In this captivating episode, we delve into a thrilling adaptation of the Sherlock Holmes classic, "A Scandal in Bohemia," brought to life by the Mystery Theater. The story unfolds with Dr. Watson rekindling his friendship with Holmes, only to be swept into a case involving European royalty and a mysterious woman named Irene Adler. As Holmes employs his legendary deductive skills, he uncovers a plot that could alter the course of European history. The episode explores themes of love, deception, and the intricate dance between intellect and emotion.
Listeners are treated to a masterful performance by Kevin McCarthy as Holmes, navigating through a web of intrigue and danger. The episode highlights Holmes' unique approach to problem-solving, as he orchestrates a clever ruse to retrieve a compromising photograph. The narrative is rich with suspense and wit, showcasing Holmes' admiration for Adler, the only woman to outsmart him. This episode is a testament to the enduring appeal of Sherlock Holmes and his adventures.
(00:51) Introduction to the Old Masters
(01:55) A Scandal in Bohemia Begins
(03:23) Holmes and Watson Reunite
(05:08) The Mysterious Note
(08:10) The King's Secret
(11:02) The Photograph Dilemma
(13:12) Irene Adler: The Woman
(16:11) Holmes' Disguise and Discovery
(20:00) The Wedding Witness
(24:18) The Plan to Retrieve the Photograph
(26:58) The Ruse at Briony Lodge
(31:02) The Clever Escape
(37:01) The Letter from Irene
(41:10) Holmes' Sentiment for Irene
(42:52) Reflection on Holmes' Feelings
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[00:00:00]
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[00:00:47] Unknown:
Come in. Welcome. I'm EG Marshall. When you visit a museum to look at paintings, some very few of them are referred to as having been painted by old masters. Yes. Failed Yes. Failed in an assignment. An assignment that involved the faith and history of two European countries. There is no other way, Boris. She must be kidnapped and, forced to tell where she's hidden it. You are speaking of torture. I am speaking of overthrowing a government. Torture, murder, abduction, these are words for the weak. We must be strong, and we must not fail.
Our mystery drama, A Scandal in Bohemia, was adapted from the Sherlock Holmes classic, especially for the mystery theater by Murray Burnett, and stars Kevin McCarthy. It is sponsored in part by XLACS and Buick Motor Division. I'll be back shortly with act one. Sherlock Holmes looked upon love as a nuisance, an emotion that could only unbalance the beautiful analytic machinery of the mind, or as his creator, a Conan Doyle, put it, grit in a sensitive instrument. And yet, there was one woman Sherlock Holmes might have loved.
She appears in this story, faithfully and fully depicted by the admirable Watson.
[00:02:56] Unknown:
Immediately after my marriage, I I'd seen little of Sherlock Holmes. All I knew about my former friend and companion was what I read of his exploits in the daily press. One night in 1888, I was returning from seeing a patient. My way led through Baker Street, but I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes again. I rang the bell of the well remembered door and shortly thereafter was greeted by my friend in the sitting room. Weblock suits you, Watson.
[00:03:26] Unknown:
I think you've put on seven and a half pounds since I last saw you. Hi, Joe. Seven. Mhmm. And you've resumed your medical practice. You didn't tell me you were going back into harness. Well, then how did you know it? I see it. I deduced it. How do I know that you've been getting yourself very wet lately and that you're the most clumsy and careless servant girl? My dear Holmes, this is too much.
[00:03:49] Unknown:
Had you lived a few centuries ago, you would certainly have been burned at the stake. Well, it's true that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful mess. But as I've changed my clothes, I can't imagine how you deduced it. As to our girl, Mary Jane, she's incorrigible. My wife has given her notice. But then again, I fail to see how you work it out. It's simplicity itself.
[00:04:15] Unknown:
My eyes tell me that on the inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, the leather is scored by six parallel cuts. Now obviously, they've been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped around the edges of the sole to remove the crusted mud from it. Hence, my double deduction that you've been out in wet weather and that you have a particularly careless servant. Yes, sir. You always make it sound so simple.
[00:04:45] Unknown:
But but how about my resuming my medical practice? Come, Watson,
[00:04:49] Unknown:
If a gentleman walks into my room smelling of iota form with a black mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger and a bulge on the right side of his top hat showing where he secreted his stethoscope, I must be a doll dog indeed if I don't pronounce him an active member of the medical professional. Each time you explain your process, it appears that anyone can do it. And I know my eyes are quite as good as yours because you see, but you do not observe.
[00:05:20] Unknown:
By the way, you may be interested in this which came by the last post. Read it. Alright. I will call upon you tonight at a quarter to 08:00. A gentleman who desires to consult you upon a matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of the royal houses of Europe has shown that you are one who may safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you, we have from all quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do not take it amiss if your visitor wears a mask.
[00:06:02] Unknown:
This is indeed most mysterious, Holmes. What do you imagine it means? Well, it's a capital mistake to theorize before you have data, but we do have the note itself. What view to do submit? Well,
[00:06:15] Unknown:
the man who wrote it was presumably well-to-do. This paper can't be bought under half a crown a packet. It's peculiarly strong and stiff. Peculiar?
[00:06:25] Unknown:
That's the very word. Hold it up to the light and tell me what you make of the initials woven into the texture of the paper.
[00:06:34] Unknown:
I make out a large e, a small g, a capital p, and a large g, and a small t.
[00:06:45] Unknown:
No doubt the name and the maker of Pampers' monogram. Not at all. The large g with the small t stands for Gesellschaert, which is German for company. It's a customary contraction. P, of course, stands for Papier. And now for the eg, let's take a look at our continental gazetteer. Eglow Eglonitz, here we are. Eglow. It's a German speaking country in Bohemia, not far from Karlsberg. Remarkable as being the scene of the death of Wallenstein and for its numerous glass factories and paper mills. Now, Watson, what do you make of it? The paper was made in Bavania. Precisely.
And the man who wrote the note is a German. That's only a possibility, Holmes. He could have purchased the paper No. No. No, Watson. Note the peculiar construction of the sentence. This account of you we have from all quarters received. A Frenchman or a Russian could never have written that. Only a German is so uncourteous to his verbs as to place them at the very end of a sentence. It remains, therefore, to discover what is wanted by this German who writes upon a Bohemian paper and prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And if I'm not mistaken, he's arriving now.
[00:08:10] Unknown:
Holmes pressed me to stay. I remain seated, and Holmes opened the door to admit a man who is at least six foot six with the limbs and chest to the Hercules. He was dressed so rich that it was to be considered almost in bad taste. He topped off his rich costume with a black dessert mask, which he'd evidently just adjusted as he entered. He spoke with a German accent,
[00:08:38] Unknown:
looking from one of us to another as if uncertain which one to address. You had my note. I told you that I would call. Hey. Take a seat. This is my friend and colleague, doctor Watson, who is occasionally kind enough to help me with my cases. Yeah. Whom do I have the honor to address? You may address me as the count von Kram, a Bohemian nobleman. I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honor and discretion whom I may trust with the matter. Most extreme importance. If not, I must communicate with you alone. It's both or none. You may say before this gentleman anything which you may say to me. And I must begin by binding you both to absolute secrets over two years. At the end of that time, the Maffa will be of no importance.
At the moment, it is not too much to say that it is of such weight. It may have an influence upon European history. I promise. Nice. You will excuse this mask. The August person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to you. And I confess at once that the title by which I call myself is not exactly my own. I was aware of it. Every precaution has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families. To speak plainly, the matter involves the great house of Ornstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia. I was also aware of that.
