Escape - He Who Rides the Tiger

Escape's "He Who Rides the Tiger" is based on the 1948 novel The Nightwalkers by James Norman, which is set in post-World War II China. The title of The Nightwalkers refers to foreigners who were not in China during the war, and who do not understand the subsequent changes. Their lack of memories of wartime events prevent them from understanding the consciousness of new China.  Escape's adaptation includes a number changes to the story, some for the better.

As the episode opens, David Armour wakes from a fevered dream of disconnected images. He is in a mission hospital, but he doesn't remember how he got there. He explains to the doctor that he is an archaeologist, and that he is in China to help protect national treasures from the advancing Japanese armies. The doctor informs him that he arrived at their hospital two months ago sick with fever and wearing a Japanese uniform. The last thing David remembers is having lunch...in 1941. Somehow, he has lost his memories of the last eight years.

David also has a visitor named Quinto, who is very interested in his problems and his missing years. Quinto explains that there is no record of David during the war years. What was he doing? Working for the Japanese? David doesn't believe it. 

So, what does Quinto want from David? Four missing T'ang bronzes. They are national treasures but they were hidden away during the war. Now, they appear to be lost. Quinto believes that David knows where those bronze treasures are. Does he?

"He Who Rides the Tiger" was adapted for radio by Les Crutchfield and Norman MacDonnell produced and directed.  William Conrad starred as David Armour. Berry Kroegerplayed Gimiendo Quinto. Also appearing were Maria Palmer, Jack Kruschen, Ben Wright, and Edgar Barrier. This episode aired on March 12, 1949.

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This is a high quality episode of Escape. It is a large file, so it may take longer to download. 

Comments

[Michael O'Brien]

Interesting story, very evocative of its period. Something of a period piece now, of course, but none the worse for it.

[Cmillinsf]

That sums it up well. - Christine