In this episode, we delve into a thrilling adventure set during the First World War, where Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson find themselves at a military headquarters near the front lines. A famous Shakespearean actor, Maitland Morris, is set to perform for the troops but mysteriously disappears. Holmes steps in to take his place, only to discover that Morris may have defected to the German side, posing a significant threat to the upcoming battle. Holmes and Watson must unravel the mystery and prevent any potential leaks of military secrets.
As the story unfolds, Holmes uncovers a plot involving espionage and betrayal, with Morris's own brother, General Morris, caught in a moral dilemma. The episode captures the tension and drama of wartime espionage, with Holmes using his keen intellect to avert disaster. The narrative is rich with historical context, showcasing the challenges and complexities of loyalty and duty during war. Join us for this gripping tale of intrigue and suspense, as Holmes and Watson navigate the dangers of espionage on the eve of a crucial battle.
(00:34) The Avengers' Impact in South Africa
(01:21) Sherlock Holmes Broadcast to Troops
(03:02) Doctor Watson's New Adventure
(04:47) Secret Mission to the Front Lines
(12:50) The Disappearance of Maitland Morris
(16:13) Holmes Takes the Stage
(21:53) The Truth About Maitland Morris
(25:01) Holmes' Clever Ruse
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[00:00:01]
Unknown:
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[00:00:30] Unknown:
Other shows we have for you to enjoy at myclassicradio.net. The Avengers was most certainly not a household name in South Africa prior to the radio series. With no national television service until 1976, the mechanism simply was not present in the country to show television programs to mass audiences. While many other countries reveled in the filmed Adventures of John Steed and Company, South Africa was not equipped to join in the fun. The series took Britain by storm and made a major impression in the American markets, being that greatest of rarities, a British series given a network transmission slot. However, as a film series, rather than a videotaped one, the avengers was able to gain a modicum of exposure in South Africa through film rentals.
Come and listen at myclassicradio.net.
[00:01:21] Unknown:
This episode from the life of Sherlock Holmes will be transmitted to our men and women overseas by short wave and through the worldwide facilities of the Armed Forces Radio Service. From the stage of the Paramount Theater in Hollywood, Pet Free Wine brings you Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce in the new adventures of Sherlock Holmes. The Petrie family, the family that took time to bring you good wine invites you to listen to Doctor. Watson tell us about another exciting adventure he shared with his old friend, that master detective, Sherlock Holmes.
You know something, if right now it were possible for me to ask every one of you what you had for dinner this evening, I'll bet a good many of you would say chicken. Chicken is an all American favorite, but boy, you just haven't tasted chicken till you've tried it together with a glass of well chilled Petri California Sauteurne. Petri Sauternes is a perfect meal time wine just made to go with chicken. That Petri Sauternes is a white wine, delicate in color, and, what a flavor. A flavor that comes right from the heart of luscious sun ripened grapes. You can just taste those wonderful grapes. And I'll tell you something, that Petri Sauternes is pretty much on the terrific side when served with fish or any kind of seafood too, and that's a fact. But say, whenever you serve that Petri Sauternes, remember you can serve it proudly because the name Petrie is the proudest name in the history of American wines.
[00:03:03] Unknown:
And now for our weekly doctor's appointment. Let's knock on his library door and see if There's no point in doing that, mister Slattery. I'm right behind you. Hello, doctor Watson. Don't tell me you've been stalking me. Oh, my boy. I was on the patio and I heard your footsteps, so I thought that I'd I'd come in and fetch you. Let's go back and sit out there, shall we? It's it's a beautiful evening. That's fine with me, doctor. Here we are. Are. Now settle yourself down in a chair and and light a cigarette if you have one. I'll get on with my story.
[00:03:37] Unknown:
Last week, you told us a concern and adventure that you and Sherlock Holmes had in Flanders during the first World War. That's right, mister Safdie. You did. I thought that you and a great man had retired at that period. We had my boy, but it was only natural that as soon as the war broke out, we both offered our services in any capacity that might help our country. Of course. And how did tonight's story begin, doctor? It was in the winter
[00:03:59] Unknown:
of that first year. Things weren't going very well for the allies. The Germans were advancing on Paris, and the picture was looking very black. It was just twenty four hours before the famous battle of Oman began, the battle that changed the early course of the war, when Holmes told me that we had to go up to the front lines on a secret mission. We'd been in Paris for several weeks where Holmes had just solved the case of the missing aide de corps. I was anxious to get back to England and my work in the war hospitals, but, of course, this new summons was in the nature of a command. And so late on a rainy September afternoon, Holmes and I with a boom of gunfire in arrears found ourselves in the front seat of a staff car, sloshing and jolting its way towards the battlefield.
Am I driving too fast, you gentlemen? No, sir. I don't know at all. No. No. You're doing a splendid job. Oh, my man. Look out considering the state of the road. Thank you, sir. Hello. The gunfire is getting nearer, Holmes. Yes, hold on.
[00:05:01] Unknown:
I imagine we have much further to go, have you, sergeant? No, sir. We're nearly there.
[00:05:05] Unknown:
Did you notice the two civilians in the in the back seat, Holmes? Yes.
[00:05:10] Unknown:
Handsome woman and a distinguished looking man several years her senior. I wonder who they are. I'll tell you. He's a Shakespearean actor of some note. Oh. He never achieved the fame to which he thinks he's entitled. I shouldn't get all surprised if he feels that he's been slighted in not receiving a knighthood. But, Rome, that's amazing. How can you possibly deduce all that from just looking at the man as as we got into the car? Elementary, my dear fellow. I didn't deduce it. We saw him twice last year in the London Theater, if you remember. His name is Mitchelton Morris. As for his biography, he's a friend of my brother Mycroft's.
He told me about him. What do you suppose he's doing up here near the front line? His brother is general, sir Stanley Morris. He was in command of this particular front and it would seem reasonable to presume that his brother has come up here to give a performance for the frontline troops.
[00:05:56] Unknown:
I suppose this hut is as far as we can drive, sergeant. I'm afraid so, sir. We're four miles from the front line now. You'll have to clear your papers here. See that ruined farmhouse
[00:06:06] Unknown:
there, sir? Yes, sergeant. Is that the general's headquarters? Yes, sir.
[00:06:09] Unknown:
Come on, Watson. Good lord. It's pelting with rain. Yeah. Let's make a dash for you.
[00:06:24] Unknown:
Oh, who goes there? Friend? Give the password. Send Griston.
[00:06:29] Unknown:
Pass friends and show your papers.
[00:06:32] Unknown:
How did you know the password, Holmes? I was given it before we left Panisol check. Oh, Sherlock Holmes and Doctor. Watson, isn't it? Yes, captain. I'm captain Maxwell,
[00:06:41] Unknown:
General Morris' aide de corps. He asked me to escort you up to his headquarters. By the way, weren't Nathan Morris and his wife in the car with you? Yes. They are just behind us. Oh, splendid. I'm afraid I'd have to ask to see your papers. Yes, of course. Here's here's my permit, captain Maxwell. Thank you. I know you both, of course, but if we can't afford to take any chances when, this close to the enemy lines, let's see. Oh, yes, that's fine, nothing. Everything is in order. Alright. Take yours please, Mr. Holmes. Here you are. Thanks. Oh, who goes there? As the rest get by now. Oh, good. This is quite an order, Mr. Holmes. No your papers.
