In this captivating episode, the Mercury Theater on the Air, led by the legendary Orson Welles, brings to life the timeless detective stories of Sherlock Holmes. The episode features Welles' own adaptation of William Gillette's melodrama, based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's famous tales. Listeners are transported back to the 19th century London, where Holmes and Watson embark on thrilling adventures, unraveling mysteries with their unparalleled deductive skills. The episode highlights Holmes' encounter with the notorious Professor Moriarty, showcasing a battle of wits that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.
As the story unfolds, Holmes and Watson navigate through a web of deceit and danger, involving blackmailers and a nobleman's broken promise of marriage. The narrative is rich with suspense and intrigue, as Holmes uses his keen observation and deduction to solve complex cases, including the retrieval of sensitive letters. The episode is a testament to the enduring appeal of Sherlock Holmes, brought to life by the Mercury Theater's talented cast, with Orson Welles delivering a masterful performance as the iconic detective.
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The Mercury Theater
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on the air. The Columbia Broadcasting System takes pleasure in bringing you the twelfth in a series of weekly broadcasts featuring Orson Welles and the Mercury Theatre on the Air. Tonight, Broadway's and radio's most celebrated theatrical producing company brings to life the best loved character in detective fiction, the immortal Sherlock Holmes. The play is is Orson Welles' own adaptation for radio of William Gillette enduring melodrama based on the famous stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Before the performance begins, here is the director of the Mercury theater, the star and producer of these unique broadcasts,
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Orson Welles. Good evening. Well tonight it's back to Baker Street, back to that unlikely London of the nineteenth century where high adventure awaits all who would seek it in a handsome gas lamp in an Inverness cape. But tonight we pay tribute to the most wonderful member of that most wonderful world. A gentleman who never lived, and who will never die. There are only a few of them, these permanent profiles, everlasting silhouettes on the edge of the world. There is first the little hunchback with a slapstick whose hooked nose is shaped like his cap. There is now and always will be the penguin footed hobo in the derby in the baggy pants, and the small boy with a wooden head, and the long rusty knight on horseback, and the fat knight who could only procure a charge on foot.
There is also the tall gentleman with a hawk's face, and the undersung pipe, and the fore and aft cap. We'd know them anywhere and call them easily by name. Punch and the Charlies, Chaplin and McCarthy, Keoghty, Sir John and Sherlock Holmes. Now irrelevant as this may seem, we of the Mercury Theatre are very much occupied these days with rehearsals for a revival of a fine old American farce. A lot of you will remember it only for its lovely title, which is 'Too Much Johnson'. Its author was William Gillette, which reminded us, as it reminds you, of Sherlock Holmes.
As everybody knows, that celebrated American inventor of underacting lent his considerable gifts as a playwright to aquiline his face to him. For William Gillette was the aquiline and actual embodiment of Holmes himself. It is too little to say that William Gillette resembled Sherlock Holmes.
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Sherlock Holmes looks exactly like William Gillette. Sounds like him too were afraid and hoped devoutly that the
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Sounds like him too were afraid and
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hoped devoutly that the Mercury Theatre and the radio will take none of the glamour from the beloved
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fable of Baker Street, from the pipe and the violin and the hideous purple dressing gown, from the needle and the cigar on the window ledge and the dry final famous lines.
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Elementary, my dear Watson. Elementary, the mere child's play of deduction. The mere child's play of deduction. The
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My name is Watson. I am a doctor. It was in the year 1880 that Holmes and I were introduced by a mutual acquaintance.
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At the time, we're both looking for a lodging that would suit our moderate means.
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This we found on the Second Floor of a house at 221 B Baker Street. And it was during the years that we occupied these chambers together that Holmes established his unique international reputation as a consulting detective. During that time, I was privileged to be his daily companion, and I have done my modest share in giving to the world an account of some of his most famous cases. Most famous of these are the ones of which I have written under the names of the Speckled Band, Cynothor, Hound of the Baskervilles, The study in scarlet.
They represent however only a minute fraction of the 643 cases Holmes successfully solved during the years that we shared the lodgings in Baker Street. Other cases I hope one day to give to the world include the Charlatan murders, the sudden death of cardinal Tuscan, the adventure of Ricoletti of the clubfoot and his abominable wife, the case of missus Ferentash, the circus bell, and the case of the royal family of Scandinavia. Each illustrate in their own way the remarkable genius of my friend, Sherlock Holmes. Since my marriage three years ago, Holmes has continued to occupy the Baker Street lodgings by himself.
And here almost every afternoon when my work in the office is finished, I'm in the habit of calling on him. The sitting room as you go in is exactly as it has been for the past thirteen years. The worn bearskin rug, the huge sofa covered with faded chintz, the mantelpiece cluttered with miscellaneous objects, unanswered letters, and piles of loose tobacco. On one side of the fireplace in a deep armchair, his pipe curling forth slow wreaths of acrid tobacco, draped in his hideous purple dressing gown, sits Sherlock Holmes with his violin under his chin.
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What's my difference? How are you, Holmes? I'm delighted to see you. Perfectly delighted. Upon my word, I am, but, I'm sorry to observe that your wife has left, John. She has gone on a little visit. But how did you know? Not that I will I like that. How do I know anything? How do I know you've been getting yourself very wet lately that you're an extremely careless servant girl and you've moved your dressing table to the other side of the room? Holmes, if you had lived a few centuries ago, that have burned you alive. Such a congregation would have saved me a great deal of trouble and expense. Tell me, Anna. How did you know all that? Too simple to talk about scratches and clumsy cuts, my dear fellow, on the inner side of your shoe there just where the firelight strikes it. Scratches, cuts. Somebody scraped away crusted mud and did it badly badly. Scraped the shoe along with it. There's your wet foot, my dear Watson, and your careless southern girl all in one shoe.
Face bandy shaved on the right side. Always used to be on the left. Light must come from the other side. Couldn't very well move your window, must move to the dressing table.
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Of course. But how the deuce did you know my wife was away?
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Oh, why the deuce is your second Westcott button, Watson? And what the deuce is yesterday's button here doing in today's lapel? And why the deuce do you wear the expression of a A marvelous Elementary, my dear fellow. Elementary, the child's play of deduction. I'm only doing it for your amusement before we pass on to more serious matters. Oh, what is it now, Holmes? What's it, my dear fellow? The enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and if you will excuse my saying so somewhat to embellish my little, adventures, you occasionally seem fit to introduce a certain element of romance which struck me as being, just a trifle out of place, something like working an elopement into the fifth proposition of Euclid.
I, merely refer to this in case you should see fit at some future time to, chronicle the case on which I'm about to embark, the strange case of professor Robert Moriarty. Moriarty? I don't remember everything. Heard of the fellow. No, Watson. You haven't. This quality of invisibility that makes of professor Moriarty the Napoleon of crime, sitting motionless like an ugly, venomous spider in the center of his web. But that web, having a thousand radiations and the spider knowing every quiver of every one of them, and within forty eight hours, I'll have the lines drawn so tightly around him that he can't move and arrest him and his entire gang. At home, this is a very dangerous My dear fellow, it's perfectly delightful.
My whole life is spent in a series of frantic endeavors to escape from the dreary common places of existence. For a brief period, I escape. You congratulate me. The day before yesterday, I received in this room the visit of a certain foreigner nobleman who has recently inherited a very considerable title and who was about to be married. Seems that this title of gentleman was so indiscreet as to fall in love with a young English lady by the name of Faulkner, socially is inferior, and to make her a promise of marriage. Later, at his family's insistence, the thing was broken off, and the young lady died shortly after of a broken heart, leaving behind a sister.
Also considerable evidence in the form of letters, photographs, and jewelry with inscriptions. These the sister kept. These together with the sister are now being held in a house in St. John's Wood Wood by a pair of blackmailers who go over the name of Chetwood. So far as you see, my dear Watson, a fairly ordinary case of blackmail hardly worth my attention. Last night on my inspection, a certain element revealed itself which renders the case far more important than I had expected. And that element was professor Moriarty.
Come in.
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Speak on, mister Holmes. Yes, Bureaus. What is it? Gentlemen, I see you by the name of Yes, mister Holmes. Come in, mister Holmes.
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Good evening, mister Holmes. Watson, mister inspector Foreman. The day before yesterday, he occupies the position of butler under the name of Judson in the home of mister and missus Chetwood, blackmailer of St. John Wood.
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No foreman. Any news? Yes, sir. This morning, a little after nine, Chetwood and his wife drove away in a four wheeler. They returned about eleven. Bassett was with them. You know him though. Yes. When I last had the occasion to meet mister Bassett, he about two years for safe cracking. Go on for him. Well, they took this man Bassett into the library. I got a look at him from the outside and there he was opening up the safe where they'd been keeping the letter. Come on. In the end when they got the safe open it was the letters were gone. It seems like the Faulkner girl got them back somehow. That got them pretty excited. Bassick went out to send a telegram. Have you got a copy of it? Yes. Yes. Here it is. Can code.
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Moriarty. I thought so, Watson. This case is taking a most promising turn. You return at once to the house at St. John's Wood. Within ten minutes, I shall be there myself. If I remember correctly, the kitchen is immediately below the drawing room. Yes. When I knock over a chair in the drawing room, you'll overturn a lamp in the kitchen, scatter smoke balls, and give an alarm a fire. All other instructions remain unchanged. Very good, sir. Hurry, Foreman. Yes, mister Holmes. Well, my dear Watson, begins to look like a most interesting
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evening.
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Hi. Good evening. My name is Sherlock Holmes. Whom whom did you wish to see, mister Holmes? Oh, thank you so much, mister Chetwood. I had myself announced by the butler on my way up. Far? I didn't oh, very well. Oh, here he is. Just just miss Faulkner begged mister Holmes to excuse her. She is not well enough to see anyone this evening. Would you please hand this card to miss Faulkner and say say that I I beg your pardon mr Holmes but it's quite useless really. Oh I'm so sorry to hear it. Yes miss Faulkner is, I regret to say, quite an invalid. She is unable to see anyone. Her health is so poor. Has it ever occurred to you or mr Chetwood that she might be confined to the house too much? How does that concern you? It, doesn't. I simply make the suggestion. I might like to think it over.
What's your butler's name? Judson, sir. Very well, Judson.
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Go on. Take my card up. Very good, sir. This is really too good. Why of course you can take up your card or your note or whatever it is if you wish it so much. I was only trying to save you the trouble. Thanks. It's hardly any trouble at all, send it to Karen. You know mr Holmes, you interest me very much. Really? For my word yes. We've all heard of your wonderful methods, the astonishing manner in which you gain information from the most trifling details.
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Now I dare say in this brief moment or two you've discovered any number of things about me. Nothing of consequence, mister Chatwin. I hardly more than asked myself why you were so distressed to see me at this particular moment and what there can possibly be about the safe in the lower part of that desk to cause you such pain painful anxiety. Very good. Very good indeed. If those things were only true now, I'd be wonderfully impressed. It would be absolutely
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is me, sir. Judson. A message for you, mister Shepherd. You'll excuse me, I trust. It's from, miss Faulkner. Where really? She begs to be allowed to see you mr. Holmes. She absolutely implores it. Well I suppose I shall have to give way. Judson ask miss Faulkner to come down to the drawing room, say that mr. Holmes is waiting to see her. Very good. Quite remarkable upon my soul. May I ask if it's not an impertinent question what message you sent up that could so have aroused miss Faulkner's desire to come down. Merely if that she wasn't down here in five minutes I'd go up. Oh, that was it. Yes. Quite so.
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And unless I'm greatly mistaken I hear the young lady on the stairs, in which case she has a minute and a half to spare.