You surprised me. If your majesty would condescend to state your case, I should be better able to advise you. You are right. I am the king. Why should I attempt to conceal it? Why indeed? Your majesty had not spoken four words before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Katzeit von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Castle Telstein and hereditary King of Bohemians. Then you can understand I am not accustomed to doing such business in my own person. Yet the matter is so delicate. I cannot confide in an agent without putting myself in his power. I come incognito from Prague to consult you. Then pray consult.
Briefly. These are the facts. Some years ago, during our lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of a well known adventuress, Irene Adler, whose name is no doubt familiar to you. Will you be so kind as to look her up in my index, doctor? Oh, yes. Gladly, Holmes.
[00:11:22] Unknown:
Your index is complete, Holmes, but not in the best of order. So I'm glad that her name starts with an a.
[00:11:29] Unknown:
Here she is. Thank you. Now let me see. Born in New Jersey, eighteen fifty eight. Prima Donna Imperial Opera of Warsaw. Contralto, retired from The States, living now in London. Quite so. Thank you, doctor. And now your majesty, as I understand, became entangled with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and is now anxious to get these letters back. Precisely so. But how did you Was there a secret marriage? Of course not. Legal papers? Certificates? None. Well, then I failed to follow your majesty. If this person should produce her letters for blackmail or other purposes, how is she to prove their authenticity?
There is the writing Who? Fortunately. My private note paper. Stolen. My own seal. Imitated. My photograph. Bought. We were both in the picture. Oh, dear. That is very bad. Your majesty has indeed committed an indiscretion.
[00:12:41] Unknown:
And so as this story, a scandal in Bohemia shows, Holmes was not unknown to royalty, and royalty, despite masks, could not stay unknown to Holmes. We'll be back with the pressing problem of the king of Bohemia and meet Irene Adler, the woman, shortly. Sherlock Holmes in love perished a thought. And yet of all the tales of Sherlock Holmes as recorded by his friend, doctor Watson, there's no other adventure in which he expresses as much admiration for a woman as he does for Irene Adler. And keep in mind, she came to his attention not as a client, but as an adversary.
But it's best we let Watson continue the story.
[00:13:42] Unknown:
I was watching his majesty's face. The moment Holmes said he'd committed a serious indiscretion, his face flashed. I was mad. Insane. But remember, I was a young crown prince then. I didn't realize the consequences.
[00:13:58] Unknown:
It must be recovered. Don't you think we have tried and failed? Then it must be bought. She will not sell. Stolen in? Five attempts at obtaining the photograph have been made. Twice, I had burglars ransack her house. Once, we diverted her luggage when she traveled. The luggage was searched thoroughly. Twice, she has been waylaid, and her purse taken of her has been no result. And what does she propose to do with the photograph? Ruin me. How? I am about to be married. My fiance is the second daughter of the king of Scandinavia. A shadow of a doubt as to my youthful conduct would end the engagement and bring about some very serious side effects as well. And Irene Atta? Threatens to send the photograph. Uh-huh. And I know she will do a success.
Rather than I should read another, there are no lengths to which she will not go. None. You assume she hasn't sent it yet? I am certain. And what do you base this certainty? Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday. Then we still have three days. Your majesty will, of course, stay in London for the pleasant. Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name Count Von Clam. Watson, would you take down the lady's address when his majesty gives it to you? Sure. Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, Bellevue, St John's Wood. Very good. And now good evening, your majesty. I trust that we shall soon have some good news for you.
[00:15:42] Unknown:
Holmes asked me to come around the next day at three. When I arrived, he wasn't there. He'd run into unexpected complications that I was to hear about when he returned shortly after four. Well, accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers and the use of disguises, I had to look more than once to make certain that the drunken looking, ill kept, side whiskered groom was indeed eaten.
[00:16:12] Unknown:
Watson, I'm sure you could never guess how I employed my money
[00:16:16] Unknown:
or what I ended up doing. Well, I suppose you've been watching the habits and perhaps the house of miss Irene Adler. Right. So I can tell you that we are not the only ones after that photograph.
[00:16:28] Unknown:
Well, you mean the king has employed others in the same capacity as you? I think not. But But let me give you a picture of the day's happenings. I left the house a little after eight this morning disguised as a groom seeking work. Irene Adler has turned all the men's heads around Bliony Lane. After giving a few of the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, I came upon a character who seemed equally interested in the topic of miss Irene Adler as I. We fell into a conversation as he bought me a glass of half and half in a neighboring pub. Here's to the ladies. God bless them.
And to miss Cyrene Adler in particular. May they all be as beautiful as she and as rich. She's well off then. No. You seem like the kind of person a broke interest. Are you trustworthy, mate? It all depends. There might be a lot of reasons for you to be trustworthy if you don't mind taking a few risks. It all depends on what kind of risks you're talking about. Oh, nothing very big. Just helping out a little with the job we have in mind. Who's we? I don't like working blind. I have to know what kind of job you're talking about. Well, you might say it was a kind of a lark with a lady who lives at Briony Lodge. You're a sharp one. You are?
That's the very one. Just a bit of a lark. That's all. The reason I picked you, mate, would be because you have an honest face and showed a lot of interest in the lady yourself. You see, I was listening to you, mate. Why? It's not it might be a good verse for me. What I have in mind might pay you a lot better. Uh-huh. How much are we talking about? £50. 50? You didn't think I had an honest vice? You thought I had a stupid vice? Now let me tell you, might. I don't go for the rough stuff, so you can forget about me right now. The 50 ain't all for you. I need four or five boys who don't mind creating a bit of a dust up around Briony Lodge, and I need them tomorrow.
Good luck. I ain't gonna be one of them. I was thinking you'd get them for me. You look like a fellow who might know some chaps who don't mind a bit of fun and You keep on about a bit of fun. Yes. You keep on and on about that. And your idea of fun and mine might not be the sign, if you know what I mean. Well, you heard what all the grooms were saying about Mad Mazard's boyfriend, the one who visits her so frequent. Aye? Well, his best friend wants to play a little joke, you see. Sort of stage a kidnapping. Not a real one, of course, but me and my partner will spirit her away, and then her boyfriend's pal sort of says April Fool.
The joke's over. Don't sound very funny to me. Real gents' idea of fun is different than you and me. Well, mate, what do you say?
[00:19:37] Unknown:
I joke, Holmes. This fellow sounds a proper villain.
[00:19:42] Unknown:
What did you say? Accepted his offer, of course, and got myself £25 in advance. But, Holmes, you can't possibly be contemplating doing what this fellow asks.
[00:19:54] Unknown:
Surely, you must see that he he he's not joking and that he means to abduct, miss Adler. Of course. But you haven't allowed me to finish my day's adventures.
[00:20:04] Unknown:
The last part caps it all. After striking the bargain with his scoundrel, I set off on my own to take a closer look at Bayonne Lodge and see how I could best turn these events to our advantage when a handsome cab flattered up through the lady's door and a dark, handsome gentleman jumped out. Wait for me, driver. I won't be a moment. He was as good as his word. A few minutes later, he came down the steps, ran down, jumped into the cab, and shouted, Drive like the devil. First the Gross and Hankys in Regent Street, and then to the Church of Saint Monica in Edgware Road. Half A Ginny if you do it in twenty minutes. He and his Hanson were hardly out of sight before Anika the Landau grew up before the house, and I had my first glimpse of miss Irene Adler as she rushed from the house. The church is in Hanukkah, John, and half a sovereign if you can reach it in twenty minutes. This was quite too good to lose. So while I was debating whether or not to make a run for it and perched behind her landau, a cab came down the street. Before the driver could object to my shabby appearance, I jumped in, showed him a coin, and parrot, like said, the Church of Saint Monica, and half a sovereign if you make it in twenty minutes.
[00:21:16] Unknown:
But this is absurd, Jeff. You're naughty, not to have fooled. Everything was being done in such a rush, darling. I I I never thought about a witness.