[00:07:16] Unknown:
Oh, there you are, Captain Maxwell. Hello, sir. Hello, Mrs. Murray. How are you, Captain Maxwell? Well, you both met mister Sherlock Holmes and doctor Watson, I suppose. Well, no, we haven't. Even though we drove up in the same car. Natural reserve of us Britishers, I suppose. How are you, mister Holmes? How do you do, sir? I know your brother, Microw, very well.
[00:07:37] Unknown:
How are you, doctor? I'm glad to meet you, Mr. Morris. I saw you a couple of times in the theater last year. George, your performances were in my house. Thank you, sir. Well, then you must know my wife, my leading lady. How do you do, gentlemen? How do you do, Mr. Morris? Can I see your papers, Mr? Morris? Just a matter of form. You understand? Yes. Yes. Of course. Of course. Mister Morris, I presume you and your husband are going to give a performance tonight for the men going up the front line. Yes, doctor. We're very flattered. They've asked us to do some Shakespearean things. Oh, yeah. Although I should have thought something a little lighter would have been more appropriate. The general, he's Maitland's brother, you know, seemed to think differently.
[00:08:09] Unknown:
Well, my dear, show captain Maxwell your papers, then we can all go along and see my brother Stanley. Very well, Maitland. Mister Morris, I shall look forward to hearing your reading of Shakespeare's Saint Crispin speech from Henry the fifth tonight.
[00:08:22] Unknown:
Oh, bless my soul, Holmes. How did you know I was planning to do it? Well, the setting is so perfect and the time so appropriate, I can't conceive an English actor who could resist the temptation. I I noticed that your brother appreciated the fact in naming today's password. Yes, it's amazingly appropriate. You know, it's almost five hundred years ago to the day that the battle of Agincourt took place. Well, let's hope that the results of the forthcoming battle will be equally successful for you. Yes, indeed. Oh, by the way, Holmes, this will probably seem rather silly to you but I'm an inveterate autograph collector and I have my book here with me. I I wonder if you'd mind signing. I'd be very glad, mister Morris. Give me a pinwheel, Watson.
Holmes. You'll find yourself among quite distinguished company in that book, sir. So I see. Adelita Patti,
[00:09:04] Unknown:
crown prince of Norway. Oh, no.
[00:09:06] Unknown:
Bill Marshall von Toxnitz. Oh, yes. He was one of my admirers when I played in Munich before the war. I suppose now that our countries are fighting, I should tear that page out. You know, I cannot help but feel that art and the appreciation of art are independent of national hatred. Quite so, sir. I myself still have a medal presented to me by the University of Leipzig for some trifling services. No one, mister Morris. Oh, thank you very much, mister Holmes. A notable addition to my collection. Well, I should be very glad to sign your book for you, mister Morris, if you'd like me to. That's very kind of you, doctor. Oh, captain Maxwell, if our permits are all in order, don't you think we should be moving along? Just what I was going to suggest myself.
[00:09:41] Unknown:
I'll take you all straight, though, to general
[00:09:49] Unknown:
Morris's headquarters.
[00:09:57] Unknown:
General Morris, may I introduce Mr. Sherlock Holmes and Doctor. Watson? I do do so. How do you do?
[00:10:03] Unknown:
Know a lot about you. Long way from Baker Street, isn't it? Yes, indeed, sir. Where is that brother of mine? Oh, there you are, Macon. Cynthia, how nice to see you both. Oh, it's good to see you again, Stanley. Hello there, Stanley. The men will be glad you arrived. They're looking forward to your show tonight. We're very flattered that they want to hear us do some Shakespeare. Oh, rubbish, old boy. With you and Cynthia up there on the platform, you could read the telephone book and they'd love you. Oh, very kind. By the way, you will find the stage very primitive. Just a few trestles and a large tent and a curtain made of army blankets. And your dressing room will be even worse. Oh, don't worry about our compass, compass, Stanley. As long as we cheer the boys up, that's the important thing. Yes, of course. By the way, what program do you have mapped out for us? Well, I thought we'd have two shows. The tent's not large enough to hold everybody at once. Anybody anyway, we have to keep up an alert all the time. Think you can manage two, separate shows? Of course, I can't stand it. I may look old but I don't feel it. We don't even look at your scoundrel. Thank you. Perhaps we could take a look at the staging equipment. Certainly. Captain Maxwell, take them over to the tent and show them what the facilities are, will you? Right, would you follow me? Oh, yes, of course. See you later, sir. Come on, my dear. Alright.
[00:11:19] Unknown:
I'm glad you're here, Holmes. I'm sure I can speak quite freely in front of Doctor. Watson. Oh, yes. With perfect freedom, sir. He's my colleague and he's an old army man himself. Really? What regiment, Dublin? The fifth Lieutenant feels there, sir. Later attached to boxes in Afghanistan and and wounded in in the Battle of Mainland. Really?
[00:11:36] Unknown:
Then I'm sure I can speak freely in front of Holmes, you know why you're up here so near the front line, don't you? I have a very shrewd suspicion, sir. Yeah. I thought you had. That's why I asked for you to be sent here.
[00:11:51] Unknown:
You asked for me to be sent here, general.
[00:11:54] Unknown:
Yes. I I think I understand. Well, I wish I did. You will, doctor, in due time. In the meanwhile, gentlemen, I'll have an orderly show you to your quarter. Thank you, sir. And, Holmes, take a look around, will you? And keep your ears open. We're
[00:12:09] Unknown:
comparatively a little distanced from the German front lines and yet there's a very puzzling silence just now. Yes, I know. Just had so and half an hour ago on our way up to us. There's quite a lot of shilling. Exactly.
[00:12:21] Unknown:
It's unnatural and rather frightening at a time like this. You see, we're attacking at dawn. The enemy might be trying to infiltrate spies, and the whole success of this battle depends on a surprise attack. I quite understand, sir. Come on, Watson.
[00:12:50] Unknown:
Holmes. Holmes. The first performance starts in a few minutes here. They're all there waiting here. Why are we traveling about up here in the in the mud and the rain? I've got a pipe or two in the open air but chill our brains. Yes. A pipe in the open air is one thing but a pipe in a downpour of rain is another. Was it raining? Didn't even notice it.
[00:13:10] Unknown:
I was listening to the silence.
[00:13:13] Unknown:
What do you mean?
[00:13:14] Unknown:
Thousands upon thousands of Germans, armed Germans, full of a blind fanatical hatred and desire to kill are crouched in trenches only a mile or two from here. Surrounding us are the equal number of English boys also armed. And with the will, if not the desire to fight, but as they know their cause is the cause of freedom and justice. All these thousands poised, ready to pounce on each other and fight to the death. And yet, beyond that patter of rain, there isn't a isn't a sound to break the stillness of a September evening. Strange world we live in, old chap. You're being unused here at Tylico, Holmes? Yes, I am, aren't I? Let's be a little more practical, shall we? I wonder what is wrong with the actors tonight. Act oh, why do you ask that? Well, a little while ago, I noticed Mrs. Morrison, a great state of excitement going towards the farmhouse where the general is. And she went back to her own quarters, and now she seems to be headed in our direction.