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Alice, it is miss Faulkner. Let me introduce mister Sherlock Holmes. Mister Holmes. Miss
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Faulkner.
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I'm really most charmed to meet you. Although it does look as if you've made me come down and fight with myself, doesn't it? I thank you very much indeed for consenting to see me, miss Faulkner, but regret to observe that you were put to the trouble of making such a very rapid change of dress. Oh, yes. I did hurry a trifle, I confess. Mister Holmes is quite living up to his reputation, isn't he, Freddie? Come
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in. Yes, ma'am. What are you doing here, Dutton? I beg your pardon, ma'am. I was answering the bell. What bell? The drawing on Delta. What do you mean you blocked that no one rang the bell? I'm quite sure it was running through. Well, I tell you it did not ring. Your butler is right, mister Chetwood. The bell did ring. How do you know? I rang it. What do you want? I'll send my card to the real miss Fockner. The real? I said the real miss Faulkner.
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Judson. Yes, sir? Oh, what right of you to read for servants and give orders in my house? What right of you to prevent my cards from reaching their destination?
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And how does it happen that you and this woman are resorting to trickery and deceit to prevent me from seeing Alice Faulkner? Through some trifling oversight, Judson, neither of the cards I handed to him has been delivered. Kindly see that this error does not occur again. My orders? You have orders. I can't say, sir. You were told not to deliver my card. What business is it of yours I'd like to know? I shall satisfy your curiosity on that point in a very short time, mister Chetwood. Yes. And you'll find out in a very short time that it isn't safe to meddle with me. It wouldn't be any trouble at all for me to throw you out into the street. Possibly not. But trouble would swiftly follow such an experiment on your side. It's a cursed lucky thing for you. I'm not armed. Yes. Well, miss Faulkner comes down. You go and arm yourself. Arm myself. I'll call the police. Well tomorrow I'll do it now. Oh no. You will not do it now. You will remain where you are until the lady I came here to see has entered this room. What makes you so sure of that? Because you will prefer to avoid an investigation of your suspicious conduct, mister James Larrabee. No. That is the name under which you are known to Scotland Yard, I believe, mister Chetwood.
This lady here is your wife. Wife. Steel Judson. You will either deliver that card in his fortnight once or sleep in the police station tonight.
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That's a small consequence to me which you do. Shall I shall I go, sir? Go on. Take up the card. It makes no difference to me.
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Short time since, Varrabee, you displayed an acute anxiety to leave the room. Afraid do not let me detain you or your wife any longer. Take it you prefer to remain while I talk to miss Faulkner? Go, mister Holmes.
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That's miss Faulkner. Is there mister Holmes?
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Yes. You wish to see me?
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Very much indeed, miss Faulkner, but I'm sorry to see that you are far from well. Oh, not. No? Beg your pardon. What does this mark mean? Oh, nothing. Nothing? No. And the mark here on your neck plainly showing the clutch of a man's fingers. Does that mean nothing also? It occurs to me that I should like to have an explanation of this. Possibly you can furnish one, mister Larede. Or should I not? It seems to have occurred in your own house. What if it did? You better understand that it isn't healthy for you or anyone else to interfere with my business. Ah, it is your business. Say That much at least. Please be seated, miss Wagner. I don't know who you are, mister Holmes, or why you were here. I shall be very glad indeed to explain.
My business is this. I've been consulted as the possibility of obtaining from you certain letters addressed to your sister, which is supposed to be in your possession. I cannot give up my sister's letters, mister Holmes.
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There are other things besides revenge and it's punishment.
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Believe me, miss Faulkner. There is nothing more to say. Good night, mister Holmes. But my dear miss Faulkner oh, I'm so sorry. How clumsy of me to turn over this chair. Don't alarm yourself, miss Faulkner. There is no fire. No fire. The smoke was all
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arranged for. Arranged for? What does it mean, mister Holmes? Means this, miss Faulkner.
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Means that I wanted a package of letters, miss Faulkner, and that by following your eyes just now when you thought there was a fire, I discovered that you'd hidden them in the upholstery of this chair. Quite elementary, as you see. And now that they're in my possession, there seems to be no reason for it to remain any longer in this house. Good night, miss Faulkner. Miss Miss Faulkner. Yes? I I can't take them, miss Faulkner. There is no law to you. I find that I cannot keep them unless you can possibly change your mind and let me have them of your own free will. I suppose you could.
I will therefore return them to you and, oh, there's our friend mister Larrabee returning from the fire. You've got the letters, have you? Now I suppose we're going to see you walk out of the house with them. On the contrary, you're going to see me return them to their rightful owner. Miss Faulkner, here are your letters. Should you ever change your mind and be so generous, so forgiving as to wish to return these letters to the one who wrote them, you have my address. Any event, rest assured there will be no more cruelty, no more persecution in this house. Thank you, mister Holmes. You are perfectly safe with your property, miss Faulkner. For I shall so arrange it that your faintest cry of distress will be heard.
If that cry is heard, it will be very unfortunate for those who are responsible. As for you, mister Larrabee and, you, madame, I beg you to understand that you continue your persecution
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Walker. Now. Are you going to give me those letters? No. No. Are you going to give me those letters? No. No. Then
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Be evident to you, Shoppers.
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Now then, miss Walker, do you give me those letters or do I break your
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eyes?
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What's that? Someone knocked on the door. No. It was on that
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side. Did
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you call madam? I think someone knocked, Judson. I'll see, madam.
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I beg pardon madam,
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but there's no one at the door. Very well, Imago.
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He's got us watched.
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What we want to do is to leave it alone. Let the emperor have it. Do you mean Professor Moriarty? That's who I mean. Once let him get at it, he'll settle it with Holmes pretty quick. Don't you worry a minute. I tell you Professor Moriarty will get at him before noon tomorrow night. He won't wait long either, and when he strikes, it means death.
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Number? 8271.
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Great. Moriarty speaking.
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Everything was like crap. Sit and baited by an expert. Manning? Manning has disappeared. Disappeared?
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Sherlock Holmes again. And now this latterly job, he's in on that too. And that's where he made his mistake.
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Mister Holmes is playing rather a talented man. He doesn't realize there isn't a street in London that'll be safe for him if I was to let his name to Cregan. I might even make him a little call myself just for the satisfaction of it. Just for the satisfaction of it. Baker Baker Street, isn't it, please? Baker Street, Baker Street, sir. We could make it safe. We could make it absolutely safe for three streets in every direction. Yes, sir. We could. We've done it over and over again elsewhere. Police deployed. Men in every doorway. Do this tonight at Baker Street.
9 O'clock. Call his attendants out on one pretext or another and keep them out. You understand? I'll see this Sherlock Holmes myself. I'll give him a chance for his life. Yes, sir. Notify the Lascar that they may require the gas chamber at Stepney tomorrow night and have Craig in there at a quarter before ten with his crew. Tell Larrabee I shall want him to write a letter to Mr. Sherlock Holmes which I shall be be paid. Meet me here at seven. Messick, place your men at nine tonight for Sherlock Holmes's house in Baker Street. You still go there yourself, sir? I will still go there myself at this medium Tomorrow night, sir, to get him in the gas chamber. If I fail to kill him in Baker Street, you'll have him in Swan The Lane.
Either way, I have him, Bassett. Two strings to our bow. Two strings, Bassett?
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That evening, Holmes and I dined together at Scott's and Piccadilly Circus. After dinner, we went to a concert at Queen's Hall. I can still see him on this particular night of the Moriarty case, well knowing that his life is in peril, sitting beside me in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect happiness, listening to Sarasate play the violin, gently Lee waving his long thin fingers in time for music. When it was over, he rose, put on his long coat, and started with long steps in the direction of the street. Come, my dear Watson.
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Go on to Baker Street. I have an idea that very soon we should be receiving a most interesting visit.
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In front of Green Hall, we hear the Hanson. And as we came down Baker Street, we could see that the light was burning on the Second Floor Of 2 20 1 B. We went up the dark narrow stairs.
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What's Holmes? The boy Billy was waiting for her. Mister Holmes. What is it? Mrs. Hudson's compliment, sir. And she wants to know if she can see you. Where is mrs. Hudson? Downstairs in the kitchen, sir. My compliments and I don't think she can where she is. She'll be very sorry, sir. Our regret will be neutral. It was most terrible important sir. Seeing as she wants to know what you left for breakfast in the morning. The same. Same as when sir? This morning. But you didn't have nothing sir. You wasn't here. I won't be here tomorrow. Yes sir. Was that all sir? Quite so. Yes sir. Thank you, sir. Oh, mister Holmes, here's a letter for you, sir, on the table delivered ten minutes ago. Read it once. There's a good fellow. Can I pull up my dressing up? Yes.
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Dear, sir. What's the address's name? Why, James Larrabee. And what did James say this evening?
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Dear sir. I,
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hope he won't say that again.
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I have the honor to inform you that miss Faulkner has changed her mind regarding the letters at Cetera which you wish to obtain and have decided to dispose of them for a monetary consideration. If you wish to negotiate, you'll be at 09:00 at the Guard's Monument at the foot of Waterloo Place. You will see a four wheeler with wooden shutters to the windows. If you have the cab followed or by any other underhand trick, you won't get what you want. Let me know your decisions. Yours truly James Ralaby. Mine truly.
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Well, later perhaps. What does the fellow mean? Fellow means to sell me a base imitation for a large sum of money of certain letters that he does not possess. I shall proudly buy them from him. Now if I have the points tonight, 11:00, large monument, cab with wooden shutters, no one to come with me, No one to follow or I don't get what I want. Quite right. But, this cab with the wooden shutters. Merely a little device to keep me from seeing where they're taking me.
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Billy. Yes, sir?
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Give this to the man. What's the woman, sir? Young or old? Look quite young, sir. Handsome.
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Four wheeler, sir. Seen the driver before?
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But I can't think where. Hand this to the lady. Apologize for delay and look at the driver again. Yes, sir. My dear Holmes, you didn't say you would go. But I certainly did. This fellow means mischief. This fellow means the same. A
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big problem, sir. A message come over from the chemist on the corner to say a man has been hit by a bus. Looks like his leg broke. And would doctor Watson kindly step over and help kill the ambulance? Oh, you're literally out good once. I'll be back in a minute, hon. Billy. Yes, sir.
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Who brought that message? Boy from the chemist, sir. Hey. Of course. But which boy? Must have been a new one, sir. I ain't seen him before. Billy. Get downstairs quickly. Look after the doctor. If the boy's gone, there's a man with him. It means mischief. Let me know. Don't stop to come up. Ring the door. They'll all hear it. Ring it loud. Yes, sir.
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It's a dangerous heavy, mister Holmes, the finger loaded firearms in the pocket of one's dressing gown.
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I give you my word, professor Moriarty. You'll be taken from here to the hospital if you keep your hand behind you like that. That's better. In that case, please put your revolver on the table. You evidently don't know me. I think it's quite evident that I do. I have a chair, professor. I can spare you five minutes. Let's see everything to say. Careful. What are you about to do, professor Moriarty? Look at my watch. I'll tell you when your five minutes is up.
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It is your intention to pursue this case against me? That is my intention.
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To the very end. I regret this. Not assuming it's on my own account, but on your own. I share your regret, professor, but solely because of the rather I share your regret, professor, but solely because of the rather uncomfortable position it will cause you to occupy. May I inquire to what position you are pleased to use, mister Holmes? I refer to the position you will occupy at the end of a rope, professor Moriarty.
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Have you the faintest idea that you'd be permitted to live to see that day? As to that, I do not particularly care so that I bring you to see it. You'll never bring me to see it.