[00:21:24] Unknown:
Well,
[00:21:25] Unknown:
here. This nice looking gentleman, he'll do. Oh, thank heaven. Thank the lord. Come on, man. What? What do you want? A witness. A witness to our marriage. And we not only thank you, but we thank Saint Monica.
[00:21:41] Unknown:
It was the most preposterous position I've ever found myself in my life. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean the word, on my watch chain and memory of the occasion. But, Joe, but but doesn't this sudden marriage threaten everything? It certainly seemed to menace our plan seriously. However, when they separated at the church door, I heard her tell him that she would drive out in the park at five as usual. So then I went off and made my own arrangements for tonight. Who? Who? Which are? To be revealed to you after some cold beef and a glass of beer to fortify ourselves for this evening's work.
[00:22:18] Unknown:
I don't like it, Ference. It's dangerous. Boris, it's our only alternative. To rely on this half drunken groom you meet in it, Bob. I've already explained to you. He was interested in Briony Lodge and Miss Adler. Can we trust him? Of course not. But we can rely on his greed. You didn't see the way he snatched the £25 advance. I still do not like it. Oh, why grant it's not ideal, but there's very little risk. Once we have the lady and the cabbage, we drive off. What can he tell the police? Everything. Which is little enough. She doesn't even know my name. He's never seen you.
In half an hour, we'll be safely hidden. And I promise you'll have the location of the photograph out of her before the search has had time to get organized.
[00:23:18] Unknown:
Now that the inner man's been satisfied, Watson, let's set our plans. I shall need your cooperation. Oh, I I I should be delighted. Now miss Adler always returns from her drive in the park at seven. We must be on hand to meet her. I've already engaged the services of several stout lads who will create the uproar that I promised my companion in the pub. What is you're not going to throw in with those villains after all? Only to the extent of creating a disturbance, which I intend to put to our advantage, of course. My lads are instructed to see that on no account will the lady be taken. But, won't the other people know that? In the confusion, they'll only know that their plans have gone awry.
Have you any idea who they are or what they want with the photograph? Only that they've definitely not been hired by his majesty. As to the rest, I can hazard a guess or two. Either they want the photograph to extort a pretty penny for his majesty or from some political purpose. In either case, it doesn't matter. What is important is your role. Well, I'm impatient to hear it. There will be some unpleasantness, but on no account are you to interfere. I promise you it will all end with my being conveyed into the lady's sitting room. Four or five minutes afterwards, the sitting room window will open.
You are to station yourself close to that window. Is that all? No. By no means. Now I have here an ordinary plumber's smoke rocket fitted with a self igniting cap at either end. You will throw this through the open window into the room at the same time raising a good loud cry of fire. Understood? Yes. But I I haven't finished. Sorry. Your cry will then be taken up by a considerable number of people in the street. Then your part is finished. Walk to the end of the street where I will rejoin you in ten minutes. For the life of me, I I can't see how you know you'll be taken into the room and and and the window open. Yeah. The explanation will have to wait because now I I must change for my new role.
[00:25:31] Unknown:
To my astonishment, when Holmes came out from his chamber, he was dressed as an elderly clergyman. And once again, I thought what a fine actor the stage had lost when he elected to become a consulting detective. We shortly afterwards were pacing up and down outside Irene Adler's house in St. John's Wood.
[00:25:52] Unknown:
Ah, I see that my lads are all in position, and so are you, Watson, because here we are outside the sitting room window. And you promised to explain to me how you're gonna get yourself inside and have the window open. All in good time. But the key question remains, where do we find the photograph? Probably at her bank or her attorneys. No. I think neither. It's much too precious for her to have it out of her possession. It's in the house. But it's been burgled twice. Sure. They didn't know how to look. Well, how will you look? I'll get her to show me.
[00:26:26] Unknown:
Oh, ridiculous. Chris Baulder refused. She won't be able to. Incredible.
[00:26:32] Unknown:
It will all be clear to you, but we have no more time. It's almost the hour. I think I see her carriage in the distance. Now carry out my order to the letter.
[00:26:58] Unknown:
Saint John's Wood has always been an exclusive quiet residential section of London. But in a very few minutes, that quiet is to be shattered by some shocking incidents masterminded by Sherlock Holmes. We'll share with Watson an understanding of Holmes' scheme when I return with act three. At the very beginning of this story, I spoke of the possibility of Sherlock Holmes being in love. You may wonder how anyone could fall in love with a woman whom he's seen only once, and then at her hurried wedding, but there's more to come. And if I may borrow from the master, all in good time.
Now let's rejoin Sherlock Holmes and Watson.
[00:27:57] Unknown:
Holmes, artfully disguised as an elderly clergyman, and I strolled up and down in front of Irene Adler's house in St. John's Wood. Holmes called mine with the unusually large amount of activity in the street.
[00:28:11] Unknown:
I reminded him that he told me they were mostly his men. Not all, Watson. See that, sir? Yes. That's
[00:28:20] Unknown:
hot. I see. I am sure he all appear that some of my blood will be spilled, but rest assured what they seem. There. They come to a stop before I saw the scissors grinder spring forward and snatch the handle to open the door. At the same time, the lounges went into action, and the Ireni actress Garrett was surrounded by a score of yelling, cursing men. Boris. Boris. I saw Holmes slide into the crowd, which seemed to make way for him as he cried out. New roads. Villains. How dare you assault a lady? And suddenly, I saw him clap a head on our nose, and he was down with a blood stream coming from his nose. When he fell, I heard a policeman whistle, and a number of the locals took to their heels.
Irene Adler had hurried up the steps, but then stood at the top. Looking back into the street, she called out That gentleman, her? She needs help.
[00:29:28] Unknown:
What do you care about here in the street? Bring him in. There's a comfortable sofa in my sitting room. We'll get a doctor.
[00:29:36] Unknown:
Slowly and solemnly, Holmes was carried into Briony Lodge and placed carefully on the sofa. The lamps had been lit, but the blinds hadn't been gone. So I could see him as he lay on the couch, this truly, wondrously beautiful woman bending tenderly over him. After a moment or two, I saw him raise himself with some difficulty, and he began talking. He later told me how the conversation went. I don't think you should sit up.
[00:30:08] Unknown:
I'm quite alright, dear lady.
[00:30:10] Unknown:
I'm more concerned about you. Oh, thanks to your bravery. I've just had an unpleasant moment. Oh. What is it? What do you mean?
[00:30:19] Unknown:
Nothing to be alarmed about, I'm sure. But if I could have some air Oh, of course. Marie,
[00:30:24] Unknown:
open the windows.
[00:30:28] Unknown:
As the maid opened the window, I saw Holmes raise his hand. The moment her back was turned, I tossed the locket into the room and shouted fire. The cry was instantly taken up as thick clouds of smoke curled through the room and out the window. I slipped through the crowd and made my way to the end of the street and waited. In ten minutes, I was rejoiced to find my friend's arm in mine, and we walked swiftly away from the scene.
[00:30:56] Unknown:
You did it very nicely, doctor. Everything's right as rain. You have the photograph? I know where it is. Oh, how did you find out? As I told you, she showed me. Well, now I'm still in the dark. When a woman thinks her house is on fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the things she values most. Our lady today had nothing more precious to her than the photograph that we seek. When the alarm of fire was raised, she rushed to secure it, and she did. The photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the right bell pull.
She was there in an instant, and I caught just a glimpse of it as she half threw it out. Now we've almost reached our goal and yet there's something annoying at the back of my mind. Let me repeat the conversation that took place between us after it was discovered that the fire was only a false alarm. It may perhaps suggest something to you.
