This week on The Shiver Show, Mary Labrie and Greg Flynn cinch up their trench coats once again and step into the shadowy world of wartime espionage with “Five Fingers” from Lux Radio Theatre (1952).

Starring the incomparable James Mason, reprising his film role, this stylish spy drama is based on the real-life story of the infamous spy with the code name Cicero. Mason plays Ulysses Diello, a suave and deeply opportunistic valet working at the British Embassy in Ankara during World War II. By day, he’s the model servant. By night, he’s photographing top-secret documents and selling them to the Germans. Loyalty is negotiable, and everyone—especially Diello—has a price.

Mary and Greg unpack the fascinating true story of Albanian valet Elyesa Bazna, whose daring espionage earned him a fortune… paid in counterfeit money. Not exactly a retirement plan. They also explore the film’s legacy, from its glamorous 1952 cinema release (directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz) and shot in Istanbul.

Expect clipped accents, coded messages, and plenty of intrigue—though perhaps not perfect sound quality this time! Still, Mason’s velvet performance carries the day. Please join us for this terrific spy thriller.

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