[00:30:44] Unknown:
You think that I would be here if I hadn't made the streets quite safe in every respect? I
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could never so grossly overestimate your courage as that, professor
[00:30:54] Unknown:
Moyad here. You imagine that your friend the doctor and your boy Billy will soon return? What? So it leaves us quite alone,
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quite alone, doesn't it, sir? Quite alone
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so that we can talk to Mass River quietly,
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the Stones and not be disturbed. And firstly, I wish to call your attention to a few memoranda which I've softened down and which you find that there they are. O'Kart,
[00:31:23] Unknown:
don't do that. Turn down quickly. You'll farther away from that memorandum book you're talking about. Well, merely don't do it. I don't want it. Got one of my own. If you want it, we'll have someone get it for you. I always like to save my guests unnecessary trouble.
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He observed that your boy doesn't answer the devil.
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No. But I have an idea that he will fall off. It may possibly be longer than you think, mister
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Holmes. What?
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That boy?
[00:32:03] Unknown:
Yes. That boy.
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At least we'll try the bell once more, professor.
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Professor. Doesn't it occur to you that he may possibly have been detained, mister Holmes?
[00:32:18] Unknown:
It does, professor. But it also occurs to me that you you're in very much the same predicament, professor Moriarty.
[00:32:28] Unknown:
I beg pardon, sir. Someone tried to hold me, sir. Yeah. It's quite evident, however, that he failed to do so. Yes, sir. He's got my coat, sir, but he ain't got me. Billy. Yes, sir.
[00:32:37] Unknown:
Billy, the gentleman I am carefully pointing out to you with this 45 desires to have us get as something of his left hand inside coat pocket. He's not feeling quite himself today and the consequence of his trying trying to do it himself might prove fatal. I suggest you attend to it for him. Yes,
[00:32:53] Unknown:
sir. Is this it, sir? This gun?
[00:32:57] Unknown:
Quite so. So I'll put it on the table. Not there, Billy. On this table. I can reach it. More like it. That's all, Billy. Simple see if you've got another, sir. I believe you've surprised me. Perhaps the gentleman's taken the trouble to inform us he hasn't. When, sir? When he made a snatch for this one. And now, professor, now that we have your little memorandum book, do you think of anything else you'd like before Billy goes? Any little thing you've got that you don't want?
[00:33:26] Unknown:
So sorry. That's all Billy. Thank you, sir. Listen to the whole Mr. Meehl. On the January 4 you crossed my path. On the twenty third, you incommoded me. Now at the close of April, I find myself placed in such a position through your continual interference that I'm in positive danger of losing my liberty. Any suggestions to make? No. I have no suggestions
[00:33:50] Unknown:
to make. They have effect to state. If you don't copy that once, your life's not worth debt. I'm afraid, professor, that in the pleasure of this conversation, I'm neglecting more more important business. If you will excuse me a moment while I get my pipe off the mantlepiece, sir. I came here this evening, mister Holmes, to see if peace could not be arranged between us. Quite so. Quite so.
[00:34:11] Unknown:
You've seen fit not only to reject my proposals, but to make insulting references coupled with threats of the rest. You've been warned of your dangers. You don't heed that warning. Perhaps you'll heed this. Up on your hands, mister Holmes. Up with over, Hector.
[00:34:29] Unknown:
Didn't imagine I'd leave that gun loaded. Did you, professor? Here are your cartridges. I didn't suppose you'd want to use that gun again, so I took them out while you were talking. Put them in my pocket. You'll find them all there, professor. Billy. Yes, sir? Can you please show professor Moriarty the door? Yes, sir. This way, sir. Don't ever say I didn't warn you, mister Holmes. No. No. Mister Moriarty.
[00:35:00] Unknown:
No. I never will.
[00:35:04] Unknown:
Dileigh, come here. Yes, sir.
[00:35:07] Unknown:
Dileigh?
[00:35:10] Unknown:
Dileigh, you're a good boy. Yes, sir. Thank you,
[00:35:19] Unknown:
sir.
[00:35:31] Unknown:
You are listening to the Columbia Broadcasting System's presentation of Orton Wells and the Mercury Theater on the Mercury Theater on the Air in Sherlock Holmes with Orton Wells in the title school and Ray Collins as doctor Watson. We pause a moment for station identification. This is the Columbia Broadcasting System. We continue now with the CBS presentation of Sherlock Holmes played by Orson Welles and the Mercury Theater on the Air. It was exactly 09:00 when Sherlock Holmes left the house in Baker Street. He had given the strictest instructions that no one was to follow him.
If there had been no word from him by noon of the following day, we must notify Scotland Yard. I went to the window and looked out for him as he went down Baker Street, tall, thin figure in a gray ouster, walking with long, smooth steps in the direction of Langham Place. There, he entered a cab. Here. What are you doing? Light matches you. That's what I'm doing. Chuck it. Wash it or chuck it. There might be gas if you lose. Alright. No gas. It's been four days since we had gas in the room. And I still say there might be gas. Did you check it? I will. Here it goes. Freddie. Give him a return.
That'll turn it off. Five minutes of that. All your troubles are in. Here. What's that?
[00:37:47] Unknown:
That's right, Kagen. Did you hear it? Yes, sir. McCain? Yes, sir. Be careful now your boys. You've got a tough one tonight. Wait. Said who? As I've heard, Sherlock Holmes. You mean that, sir? God's true. You're going to count him out. Well, if you're down till he gets away, I'm sorry for you. That's all.
[00:38:08] Unknown:
The governor's here. Not the governor
[00:38:17] Unknown:
Yes, sir. Doctor. All yes, sir. No mistakes tonight, Cregan. Well, be careful of that, sir. This is Larrabee. Hello. He's in on this job. Hello, Larrabee.
[00:38:26] Unknown:
What's that all, Bassett? A small cabin, sir. No. Then whatever, sir. A window? Nailed down, sir. And may break the glass? If he if he did, he'd come up against heavy iron bars outside.
[00:38:36] Unknown:
We'll have him tied down before he can break any glass, sir. You're using it before, Of course you know it's airtight. Every crevice is sealed, sir.
[00:38:44] Unknown:
When the men have turned the gas on him, they leave by this door? Yes, sir. Made made great secure? Heavy bolts on the outside, sir. All All at open bars overall. If you see how quick you can operate them. They tie a man down, sir. There's no need to hurry. Let me see how quick you can operate them. Living. Yes, sir. That's good. Open it up. Oh, Cregan. The rest of you, one thing remembered. Whatever happens, no shooting tonight. Not a single shot will be heard in the alley below. First thing is to get his revolver away before he has a chance to use it. Two of you had tracked his attention in front. The other come out on him from behind and snuck it out of his pocket. Then you have him. Ring, sir, Quiggin. I'll attend to it, sir. It's a letter beam. You understand?
We wait for you. I understand, sir. I give you this opportunity to sell him the package of letters you forged and get what you can for your travel. Few hundred pounds doesn't interest me, mister Varrabee.
[00:39:44] Unknown:
What a name, that is old. I understand, sir. You finished and got your money, you whistle. And these gentlemen got in. Miss
[00:39:54] Unknown:
Terry. You hear that, Cregan? That's right. And, Degan, the proper moment. Present my compliments to mister Sherlock Holmes and say that I wish him a pleasant journey to the other side. Come Good night, gentlemen. Good night. Good night. Good night, sir.
[00:40:15] Unknown:
Alright, boy. Clear. When you hear the whistle, in your come. Right. Sure, you are, sir. Larry? Yes, sir. You get down on the corner below, let me know when he comes. I will let you know. Well, when you see him driving up, come down the alley and whipple three times. Very good, sir.
[00:40:29] Unknown:
Here. Watch this. Help you. Get it. What are you doing then? Hey.
[00:40:33] Unknown:
What is it, Claire? What is it, Claire?
[00:40:40] Unknown:
How did you get to this place? I followed you in a cab. What have you been doing since I came up here? Informing the police perhaps. No. I was afraid he'd come so I waited. To warn him, I suppose. No. To warn him. Yes. You're going to swindle and deceive him. Sell him a packet of false letters. I know that. What else are you going to do to him? Wouldn't you like to know? Where are those men that came up here? What men? Three terrible looking men. I saw them go into the street store. You don't mean these men, do you, miss Portgas? Tyler, please. Oh my god. Here you are. Tyler.
[00:41:14] Unknown:
Listen. Listen. There he is now. What? Holmes. That's him. That's the signal. You don't have time to get her out. Shove her in there there, in the cupboard. Yeah. That'll move. In with her. Into the cupboard.
[00:41:31] Unknown:
Hey.
[00:41:50] Unknown:
Good evening, Mr. Holmes.
[00:41:53] Unknown:
Hi. Mister Larrabee. Oh, really? I certainly thought after all this driving about in a closed cab, you threw me something new. I've seen it before. Have you, mister Holmes? Oh, what a time or two. Now to come to think of it, I nabbed a friend of yours in this place while he was trying to drop himself out of the window. Ed Convin, the cracksman. Carlton. Never heard of him before. Well, you certainly never heard of him after. I'm sure of that. Race of carnival has used these luxurious chambers in the spring of eighty nine. One of them hid in that cupboard.
They pulled him up to the heels. Quite interesting. But times have changed since then. So they have, mister Larrabee. So they have. But then it was only cracksmen, counterfeiters, pickpockets and various kinds. But now Well, what now? Well, between you and me, mister Larrabee, we've heard some not altogether agreeable rumors. Rumors of some pretty shady work not far from here. Murder to a very peculiar kind. I've always had a suspicion. That's it. My surmise was correct. It is. This is what? This room is caught, sealed. What does that seem to be to us? Nothing to us, mister Lereby. Nothing to us. But it might signify a good deal of some poor devil who's been caught and gassed in this trap. Well, if it's nothing to us suppose we leave it alone and get to business. My time is limited. Yeah. Of course. I should have realized that these reflections could not possibly appeal to you. Well, have a cigar mr. Holmes? Oh, thanks.
A good cigar this mr. Narabe.
[00:43:25] Unknown:
Genuine Havana. Glad you like it. Now here is the little packet of letters which is the object of letters which is the object of this meeting.
[00:43:32] Unknown:
I haven't opened it yet but miss Faulkner tells me everything is there. Now suppose mr. Larrabee that as miss Faulkner knows nothing about this affair we admit her name from the discussion. What do you mean? Who told you she doesn't know? You did. Every look, tone, gesture, everything you've said and done since I've been in this room has informed me that miss Faulkner has never consented to this transaction. It is a little speculation of your own. Oh, I suppose if you can read me like a book. Oh, no. No. Like a criminal.
[00:43:54] Unknown:
Well, let it pass. How much will you give?
[00:43:58] Unknown:
A thousand pounds. I couldn't take it. What are you asking? 5,000. I couldn't give it. Why not? You offered 4,000 for this little Why didn't you take it? Because I intended to get more. Oh, that's too bad. They offered 4,000. They'll give 5. They won't give anything. Why not? They've turned the case over to me. Would you give 3,000? Mister Larrabee, strange as it may appear, my time is limited as well as yours. I have brought with me the sum of £1,000, which is all that I wish to pay. If it's your desire to sell at this figure, kindly surprise me of the fact at once. If
[00:44:25] Unknown:
not, permit me to wish you a very good evening. Well? You can have it. Sue's swallowing that as I haggle over. Give me the money. Yes, certainly.
[00:44:35] Unknown:
I thought you said you'd only brought just a thousand. I did. This is it. You brought a pipe on more, I said. Quite so. I didn't say I hadn't brought any more. You can do your little tricks when it comes to it, can't you? It depends on who I'm dealing with. Yeah. You give me that money. Come on, sick. Hand it over.