[00:31:54] Unknown:
My dear reverend Forsyth, madam. Madam? How very observant of you to notice my wedding ring. It's so new to me that madam quite startled me. I apologize.
[00:32:09] Unknown:
I should certainly be unable to bear the thought of bringing you any further excitement or trouble. It has been a hectic five or ten minutes, reverend,
[00:32:18] Unknown:
and I must thank you for your courage in coming to my aid. At your age, it might have been dangerous.
[00:32:24] Unknown:
It was only a Christian act, providential, that I happened to be passing.
[00:32:29] Unknown:
Heaven does seem to be looking after me and my belongings safely. Heaven looks after us all, dear lady. Providence does seem to be taking a special interest in me. Only yesterday, when it appeared that my marriage might have to be put off because my future husband and I needed a witness there, quite providentially appeared as somewhat tipsy groom who served as a witness for us. And now, today, I'm almost set upon by a band of toughs and the Lord sends me an elderly but foolhardy minister who risks his life and limb for a strange lady. It does seem that you're blessed. And now when for a moment it appeared that my house with all its lovely furnishings would be ravaged by fire, I am again saved when it proves to be a false alarm.
[00:33:18] Unknown:
You may indeed consider yourself fortunate. But if you don't mind, I I feel quite the cover. Oh, you're so good. I'll have my coachman take you wherever you were going. Why wouldn't think of it, dear madam? You've done quite enough for me as it is. I felt that it was wise to leave as quickly and with as little fuss as possible, and so I met with you. Well, then you why this unease?
[00:33:44] Unknown:
From what you told me, you accomplished everything you set out to do. I did.
[00:33:48] Unknown:
And yet oh, hang it, man. It's just that there was something in her eyes.
[00:33:57] Unknown:
Come now, Holmes. Don't tell me that you're
[00:34:01] Unknown:
mooning over a woman. Not at all. Not at all. I misunderstand. But, here we are in crowded Bakersfield. Do you have the key? Would? Of course not. Dear me. I fear I'm getting somewhat absent minded. Here's the key. It slipped a little during all my exertions. Good night, mister Sherlock Holmes.
[00:34:22] Unknown:
Who is that?
[00:34:23] Unknown:
Search me. Some young lad in an oyster.
[00:34:27] Unknown:
He's just now hurrying off. I swear I've heard that voice before. I wonder who that deuce it could have been.
[00:34:40] Unknown:
Holmes took the puzzle of the voice to bed with him. He also invited me to spend the night because we were to be up so early the next morning. Now after sending a message off to my wife, I went to bed. And next morning around seven, we were engaged upon our toast and coffee when I inquired of Holmes the reason for our early rising. We're up at this hour, Watson, because the king shall be here shortly. His majesty. I thought it might give him some satisfaction to regain the photograph with his own hands. Well,
[00:35:09] Unknown:
that still doesn't answer. The lady will probably not be up when we call. We shall be shown into the sitting room, and when she comes down, she may find neither us nor the photograph. You have really got it. Not yet. But you have hopes? I have hopes. Heard come. I am more impatience to be gone. We must have a cab. No. My broom is waiting. That simplifies matters. Come along, Watson. The game is truly afoot.
[00:35:40] Unknown:
In no time at all, we found ourselves in the King's carriage, spinning along to a Briony Lodge in Iriniatha. Iriniatha
[00:35:49] Unknown:
is married, your majesty. Married? Yesterday. But to whom? To an English lawyer named Norton. Impossible. I was a witness to the wedding. No. That is not what I meant. But she could not love him. I'm in hope that she does. And why in hope? Because it would spare your majesty all fear of future annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your majesty. If she does not love your majesty, there is no reason why she should interfere with your majesty's nuptial plans. Well, what you say is true and yet you still have doubts, sir. Not about the proof of what you say. It, it is just that I wish we had been of my own station.
What a claim she would have made.
[00:36:43] Unknown:
After that statement, the king relapsed into a somewhat moody silence. When they drew up in front of Briony Lodge, the door was open, and Marie, the maid, stood upon the steps. She watched us with a curious expression as we stepped from the barn and approached the door.
[00:37:02] Unknown:
You are mister Sherlock Holmes? I am mister Holmes. I must I said you would, you say come to call.
[00:37:08] Unknown:
She didn't?
[00:37:10] Unknown:
Where is Well, she left this man in with her husband by the 05:15 train from Charing Cross. She goes to Paris and then for a continental
[00:37:18] Unknown:
tour. You mean to tell me that she has left the country? Louis,
[00:37:22] Unknown:
mother to return. The photograph.
[00:37:24] Unknown:
All is lost. Come. Quickly.
[00:37:28] Unknown:
The three of us rushed past the demure med and Holmes led us to the bell pull, tore back the small sliding panel, and pulled out a photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler herself in evening dress. The letter was inscribed to Sherlock Holmes, Esquire, to be left till called for. My friend called it open. It was dated at midnight of the preceding night. We all three crowded around together to read it. I swear that as we started, we could hear her voice. At least from the expression on Holmes' and his majesty's faces,
[00:38:07] Unknown:
they could. My dear, mister Sherlock Holmes, you really did it very well. You took me in completely until after the alarm of fire. I hadn't a suspicion. But then, thinking how I had betrayed myself, I began to reflect. I had been warned about you months ago. I had been told that if the king employed an agent, it would certainly be you. Your address had been given to me. Yet with all this, you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind, old clergyman. But, as you know, I have been trained as an actress myself.
Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage of the freedom it gives. I sent my coachman to watch you. I ran upstairs, got into what I call my walking clothes, and followed him. When I came to your door, I was convinced that I was really an object of interest to the celebrated mister Sherlock Holmes. Then I rather imprudently wished you good night and started for the temple to meet my husband. We agreed that our best resource was flight when pursued by so formidable an antagonist. So you will find the nest empty when you call. As to the photograph, your client may ease his mind.
I love and am loved by a man better than he. The king may do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself. I leave a photograph which he might care to possess. And I remain, dear mister Sherlock Holmes, very truly yours, Irene Norton. Nay, Adler.
[00:40:06] Unknown:
What a woman. Oh, what a woman. Did I not tell you how quick and resolution was? I am sorry that I have been unable to bring this business to a successful conclusion. On the contrary, I know that her word is invalid. The photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire. It will please tell me how I may reward you. Oh, this, ring I take from my finger, I should be happy to. Your majesty has something which I should value even more highly. Name it. This photograph. Irene's photograph? Yes. It is yours. Take it if you wish. Then I thank your majesty and wish you a very good morning.
[00:41:10] Unknown:
It is, of course, history that the photograph remained always on Holmes' map. As far as his actually having been in love with Irene Adler, that is something which is debatable. I'll be back to give you my reasons for thinking it highly likely in just a moment. My reasons for thinking that it was more than likely that Holmes did lose his heart to the lovely Eileen Adler can be found in the future works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Prior to his writing A Scandal in Bohemia, he always had Holmes make merry over the cleverness of women. But from that story on, Holmes never again mocked the abilities of the fair sex.
Of course, we know that whenever he referred to Irene Adler, he always gave her the honored title of the woman. Our cast included Kevin McCarthy, Court Benson, Marion Seldes, and William Griffiths. The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown. And now a preview of our next tale. Do you know my wife? Oh, yes.
[00:42:55] Unknown:
How is she?
[00:42:57] Unknown:
As ravishing as ever. Oh, master devil. If I'd come through all this better looking, if I hadn't been so disfigured by my wounds, so aged by my suffering, my fate might have been different. I have the face of a requiem. I'm dressed in rags, and I've lost nearly every hair on my head. But there's one person who knows me intimately, whom I know equally well, who could never deny me no matter how much I changed. I I sent letters. I I left addresses. I returned to post offices time and again, but no answers. No letters. No money.