[00:14:13] Unknown:
Anything wrong, missus Morris? It's Mason. What's wrong with the madam? She disappeared. Disappeared. What's happened? We We were in the tent together making up for our performance. When an orderly came in with a message, Maitland said it was from his brother, flipped on a raincoat and went out, singing me back in a few moments. I waited and waited. And after a while, I got worried and I went over to see the general myself. He said that he'd sent no message and that he hadn't seen any sign of Maitland. Good lord. What could have happened to him? I don't know, doctor, but I'm frightened.
[00:14:40] Unknown:
What shall I do, mister Holmes? You're a brave woman, missus Morris. Brave?
[00:14:44] Unknown:
I don't know, mister Holmes.
[00:14:46] Unknown:
Why? Because the show must go
[00:14:48] Unknown:
on. I shall take your husband's place. But Holmes, something's happened to Macon Morris. He's in danger. He might be 02/2002.
[00:14:54] Unknown:
But a thousand men inside that center in mortal danger too. Tomorrow morning, many of them may be corpses on the fields of Flanders. But tonight, they've been promised a show. Do you think that you can do it, Holmes? Oh, I think I can with the help of missus Morris. I can't do it, mister Holmes. You can, missus Morris, and you will. If only to uphold that great tradition of the theater, that the show must go on.
[00:15:25] Unknown:
We'll have the rest of doctor Watson's story in just a few seconds. Tom, I'd like to take to tell you that if you've got a butcher who has meat and you've got the points to get that meat, don't forget to bring home a bottle of Petri California Burgundy. Tell you why. That Petri Burgundy is a rich red mealtime wine that's wonderful with any meat or meat dish. That's a fact. Petri Burgundy can make a banquet out of a hamburger. And boy, petri Burgundy and old fashioned Irish stew are bosom companions. Just get yourself some petri Burgundy and share it with your family. Petri Burgundy is the best friend a good meal ever had.
And now back to tonight's new Sherlock Holmes adventure. It is just before the Battle of the Marne in the First World War and Sherlock Holmes and Doctor. Watson are at headquarters a few miles behind the front line trenches. A famous Shakespearean actor who was to give a performance for the troops has mysteriously disappeared and the great detective has taken his place at the last minute. As we rejoin our story, Sherlock Holmes alone on the improvised stage is delivering a Shakespearean speech before a spellbound audience.
[00:16:37] Unknown:
This happy breed of men, this little world, this precious stone set in a silver sea, which serves it in the office of a wall or as a moat defensive to a house against the envy of less happier lands. This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England.
[00:17:02] Unknown:
Holmes, that shot, are you alright?
[00:17:05] Unknown:
Yes, old chap. Fortunately, I started to leave the stage as the shot was fired. The bullet just missed me. I heard it splinter, some wood nearby. But who on earth would want to shoot you? That's what we've got to find out though. I think it more likely that the shot was intended. For me, it was not intended for me but for Mickland Morris, the man for whom I'm substituting. Well, even so, who'd want to shoot him? Don't ask me so many questions, Arturo. Let's see what clues we can find. Now, the shot was fired from outside the tent from behind me. Yes, mister Bear. Either hole in the tent there? By jovious.
[00:17:33] Unknown:
The footlights would outline your shadow on the back of the tent. Whoever it must have must have must have fired at your silhouette. The question is where did the bullet embed itself? Uh-huh.
[00:17:43] Unknown:
Look here, Watson. Have you got a penknife? Here, where where Here I am.
[00:17:47] Unknown:
This shouldn't be hard to extract.
[00:17:49] Unknown:
Look at this splintered tent pole. One minute.
[00:17:54] Unknown:
Here we are.
[00:17:56] Unknown:
Excellent.
[00:17:59] Unknown:
Very interesting. Oh, what's so interesting about it? Just a revolver bullet Oh, no, it isn't, Watson.
[00:18:04] Unknown:
Spryant's fired from just a revolver bullet. This bullet was fired from a German Luger pistol. A German pistol?
[00:18:10] Unknown:
There must have been a spy here behind our lines.
[00:18:12] Unknown:
That's, reasonable enough, his assumption. Yes. We may be sure that no English soldier would carry such a weapon and face inspection. Come on. I want to talk to missus Morris. Missus Missus Morris, I want you to be very frank with me. But, of course, mister Holmes. You know why your husband's missing, don't you? No. No. I don't. Have you found out anything? Come, madam. Why keep up this pretense any longer? I know that your husband is a spy or at least a a great sympathizer with the German cause. The general's brother a spy? Good lord. How dare you say that? Because it's true. The foreign office had been suspicious of his sympathies for some time.
His own brother knew it. That's why he asked to have me sent up here to keep an eye on him during his visit.
[00:19:03] Unknown:
It is true. Why should I keep up the pretense any longer? You see, Maitland was a disciple of Stuart Houston Chamberlain. Who
[00:19:13] Unknown:
Chamberlain? An Englishman who married one of Richard Wagner's daughters and became a German citizen and an arch enemy of England. I'll try to dissuade Maitland.
[00:19:21] Unknown:
I implored him to consider his British heritage, his brother's name and mine. But Nathan was a strange man. His life was one of frustration and envy. Envy of his brother, I suppose. Yes. When Stanley was knighted, it it hurt Maitland terribly. He said it was typical that the English would knight a soldier and yet leave a great artist like himself unrecognized.
[00:19:41] Unknown:
That in in Berlin, they really understood and rewarded the artist. Well, if the authorities knew that, it's amazing they allowed him to come so close to the front lines at a time like this. Oh, it was at the general's request. He wanted to plead with my husband to warn him that his secret was known. And now Maitland's gone over the German lines. Oh, it's terrible. Worse than that. It's it's disastrous. You can give them information. This is the strength of our our troops here. He knows the password.
[00:20:05] Unknown:
He might even know the hour of the attack is time to start. How did your husband expect to enter the German lines in safety, missus Morris? He speaks fluent German, mister Holmes. I sent to the autograph book he was carrying containing the signature of field marshal von Toknitz, within reality, his pass through the German lines. You told the general that his brother was young, of course. I haven't been able to. He moved up to the front line position immediately after the first performance. Though I had warned him what I thought Nathan was planning to do. I think he intended to give his performance first then cross the lines immediately afterwards.
But something must have made him change his mind. Perhaps he suspected I'd warn the general. Anyhow, as you know, when I got back to our quarters, he'd gone. Did he leave any note, madam? Yes, he did. Here it is. Thank you.
[00:20:50] Unknown:
I have done, my dear. Try Try and understand and forgive if you can. You wouldn't come with me and so I'm taking what is left of my heart and my hopes where they belong. Among the friends that understand and appreciate me, it is something stronger than love and blood and country that makes me do this. It is something dearer to me than life itself.
[00:21:13] Unknown:
Dearer to me than life itself. Oh, how could he? How could he? The shame of this will kill poor Stanley.