[00:44:52] Unknown:
Oh, that's over.
[00:44:54] Unknown:
No. I've got you where I want you, James Lelaby. You've been so cunning and so cautious and so wise we couldn't find a thing to hold you for, but this little slip will get you in for robbery. You'll have the emperor here. What are your views about being able to get away from here yourself? I do not anticipate any particular difficulty. Yeah. Robbery.
[00:45:13] Unknown:
Why, even if you've got away from here, you haven't got a witness. You haven't got a witness to your name.
[00:45:18] Unknown:
I'm not so sure of that, mister Larabette. Not so sure of that. You usually fat this covered door with a knife? Go away from that door.
[00:45:26] Unknown:
Talk to her.
[00:45:28] Unknown:
Stand back. Contemptive scoundrel, what does this mean? I'll show you what it means. Pass it straight. I am afraid you're badly hurt, miss Faulkner.
[00:45:37] Unknown:
Mister Hawthorne, stop.
[00:45:38] Unknown:
James. Here. What is there, boy? I'll, have to ask you gentlemen to wait just just one moment, please. Hear that. What's the idea of sitting down and writing? What are you writing writing your bill, I don't know. No. No. Only a brief description of one or two of your gentlemen, the police.
[00:45:57] Unknown:
I'm ready now. Wait a minute. You better listen to me, mister Holmes. We're gonna tie you down nice and tight to the top of that table. Oh my. You'll deprive me, gentlemen,
[00:46:06] Unknown:
thinking you're so sure of anybody in this room and three bars gone out of that window. Bars on low bars. You're not going to get out of here as easy as you expect. There are so many ways, mister Lederby, that I hardly know which one to choose. You better choose quick. I can tell you that. I'll choose at once, mister Cregan. And my choice falls on this chair. No, gentlemen. No. Not by the window. I'm leaving by the door. By the way. I left my cigar for you on the windowsill. Good evening, gentlemen.
[00:47:00] Unknown:
There was no news of Holmes that night. Then he reported next morning that he had not breakfasted at home. I had a busy morning at my office in Harley Street. It was after eleven before the last of my appointment was over
[00:47:12] Unknown:
and still no news at home.
[00:47:16] Unknown:
Did you, ring doctor Martin? Oh, Parsons.
[00:47:19] Unknown:
Is there anyone waiting? I
[00:47:25] Unknown:
have to be in Baker Street at noon. There's one person in the waiting room doctor. A lady sir and she wants to see you most particular. What about? She didn't say so only. She said it was the most important to her if you will see her. Oh very well I'll see her and call a cab for me at the same time and have it wait. Show the lady in. Yes, sir. This way, ma'am. This way. Oh, doctor. It's awfully good of you to see me. I'm mrs. H. DeWitt Seaton. Definitely I didn't bring my card case. If I did, I'd lost it. No trouble about a card.
[00:47:50] Unknown:
They said you were mister Holmes' friend. Several people told me that. Several. They advised me to ask you where I could find him today, this morning, and everything depends on it, doctor. Everything. I'd go to mister Holmes at once. But I've been. I've been, and he wasn't there. Mister Holmes' house? Yes. In Baker Street. That's why I came to you. They said he might be here. No. He isn't here. But don't you expect him this morning? No. There's no possibility of mister Holmes coming as far as I know. But couldn't you get him to come? It would be such a great favor to me. I'm almost worn out out with going about you with a stressful anxiety. If you could get word to mister Holmes to come I could not get him to come, madam, and I beg you to excuse me. I'm going out myself on urgent business. I have no idea where mister Holmes could be.
[00:48:43] Unknown:
Well, don't allow anybody to come in. I have no more time. Very well, sir. But you're coming in, doctor. Yes. You're
[00:48:47] Unknown:
coming in, doctor. Let the old man come in, come in. And they're bringing him in right now for him to go. I'm not gonna doctor Dobbie do this. We can't come in when he's there. The doctors can't see anybody. He's gotta come in. Accident. Oh, you can't. That's plain enough. He was on the wrong side of the street. He was. And now over to the street. No. No. I'll sit here. No. No. No. This is the chest. Don't you suppose I know where I was and sit down? You'll sit down here. That isn't the doctor. The doctor will have a look at you. He is the doctor. That is the doctor. Yes. And he's a doctor. He a doctor. He just come and have a look at this old local. He's heard his self a little then. Are you a cabman? Yes. I'm the cabman.
Well, I'll have you arrested for this. Arrested? You're arrested. Arrested. Arrested. You can't arrest me. No. I can't, but somebody else can. Where's my hat? Where's my hat? My hat. My hat. Never mind your hat. I will mind my hat. I'll hold you responsible. There you're at, Grand. Go on. Sit down. That isn't my hat. Here. You're responsible. I'll have you arrested. Here. Come back. I'll go and stick around here. You know? I gotta go and send the lady to ignore. Bring your horse in here. I wanna speak to him.
[00:50:15] Unknown:
Let's see. I won't stay in this place. If I ever get out of here alive,
[00:50:19] Unknown:
then why are you staring at me for it? Tell that cat to wait for me. I must see this badly. Yes. Now my friend, if you sit quiet for one moment, I'll have a look at you. No. Well, stay still. You know? Well, how can I Remarkable
[00:50:32] Unknown:
remarkable weather we're having? Hey, doctor?
[00:50:35] Unknown:
Hold.
[00:50:37] Unknown:
What on earth? I'm not having go ahead, sir. Holmes?
[00:50:45] Unknown:
Watson. Watson. Oh, he got out that window. Look out the blind. What do you want me to do? Nothing.
[00:50:51] Unknown:
It's already been done by missus Larrabee here. Look out, Holmes. You can get out that way. I don't think so, Watson. Foreman. I got it, sir. Good work, Foreman. I'll take the city in charge. Yes, sir. Very good, Foreman. Wait for me outside. Yes, sir. Watson, my dear fellow, I regret to say that after the present time, professor Moriarty himself has not risen to the bait. Where do you think he is? In the open streets under some clever disguise, watching for a chance to get it now. Now. This woman set in here Quite so. Quite so. A spy. So let them know by some signal.
If she found me in the house now, they know. Pull down that blind, Watson. I don't care to be shot at from the street. I imagine we shall hear from professor Moriarty very soon now.
[00:51:37] Unknown:
Mister Holmes. Mister Holmes. What did I tell you? He's come, sir. From where? The house across the street. He was in there watching these windows. He must have seen something for he's just come out. There was a cab right in front of this house, sir, and he's climbed up and changed places with the driver. Get out again quick, Billy, and keep your eye on him. Yes, sir. Thank you, sir. Watson,
[00:51:56] Unknown:
you're gonna have a rather heavy portamento for a few moments, sir. I won't do it any harm. But there's my large Gladstone over there in the corner. Glass door over there in the corner. Bring it here. Yes, sir. Here's the portmanteau. Thank you, Parsons. Put it down there. Thank you so much. Parsons, you wanted to camp at the doctor a short time ago. It's waiting, I believe. Yes, sir. I think it has. It'd be so good as to tell the driver to come in here and get a release. When he comes, tell him that's the one. Very good, sir. My dear Watson, times like these, you should tell your man never to take the first cab that comes on call nor yet the
[00:52:30] Unknown:
second. The third may be safe. But, Holmes, I Alright. I'm Cammie. I'm Cammie. This is Cammie. If I write him this way this bag.
[00:52:39] Unknown:
I want taken down, the street of that. Right? Alright. Goodbye, Watson. Bye, Watson. Wait a minute, driver. Pretty heavy, I'm afraid. Let me help you. Watson, right to you from Budapest. Yes. Yeah. But what Here, driver. Let me tighten up these straps a bit. Here we are. That's right. I'll hold it, driver. You you pull the strap. Few little things in this bag that I wouldn't like to lose. Won't you, Lucy? And it's just as well to make quite sure. Is it not, professor Moriarty? By means of a simple pair of handcuffs.
[00:53:16] Unknown:
Plus you, Holmes.
[00:53:20] Unknown:
Do you imagine, Sherlock Holmes, that this is the end?
[00:53:24] Unknown:
I
[00:53:25] Unknown:
ventured to dream that it might be. Are you quite sure other police will be able to hold me?
[00:53:32] Unknown:
Professor Moriarty, I'm quite sure of nothing. Take him away, foreman. And so my dear Watson ends the strange case of miss Alice Faulkner. Well, what about the letters? Oh, the letters. They were returned to their rightful owner over an hour ago. I suspected in the start that miss Faulkner was really a nice girl at heart. Dear, what is it all, miss? I was just reflecting, my dear Watson. With Moriarty out of the way London, from the point of view of the criminal expert, it's likely to become a singularly uninteresting city. One's morning paper veritable wilderness of boredom.
[00:54:17] Unknown:
Mister Holmes. Mister Holmes. Yes, Bennett? There's a lady here. Been waiting for an hour. Says she's got to see you, sir. Casey Myrna, she says. She's got a face veil. From which I deduced that she is a lady of over 41 and less than 45
[00:54:30] Unknown:
of a strange dark beauty and considerable social eminence. That she has lived for some years in the Near East, that she's now wearing a large blood ruby on the second finger of her left hand. Holmes, how do you know these things? It's amazing. Elementary, my dear Watson. Elementary. The child's day of deduction.
[00:55:05] Unknown:
Again tonight, the Columbia Broadcasting System, through its affiliated station, Coast to Coast, has brought you Awesome Wells and the Mercury Theater on the Air, the twelfth production in this unique series featuring Broadway's and radio's most celebrated theatrical producing company. This evening, the play was Orson Welles' own adaptation of William Gillette Sherlock Holmes. In the cast, actor Watson played by Ray Collins, Alice Faulkner by Mary Taylor, Mads Larrabee by Brenda Forbes, James Larrabee by Edgar Barrier, Inspector Forman by Morgan Farley, Kriegan by Richard Wilson, graphic by Albert Shirley, Leary by William Allen, Billy by Arthur Anderson, professor Moriarty by Eustace Wyatt, and Sherlock Holmes by Orson Welles.
The orchestra was conducted by Bernard Herrmann, and the production was supervised for for CBS by Davidson Tabor. Your announcer is Frank Yellert. Next Sunday evening at the same time, another classic narrative dramatized by Orson Welles. Join us then for Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist brought to life by the Mercury Theater on the Air.
[00:56:39] Unknown:
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[00:00:30] Unknown:
The Mercury Theater
[00:00:32] Unknown:
on the air. The Columbia Broadcasting System takes pleasure in bringing you the twelfth in a series of weekly broadcasts featuring Orson Welles and the Mercury Theatre on the Air. Tonight, Broadway's and radio's most celebrated theatrical producing company brings to life the best loved character in detective fiction, the immortal Sherlock Holmes. The play is is Orson Welles' own adaptation for radio of William Gillette enduring melodrama based on the famous stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Before the performance begins, here is the director of the Mercury theater, the star and producer of these unique broadcasts,
[00:01:29] Unknown:
Orson Welles. Good evening. Well tonight it's back to Baker Street, back to that unlikely London of the nineteenth century where high adventure awaits all who would seek it in a handsome gas lamp in an Inverness cape. But tonight we pay tribute to the most wonderful member of that most wonderful world. A gentleman who never lived, and who will never die. There are only a few of them, these permanent profiles, everlasting silhouettes on the edge of the world. There is first the little hunchback with a slapstick whose hooked nose is shaped like his cap. There is now and always will be the penguin footed hobo in the derby in the baggy pants, and the small boy with a wooden head, and the long rusty knight on horseback, and the fat knight who could only procure a charge on foot.