[00:43:38] Unknown:
My wife showed no sign of life. Radio Mystery Theater was sponsored in part by Buick Motor Division and X Lax. This is E. G. Marshall inviting you to return to our mystery theater for another adventure in the macabre. Until next time.
[00:43:57] Unknown:
Pleasant dreams.
[00:44:37] Unknown:
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Hey. It's Ryan Seacrest. Life comes at you fast, which is why it's important to find some time to relax. A little you time. Enter Chumba Casino. With no download required, you can jump on anytime, anywhere for the chance to redeem some serious prizes. So treat yourself with Chumba Casino and play over a hundred online casino style games all for free. Go to chumbacasino.com
[00:00:21] Unknown:
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[00:00:47] Unknown:
Come in. Welcome. I'm EG Marshall. When you visit a museum to look at paintings, some very few of them are referred to as having been painted by old masters. Yes. Failed Yes. Failed in an assignment. An assignment that involved the faith and history of two European countries. There is no other way, Boris. She must be kidnapped and, forced to tell where she's hidden it. You are speaking of torture. I am speaking of overthrowing a government. Torture, murder, abduction, these are words for the weak. We must be strong, and we must not fail.
Our mystery drama, A Scandal in Bohemia, was adapted from the Sherlock Holmes classic, especially for the mystery theater by Murray Burnett, and stars Kevin McCarthy. It is sponsored in part by XLACS and Buick Motor Division. I'll be back shortly with act one. Sherlock Holmes looked upon love as a nuisance, an emotion that could only unbalance the beautiful analytic machinery of the mind, or as his creator, a Conan Doyle, put it, grit in a sensitive instrument. And yet, there was one woman Sherlock Holmes might have loved.
She appears in this story, faithfully and fully depicted by the admirable Watson.
[00:02:56] Unknown:
Immediately after my marriage, I I'd seen little of Sherlock Holmes. All I knew about my former friend and companion was what I read of his exploits in the daily press. One night in 1888, I was returning from seeing a patient. My way led through Baker Street, but I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes again. I rang the bell of the well remembered door and shortly thereafter was greeted by my friend in the sitting room. Weblock suits you, Watson.
[00:03:26] Unknown:
I think you've put on seven and a half pounds since I last saw you. Hi, Joe. Seven. Mhmm. And you've resumed your medical practice. You didn't tell me you were going back into harness. Well, then how did you know it? I see it. I deduced it. How do I know that you've been getting yourself very wet lately and that you're the most clumsy and careless servant girl? My dear Holmes, this is too much.
[00:03:49] Unknown:
Had you lived a few centuries ago, you would certainly have been burned at the stake. Well, it's true that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful mess. But as I've changed my clothes, I can't imagine how you deduced it. As to our girl, Mary Jane, she's incorrigible. My wife has given her notice. But then again, I fail to see how you work it out. It's simplicity itself.
[00:04:15] Unknown:
My eyes tell me that on the inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, the leather is scored by six parallel cuts. Now obviously, they've been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped around the edges of the sole to remove the crusted mud from it. Hence, my double deduction that you've been out in wet weather and that you have a particularly careless servant. Yes, sir. You always make it sound so simple.
[00:04:45] Unknown:
But but how about my resuming my medical practice? Come, Watson,
[00:04:49] Unknown:
If a gentleman walks into my room smelling of iota form with a black mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger and a bulge on the right side of his top hat showing where he secreted his stethoscope, I must be a doll dog indeed if I don't pronounce him an active member of the medical professional. Each time you explain your process, it appears that anyone can do it. And I know my eyes are quite as good as yours because you see, but you do not observe.
[00:05:20] Unknown:
By the way, you may be interested in this which came by the last post. Read it. Alright. I will call upon you tonight at a quarter to 08:00. A gentleman who desires to consult you upon a matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of the royal houses of Europe has shown that you are one who may safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you, we have from all quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do not take it amiss if your visitor wears a mask.
[00:06:02] Unknown:
This is indeed most mysterious, Holmes. What do you imagine it means? Well, it's a capital mistake to theorize before you have data, but we do have the note itself. What view to do submit? Well,
[00:06:15] Unknown:
the man who wrote it was presumably well-to-do. This paper can't be bought under half a crown a packet. It's peculiarly strong and stiff. Peculiar?
[00:06:25] Unknown:
That's the very word. Hold it up to the light and tell me what you make of the initials woven into the texture of the paper.
[00:06:34] Unknown:
I make out a large e, a small g, a capital p, and a large g, and a small t.
[00:06:45] Unknown:
No doubt the name and the maker of Pampers' monogram. Not at all. The large g with the small t stands for Gesellschaert, which is German for company. It's a customary contraction. P, of course, stands for Papier. And now for the eg, let's take a look at our continental gazetteer. Eglow Eglonitz, here we are. Eglow. It's a German speaking country in Bohemia, not far from Karlsberg. Remarkable as being the scene of the death of Wallenstein and for its numerous glass factories and paper mills. Now, Watson, what do you make of it? The paper was made in Bavania. Precisely.
And the man who wrote the note is a German. That's only a possibility, Holmes. He could have purchased the paper No. No. No, Watson. Note the peculiar construction of the sentence. This account of you we have from all quarters received. A Frenchman or a Russian could never have written that. Only a German is so uncourteous to his verbs as to place them at the very end of a sentence. It remains, therefore, to discover what is wanted by this German who writes upon a Bohemian paper and prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And if I'm not mistaken, he's arriving now.
[00:08:10] Unknown:
Holmes pressed me to stay. I remain seated, and Holmes opened the door to admit a man who is at least six foot six with the limbs and chest to the Hercules. He was dressed so rich that it was to be considered almost in bad taste. He topped off his rich costume with a black dessert mask, which he'd evidently just adjusted as he entered. He spoke with a German accent,
[00:08:38] Unknown:
looking from one of us to another as if uncertain which one to address. You had my note. I told you that I would call. Hey. Take a seat. This is my friend and colleague, doctor Watson, who is occasionally kind enough to help me with my cases. Yeah. Whom do I have the honor to address? You may address me as the count von Kram, a Bohemian nobleman. I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honor and discretion whom I may trust with the matter. Most extreme importance. If not, I must communicate with you alone. It's both or none. You may say before this gentleman anything which you may say to me. And I must begin by binding you both to absolute secrets over two years. At the end of that time, the Maffa will be of no importance.
At the moment, it is not too much to say that it is of such weight. It may have an influence upon European history. I promise. Nice. You will excuse this mask. The August person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to you. And I confess at once that the title by which I call myself is not exactly my own. I was aware of it. Every precaution has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families. To speak plainly, the matter involves the great house of Ornstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia. I was also aware of that.
You surprised me. If your majesty would condescend to state your case, I should be better able to advise you. You are right. I am the king. Why should I attempt to conceal it? Why indeed? Your majesty had not spoken four words before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Katzeit von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Castle Telstein and hereditary King of Bohemians. Then you can understand I am not accustomed to doing such business in my own person. Yet the matter is so delicate. I cannot confide in an agent without putting myself in his power. I come incognito from Prague to consult you. Then pray consult.
Briefly. These are the facts. Some years ago, during our lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of a well known adventuress, Irene Adler, whose name is no doubt familiar to you. Will you be so kind as to look her up in my index, doctor? Oh, yes. Gladly, Holmes.
[00:11:22] Unknown:
Your index is complete, Holmes, but not in the best of order. So I'm glad that her name starts with an a.