[00:21:22] Unknown:
Mister Holmes, will you break the news to him? I know it's cowardly of me, but I just can't tell him myself. No problem, missus Morris. I'll tell him doctor Watson and I will ask cap captain Maxwell to escort us to the general's frontline headquarters. In the meantime, try and keep calm. We'll tell him.
[00:21:54] Unknown:
If you will wait in the dugout, mister Holmes, I'll tell the general that you're here. Thank you. And be sure to let him know the urgency of the matter. Yes, sir.
[00:22:03] Unknown:
Holmes, this is a dreadful business. Yes. It is, Watson.
[00:22:06] Unknown:
So if my plans work out correctly, I think the success of tomorrow's battle may not be imperiled. What plan? Listen.
[00:22:17] Unknown:
You know, Holmes, a strange silence from the German line since we came here might be accounted for by the fact that they knew Macon was making his getaway. They wouldn't want to risk wounding such a valuable spy. Not possibly. What I still don't understand is who shot at you with a German pistol and wire. You're being very gentle. Hello. Sorry. It's obvious that
[00:22:35] Unknown:
Here comes General Morris now. Poor devil. This is going to be a dreadful shot to him. Hello, Holmes. Doctor Watson? General Morris, I'm afraid that I've bad news for you. Your brother has gone over to the German lines. Maitland did go there. I should have put him under an armed guard as soon as he came here. But but I thought I could reason with him, appeal to his sense of honor. Instead of which you tried to shoot him, sir. But, fortunately for me, you missed. You see, I took his place at the first performance. But that shot was fired from a German pistol. True. That was when I first knew the general had fired the shot. But I still don't see how you could now. Only a high ranking officer, not subject to inspection, could carry a non regulation firearm.
You're an old army man. You should know that. In any case, you'll observe that the general carries a luger at his waist. Great. Headens, Holmes, I thought I was firing at Maitlander.
[00:23:24] Unknown:
I had no idea that that Edd was you. You intended to kill your own brother, sir? Yes. And I'm sorry I failed her. I'd rather see my brother dead than alive and a traitor to his country. But now he he's safely in the German lines. Head knows what secrets he may be imparting.
[00:23:42] Unknown:
One thing we can be certain, our our chance of a surprise attack in the morning is gone. Possibly not, sir. Oh, what do you mean? Does he have took the liberty of altering your brother's credentials quite extensively. How? I knew his German sympathies. Mycroft had given me a great deal of information about him and so I took it on myself to decide that it was unsafe to allow him so near the enemy lines with his own identification on him. Well, what did you do? I took the liberty, sir, of stealing his autograph book, the one containing the magical signature of field marshal von Tognitz. I have it in my pocket now.
I think we shall find within its pages a code concealed in the various autographs giving valuable information to the enemy. Good lord. I also switched to military permits on him. I felt that in the event that he did go over to the German lines, his welcome might be less cordial if they were under the impression that they'd captured Sherlock Holmes. To make that identification doubly sure, I also slipped slipped in his pocket a slight souvenir of my own. By Joe Holmes, you mean that medal that was presented to you by the University of Leipzig? Exactly, Othello. I no longer wish to own a decoration given me by a country of barbarians, and it seemed a rather neat and effective way of returning it to them. So the Germans will think they captured Shalako? Yes, sir. And unless I'm much mistaken, he'll receive very short script of their hands. Yes. I hate you. As your answer, sir, I'm sorry.
[00:25:01] Unknown:
Don't be sorry, Holmes. It's better that way.
[00:25:05] Unknown:
Now his secret can die with him. Excuse me, sir. Yes, Maxwell. What is it? Would it be in order for me to return to headquarters, Dowser? It's very nearly time for the second performance and I'd still been unable to trace the whereabouts of your brother. Well, my brother will not be acting tonight, I'm afraid.
[00:25:22] Unknown:
Holmes,
[00:25:22] Unknown:
I wonder if I might ask you to take his place once again. If you want me to, General. I do. Maitland had planned to do the Saint Crispin speech from Henry Pith.
[00:25:32] Unknown:
He knew how much I loved it. I realize that, sir. But I was told the password up here. Well, can you remember the speech, hon? Oh, I think so. At any rate, I can try. Then do it for me, my dear fellow. Will you for me? They're very proud to do it, general. Goodbye and good luck. Thank you, Holmes.
[00:25:48] Unknown:
Doctor Maxwell, take them back to headquarters, will you? The men will be waiting for the performance.
[00:26:03] Unknown:
And Christian Christian shall now go by from this day to the ending of the world, but we in it shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers, for he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother. Be he nigh so vile this day so gentle his condition. And And gentlemen in England now abed shall think themselves accursed. They were not here. And hold their manhoods cheap while any speaks, but flock with us upon Saint Christian's day.
[00:26:38] Unknown:
Well, doctor, that was a bit of an exciting adventure to you. No. I I can still remember that awful feeling I had when I heard the shut in the tent and realized someone had tried to kill Holmes. He did have a narrow escape, didn't he? Well, Holmes always said there's no such thing as a narrow escape. He said you either escaped or you didn't. If you did, well, why worry? And if you didn't, you couldn't worry. So what? Quite a philosophy. I'd like to discuss it with you further. Over a bottle of wine. How else? What kind of wine?
[00:27:05] Unknown:
Naturally, naturally. You couldn't ask for a more delicious wine than Petri. That's because the Petri family knows how to make good wine. They ought to, they've been making fine wine ever since they started the Petri business way back in the eighteen hundreds. And because the business has always been family owned and operated, well, they've been able to hand on from father to son, from father to son all they've ever learned about the art of turning luscious grapes into fragrant delicious wine. That's why no matter what type Petri wine you buy for any occasion, you can be sure it's good wine because Petri took time to bring you good wine.
[00:27:38] Unknown:
And now doctor Watson, how's about giving us a clue to next week's Sherlock Holmes? The next week is Claudia, I'm going to tell you in a much unusual adventure which Holmes and I are trapped in an airtight metal chamber. Our only companion being a murdered scientist. Sounds like a story we don't wanna miss, doctor. See you next week. Yes. Oh, just a second, miss Satterwhite. Before we go, I I just want to tell our listeners that tonight we're broadcasting from the stage of the Paramount Theater here in Hollywood on behalf of the Seventh Wall owned Drive. The ticket of admission to the theater was a war bond. I'm mentioning this to remind you, our friends, that you have an important part to play in making the Seventh Wall owned a success.
Buy more and buy bigger bonds than ever before. They're needed to pay for new super faults, new jet propelled fighters, newer and bigger weapons to lick Japan. Remember, in spite of the magnificent achievements of our force in the Pacific, the Japanese war has just begun. So let's go all out for the mighty seventh warlord.
[00:28:50] Unknown:
Tonight's Sherlock Holmes adventure is written by Dennis Green and Anthony Boucher and is based on an incident in the sir Arthur Conan Doyle story, the adventures of the Blanche soldier. Mister Rathbone appears for the courtesy of Metro Goldwyn Mayer and mister Bruce through the courtesy of Universal Pictures where they are now starring in the Sherlock Holmes series. The Petrie Wine Company of San Francisco, California invites you to tune in again next week, same time, same station.