There is also the tall gentleman with a hawk's face, and the undersung pipe, and the fore and aft cap. We'd know them anywhere and call them easily by name. Punch and the Charlies, Chaplin and McCarthy, Keoghty, Sir John and Sherlock Holmes. Now irrelevant as this may seem, we of the Mercury Theatre are very much occupied these days with rehearsals for a revival of a fine old American farce. A lot of you will remember it only for its lovely title, which is 'Too Much Johnson'. Its author was William Gillette, which reminded us, as it reminds you, of Sherlock Holmes.
As everybody knows, that celebrated American inventor of underacting lent his considerable gifts as a playwright to aquiline his face to him. For William Gillette was the aquiline and actual embodiment of Holmes himself. It is too little to say that William Gillette resembled Sherlock Holmes.
[00:03:42] Unknown:
Sherlock Holmes looks exactly like William Gillette. Sounds like him too were afraid and hoped devoutly that the
[00:03:46] Unknown:
Sounds like him too were afraid and
[00:03:49] Unknown:
hoped devoutly that the Mercury Theatre and the radio will take none of the glamour from the beloved
[00:03:54] Unknown:
fable of Baker Street, from the pipe and the violin and the hideous purple dressing gown, from the needle and the cigar on the window ledge and the dry final famous lines.
[00:04:09] Unknown:
Elementary, my dear Watson. Elementary, the mere child's play of deduction. The mere child's play of deduction. The
[00:04:28] Unknown:
My name is Watson. I am a doctor. It was in the year 1880 that Holmes and I were introduced by a mutual acquaintance.
[00:04:36] Unknown:
At the time, we're both looking for a lodging that would suit our moderate means.
[00:04:40] Unknown:
This we found on the Second Floor of a house at 221 B Baker Street. And it was during the years that we occupied these chambers together that Holmes established his unique international reputation as a consulting detective. During that time, I was privileged to be his daily companion, and I have done my modest share in giving to the world an account of some of his most famous cases. Most famous of these are the ones of which I have written under the names of the Speckled Band, Cynothor, Hound of the Baskervilles, The study in scarlet.
They represent however only a minute fraction of the 643 cases Holmes successfully solved during the years that we shared the lodgings in Baker Street. Other cases I hope one day to give to the world include the Charlatan murders, the sudden death of cardinal Tuscan, the adventure of Ricoletti of the clubfoot and his abominable wife, the case of missus Ferentash, the circus bell, and the case of the royal family of Scandinavia. Each illustrate in their own way the remarkable genius of my friend, Sherlock Holmes. Since my marriage three years ago, Holmes has continued to occupy the Baker Street lodgings by himself.
And here almost every afternoon when my work in the office is finished, I'm in the habit of calling on him. The sitting room as you go in is exactly as it has been for the past thirteen years. The worn bearskin rug, the huge sofa covered with faded chintz, the mantelpiece cluttered with miscellaneous objects, unanswered letters, and piles of loose tobacco. On one side of the fireplace in a deep armchair, his pipe curling forth slow wreaths of acrid tobacco, draped in his hideous purple dressing gown, sits Sherlock Holmes with his violin under his chin.
[00:06:39] Unknown:
What's my difference? How are you, Holmes? I'm delighted to see you. Perfectly delighted. Upon my word, I am, but, I'm sorry to observe that your wife has left, John. She has gone on a little visit. But how did you know? Not that I will I like that. How do I know anything? How do I know you've been getting yourself very wet lately that you're an extremely careless servant girl and you've moved your dressing table to the other side of the room? Holmes, if you had lived a few centuries ago, that have burned you alive. Such a congregation would have saved me a great deal of trouble and expense. Tell me, Anna. How did you know all that? Too simple to talk about scratches and clumsy cuts, my dear fellow, on the inner side of your shoe there just where the firelight strikes it. Scratches, cuts. Somebody scraped away crusted mud and did it badly badly. Scraped the shoe along with it. There's your wet foot, my dear Watson, and your careless southern girl all in one shoe.
Face bandy shaved on the right side. Always used to be on the left. Light must come from the other side. Couldn't very well move your window, must move to the dressing table.
[00:07:32] Unknown:
Of course. But how the deuce did you know my wife was away?
[00:07:36] Unknown:
Oh, why the deuce is your second Westcott button, Watson? And what the deuce is yesterday's button here doing in today's lapel? And why the deuce do you wear the expression of a A marvelous Elementary, my dear fellow. Elementary, the child's play of deduction. I'm only doing it for your amusement before we pass on to more serious matters. Oh, what is it now, Holmes? What's it, my dear fellow? The enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and if you will excuse my saying so somewhat to embellish my little, adventures, you occasionally seem fit to introduce a certain element of romance which struck me as being, just a trifle out of place, something like working an elopement into the fifth proposition of Euclid.
I, merely refer to this in case you should see fit at some future time to, chronicle the case on which I'm about to embark, the strange case of professor Robert Moriarty. Moriarty? I don't remember everything. Heard of the fellow. No, Watson. You haven't. This quality of invisibility that makes of professor Moriarty the Napoleon of crime, sitting motionless like an ugly, venomous spider in the center of his web. But that web, having a thousand radiations and the spider knowing every quiver of every one of them, and within forty eight hours, I'll have the lines drawn so tightly around him that he can't move and arrest him and his entire gang. At home, this is a very dangerous My dear fellow, it's perfectly delightful.
My whole life is spent in a series of frantic endeavors to escape from the dreary common places of existence. For a brief period, I escape. You congratulate me. The day before yesterday, I received in this room the visit of a certain foreigner nobleman who has recently inherited a very considerable title and who was about to be married. Seems that this title of gentleman was so indiscreet as to fall in love with a young English lady by the name of Faulkner, socially is inferior, and to make her a promise of marriage. Later, at his family's insistence, the thing was broken off, and the young lady died shortly after of a broken heart, leaving behind a sister.
Also considerable evidence in the form of letters, photographs, and jewelry with inscriptions. These the sister kept. These together with the sister are now being held in a house in St. John's Wood Wood by a pair of blackmailers who go over the name of Chetwood. So far as you see, my dear Watson, a fairly ordinary case of blackmail hardly worth my attention. Last night on my inspection, a certain element revealed itself which renders the case far more important than I had expected. And that element was professor Moriarty.
Come in.
[00:10:08] Unknown:
Speak on, mister Holmes. Yes, Bureaus. What is it? Gentlemen, I see you by the name of Yes, mister Holmes. Come in, mister Holmes.
[00:10:17] Unknown:
Good evening, mister Holmes. Watson, mister inspector Foreman. The day before yesterday, he occupies the position of butler under the name of Judson in the home of mister and missus Chetwood, blackmailer of St. John Wood.
[00:10:31] Unknown:
No foreman. Any news? Yes, sir. This morning, a little after nine, Chetwood and his wife drove away in a four wheeler. They returned about eleven. Bassett was with them. You know him though. Yes. When I last had the occasion to meet mister Bassett, he about two years for safe cracking. Go on for him. Well, they took this man Bassett into the library. I got a look at him from the outside and there he was opening up the safe where they'd been keeping the letter. Come on. In the end when they got the safe open it was the letters were gone. It seems like the Faulkner girl got them back somehow. That got them pretty excited. Bassick went out to send a telegram. Have you got a copy of it? Yes. Yes. Here it is. Can code.
[00:11:12] Unknown:
Moriarty. I thought so, Watson. This case is taking a most promising turn. You return at once to the house at St. John's Wood. Within ten minutes, I shall be there myself. If I remember correctly, the kitchen is immediately below the drawing room. Yes. When I knock over a chair in the drawing room, you'll overturn a lamp in the kitchen, scatter smoke balls, and give an alarm a fire. All other instructions remain unchanged. Very good, sir. Hurry, Foreman. Yes, mister Holmes. Well, my dear Watson, begins to look like a most interesting
[00:12:04] Unknown:
evening.
[00:12:13] Unknown:
Hi. Good evening. My name is Sherlock Holmes. Whom whom did you wish to see, mister Holmes? Oh, thank you so much, mister Chetwood. I had myself announced by the butler on my way up. Far? I didn't oh, very well. Oh, here he is. Just just miss Faulkner begged mister Holmes to excuse her. She is not well enough to see anyone this evening. Would you please hand this card to miss Faulkner and say say that I I beg your pardon mr Holmes but it's quite useless really. Oh I'm so sorry to hear it. Yes miss Faulkner is, I regret to say, quite an invalid. She is unable to see anyone. Her health is so poor. Has it ever occurred to you or mr Chetwood that she might be confined to the house too much? How does that concern you? It, doesn't. I simply make the suggestion. I might like to think it over.
What's your butler's name? Judson, sir. Very well, Judson.
[00:13:00] Unknown:
Go on. Take my card up. Very good, sir. This is really too good. Why of course you can take up your card or your note or whatever it is if you wish it so much. I was only trying to save you the trouble. Thanks. It's hardly any trouble at all, send it to Karen. You know mr Holmes, you interest me very much. Really? For my word yes. We've all heard of your wonderful methods, the astonishing manner in which you gain information from the most trifling details.
[00:13:23] Unknown:
Now I dare say in this brief moment or two you've discovered any number of things about me. Nothing of consequence, mister Chatwin. I hardly more than asked myself why you were so distressed to see me at this particular moment and what there can possibly be about the safe in the lower part of that desk to cause you such pain painful anxiety. Very good. Very good indeed. If those things were only true now, I'd be wonderfully impressed. It would be absolutely
[00:13:46] Unknown:
is me, sir. Judson. A message for you, mister Shepherd. You'll excuse me, I trust. It's from, miss Faulkner. Where really? She begs to be allowed to see you mr. Holmes. She absolutely implores it. Well I suppose I shall have to give way. Judson ask miss Faulkner to come down to the drawing room, say that mr. Holmes is waiting to see her. Very good. Quite remarkable upon my soul. May I ask if it's not an impertinent question what message you sent up that could so have aroused miss Faulkner's desire to come down. Merely if that she wasn't down here in five minutes I'd go up. Oh, that was it. Yes. Quite so.
[00:14:24] Unknown:
And unless I'm greatly mistaken I hear the young lady on the stairs, in which case she has a minute and a half to spare.
[00:14:33] Unknown:
Alice, it is miss Faulkner. Let me introduce mister Sherlock Holmes. Mister Holmes. Miss
[00:14:41] Unknown:
Faulkner.
[00:14:42] Unknown:
I'm really most charmed to meet you. Although it does look as if you've made me come down and fight with myself, doesn't it? I thank you very much indeed for consenting to see me, miss Faulkner, but regret to observe that you were put to the trouble of making such a very rapid change of dress. Oh, yes. I did hurry a trifle, I confess. Mister Holmes is quite living up to his reputation, isn't he, Freddie? Come
[00:15:05] Unknown:
in. Yes, ma'am. What are you doing here, Dutton? I beg your pardon, ma'am. I was answering the bell. What bell? The drawing on Delta. What do you mean you blocked that no one rang the bell? I'm quite sure it was running through. Well, I tell you it did not ring. Your butler is right, mister Chetwood. The bell did ring. How do you know? I rang it. What do you want? I'll send my card to the real miss Fockner. The real? I said the real miss Faulkner.
[00:15:30] Unknown:
Judson. Yes, sir? Oh, what right of you to read for servants and give orders in my house? What right of you to prevent my cards from reaching their destination?
