As I told you, cash in advance this time forty thousand. Forty tomorrow night, will do good? Ay, mister SETI I didn't get Kill's reaction until the next day. Then, at two o'clock a crisp ten word phone call instructed me to withdraw the money in my account at the Citizen Union Bank and bring it with me that night. So the cast was in my pocket at ten o'clock when I entered the Penny Arcade record booth and switched on the hidden recorder. Never mind using this recorder comment SETI report to me in my office immediately. Do you have the money? Yes, Comra here twenty seven yes, I can just make it was what I had. There's thirty nine forty thousand, yes, Comra, and I'm to take that on. Money will stay with me. You'll return here at eleven o'clock when I closed the arcade. Then you'll take me to see Volmans. Our ideal can be completed tonight. As Kels talked, he stuffed the money in a long Manila envelope and dropped it into the inside pocket of his coat. Hanging over the back of his chair. Watching him gave me an idea, and outside, I ducked the man following me and found a drug store where I could buy a duplicate envelope. I filled the envelope with cut newspaper and took up a vigil in the alley behind Kell's office. Through an open window, I watched Kels preparing to close the arcade, then got my break when he stepped into his tiny washroom for the moment, out of side of his coat still hanging over his chair. I had to be quick, quiet, and lucky. I was all three when Kels came from the washroom. The envelopes had been switched, and I was outside, complete with forty thousand dollars and a bad case of shakes. Ah, good evening, gentlemen. Showing a step into the library. Thank you. Let me guess this is the man behind the throne. Name mister SPENNI welcome, mister. My name is not important. This is here. Forty thousand are part of the bargain. Thank you. If the money is all here, it's there opening I will open cottage. Let's have no trust spoiling our relationship. Of course, what kind of a joke is this joke? This paper? But what kind of afford do you take me for? It was forty thousand dollars in the hourill hope. I sealed it myself. And and was never out of my possession. That's all you are paid. The party will expect you to do your job party. So you're communists. I guess you didn't know. This puts a new light on things. Good, Hey, gentlemen, not yet, Bowman, not until I have he's got a uh, ignoring political beliefs. It seems obvious you have no money. Therefore our business dealings are finished. What's so funny? This is the first time I've done business with people as untrustworthy as myself. If I hadn't been planning to swindle you, i'd be most annoyed by your efforts to. Swindle me who he never intended to deliver those votes, My dear fellow, I'm not a magician, of course not. That's why I requested the money in advance, you treacherous swine. Ah, stay back, sweady, look after your friend. Yeah, kelt hm he No, he's only wounded. And get him out of here quickly before I call the police. All right, woman, pull me a glass of water from that caraffe so I can bring him to he's too big to carry. Thanks. You're not out, woman, but i'd stay on the floor if I were you. Oh, and I'll pick up the gun just to keep you out of trouble. What are you going to do? You mentioned the police. I thought i'd call him for you if you're going to want you woman? Oh but yes, had you finished your testimony in the woman trial. Man, he's a cinch from five to ten. Will you be leaving now? As soon as I say goodbye, Irene, You're going to be mad about not getting that stole. She'll get it from someone else. You in trouble at Commie headquarters. Not really. Those rules of tape recording I took from Kel's recording machine proved how I protested his trusting volman. So I'm clear, and Kells the party sending him to the Soviet for the cure. I don't like Shells, but I can't help feeling sorry for what he's facing. I can imagine the party's plenty sore about his failing to get the bill. Passed plenty and Kel's losing that money. I turned into you and made it worse. But it all goes to show that communism, like crime, this doesn't pay. It was back to work as a kami, A brief moment with my FBI contact when I could feel like a decent human being then again, I was a Red working with the party, being one of them. Yet because I am their enemy, always walk alone. Dana Andrews will return in just a moment. This is Dana Andrews. Communism is not a political argument. It's a hard, cold theory of aggression intended to end with what the Reds call their historic mission. That mission is revolution. It's purpose to destroy everything you and I, oh dear. It's up to us to see that it doesn't succeed. Join us next week for another of Matt's Verdic's thrilling stories. Won't You