[00:29:28] Unknown:
Oh, the Petri family took the time to bring you such good wine. So when you eat and when you cook, remember Petri wine.
[00:29:36] Unknown:
To make good food taste better, remember. This is Jack Slattery saying good night for the Petrie family. This is the mutual broadcasting system.
Saving for your next milestone? Turn your everyday errands into cash back opportunities. Thanks to the Blue Cash Everyday card, we can earn 3% cash back in The US on essentials like groceries at supermarkets, online retail purchases, and gas stations. That's how we started growing our family's little nest egg. Take the next step with Blue Cash Everyday from Amex. Learn more at AmericanExpress.com/explore-BCE. Terms and cashback cap apply.
[00:00:30] Unknown:
Other shows we have for you to enjoy at myclassicradio.net. The Avengers was most certainly not a household name in South Africa prior to the radio series. With no national television service until 1976, the mechanism simply was not present in the country to show television programs to mass audiences. While many other countries reveled in the filmed Adventures of John Steed and Company, South Africa was not equipped to join in the fun. The series took Britain by storm and made a major impression in the American markets, being that greatest of rarities, a British series given a network transmission slot. However, as a film series, rather than a videotaped one, the avengers was able to gain a modicum of exposure in South Africa through film rentals.
Come and listen at myclassicradio.net.
[00:01:21] Unknown:
This episode from the life of Sherlock Holmes will be transmitted to our men and women overseas by short wave and through the worldwide facilities of the Armed Forces Radio Service. From the stage of the Paramount Theater in Hollywood, Pet Free Wine brings you Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce in the new adventures of Sherlock Holmes. The Petrie family, the family that took time to bring you good wine invites you to listen to Doctor. Watson tell us about another exciting adventure he shared with his old friend, that master detective, Sherlock Holmes.
You know something, if right now it were possible for me to ask every one of you what you had for dinner this evening, I'll bet a good many of you would say chicken. Chicken is an all American favorite, but boy, you just haven't tasted chicken till you've tried it together with a glass of well chilled Petri California Sauteurne. Petri Sauternes is a perfect meal time wine just made to go with chicken. That Petri Sauternes is a white wine, delicate in color, and, what a flavor. A flavor that comes right from the heart of luscious sun ripened grapes. You can just taste those wonderful grapes. And I'll tell you something, that Petri Sauternes is pretty much on the terrific side when served with fish or any kind of seafood too, and that's a fact. But say, whenever you serve that Petri Sauternes, remember you can serve it proudly because the name Petrie is the proudest name in the history of American wines.
[00:03:03] Unknown:
And now for our weekly doctor's appointment. Let's knock on his library door and see if There's no point in doing that, mister Slattery. I'm right behind you. Hello, doctor Watson. Don't tell me you've been stalking me. Oh, my boy. I was on the patio and I heard your footsteps, so I thought that I'd I'd come in and fetch you. Let's go back and sit out there, shall we? It's it's a beautiful evening. That's fine with me, doctor. Here we are. Are. Now settle yourself down in a chair and and light a cigarette if you have one. I'll get on with my story.
[00:03:37] Unknown:
Last week, you told us a concern and adventure that you and Sherlock Holmes had in Flanders during the first World War. That's right, mister Safdie. You did. I thought that you and a great man had retired at that period. We had my boy, but it was only natural that as soon as the war broke out, we both offered our services in any capacity that might help our country. Of course. And how did tonight's story begin, doctor? It was in the winter
[00:03:59] Unknown:
of that first year. Things weren't going very well for the allies. The Germans were advancing on Paris, and the picture was looking very black. It was just twenty four hours before the famous battle of Oman began, the battle that changed the early course of the war, when Holmes told me that we had to go up to the front lines on a secret mission. We'd been in Paris for several weeks where Holmes had just solved the case of the missing aide de corps. I was anxious to get back to England and my work in the war hospitals, but, of course, this new summons was in the nature of a command. And so late on a rainy September afternoon, Holmes and I with a boom of gunfire in arrears found ourselves in the front seat of a staff car, sloshing and jolting its way towards the battlefield.
Am I driving too fast, you gentlemen? No, sir. I don't know at all. No. No. You're doing a splendid job. Oh, my man. Look out considering the state of the road. Thank you, sir. Hello. The gunfire is getting nearer, Holmes. Yes, hold on.
[00:05:01] Unknown:
I imagine we have much further to go, have you, sergeant? No, sir. We're nearly there.
[00:05:05] Unknown:
Did you notice the two civilians in the in the back seat, Holmes? Yes.
[00:05:10] Unknown:
Handsome woman and a distinguished looking man several years her senior. I wonder who they are. I'll tell you. He's a Shakespearean actor of some note. Oh. He never achieved the fame to which he thinks he's entitled. I shouldn't get all surprised if he feels that he's been slighted in not receiving a knighthood. But, Rome, that's amazing. How can you possibly deduce all that from just looking at the man as as we got into the car? Elementary, my dear fellow. I didn't deduce it. We saw him twice last year in the London Theater, if you remember. His name is Mitchelton Morris. As for his biography, he's a friend of my brother Mycroft's.
He told me about him. What do you suppose he's doing up here near the front line? His brother is general, sir Stanley Morris. He was in command of this particular front and it would seem reasonable to presume that his brother has come up here to give a performance for the frontline troops.
[00:05:56] Unknown:
I suppose this hut is as far as we can drive, sergeant. I'm afraid so, sir. We're four miles from the front line now. You'll have to clear your papers here. See that ruined farmhouse
[00:06:06] Unknown:
there, sir? Yes, sergeant. Is that the general's headquarters? Yes, sir.
[00:06:09] Unknown:
Come on, Watson. Good lord. It's pelting with rain. Yeah. Let's make a dash for you.
[00:06:24] Unknown:
Oh, who goes there? Friend? Give the password. Send Griston.
[00:06:29] Unknown:
Pass friends and show your papers.
[00:06:32] Unknown:
How did you know the password, Holmes? I was given it before we left Panisol check. Oh, Sherlock Holmes and Doctor. Watson, isn't it? Yes, captain. I'm captain Maxwell,
[00:06:41] Unknown:
General Morris' aide de corps. He asked me to escort you up to his headquarters. By the way, weren't Nathan Morris and his wife in the car with you? Yes. They are just behind us. Oh, splendid. I'm afraid I'd have to ask to see your papers. Yes, of course. Here's here's my permit, captain Maxwell. Thank you. I know you both, of course, but if we can't afford to take any chances when, this close to the enemy lines, let's see. Oh, yes, that's fine, nothing. Everything is in order. Alright. Take yours please, Mr. Holmes. Here you are. Thanks. Oh, who goes there? As the rest get by now. Oh, good. This is quite an order, Mr. Holmes. No your papers.