[00:11:29] Unknown:
Here she is. Thank you. Now let me see. Born in New Jersey, eighteen fifty eight. Prima Donna Imperial Opera of Warsaw. Contralto, retired from The States, living now in London. Quite so. Thank you, doctor. And now your majesty, as I understand, became entangled with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and is now anxious to get these letters back. Precisely so. But how did you Was there a secret marriage? Of course not. Legal papers? Certificates? None. Well, then I failed to follow your majesty. If this person should produce her letters for blackmail or other purposes, how is she to prove their authenticity?
There is the writing Who? Fortunately. My private note paper. Stolen. My own seal. Imitated. My photograph. Bought. We were both in the picture. Oh, dear. That is very bad. Your majesty has indeed committed an indiscretion.
[00:12:41] Unknown:
And so as this story, a scandal in Bohemia shows, Holmes was not unknown to royalty, and royalty, despite masks, could not stay unknown to Holmes. We'll be back with the pressing problem of the king of Bohemia and meet Irene Adler, the woman, shortly. Sherlock Holmes in love perished a thought. And yet of all the tales of Sherlock Holmes as recorded by his friend, doctor Watson, there's no other adventure in which he expresses as much admiration for a woman as he does for Irene Adler. And keep in mind, she came to his attention not as a client, but as an adversary.
But it's best we let Watson continue the story.
[00:13:42] Unknown:
I was watching his majesty's face. The moment Holmes said he'd committed a serious indiscretion, his face flashed. I was mad. Insane. But remember, I was a young crown prince then. I didn't realize the consequences.
[00:13:58] Unknown:
It must be recovered. Don't you think we have tried and failed? Then it must be bought. She will not sell. Stolen in? Five attempts at obtaining the photograph have been made. Twice, I had burglars ransack her house. Once, we diverted her luggage when she traveled. The luggage was searched thoroughly. Twice, she has been waylaid, and her purse taken of her has been no result. And what does she propose to do with the photograph? Ruin me. How? I am about to be married. My fiance is the second daughter of the king of Scandinavia. A shadow of a doubt as to my youthful conduct would end the engagement and bring about some very serious side effects as well. And Irene Atta? Threatens to send the photograph. Uh-huh. And I know she will do a success.
Rather than I should read another, there are no lengths to which she will not go. None. You assume she hasn't sent it yet? I am certain. And what do you base this certainty? Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday. Then we still have three days. Your majesty will, of course, stay in London for the pleasant. Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name Count Von Clam. Watson, would you take down the lady's address when his majesty gives it to you? Sure. Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, Bellevue, St John's Wood. Very good. And now good evening, your majesty. I trust that we shall soon have some good news for you.
[00:15:42] Unknown:
Holmes asked me to come around the next day at three. When I arrived, he wasn't there. He'd run into unexpected complications that I was to hear about when he returned shortly after four. Well, accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers and the use of disguises, I had to look more than once to make certain that the drunken looking, ill kept, side whiskered groom was indeed eaten.
[00:16:12] Unknown:
Watson, I'm sure you could never guess how I employed my money
[00:16:16] Unknown:
or what I ended up doing. Well, I suppose you've been watching the habits and perhaps the house of miss Irene Adler. Right. So I can tell you that we are not the only ones after that photograph.
[00:16:28] Unknown:
Well, you mean the king has employed others in the same capacity as you? I think not. But But let me give you a picture of the day's happenings. I left the house a little after eight this morning disguised as a groom seeking work. Irene Adler has turned all the men's heads around Bliony Lane. After giving a few of the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, I came upon a character who seemed equally interested in the topic of miss Irene Adler as I. We fell into a conversation as he bought me a glass of half and half in a neighboring pub. Here's to the ladies. God bless them.
And to miss Cyrene Adler in particular. May they all be as beautiful as she and as rich. She's well off then. No. You seem like the kind of person a broke interest. Are you trustworthy, mate? It all depends. There might be a lot of reasons for you to be trustworthy if you don't mind taking a few risks. It all depends on what kind of risks you're talking about. Oh, nothing very big. Just helping out a little with the job we have in mind. Who's we? I don't like working blind. I have to know what kind of job you're talking about. Well, you might say it was a kind of a lark with a lady who lives at Briony Lodge. You're a sharp one. You are?
That's the very one. Just a bit of a lark. That's all. The reason I picked you, mate, would be because you have an honest face and showed a lot of interest in the lady yourself. You see, I was listening to you, mate. Why? It's not it might be a good verse for me. What I have in mind might pay you a lot better. Uh-huh. How much are we talking about? £50. 50? You didn't think I had an honest vice? You thought I had a stupid vice? Now let me tell you, might. I don't go for the rough stuff, so you can forget about me right now. The 50 ain't all for you. I need four or five boys who don't mind creating a bit of a dust up around Briony Lodge, and I need them tomorrow.
Good luck. I ain't gonna be one of them. I was thinking you'd get them for me. You look like a fellow who might know some chaps who don't mind a bit of fun and You keep on about a bit of fun. Yes. You keep on and on about that. And your idea of fun and mine might not be the sign, if you know what I mean. Well, you heard what all the grooms were saying about Mad Mazard's boyfriend, the one who visits her so frequent. Aye? Well, his best friend wants to play a little joke, you see. Sort of stage a kidnapping. Not a real one, of course, but me and my partner will spirit her away, and then her boyfriend's pal sort of says April Fool.
The joke's over. Don't sound very funny to me. Real gents' idea of fun is different than you and me. Well, mate, what do you say?
[00:19:37] Unknown:
I joke, Holmes. This fellow sounds a proper villain.
[00:19:42] Unknown:
What did you say? Accepted his offer, of course, and got myself £25 in advance. But, Holmes, you can't possibly be contemplating doing what this fellow asks.
[00:19:54] Unknown:
Surely, you must see that he he he's not joking and that he means to abduct, miss Adler. Of course. But you haven't allowed me to finish my day's adventures.
[00:20:04] Unknown:
The last part caps it all. After striking the bargain with his scoundrel, I set off on my own to take a closer look at Bayonne Lodge and see how I could best turn these events to our advantage when a handsome cab flattered up through the lady's door and a dark, handsome gentleman jumped out. Wait for me, driver. I won't be a moment. He was as good as his word. A few minutes later, he came down the steps, ran down, jumped into the cab, and shouted, Drive like the devil. First the Gross and Hankys in Regent Street, and then to the Church of Saint Monica in Edgware Road. Half A Ginny if you do it in twenty minutes. He and his Hanson were hardly out of sight before Anika the Landau grew up before the house, and I had my first glimpse of miss Irene Adler as she rushed from the house. The church is in Hanukkah, John, and half a sovereign if you can reach it in twenty minutes. This was quite too good to lose. So while I was debating whether or not to make a run for it and perched behind her landau, a cab came down the street. Before the driver could object to my shabby appearance, I jumped in, showed him a coin, and parrot, like said, the Church of Saint Monica, and half a sovereign if you make it in twenty minutes.
[00:21:16] Unknown:
But this is absurd, Jeff. You're naughty, not to have fooled. Everything was being done in such a rush, darling. I I I never thought about a witness.
[00:21:24] Unknown:
Well,
[00:21:25] Unknown:
here. This nice looking gentleman, he'll do. Oh, thank heaven. Thank the lord. Come on, man. What? What do you want? A witness. A witness to our marriage. And we not only thank you, but we thank Saint Monica.
[00:21:41] Unknown:
It was the most preposterous position I've ever found myself in my life. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean the word, on my watch chain and memory of the occasion. But, Joe, but but doesn't this sudden marriage threaten everything? It certainly seemed to menace our plan seriously. However, when they separated at the church door, I heard her tell him that she would drive out in the park at five as usual. So then I went off and made my own arrangements for tonight. Who? Who? Which are? To be revealed to you after some cold beef and a glass of beer to fortify ourselves for this evening's work.