[00:15:38] Unknown:
And how does it happen that you and this woman are resorting to trickery and deceit to prevent me from seeing Alice Faulkner? Through some trifling oversight, Judson, neither of the cards I handed to him has been delivered. Kindly see that this error does not occur again. My orders? You have orders. I can't say, sir. You were told not to deliver my card. What business is it of yours I'd like to know? I shall satisfy your curiosity on that point in a very short time, mister Chetwood. Yes. And you'll find out in a very short time that it isn't safe to meddle with me. It wouldn't be any trouble at all for me to throw you out into the street. Possibly not. But trouble would swiftly follow such an experiment on your side. It's a cursed lucky thing for you. I'm not armed. Yes. Well, miss Faulkner comes down. You go and arm yourself. Arm myself. I'll call the police. Well tomorrow I'll do it now. Oh no. You will not do it now. You will remain where you are until the lady I came here to see has entered this room. What makes you so sure of that? Because you will prefer to avoid an investigation of your suspicious conduct, mister James Larrabee. No. That is the name under which you are known to Scotland Yard, I believe, mister Chetwood.
This lady here is your wife. Wife. Steel Judson. You will either deliver that card in his fortnight once or sleep in the police station tonight.
[00:16:48] Unknown:
That's a small consequence to me which you do. Shall I shall I go, sir? Go on. Take up the card. It makes no difference to me.
[00:16:55] Unknown:
Short time since, Varrabee, you displayed an acute anxiety to leave the room. Afraid do not let me detain you or your wife any longer. Take it you prefer to remain while I talk to miss Faulkner? Go, mister Holmes.
[00:17:11] Unknown:
That's miss Faulkner. Is there mister Holmes?
[00:17:14] Unknown:
Yes. You wish to see me?
[00:17:16] Unknown:
Very much indeed, miss Faulkner, but I'm sorry to see that you are far from well. Oh, not. No? Beg your pardon. What does this mark mean? Oh, nothing. Nothing? No. And the mark here on your neck plainly showing the clutch of a man's fingers. Does that mean nothing also? It occurs to me that I should like to have an explanation of this. Possibly you can furnish one, mister Larede. Or should I not? It seems to have occurred in your own house. What if it did? You better understand that it isn't healthy for you or anyone else to interfere with my business. Ah, it is your business. Say That much at least. Please be seated, miss Wagner. I don't know who you are, mister Holmes, or why you were here. I shall be very glad indeed to explain.
My business is this. I've been consulted as the possibility of obtaining from you certain letters addressed to your sister, which is supposed to be in your possession. I cannot give up my sister's letters, mister Holmes.
[00:18:07] Unknown:
There are other things besides revenge and it's punishment.
[00:18:11] Unknown:
Believe me, miss Faulkner. There is nothing more to say. Good night, mister Holmes. But my dear miss Faulkner oh, I'm so sorry. How clumsy of me to turn over this chair. Don't alarm yourself, miss Faulkner. There is no fire. No fire. The smoke was all
[00:18:41] Unknown:
arranged for. Arranged for? What does it mean, mister Holmes? Means this, miss Faulkner.
[00:18:46] Unknown:
Means that I wanted a package of letters, miss Faulkner, and that by following your eyes just now when you thought there was a fire, I discovered that you'd hidden them in the upholstery of this chair. Quite elementary, as you see. And now that they're in my possession, there seems to be no reason for it to remain any longer in this house. Good night, miss Faulkner. Miss Miss Faulkner. Yes? I I can't take them, miss Faulkner. There is no law to you. I find that I cannot keep them unless you can possibly change your mind and let me have them of your own free will. I suppose you could.
I will therefore return them to you and, oh, there's our friend mister Larrabee returning from the fire. You've got the letters, have you? Now I suppose we're going to see you walk out of the house with them. On the contrary, you're going to see me return them to their rightful owner. Miss Faulkner, here are your letters. Should you ever change your mind and be so generous, so forgiving as to wish to return these letters to the one who wrote them, you have my address. Any event, rest assured there will be no more cruelty, no more persecution in this house. Thank you, mister Holmes. You are perfectly safe with your property, miss Faulkner. For I shall so arrange it that your faintest cry of distress will be heard.
If that cry is heard, it will be very unfortunate for those who are responsible. As for you, mister Larrabee and, you, madame, I beg you to understand that you continue your persecution
[00:20:35] Unknown:
Walker. Now. Are you going to give me those letters? No. No. Are you going to give me those letters? No. No. Then
[00:20:42] Unknown:
Be evident to you, Shoppers.
[00:20:45] Unknown:
Now then, miss Walker, do you give me those letters or do I break your
[00:20:50] Unknown:
eyes?
[00:20:52] Unknown:
What's that? Someone knocked on the door. No. It was on that
[00:20:55] Unknown:
side. Did
[00:20:57] Unknown:
you call madam? I think someone knocked, Judson. I'll see, madam.
[00:21:11] Unknown:
I beg pardon madam,
[00:21:13] Unknown:
but there's no one at the door. Very well, Imago.
[00:21:17] Unknown:
He's got us watched.
[00:21:19] Unknown:
What we want to do is to leave it alone. Let the emperor have it. Do you mean Professor Moriarty? That's who I mean. Once let him get at it, he'll settle it with Holmes pretty quick. Don't you worry a minute. I tell you Professor Moriarty will get at him before noon tomorrow night. He won't wait long either, and when he strikes, it means death.
[00:22:02] Unknown:
Number? 8271.
[00:22:06] Unknown:
Great. Moriarty speaking.
[00:22:15] Unknown:
Everything was like crap. Sit and baited by an expert. Manning? Manning has disappeared. Disappeared?
[00:22:21] Unknown:
Sherlock Holmes again. And now this latterly job, he's in on that too. And that's where he made his mistake.
[00:22:29] Unknown:
Mister Holmes is playing rather a talented man. He doesn't realize there isn't a street in London that'll be safe for him if I was to let his name to Cregan. I might even make him a little call myself just for the satisfaction of it. Just for the satisfaction of it. Baker Baker Street, isn't it, please? Baker Street, Baker Street, sir. We could make it safe. We could make it absolutely safe for three streets in every direction. Yes, sir. We could. We've done it over and over again elsewhere. Police deployed. Men in every doorway. Do this tonight at Baker Street.
9 O'clock. Call his attendants out on one pretext or another and keep them out. You understand? I'll see this Sherlock Holmes myself. I'll give him a chance for his life. Yes, sir. Notify the Lascar that they may require the gas chamber at Stepney tomorrow night and have Craig in there at a quarter before ten with his crew. Tell Larrabee I shall want him to write a letter to Mr. Sherlock Holmes which I shall be be paid. Meet me here at seven. Messick, place your men at nine tonight for Sherlock Holmes's house in Baker Street. You still go there yourself, sir? I will still go there myself at this medium Tomorrow night, sir, to get him in the gas chamber. If I fail to kill him in Baker Street, you'll have him in Swan The Lane.
Either way, I have him, Bassett. Two strings to our bow. Two strings, Bassett?
[00:24:31] Unknown:
That evening, Holmes and I dined together at Scott's and Piccadilly Circus. After dinner, we went to a concert at Queen's Hall. I can still see him on this particular night of the Moriarty case, well knowing that his life is in peril, sitting beside me in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect happiness, listening to Sarasate play the violin, gently Lee waving his long thin fingers in time for music. When it was over, he rose, put on his long coat, and started with long steps in the direction of the street. Come, my dear Watson.
[00:25:27] Unknown:
Go on to Baker Street. I have an idea that very soon we should be receiving a most interesting visit.
[00:25:44] Unknown:
In front of Green Hall, we hear the Hanson. And as we came down Baker Street, we could see that the light was burning on the Second Floor Of 2 20 1 B. We went up the dark narrow stairs.
[00:26:06] Unknown:
What's Holmes? The boy Billy was waiting for her. Mister Holmes. What is it? Mrs. Hudson's compliment, sir. And she wants to know if she can see you. Where is mrs. Hudson? Downstairs in the kitchen, sir. My compliments and I don't think she can where she is. She'll be very sorry, sir. Our regret will be neutral. It was most terrible important sir. Seeing as she wants to know what you left for breakfast in the morning. The same. Same as when sir? This morning. But you didn't have nothing sir. You wasn't here. I won't be here tomorrow. Yes sir. Was that all sir? Quite so. Yes sir. Thank you, sir. Oh, mister Holmes, here's a letter for you, sir, on the table delivered ten minutes ago. Read it once. There's a good fellow. Can I pull up my dressing up? Yes.
[00:26:46] Unknown:
Dear, sir. What's the address's name? Why, James Larrabee. And what did James say this evening?
[00:26:54] Unknown:
Dear sir. I,
[00:26:55] Unknown:
hope he won't say that again.
[00:26:58] Unknown:
I have the honor to inform you that miss Faulkner has changed her mind regarding the letters at Cetera which you wish to obtain and have decided to dispose of them for a monetary consideration. If you wish to negotiate, you'll be at 09:00 at the Guard's Monument at the foot of Waterloo Place. You will see a four wheeler with wooden shutters to the windows. If you have the cab followed or by any other underhand trick, you won't get what you want. Let me know your decisions. Yours truly James Ralaby. Mine truly.
[00:27:32] Unknown:
Well, later perhaps. What does the fellow mean? Fellow means to sell me a base imitation for a large sum of money of certain letters that he does not possess. I shall proudly buy them from him. Now if I have the points tonight, 11:00, large monument, cab with wooden shutters, no one to come with me, No one to follow or I don't get what I want. Quite right. But, this cab with the wooden shutters. Merely a little device to keep me from seeing where they're taking me.
[00:27:57] Unknown:
Billy. Yes, sir?
[00:27:59] Unknown:
Give this to the man. What's the woman, sir? Young or old? Look quite young, sir. Handsome.
[00:28:05] Unknown:
Four wheeler, sir. Seen the driver before?
[00:28:08] Unknown:
But I can't think where. Hand this to the lady. Apologize for delay and look at the driver again. Yes, sir. My dear Holmes, you didn't say you would go. But I certainly did. This fellow means mischief. This fellow means the same. A
[00:28:21] Unknown:
big problem, sir. A message come over from the chemist on the corner to say a man has been hit by a bus. Looks like his leg broke. And would doctor Watson kindly step over and help kill the ambulance? Oh, you're literally out good once. I'll be back in a minute, hon. Billy. Yes, sir.
[00:28:34] Unknown:
Who brought that message? Boy from the chemist, sir. Hey. Of course. But which boy? Must have been a new one, sir. I ain't seen him before. Billy. Get downstairs quickly. Look after the doctor. If the boy's gone, there's a man with him. It means mischief. Let me know. Don't stop to come up. Ring the door. They'll all hear it. Ring it loud. Yes, sir.
[00:29:20] Unknown:
It's a dangerous heavy, mister Holmes, the finger loaded firearms in the pocket of one's dressing gown.
[00:29:27] Unknown:
I give you my word, professor Moriarty. You'll be taken from here to the hospital if you keep your hand behind you like that. That's better. In that case, please put your revolver on the table. You evidently don't know me. I think it's quite evident that I do. I have a chair, professor. I can spare you five minutes. Let's see everything to say. Careful. What are you about to do, professor Moriarty? Look at my watch. I'll tell you when your five minutes is up.
[00:30:10] Unknown:
It is your intention to pursue this case against me? That is my intention.
[00:30:15] Unknown:
To the very end. I regret this. Not assuming it's on my own account, but on your own. I share your regret, professor, but solely because of the rather I share your regret, professor, but solely because of the rather uncomfortable position it will cause you to occupy. May I inquire to what position you are pleased to use, mister Holmes? I refer to the position you will occupy at the end of a rope, professor Moriarty.