[00:07:16] Unknown:
Oh, there you are, Captain Maxwell. Hello, sir. Hello, Mrs. Murray. How are you, Captain Maxwell? Well, you both met mister Sherlock Holmes and doctor Watson, I suppose. Well, no, we haven't. Even though we drove up in the same car. Natural reserve of us Britishers, I suppose. How are you, mister Holmes? How do you do, sir? I know your brother, Microw, very well.
[00:07:37] Unknown:
How are you, doctor? I'm glad to meet you, Mr. Morris. I saw you a couple of times in the theater last year. George, your performances were in my house. Thank you, sir. Well, then you must know my wife, my leading lady. How do you do, gentlemen? How do you do, Mr. Morris? Can I see your papers, Mr? Morris? Just a matter of form. You understand? Yes. Yes. Of course. Of course. Mister Morris, I presume you and your husband are going to give a performance tonight for the men going up the front line. Yes, doctor. We're very flattered. They've asked us to do some Shakespearean things. Oh, yeah. Although I should have thought something a little lighter would have been more appropriate. The general, he's Maitland's brother, you know, seemed to think differently.
[00:08:09] Unknown:
Well, my dear, show captain Maxwell your papers, then we can all go along and see my brother Stanley. Very well, Maitland. Mister Morris, I shall look forward to hearing your reading of Shakespeare's Saint Crispin speech from Henry the fifth tonight.
[00:08:22] Unknown:
Oh, bless my soul, Holmes. How did you know I was planning to do it? Well, the setting is so perfect and the time so appropriate, I can't conceive an English actor who could resist the temptation. I I noticed that your brother appreciated the fact in naming today's password. Yes, it's amazingly appropriate. You know, it's almost five hundred years ago to the day that the battle of Agincourt took place. Well, let's hope that the results of the forthcoming battle will be equally successful for you. Yes, indeed. Oh, by the way, Holmes, this will probably seem rather silly to you but I'm an inveterate autograph collector and I have my book here with me. I I wonder if you'd mind signing. I'd be very glad, mister Morris. Give me a pinwheel, Watson.
Holmes. You'll find yourself among quite distinguished company in that book, sir. So I see. Adelita Patti,
[00:09:04] Unknown:
crown prince of Norway. Oh, no.
[00:09:06] Unknown:
Bill Marshall von Toxnitz. Oh, yes. He was one of my admirers when I played in Munich before the war. I suppose now that our countries are fighting, I should tear that page out. You know, I cannot help but feel that art and the appreciation of art are independent of national hatred. Quite so, sir. I myself still have a medal presented to me by the University of Leipzig for some trifling services. No one, mister Morris. Oh, thank you very much, mister Holmes. A notable addition to my collection. Well, I should be very glad to sign your book for you, mister Morris, if you'd like me to. That's very kind of you, doctor. Oh, captain Maxwell, if our permits are all in order, don't you think we should be moving along? Just what I was going to suggest myself.
[00:09:41] Unknown:
I'll take you all straight, though, to general
[00:09:49] Unknown:
Morris's headquarters.
[00:09:57] Unknown:
General Morris, may I introduce Mr. Sherlock Holmes and Doctor. Watson? I do do so. How do you do?
[00:10:03] Unknown:
Know a lot about you. Long way from Baker Street, isn't it? Yes, indeed, sir. Where is that brother of mine? Oh, there you are, Macon. Cynthia, how nice to see you both. Oh, it's good to see you again, Stanley. Hello there, Stanley. The men will be glad you arrived. They're looking forward to your show tonight. We're very flattered that they want to hear us do some Shakespeare. Oh, rubbish, old boy. With you and Cynthia up there on the platform, you could read the telephone book and they'd love you. Oh, very kind. By the way, you will find the stage very primitive. Just a few trestles and a large tent and a curtain made of army blankets. And your dressing room will be even worse. Oh, don't worry about our compass, compass, Stanley. As long as we cheer the boys up, that's the important thing. Yes, of course. By the way, what program do you have mapped out for us? Well, I thought we'd have two shows. The tent's not large enough to hold everybody at once. Anybody anyway, we have to keep up an alert all the time. Think you can manage two, separate shows? Of course, I can't stand it. I may look old but I don't feel it. We don't even look at your scoundrel. Thank you. Perhaps we could take a look at the staging equipment. Certainly. Captain Maxwell, take them over to the tent and show them what the facilities are, will you? Right, would you follow me? Oh, yes, of course. See you later, sir. Come on, my dear. Alright.
[00:11:19] Unknown:
I'm glad you're here, Holmes. I'm sure I can speak quite freely in front of Doctor. Watson. Oh, yes. With perfect freedom, sir. He's my colleague and he's an old army man himself. Really? What regiment, Dublin? The fifth Lieutenant feels there, sir. Later attached to boxes in Afghanistan and and wounded in in the Battle of Mainland. Really?
[00:11:36] Unknown:
Then I'm sure I can speak freely in front of Holmes, you know why you're up here so near the front line, don't you? I have a very shrewd suspicion, sir. Yeah. I thought you had. That's why I asked for you to be sent here.
[00:11:51] Unknown:
You asked for me to be sent here, general.
[00:11:54] Unknown:
Yes. I I think I understand. Well, I wish I did. You will, doctor, in due time. In the meanwhile, gentlemen, I'll have an orderly show you to your quarter. Thank you, sir. And, Holmes, take a look around, will you? And keep your ears open. We're
[00:12:09] Unknown:
comparatively a little distanced from the German front lines and yet there's a very puzzling silence just now. Yes, I know. Just had so and half an hour ago on our way up to us. There's quite a lot of shilling. Exactly.
[00:12:21] Unknown:
It's unnatural and rather frightening at a time like this. You see, we're attacking at dawn. The enemy might be trying to infiltrate spies, and the whole success of this battle depends on a surprise attack. I quite understand, sir. Come on, Watson.
[00:12:50] Unknown:
Holmes. Holmes. The first performance starts in a few minutes here. They're all there waiting here. Why are we traveling about up here in the in the mud and the rain? I've got a pipe or two in the open air but chill our brains. Yes. A pipe in the open air is one thing but a pipe in a downpour of rain is another. Was it raining? Didn't even notice it.
[00:13:10] Unknown:
I was listening to the silence.
[00:13:13] Unknown:
What do you mean?
[00:13:14] Unknown:
Thousands upon thousands of Germans, armed Germans, full of a blind fanatical hatred and desire to kill are crouched in trenches only a mile or two from here. Surrounding us are the equal number of English boys also armed. And with the will, if not the desire to fight, but as they know their cause is the cause of freedom and justice. All these thousands poised, ready to pounce on each other and fight to the death. And yet, beyond that patter of rain, there isn't a isn't a sound to break the stillness of a September evening. Strange world we live in, old chap. You're being unused here at Tylico, Holmes? Yes, I am, aren't I? Let's be a little more practical, shall we? I wonder what is wrong with the actors tonight. Act oh, why do you ask that? Well, a little while ago, I noticed Mrs. Morrison, a great state of excitement going towards the farmhouse where the general is. And she went back to her own quarters, and now she seems to be headed in our direction.