[00:22:18] Unknown:
I don't like it, Ference. It's dangerous. Boris, it's our only alternative. To rely on this half drunken groom you meet in it, Bob. I've already explained to you. He was interested in Briony Lodge and Miss Adler. Can we trust him? Of course not. But we can rely on his greed. You didn't see the way he snatched the £25 advance. I still do not like it. Oh, why grant it's not ideal, but there's very little risk. Once we have the lady and the cabbage, we drive off. What can he tell the police? Everything. Which is little enough. She doesn't even know my name. He's never seen you.
In half an hour, we'll be safely hidden. And I promise you'll have the location of the photograph out of her before the search has had time to get organized.
[00:23:18] Unknown:
Now that the inner man's been satisfied, Watson, let's set our plans. I shall need your cooperation. Oh, I I I should be delighted. Now miss Adler always returns from her drive in the park at seven. We must be on hand to meet her. I've already engaged the services of several stout lads who will create the uproar that I promised my companion in the pub. What is you're not going to throw in with those villains after all? Only to the extent of creating a disturbance, which I intend to put to our advantage, of course. My lads are instructed to see that on no account will the lady be taken. But, won't the other people know that? In the confusion, they'll only know that their plans have gone awry.
Have you any idea who they are or what they want with the photograph? Only that they've definitely not been hired by his majesty. As to the rest, I can hazard a guess or two. Either they want the photograph to extort a pretty penny for his majesty or from some political purpose. In either case, it doesn't matter. What is important is your role. Well, I'm impatient to hear it. There will be some unpleasantness, but on no account are you to interfere. I promise you it will all end with my being conveyed into the lady's sitting room. Four or five minutes afterwards, the sitting room window will open.
You are to station yourself close to that window. Is that all? No. By no means. Now I have here an ordinary plumber's smoke rocket fitted with a self igniting cap at either end. You will throw this through the open window into the room at the same time raising a good loud cry of fire. Understood? Yes. But I I haven't finished. Sorry. Your cry will then be taken up by a considerable number of people in the street. Then your part is finished. Walk to the end of the street where I will rejoin you in ten minutes. For the life of me, I I can't see how you know you'll be taken into the room and and and the window open. Yeah. The explanation will have to wait because now I I must change for my new role.
[00:25:31] Unknown:
To my astonishment, when Holmes came out from his chamber, he was dressed as an elderly clergyman. And once again, I thought what a fine actor the stage had lost when he elected to become a consulting detective. We shortly afterwards were pacing up and down outside Irene Adler's house in St. John's Wood.
[00:25:52] Unknown:
Ah, I see that my lads are all in position, and so are you, Watson, because here we are outside the sitting room window. And you promised to explain to me how you're gonna get yourself inside and have the window open. All in good time. But the key question remains, where do we find the photograph? Probably at her bank or her attorneys. No. I think neither. It's much too precious for her to have it out of her possession. It's in the house. But it's been burgled twice. Sure. They didn't know how to look. Well, how will you look? I'll get her to show me.
[00:26:26] Unknown:
Oh, ridiculous. Chris Baulder refused. She won't be able to. Incredible.
[00:26:32] Unknown:
It will all be clear to you, but we have no more time. It's almost the hour. I think I see her carriage in the distance. Now carry out my order to the letter.
[00:26:58] Unknown:
Saint John's Wood has always been an exclusive quiet residential section of London. But in a very few minutes, that quiet is to be shattered by some shocking incidents masterminded by Sherlock Holmes. We'll share with Watson an understanding of Holmes' scheme when I return with act three. At the very beginning of this story, I spoke of the possibility of Sherlock Holmes being in love. You may wonder how anyone could fall in love with a woman whom he's seen only once, and then at her hurried wedding, but there's more to come. And if I may borrow from the master, all in good time.
Now let's rejoin Sherlock Holmes and Watson.
[00:27:57] Unknown:
Holmes, artfully disguised as an elderly clergyman, and I strolled up and down in front of Irene Adler's house in St. John's Wood. Holmes called mine with the unusually large amount of activity in the street.
[00:28:11] Unknown:
I reminded him that he told me they were mostly his men. Not all, Watson. See that, sir? Yes. That's
[00:28:20] Unknown:
hot. I see. I am sure he all appear that some of my blood will be spilled, but rest assured what they seem. There. They come to a stop before I saw the scissors grinder spring forward and snatch the handle to open the door. At the same time, the lounges went into action, and the Ireni actress Garrett was surrounded by a score of yelling, cursing men. Boris. Boris. I saw Holmes slide into the crowd, which seemed to make way for him as he cried out. New roads. Villains. How dare you assault a lady? And suddenly, I saw him clap a head on our nose, and he was down with a blood stream coming from his nose. When he fell, I heard a policeman whistle, and a number of the locals took to their heels.
Irene Adler had hurried up the steps, but then stood at the top. Looking back into the street, she called out That gentleman, her? She needs help.
[00:29:28] Unknown:
What do you care about here in the street? Bring him in. There's a comfortable sofa in my sitting room. We'll get a doctor.
[00:29:36] Unknown:
Slowly and solemnly, Holmes was carried into Briony Lodge and placed carefully on the sofa. The lamps had been lit, but the blinds hadn't been gone. So I could see him as he lay on the couch, this truly, wondrously beautiful woman bending tenderly over him. After a moment or two, I saw him raise himself with some difficulty, and he began talking. He later told me how the conversation went. I don't think you should sit up.
[00:30:08] Unknown:
I'm quite alright, dear lady.
[00:30:10] Unknown:
I'm more concerned about you. Oh, thanks to your bravery. I've just had an unpleasant moment. Oh. What is it? What do you mean?
[00:30:19] Unknown:
Nothing to be alarmed about, I'm sure. But if I could have some air Oh, of course. Marie,
[00:30:24] Unknown:
open the windows.
[00:30:28] Unknown:
As the maid opened the window, I saw Holmes raise his hand. The moment her back was turned, I tossed the locket into the room and shouted fire. The cry was instantly taken up as thick clouds of smoke curled through the room and out the window. I slipped through the crowd and made my way to the end of the street and waited. In ten minutes, I was rejoiced to find my friend's arm in mine, and we walked swiftly away from the scene.
[00:30:56] Unknown:
You did it very nicely, doctor. Everything's right as rain. You have the photograph? I know where it is. Oh, how did you find out? As I told you, she showed me. Well, now I'm still in the dark. When a woman thinks her house is on fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the things she values most. Our lady today had nothing more precious to her than the photograph that we seek. When the alarm of fire was raised, she rushed to secure it, and she did. The photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the right bell pull.
She was there in an instant, and I caught just a glimpse of it as she half threw it out. Now we've almost reached our goal and yet there's something annoying at the back of my mind. Let me repeat the conversation that took place between us after it was discovered that the fire was only a false alarm. It may perhaps suggest something to you.
[00:31:54] Unknown:
My dear reverend Forsyth, madam. Madam? How very observant of you to notice my wedding ring. It's so new to me that madam quite startled me. I apologize.
[00:32:09] Unknown:
I should certainly be unable to bear the thought of bringing you any further excitement or trouble. It has been a hectic five or ten minutes, reverend,
[00:32:18] Unknown:
and I must thank you for your courage in coming to my aid. At your age, it might have been dangerous.
[00:32:24] Unknown:
It was only a Christian act, providential, that I happened to be passing.
[00:32:29] Unknown:
Heaven does seem to be looking after me and my belongings safely. Heaven looks after us all, dear lady. Providence does seem to be taking a special interest in me. Only yesterday, when it appeared that my marriage might have to be put off because my future husband and I needed a witness there, quite providentially appeared as somewhat tipsy groom who served as a witness for us. And now, today, I'm almost set upon by a band of toughs and the Lord sends me an elderly but foolhardy minister who risks his life and limb for a strange lady. It does seem that you're blessed. And now when for a moment it appeared that my house with all its lovely furnishings would be ravaged by fire, I am again saved when it proves to be a false alarm.