[00:30:34] Unknown:
Have you the faintest idea that you'd be permitted to live to see that day? As to that, I do not particularly care so that I bring you to see it. You'll never bring me to see it.
[00:30:44] Unknown:
You think that I would be here if I hadn't made the streets quite safe in every respect? I
[00:30:50] Unknown:
could never so grossly overestimate your courage as that, professor
[00:30:54] Unknown:
Moyad here. You imagine that your friend the doctor and your boy Billy will soon return? What? So it leaves us quite alone,
[00:31:06] Unknown:
quite alone, doesn't it, sir? Quite alone
[00:31:07] Unknown:
so that we can talk to Mass River quietly,
[00:31:10] Unknown:
the Stones and not be disturbed. And firstly, I wish to call your attention to a few memoranda which I've softened down and which you find that there they are. O'Kart,
[00:31:23] Unknown:
don't do that. Turn down quickly. You'll farther away from that memorandum book you're talking about. Well, merely don't do it. I don't want it. Got one of my own. If you want it, we'll have someone get it for you. I always like to save my guests unnecessary trouble.
[00:31:46] Unknown:
He observed that your boy doesn't answer the devil.
[00:31:51] Unknown:
No. But I have an idea that he will fall off. It may possibly be longer than you think, mister
[00:31:58] Unknown:
Holmes. What?
[00:32:01] Unknown:
That boy?
[00:32:03] Unknown:
Yes. That boy.
[00:32:07] Unknown:
At least we'll try the bell once more, professor.
[00:32:11] Unknown:
Professor. Doesn't it occur to you that he may possibly have been detained, mister Holmes?
[00:32:18] Unknown:
It does, professor. But it also occurs to me that you you're in very much the same predicament, professor Moriarty.
[00:32:28] Unknown:
I beg pardon, sir. Someone tried to hold me, sir. Yeah. It's quite evident, however, that he failed to do so. Yes, sir. He's got my coat, sir, but he ain't got me. Billy. Yes, sir.
[00:32:37] Unknown:
Billy, the gentleman I am carefully pointing out to you with this 45 desires to have us get as something of his left hand inside coat pocket. He's not feeling quite himself today and the consequence of his trying trying to do it himself might prove fatal. I suggest you attend to it for him. Yes,
[00:32:53] Unknown:
sir. Is this it, sir? This gun?
[00:32:57] Unknown:
Quite so. So I'll put it on the table. Not there, Billy. On this table. I can reach it. More like it. That's all, Billy. Simple see if you've got another, sir. I believe you've surprised me. Perhaps the gentleman's taken the trouble to inform us he hasn't. When, sir? When he made a snatch for this one. And now, professor, now that we have your little memorandum book, do you think of anything else you'd like before Billy goes? Any little thing you've got that you don't want?
[00:33:26] Unknown:
So sorry. That's all Billy. Thank you, sir. Listen to the whole Mr. Meehl. On the January 4 you crossed my path. On the twenty third, you incommoded me. Now at the close of April, I find myself placed in such a position through your continual interference that I'm in positive danger of losing my liberty. Any suggestions to make? No. I have no suggestions
[00:33:50] Unknown:
to make. They have effect to state. If you don't copy that once, your life's not worth debt. I'm afraid, professor, that in the pleasure of this conversation, I'm neglecting more more important business. If you will excuse me a moment while I get my pipe off the mantlepiece, sir. I came here this evening, mister Holmes, to see if peace could not be arranged between us. Quite so. Quite so.
[00:34:11] Unknown:
You've seen fit not only to reject my proposals, but to make insulting references coupled with threats of the rest. You've been warned of your dangers. You don't heed that warning. Perhaps you'll heed this. Up on your hands, mister Holmes. Up with over, Hector.
[00:34:29] Unknown:
Didn't imagine I'd leave that gun loaded. Did you, professor? Here are your cartridges. I didn't suppose you'd want to use that gun again, so I took them out while you were talking. Put them in my pocket. You'll find them all there, professor. Billy. Yes, sir? Can you please show professor Moriarty the door? Yes, sir. This way, sir. Don't ever say I didn't warn you, mister Holmes. No. No. Mister Moriarty.
[00:35:00] Unknown:
No. I never will.
[00:35:04] Unknown:
Dileigh, come here. Yes, sir.
[00:35:07] Unknown:
Dileigh?
[00:35:10] Unknown:
Dileigh, you're a good boy. Yes, sir. Thank you,
[00:35:19] Unknown:
sir.
[00:35:31] Unknown:
You are listening to the Columbia Broadcasting System's presentation of Orton Wells and the Mercury Theater on the Mercury Theater on the Air in Sherlock Holmes with Orton Wells in the title school and Ray Collins as doctor Watson. We pause a moment for station identification. This is the Columbia Broadcasting System. We continue now with the CBS presentation of Sherlock Holmes played by Orson Welles and the Mercury Theater on the Air. It was exactly 09:00 when Sherlock Holmes left the house in Baker Street. He had given the strictest instructions that no one was to follow him.
If there had been no word from him by noon of the following day, we must notify Scotland Yard. I went to the window and looked out for him as he went down Baker Street, tall, thin figure in a gray ouster, walking with long, smooth steps in the direction of Langham Place. There, he entered a cab. Here. What are you doing? Light matches you. That's what I'm doing. Chuck it. Wash it or chuck it. There might be gas if you lose. Alright. No gas. It's been four days since we had gas in the room. And I still say there might be gas. Did you check it? I will. Here it goes. Freddie. Give him a return.
That'll turn it off. Five minutes of that. All your troubles are in. Here. What's that?
[00:37:47] Unknown:
That's right, Kagen. Did you hear it? Yes, sir. McCain? Yes, sir. Be careful now your boys. You've got a tough one tonight. Wait. Said who? As I've heard, Sherlock Holmes. You mean that, sir? God's true. You're going to count him out. Well, if you're down till he gets away, I'm sorry for you. That's all.
[00:38:08] Unknown:
The governor's here. Not the governor
[00:38:17] Unknown:
Yes, sir. Doctor. All yes, sir. No mistakes tonight, Cregan. Well, be careful of that, sir. This is Larrabee. Hello. He's in on this job. Hello, Larrabee.
[00:38:26] Unknown:
What's that all, Bassett? A small cabin, sir. No. Then whatever, sir. A window? Nailed down, sir. And may break the glass? If he if he did, he'd come up against heavy iron bars outside.
[00:38:36] Unknown:
We'll have him tied down before he can break any glass, sir. You're using it before, Of course you know it's airtight. Every crevice is sealed, sir.
[00:38:44] Unknown:
When the men have turned the gas on him, they leave by this door? Yes, sir. Made made great secure? Heavy bolts on the outside, sir. All All at open bars overall. If you see how quick you can operate them. They tie a man down, sir. There's no need to hurry. Let me see how quick you can operate them. Living. Yes, sir. That's good. Open it up. Oh, Cregan. The rest of you, one thing remembered. Whatever happens, no shooting tonight. Not a single shot will be heard in the alley below. First thing is to get his revolver away before he has a chance to use it. Two of you had tracked his attention in front. The other come out on him from behind and snuck it out of his pocket. Then you have him. Ring, sir, Quiggin. I'll attend to it, sir. It's a letter beam. You understand?
We wait for you. I understand, sir. I give you this opportunity to sell him the package of letters you forged and get what you can for your travel. Few hundred pounds doesn't interest me, mister Varrabee.
[00:39:44] Unknown:
What a name, that is old. I understand, sir. You finished and got your money, you whistle. And these gentlemen got in. Miss
[00:39:54] Unknown:
Terry. You hear that, Cregan? That's right. And, Degan, the proper moment. Present my compliments to mister Sherlock Holmes and say that I wish him a pleasant journey to the other side. Come Good night, gentlemen. Good night. Good night. Good night, sir.
[00:40:15] Unknown:
Alright, boy. Clear. When you hear the whistle, in your come. Right. Sure, you are, sir. Larry? Yes, sir. You get down on the corner below, let me know when he comes. I will let you know. Well, when you see him driving up, come down the alley and whipple three times. Very good, sir.
[00:40:29] Unknown:
Here. Watch this. Help you. Get it. What are you doing then? Hey.
[00:40:33] Unknown:
What is it, Claire? What is it, Claire?
[00:40:40] Unknown:
How did you get to this place? I followed you in a cab. What have you been doing since I came up here? Informing the police perhaps. No. I was afraid he'd come so I waited. To warn him, I suppose. No. To warn him. Yes. You're going to swindle and deceive him. Sell him a packet of false letters. I know that. What else are you going to do to him? Wouldn't you like to know? Where are those men that came up here? What men? Three terrible looking men. I saw them go into the street store. You don't mean these men, do you, miss Portgas? Tyler, please. Oh my god. Here you are. Tyler.
[00:41:14] Unknown:
Listen. Listen. There he is now. What? Holmes. That's him. That's the signal. You don't have time to get her out. Shove her in there there, in the cupboard. Yeah. That'll move. In with her. Into the cupboard.
[00:41:31] Unknown:
Hey.
[00:41:50] Unknown:
Good evening, Mr. Holmes.
[00:41:53] Unknown:
Hi. Mister Larrabee. Oh, really? I certainly thought after all this driving about in a closed cab, you threw me something new. I've seen it before. Have you, mister Holmes? Oh, what a time or two. Now to come to think of it, I nabbed a friend of yours in this place while he was trying to drop himself out of the window. Ed Convin, the cracksman. Carlton. Never heard of him before. Well, you certainly never heard of him after. I'm sure of that. Race of carnival has used these luxurious chambers in the spring of eighty nine. One of them hid in that cupboard.
They pulled him up to the heels. Quite interesting. But times have changed since then. So they have, mister Larrabee. So they have. But then it was only cracksmen, counterfeiters, pickpockets and various kinds. But now Well, what now? Well, between you and me, mister Larrabee, we've heard some not altogether agreeable rumors. Rumors of some pretty shady work not far from here. Murder to a very peculiar kind. I've always had a suspicion. That's it. My surmise was correct. It is. This is what? This room is caught, sealed. What does that seem to be to us? Nothing to us, mister Lereby. Nothing to us. But it might signify a good deal of some poor devil who's been caught and gassed in this trap. Well, if it's nothing to us suppose we leave it alone and get to business. My time is limited. Yeah. Of course. I should have realized that these reflections could not possibly appeal to you. Well, have a cigar mr. Holmes? Oh, thanks.
A good cigar this mr. Narabe.
[00:43:25] Unknown:
Genuine Havana. Glad you like it. Now here is the little packet of letters which is the object of letters which is the object of this meeting.
[00:43:32] Unknown:
I haven't opened it yet but miss Faulkner tells me everything is there. Now suppose mr. Larrabee that as miss Faulkner knows nothing about this affair we admit her name from the discussion. What do you mean? Who told you she doesn't know? You did. Every look, tone, gesture, everything you've said and done since I've been in this room has informed me that miss Faulkner has never consented to this transaction. It is a little speculation of your own. Oh, I suppose if you can read me like a book. Oh, no. No. Like a criminal.
[00:43:54] Unknown:
Well, let it pass. How much will you give?
[00:43:58] Unknown:
A thousand pounds. I couldn't take it. What are you asking? 5,000. I couldn't give it. Why not? You offered 4,000 for this little Why didn't you take it? Because I intended to get more. Oh, that's too bad. They offered 4,000. They'll give 5. They won't give anything. Why not? They've turned the case over to me. Would you give 3,000? Mister Larrabee, strange as it may appear, my time is limited as well as yours. I have brought with me the sum of £1,000, which is all that I wish to pay. If it's your desire to sell at this figure, kindly surprise me of the fact at once. If
[00:44:25] Unknown:
not, permit me to wish you a very good evening. Well? You can have it. Sue's swallowing that as I haggle over. Give me the money. Yes, certainly.
