German tank-factory worker Willie Wegler becomes disgusted by forced labor, militarism and his own part in feeding the Nazi war machine. He arranges hay in the shape of an arrow and sets it alight to guide British bombers toward the hidden factory, but is shot and drawn into a Gestapo investigation. The authorities conceal the truth and blame a Polish forced laborer to protect factory morale. Wegler survives long enough to see the bombers return, satisfied that his signal was seen and hoping his act of refusal will inspire others.
This Words at War broadcast aired on December 19, 1944. NBC Radio Network carried the broadcast. The cast includes Luis Van Rooten, Ed Begley, Dorothy Francis, and Reese Taylor. Other credited names include Garnet Garrison as director, Ben Kagan as radio adaptor, and Jack Costello as host.
The surviving recording runs about 30 minutes.
This version dramatizes The Cross and the Arrow. Albert Maltz is credited as author and Ben Kagan adapted it for radio.
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