[00:33:18] Unknown:
You may indeed consider yourself fortunate. But if you don't mind, I I feel quite the cover. Oh, you're so good. I'll have my coachman take you wherever you were going. Why wouldn't think of it, dear madam? You've done quite enough for me as it is. I felt that it was wise to leave as quickly and with as little fuss as possible, and so I met with you. Well, then you why this unease?
[00:33:44] Unknown:
From what you told me, you accomplished everything you set out to do. I did.
[00:33:48] Unknown:
And yet oh, hang it, man. It's just that there was something in her eyes.
[00:33:57] Unknown:
Come now, Holmes. Don't tell me that you're
[00:34:01] Unknown:
mooning over a woman. Not at all. Not at all. I misunderstand. But, here we are in crowded Bakersfield. Do you have the key? Would? Of course not. Dear me. I fear I'm getting somewhat absent minded. Here's the key. It slipped a little during all my exertions. Good night, mister Sherlock Holmes.
[00:34:22] Unknown:
Who is that?
[00:34:23] Unknown:
Search me. Some young lad in an oyster.
[00:34:27] Unknown:
He's just now hurrying off. I swear I've heard that voice before. I wonder who that deuce it could have been.
[00:34:40] Unknown:
Holmes took the puzzle of the voice to bed with him. He also invited me to spend the night because we were to be up so early the next morning. Now after sending a message off to my wife, I went to bed. And next morning around seven, we were engaged upon our toast and coffee when I inquired of Holmes the reason for our early rising. We're up at this hour, Watson, because the king shall be here shortly. His majesty. I thought it might give him some satisfaction to regain the photograph with his own hands. Well,
[00:35:09] Unknown:
that still doesn't answer. The lady will probably not be up when we call. We shall be shown into the sitting room, and when she comes down, she may find neither us nor the photograph. You have really got it. Not yet. But you have hopes? I have hopes. Heard come. I am more impatience to be gone. We must have a cab. No. My broom is waiting. That simplifies matters. Come along, Watson. The game is truly afoot.
[00:35:40] Unknown:
In no time at all, we found ourselves in the King's carriage, spinning along to a Briony Lodge in Iriniatha. Iriniatha
[00:35:49] Unknown:
is married, your majesty. Married? Yesterday. But to whom? To an English lawyer named Norton. Impossible. I was a witness to the wedding. No. That is not what I meant. But she could not love him. I'm in hope that she does. And why in hope? Because it would spare your majesty all fear of future annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your majesty. If she does not love your majesty, there is no reason why she should interfere with your majesty's nuptial plans. Well, what you say is true and yet you still have doubts, sir. Not about the proof of what you say. It, it is just that I wish we had been of my own station.
What a claim she would have made.
[00:36:43] Unknown:
After that statement, the king relapsed into a somewhat moody silence. When they drew up in front of Briony Lodge, the door was open, and Marie, the maid, stood upon the steps. She watched us with a curious expression as we stepped from the barn and approached the door.
[00:37:02] Unknown:
You are mister Sherlock Holmes? I am mister Holmes. I must I said you would, you say come to call.
[00:37:08] Unknown:
She didn't?
[00:37:10] Unknown:
Where is Well, she left this man in with her husband by the 05:15 train from Charing Cross. She goes to Paris and then for a continental
[00:37:18] Unknown:
tour. You mean to tell me that she has left the country? Louis,
[00:37:22] Unknown:
mother to return. The photograph.
[00:37:24] Unknown:
All is lost. Come. Quickly.
[00:37:28] Unknown:
The three of us rushed past the demure med and Holmes led us to the bell pull, tore back the small sliding panel, and pulled out a photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler herself in evening dress. The letter was inscribed to Sherlock Holmes, Esquire, to be left till called for. My friend called it open. It was dated at midnight of the preceding night. We all three crowded around together to read it. I swear that as we started, we could hear her voice. At least from the expression on Holmes' and his majesty's faces,
[00:38:07] Unknown:
they could. My dear, mister Sherlock Holmes, you really did it very well. You took me in completely until after the alarm of fire. I hadn't a suspicion. But then, thinking how I had betrayed myself, I began to reflect. I had been warned about you months ago. I had been told that if the king employed an agent, it would certainly be you. Your address had been given to me. Yet with all this, you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind, old clergyman. But, as you know, I have been trained as an actress myself.
Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage of the freedom it gives. I sent my coachman to watch you. I ran upstairs, got into what I call my walking clothes, and followed him. When I came to your door, I was convinced that I was really an object of interest to the celebrated mister Sherlock Holmes. Then I rather imprudently wished you good night and started for the temple to meet my husband. We agreed that our best resource was flight when pursued by so formidable an antagonist. So you will find the nest empty when you call. As to the photograph, your client may ease his mind.
I love and am loved by a man better than he. The king may do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself. I leave a photograph which he might care to possess. And I remain, dear mister Sherlock Holmes, very truly yours, Irene Norton. Nay, Adler.
[00:40:06] Unknown:
What a woman. Oh, what a woman. Did I not tell you how quick and resolution was? I am sorry that I have been unable to bring this business to a successful conclusion. On the contrary, I know that her word is invalid. The photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire. It will please tell me how I may reward you. Oh, this, ring I take from my finger, I should be happy to. Your majesty has something which I should value even more highly. Name it. This photograph. Irene's photograph? Yes. It is yours. Take it if you wish. Then I thank your majesty and wish you a very good morning.
[00:41:10] Unknown:
It is, of course, history that the photograph remained always on Holmes' map. As far as his actually having been in love with Irene Adler, that is something which is debatable. I'll be back to give you my reasons for thinking it highly likely in just a moment. My reasons for thinking that it was more than likely that Holmes did lose his heart to the lovely Eileen Adler can be found in the future works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Prior to his writing A Scandal in Bohemia, he always had Holmes make merry over the cleverness of women. But from that story on, Holmes never again mocked the abilities of the fair sex.
Of course, we know that whenever he referred to Irene Adler, he always gave her the honored title of the woman. Our cast included Kevin McCarthy, Court Benson, Marion Seldes, and William Griffiths. The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown. And now a preview of our next tale. Do you know my wife? Oh, yes.
[00:42:55] Unknown:
How is she?
[00:42:57] Unknown:
As ravishing as ever. Oh, master devil. If I'd come through all this better looking, if I hadn't been so disfigured by my wounds, so aged by my suffering, my fate might have been different. I have the face of a requiem. I'm dressed in rags, and I've lost nearly every hair on my head. But there's one person who knows me intimately, whom I know equally well, who could never deny me no matter how much I changed. I I sent letters. I I left addresses. I returned to post offices time and again, but no answers. No letters. No money.
[00:43:38] Unknown:
My wife showed no sign of life. Radio Mystery Theater was sponsored in part by Buick Motor Division and X Lax. This is E. G. Marshall inviting you to return to our mystery theater for another adventure in the macabre. Until next time.
[00:43:57] Unknown:
Pleasant dreams.
[00:44:37] Unknown:
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[00:44:58] Unknown:
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Introduction to the Old Masters
A Scandal in Bohemia Begins
Holmes and Watson Reunite
The Mysterious Note
The King's Secret
The Photograph Dilemma
Irene Adler: The Woman
Holmes' Disguise and Discovery
The Wedding Witness
The Plan to Retrieve the Photograph
The Ruse at Briony Lodge
The Clever Escape
The Letter from Irene
Holmes' Sentiment for Irene
Reflection on Holmes' Feelings