[00:44:35] Unknown:
I thought you said you'd only brought just a thousand. I did. This is it. You brought a pipe on more, I said. Quite so. I didn't say I hadn't brought any more. You can do your little tricks when it comes to it, can't you? It depends on who I'm dealing with. Yeah. You give me that money. Come on, sick. Hand it over.
[00:44:52] Unknown:
Oh, that's over.
[00:44:54] Unknown:
No. I've got you where I want you, James Lelaby. You've been so cunning and so cautious and so wise we couldn't find a thing to hold you for, but this little slip will get you in for robbery. You'll have the emperor here. What are your views about being able to get away from here yourself? I do not anticipate any particular difficulty. Yeah. Robbery.
[00:45:13] Unknown:
Why, even if you've got away from here, you haven't got a witness. You haven't got a witness to your name.
[00:45:18] Unknown:
I'm not so sure of that, mister Larabette. Not so sure of that. You usually fat this covered door with a knife? Go away from that door.
[00:45:26] Unknown:
Talk to her.
[00:45:28] Unknown:
Stand back. Contemptive scoundrel, what does this mean? I'll show you what it means. Pass it straight. I am afraid you're badly hurt, miss Faulkner.
[00:45:37] Unknown:
Mister Hawthorne, stop.
[00:45:38] Unknown:
James. Here. What is there, boy? I'll, have to ask you gentlemen to wait just just one moment, please. Hear that. What's the idea of sitting down and writing? What are you writing writing your bill, I don't know. No. No. Only a brief description of one or two of your gentlemen, the police.
[00:45:57] Unknown:
I'm ready now. Wait a minute. You better listen to me, mister Holmes. We're gonna tie you down nice and tight to the top of that table. Oh my. You'll deprive me, gentlemen,
[00:46:06] Unknown:
thinking you're so sure of anybody in this room and three bars gone out of that window. Bars on low bars. You're not going to get out of here as easy as you expect. There are so many ways, mister Lederby, that I hardly know which one to choose. You better choose quick. I can tell you that. I'll choose at once, mister Cregan. And my choice falls on this chair. No, gentlemen. No. Not by the window. I'm leaving by the door. By the way. I left my cigar for you on the windowsill. Good evening, gentlemen.
[00:47:00] Unknown:
There was no news of Holmes that night. Then he reported next morning that he had not breakfasted at home. I had a busy morning at my office in Harley Street. It was after eleven before the last of my appointment was over
[00:47:12] Unknown:
and still no news at home.
[00:47:16] Unknown:
Did you, ring doctor Martin? Oh, Parsons.
[00:47:19] Unknown:
Is there anyone waiting? I
[00:47:25] Unknown:
have to be in Baker Street at noon. There's one person in the waiting room doctor. A lady sir and she wants to see you most particular. What about? She didn't say so only. She said it was the most important to her if you will see her. Oh very well I'll see her and call a cab for me at the same time and have it wait. Show the lady in. Yes, sir. This way, ma'am. This way. Oh, doctor. It's awfully good of you to see me. I'm mrs. H. DeWitt Seaton. Definitely I didn't bring my card case. If I did, I'd lost it. No trouble about a card.
[00:47:50] Unknown:
They said you were mister Holmes' friend. Several people told me that. Several. They advised me to ask you where I could find him today, this morning, and everything depends on it, doctor. Everything. I'd go to mister Holmes at once. But I've been. I've been, and he wasn't there. Mister Holmes' house? Yes. In Baker Street. That's why I came to you. They said he might be here. No. He isn't here. But don't you expect him this morning? No. There's no possibility of mister Holmes coming as far as I know. But couldn't you get him to come? It would be such a great favor to me. I'm almost worn out out with going about you with a stressful anxiety. If you could get word to mister Holmes to come I could not get him to come, madam, and I beg you to excuse me. I'm going out myself on urgent business. I have no idea where mister Holmes could be.
[00:48:43] Unknown:
Well, don't allow anybody to come in. I have no more time. Very well, sir. But you're coming in, doctor. Yes. You're
[00:48:47] Unknown:
coming in, doctor. Let the old man come in, come in. And they're bringing him in right now for him to go. I'm not gonna doctor Dobbie do this. We can't come in when he's there. The doctors can't see anybody. He's gotta come in. Accident. Oh, you can't. That's plain enough. He was on the wrong side of the street. He was. And now over to the street. No. No. I'll sit here. No. No. No. This is the chest. Don't you suppose I know where I was and sit down? You'll sit down here. That isn't the doctor. The doctor will have a look at you. He is the doctor. That is the doctor. Yes. And he's a doctor. He a doctor. He just come and have a look at this old local. He's heard his self a little then. Are you a cabman? Yes. I'm the cabman.
Well, I'll have you arrested for this. Arrested? You're arrested. Arrested. Arrested. You can't arrest me. No. I can't, but somebody else can. Where's my hat? Where's my hat? My hat. My hat. Never mind your hat. I will mind my hat. I'll hold you responsible. There you're at, Grand. Go on. Sit down. That isn't my hat. Here. You're responsible. I'll have you arrested. Here. Come back. I'll go and stick around here. You know? I gotta go and send the lady to ignore. Bring your horse in here. I wanna speak to him.
[00:50:15] Unknown:
Let's see. I won't stay in this place. If I ever get out of here alive,
[00:50:19] Unknown:
then why are you staring at me for it? Tell that cat to wait for me. I must see this badly. Yes. Now my friend, if you sit quiet for one moment, I'll have a look at you. No. Well, stay still. You know? Well, how can I Remarkable
[00:50:32] Unknown:
remarkable weather we're having? Hey, doctor?
[00:50:35] Unknown:
Hold.
[00:50:37] Unknown:
What on earth? I'm not having go ahead, sir. Holmes?
[00:50:45] Unknown:
Watson. Watson. Oh, he got out that window. Look out the blind. What do you want me to do? Nothing.
[00:50:51] Unknown:
It's already been done by missus Larrabee here. Look out, Holmes. You can get out that way. I don't think so, Watson. Foreman. I got it, sir. Good work, Foreman. I'll take the city in charge. Yes, sir. Very good, Foreman. Wait for me outside. Yes, sir. Watson, my dear fellow, I regret to say that after the present time, professor Moriarty himself has not risen to the bait. Where do you think he is? In the open streets under some clever disguise, watching for a chance to get it now. Now. This woman set in here Quite so. Quite so. A spy. So let them know by some signal.
If she found me in the house now, they know. Pull down that blind, Watson. I don't care to be shot at from the street. I imagine we shall hear from professor Moriarty very soon now.
[00:51:37] Unknown:
Mister Holmes. Mister Holmes. What did I tell you? He's come, sir. From where? The house across the street. He was in there watching these windows. He must have seen something for he's just come out. There was a cab right in front of this house, sir, and he's climbed up and changed places with the driver. Get out again quick, Billy, and keep your eye on him. Yes, sir. Thank you, sir. Watson,
[00:51:56] Unknown:
you're gonna have a rather heavy portamento for a few moments, sir. I won't do it any harm. But there's my large Gladstone over there in the corner. Glass door over there in the corner. Bring it here. Yes, sir. Here's the portmanteau. Thank you, Parsons. Put it down there. Thank you so much. Parsons, you wanted to camp at the doctor a short time ago. It's waiting, I believe. Yes, sir. I think it has. It'd be so good as to tell the driver to come in here and get a release. When he comes, tell him that's the one. Very good, sir. My dear Watson, times like these, you should tell your man never to take the first cab that comes on call nor yet the
[00:52:30] Unknown:
second. The third may be safe. But, Holmes, I Alright. I'm Cammie. I'm Cammie. This is Cammie. If I write him this way this bag.
[00:52:39] Unknown:
I want taken down, the street of that. Right? Alright. Goodbye, Watson. Bye, Watson. Wait a minute, driver. Pretty heavy, I'm afraid. Let me help you. Watson, right to you from Budapest. Yes. Yeah. But what Here, driver. Let me tighten up these straps a bit. Here we are. That's right. I'll hold it, driver. You you pull the strap. Few little things in this bag that I wouldn't like to lose. Won't you, Lucy? And it's just as well to make quite sure. Is it not, professor Moriarty? By means of a simple pair of handcuffs.
[00:53:16] Unknown:
Plus you, Holmes.
[00:53:20] Unknown:
Do you imagine, Sherlock Holmes, that this is the end?
[00:53:24] Unknown:
I
[00:53:25] Unknown:
ventured to dream that it might be. Are you quite sure other police will be able to hold me?
[00:53:32] Unknown:
Professor Moriarty, I'm quite sure of nothing. Take him away, foreman. And so my dear Watson ends the strange case of miss Alice Faulkner. Well, what about the letters? Oh, the letters. They were returned to their rightful owner over an hour ago. I suspected in the start that miss Faulkner was really a nice girl at heart. Dear, what is it all, miss? I was just reflecting, my dear Watson. With Moriarty out of the way London, from the point of view of the criminal expert, it's likely to become a singularly uninteresting city. One's morning paper veritable wilderness of boredom.
[00:54:17] Unknown:
Mister Holmes. Mister Holmes. Yes, Bennett? There's a lady here. Been waiting for an hour. Says she's got to see you, sir. Casey Myrna, she says. She's got a face veil. From which I deduced that she is a lady of over 41 and less than 45
[00:54:30] Unknown:
of a strange dark beauty and considerable social eminence. That she has lived for some years in the Near East, that she's now wearing a large blood ruby on the second finger of her left hand. Holmes, how do you know these things? It's amazing. Elementary, my dear Watson. Elementary. The child's day of deduction.
[00:55:05] Unknown:
Again tonight, the Columbia Broadcasting System, through its affiliated station, Coast to Coast, has brought you Awesome Wells and the Mercury Theater on the Air, the twelfth production in this unique series featuring Broadway's and radio's most celebrated theatrical producing company. This evening, the play was Orson Welles' own adaptation of William Gillette Sherlock Holmes. In the cast, actor Watson played by Ray Collins, Alice Faulkner by Mary Taylor, Mads Larrabee by Brenda Forbes, James Larrabee by Edgar Barrier, Inspector Forman by Morgan Farley, Kriegan by Richard Wilson, graphic by Albert Shirley, Leary by William Allen, Billy by Arthur Anderson, professor Moriarty by Eustace Wyatt, and Sherlock Holmes by Orson Welles.
The orchestra was conducted by Bernard Herrmann, and the production was supervised for for CBS by Davidson Tabor. Your announcer is Frank Yellert. Next Sunday evening at the same time, another classic narrative dramatized by Orson Welles. Join us then for Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist brought to life by the Mercury Theater on the Air.
[00:56:39] Unknown:
What you're hearing is hardy fiber cement siding living up to its reputation as the siding that handles hail impact with ease. James with styles to with styles to match its strength. So you can be sure you're providing your clients with the best. Protect your reputation with exterior products by James Hardie.
Introduction to the Mercury Theater
Orson Welles on Sherlock Holmes
Dr. Watson's Recollections
Holmes' Deductive Skills
The Case of Professor Moriarty
Holmes Visits the Chetwoods
Holmes' Strategy and Escape
Moriarty's Plot Against Holmes
The Final Confrontation
Holmes' Disguise and Capture of Moriarty
Conclusion and Reflections
