# Counterspy: The Recruited Nurse (A0084)

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-great-detectives-of-old-time-radio-daily-mystery-dramas-162279/counterspy-the-recruited-nurse-a0084
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-great-detectives-of-old-time-radio-daily-mystery-dramas-162279/counterspy-the-recruited-nurse-a0084.md
Podcast: [The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio| Daily Mystery Dramas](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-great-detectives-of-old-time-radio-daily-mystery-dramas-162279)
Published: 2026-05-02T07:00:02+00:00
Episode link: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/counterspy-the-recruited-nurse-a0084--71725087
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/pdcn.co/e/pdrl.fm/997ffb/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/71725087/a0084.mp3
Processing state: processed
JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-great-detectives-of-old-time-radio-daily-mystery-dramas-162279/episodes/counterspy-the-recruited-nurse-a0084
Duration seconds: 2244

## Resource

An escaped federal prisoner uses plastic surgery to hide his identity, leading David Harding on a hunt through the nursing profession. The investigation hinges on undercover interrogation and the identification of a wartime nurse.

## Highlights
- Main idea: An escaped bank robber uses extreme facial disfigurement to evade federal authorities
- Tension: The investigation relies on a high-stakes undercover operation to trick a nurse into revealing the truth
- Failure mode: Relying on visual identification when a criminal has undergone reconstructive surgery
- Practical takeaway: Intelligence work often requires leveraging shared history and social engineering rather than direct confrontation
- Historical context: The episode reflects the post-WWII era of nursing shortages and the evolution of airline safety

## Topics

Old Time Radio, Mystery Drama, Counterspy, David Harding, Crime Fiction, 1940s Radio, Undercover Investigation, Historical Radio Broadcasts

## Chapters
- 1:00 — The Knife Promotion: A look at the vintage 'Old Nick' candy bar sponsorship and its unique promotional offers.
- 3:40 — The Escapee: A general alarm is broadcast for Rick Malone, a dangerous federal prisoner on the run.
- 6:20 — A False Identity: The criminal attempts to reintegrate into society using the persona of Bill Gordon.
- 9:00 — The Pattern Emerges: Police identify a pattern of reports linking recent incidents to the escaped convict.
- 14:20 — Family Secrets: Tensions rise as the criminal's past and his connection to his niece are explored.
- 17:10 — The Undercover Plan: David Harding plans to pose as a former colleague to interrogate a registered nurse.
- 26:00 — The Resolution: The conclusion of the hunt and the final confrontation with the escaped prisoner.

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## Transcript

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