[00:14:13] Unknown:
Anything wrong, missus Morris? It's Mason. What's wrong with the madam? She disappeared. Disappeared. What's happened? We We were in the tent together making up for our performance. When an orderly came in with a message, Maitland said it was from his brother, flipped on a raincoat and went out, singing me back in a few moments. I waited and waited. And after a while, I got worried and I went over to see the general myself. He said that he'd sent no message and that he hadn't seen any sign of Maitland. Good lord. What could have happened to him? I don't know, doctor, but I'm frightened.
[00:14:40] Unknown:
What shall I do, mister Holmes? You're a brave woman, missus Morris. Brave?
[00:14:44] Unknown:
I don't know, mister Holmes.
[00:14:46] Unknown:
Why? Because the show must go
[00:14:48] Unknown:
on. I shall take your husband's place. But Holmes, something's happened to Macon Morris. He's in danger. He might be 02/2002.
[00:14:54] Unknown:
But a thousand men inside that center in mortal danger too. Tomorrow morning, many of them may be corpses on the fields of Flanders. But tonight, they've been promised a show. Do you think that you can do it, Holmes? Oh, I think I can with the help of missus Morris. I can't do it, mister Holmes. You can, missus Morris, and you will. If only to uphold that great tradition of the theater, that the show must go on.
[00:15:25] Unknown:
We'll have the rest of doctor Watson's story in just a few seconds. Tom, I'd like to take to tell you that if you've got a butcher who has meat and you've got the points to get that meat, don't forget to bring home a bottle of Petri California Burgundy. Tell you why. That Petri Burgundy is a rich red mealtime wine that's wonderful with any meat or meat dish. That's a fact. Petri Burgundy can make a banquet out of a hamburger. And boy, petri Burgundy and old fashioned Irish stew are bosom companions. Just get yourself some petri Burgundy and share it with your family. Petri Burgundy is the best friend a good meal ever had.
And now back to tonight's new Sherlock Holmes adventure. It is just before the Battle of the Marne in the First World War and Sherlock Holmes and Doctor. Watson are at headquarters a few miles behind the front line trenches. A famous Shakespearean actor who was to give a performance for the troops has mysteriously disappeared and the great detective has taken his place at the last minute. As we rejoin our story, Sherlock Holmes alone on the improvised stage is delivering a Shakespearean speech before a spellbound audience.
[00:16:37] Unknown:
This happy breed of men, this little world, this precious stone set in a silver sea, which serves it in the office of a wall or as a moat defensive to a house against the envy of less happier lands. This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England.
[00:17:02] Unknown:
Holmes, that shot, are you alright?
[00:17:05] Unknown:
Yes, old chap. Fortunately, I started to leave the stage as the shot was fired. The bullet just missed me. I heard it splinter, some wood nearby. But who on earth would want to shoot you? That's what we've got to find out though. I think it more likely that the shot was intended. For me, it was not intended for me but for Mickland Morris, the man for whom I'm substituting. Well, even so, who'd want to shoot him? Don't ask me so many questions, Arturo. Let's see what clues we can find. Now, the shot was fired from outside the tent from behind me. Yes, mister Bear. Either hole in the tent there? By jovious.
[00:17:33] Unknown:
The footlights would outline your shadow on the back of the tent. Whoever it must have must have must have fired at your silhouette. The question is where did the bullet embed itself? Uh-huh.
[00:17:43] Unknown:
Look here, Watson. Have you got a penknife? Here, where where Here I am.
[00:17:47] Unknown:
This shouldn't be hard to extract.
[00:17:49] Unknown:
Look at this splintered tent pole. One minute.
[00:17:54] Unknown:
Here we are.
[00:17:56] Unknown:
Excellent.
[00:17:59] Unknown:
Very interesting. Oh, what's so interesting about it? Just a revolver bullet Oh, no, it isn't, Watson.
[00:18:04] Unknown:
Spryant's fired from just a revolver bullet. This bullet was fired from a German Luger pistol. A German pistol?
[00:18:10] Unknown:
There must have been a spy here behind our lines.
[00:18:12] Unknown:
That's, reasonable enough, his assumption. Yes. We may be sure that no English soldier would carry such a weapon and face inspection. Come on. I want to talk to missus Morris. Missus Missus Morris, I want you to be very frank with me. But, of course, mister Holmes. You know why your husband's missing, don't you? No. No. I don't. Have you found out anything? Come, madam. Why keep up this pretense any longer? I know that your husband is a spy or at least a a great sympathizer with the German cause. The general's brother a spy? Good lord. How dare you say that? Because it's true. The foreign office had been suspicious of his sympathies for some time.
His own brother knew it. That's why he asked to have me sent up here to keep an eye on him during his visit.
[00:19:03] Unknown:
It is true. Why should I keep up the pretense any longer? You see, Maitland was a disciple of Stuart Houston Chamberlain. Who
[00:19:13] Unknown:
Chamberlain? An Englishman who married one of Richard Wagner's daughters and became a German citizen and an arch enemy of England. I'll try to dissuade Maitland.
[00:19:21] Unknown:
I implored him to consider his British heritage, his brother's name and mine. But Nathan was a strange man. His life was one of frustration and envy. Envy of his brother, I suppose. Yes. When Stanley was knighted, it it hurt Maitland terribly. He said it was typical that the English would knight a soldier and yet leave a great artist like himself unrecognized.
[00:19:41] Unknown:
That in in Berlin, they really understood and rewarded the artist. Well, if the authorities knew that, it's amazing they allowed him to come so close to the front lines at a time like this. Oh, it was at the general's request. He wanted to plead with my husband to warn him that his secret was known. And now Maitland's gone over the German lines. Oh, it's terrible. Worse than that. It's it's disastrous. You can give them information. This is the strength of our our troops here. He knows the password.
[00:20:05] Unknown:
He might even know the hour of the attack is time to start. How did your husband expect to enter the German lines in safety, missus Morris? He speaks fluent German, mister Holmes. I sent to the autograph book he was carrying containing the signature of field marshal von Toknitz, within reality, his pass through the German lines. You told the general that his brother was young, of course. I haven't been able to. He moved up to the front line position immediately after the first performance. Though I had warned him what I thought Nathan was planning to do. I think he intended to give his performance first then cross the lines immediately afterwards.
But something must have made him change his mind. Perhaps he suspected I'd warn the general. Anyhow, as you know, when I got back to our quarters, he'd gone. Did he leave any note, madam? Yes, he did. Here it is. Thank you.
[00:20:50] Unknown:
I have done, my dear. Try Try and understand and forgive if you can. You wouldn't come with me and so I'm taking what is left of my heart and my hopes where they belong. Among the friends that understand and appreciate me, it is something stronger than love and blood and country that makes me do this. It is something dearer to me than life itself.
[00:21:13] Unknown:
Dearer to me than life itself. Oh, how could he? How could he? The shame of this will kill poor Stanley.
[00:21:22] Unknown:
Mister Holmes, will you break the news to him? I know it's cowardly of me, but I just can't tell him myself. No problem, missus Morris. I'll tell him doctor Watson and I will ask cap captain Maxwell to escort us to the general's frontline headquarters. In the meantime, try and keep calm. We'll tell him.
[00:21:54] Unknown:
If you will wait in the dugout, mister Holmes, I'll tell the general that you're here. Thank you. And be sure to let him know the urgency of the matter. Yes, sir.
[00:22:03] Unknown:
Holmes, this is a dreadful business. Yes. It is, Watson.
[00:22:06] Unknown:
So if my plans work out correctly, I think the success of tomorrow's battle may not be imperiled. What plan? Listen.
[00:22:17] Unknown:
You know, Holmes, a strange silence from the German line since we came here might be accounted for by the fact that they knew Macon was making his getaway. They wouldn't want to risk wounding such a valuable spy. Not possibly. What I still don't understand is who shot at you with a German pistol and wire. You're being very gentle. Hello. Sorry. It's obvious that
[00:22:35] Unknown:
Here comes General Morris now. Poor devil. This is going to be a dreadful shot to him. Hello, Holmes. Doctor Watson? General Morris, I'm afraid that I've bad news for you. Your brother has gone over to the German lines. Maitland did go there. I should have put him under an armed guard as soon as he came here. But but I thought I could reason with him, appeal to his sense of honor. Instead of which you tried to shoot him, sir. But, fortunately for me, you missed. You see, I took his place at the first performance. But that shot was fired from a German pistol. True. That was when I first knew the general had fired the shot. But I still don't see how you could now. Only a high ranking officer, not subject to inspection, could carry a non regulation firearm.
You're an old army man. You should know that. In any case, you'll observe that the general carries a luger at his waist. Great. Headens, Holmes, I thought I was firing at Maitlander.
[00:23:24] Unknown:
I had no idea that that Edd was you. You intended to kill your own brother, sir? Yes. And I'm sorry I failed her. I'd rather see my brother dead than alive and a traitor to his country. But now he he's safely in the German lines. Head knows what secrets he may be imparting.
[00:23:42] Unknown:
One thing we can be certain, our our chance of a surprise attack in the morning is gone. Possibly not, sir. Oh, what do you mean? Does he have took the liberty of altering your brother's credentials quite extensively. How? I knew his German sympathies. Mycroft had given me a great deal of information about him and so I took it on myself to decide that it was unsafe to allow him so near the enemy lines with his own identification on him. Well, what did you do? I took the liberty, sir, of stealing his autograph book, the one containing the magical signature of field marshal von Tognitz. I have it in my pocket now.
I think we shall find within its pages a code concealed in the various autographs giving valuable information to the enemy. Good lord. I also switched to military permits on him. I felt that in the event that he did go over to the German lines, his welcome might be less cordial if they were under the impression that they'd captured Sherlock Holmes. To make that identification doubly sure, I also slipped slipped in his pocket a slight souvenir of my own. By Joe Holmes, you mean that medal that was presented to you by the University of Leipzig? Exactly, Othello. I no longer wish to own a decoration given me by a country of barbarians, and it seemed a rather neat and effective way of returning it to them. So the Germans will think they captured Shalako? Yes, sir. And unless I'm much mistaken, he'll receive very short script of their hands. Yes. I hate you. As your answer, sir, I'm sorry.
[00:25:01] Unknown:
Don't be sorry, Holmes. It's better that way.
[00:25:05] Unknown:
Now his secret can die with him. Excuse me, sir. Yes, Maxwell. What is it? Would it be in order for me to return to headquarters, Dowser? It's very nearly time for the second performance and I'd still been unable to trace the whereabouts of your brother. Well, my brother will not be acting tonight, I'm afraid.
[00:25:22] Unknown:
Holmes,
[00:25:22] Unknown:
I wonder if I might ask you to take his place once again. If you want me to, General. I do. Maitland had planned to do the Saint Crispin speech from Henry Pith.
[00:25:32] Unknown:
He knew how much I loved it. I realize that, sir. But I was told the password up here. Well, can you remember the speech, hon? Oh, I think so. At any rate, I can try. Then do it for me, my dear fellow. Will you for me? They're very proud to do it, general. Goodbye and good luck. Thank you, Holmes.
[00:25:48] Unknown:
Doctor Maxwell, take them back to headquarters, will you? The men will be waiting for the performance.
[00:26:03] Unknown:
And Christian Christian shall now go by from this day to the ending of the world, but we in it shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers, for he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother. Be he nigh so vile this day so gentle his condition. And And gentlemen in England now abed shall think themselves accursed. They were not here. And hold their manhoods cheap while any speaks, but flock with us upon Saint Christian's day.
[00:26:38] Unknown:
Well, doctor, that was a bit of an exciting adventure to you. No. I I can still remember that awful feeling I had when I heard the shut in the tent and realized someone had tried to kill Holmes. He did have a narrow escape, didn't he? Well, Holmes always said there's no such thing as a narrow escape. He said you either escaped or you didn't. If you did, well, why worry? And if you didn't, you couldn't worry. So what? Quite a philosophy. I'd like to discuss it with you further. Over a bottle of wine. How else? What kind of wine?
[00:27:05] Unknown:
Naturally, naturally. You couldn't ask for a more delicious wine than Petri. That's because the Petri family knows how to make good wine. They ought to, they've been making fine wine ever since they started the Petri business way back in the eighteen hundreds. And because the business has always been family owned and operated, well, they've been able to hand on from father to son, from father to son all they've ever learned about the art of turning luscious grapes into fragrant delicious wine. That's why no matter what type Petri wine you buy for any occasion, you can be sure it's good wine because Petri took time to bring you good wine.
[00:27:38] Unknown:
And now doctor Watson, how's about giving us a clue to next week's Sherlock Holmes? The next week is Claudia, I'm going to tell you in a much unusual adventure which Holmes and I are trapped in an airtight metal chamber. Our only companion being a murdered scientist. Sounds like a story we don't wanna miss, doctor. See you next week. Yes. Oh, just a second, miss Satterwhite. Before we go, I I just want to tell our listeners that tonight we're broadcasting from the stage of the Paramount Theater here in Hollywood on behalf of the Seventh Wall owned Drive. The ticket of admission to the theater was a war bond. I'm mentioning this to remind you, our friends, that you have an important part to play in making the Seventh Wall owned a success.
Buy more and buy bigger bonds than ever before. They're needed to pay for new super faults, new jet propelled fighters, newer and bigger weapons to lick Japan. Remember, in spite of the magnificent achievements of our force in the Pacific, the Japanese war has just begun. So let's go all out for the mighty seventh warlord.
[00:28:50] Unknown:
Tonight's Sherlock Holmes adventure is written by Dennis Green and Anthony Boucher and is based on an incident in the sir Arthur Conan Doyle story, the adventures of the Blanche soldier. Mister Rathbone appears for the courtesy of Metro Goldwyn Mayer and mister Bruce through the courtesy of Universal Pictures where they are now starring in the Sherlock Holmes series. The Petrie Wine Company of San Francisco, California invites you to tune in again next week, same time, same station.
[00:29:28] Unknown:
Oh, the Petri family took the time to bring you such good wine. So when you eat and when you cook, remember Petri wine.
[00:29:36] Unknown:
To make good food taste better, remember. This is Jack Slattery saying good night for the Petrie family. This is the mutual broadcasting system.
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