In this intriguing episode, we delve into the world of classic radio dramas, exploring the fascinating history of "The Avengers" radio series in South Africa, a country without national television until 1976. The episode highlights how the series gained exposure through film rentals, despite the lack of a television broadcast. We also journey into the world of Sherlock Holmes, as portrayed by Basil Rathbone, with a thrilling tale set in Italy. Holmes and Watson investigate the mysterious death of Cardinal Tosca, a case that leads them to the heart of Rome's architectural wonders and the enchanting world of opera.
The adventure takes a dramatic turn as Holmes and Watson attend a performance of "La Traviata," only to be drawn into a web of intrigue involving the famous soprano Gina Valchese. A sinister plot unfolds as Valchese's life is threatened, and her twin sister becomes a victim of a murderous attack meant for her. Holmes must unravel the mystery of a voice silenced by fear and deception, leading to a climactic revelation that saves an innocent understudy from a vengeful mob. This episode is a testament to Holmes' unparalleled deductive skills and the timeless allure of classic detective stories.
(00:04) The Avengers in South Africa
(00:51) Petri Wine and Sherlock Holmes Introduction
(02:30) Doctor Watson's Italian Adventure
(04:23) The Opera and the Mysterious Note
(07:01) The Understudy's Ambition
(10:31) A Perilous Encounter
(14:34) The Opera Performance
(17:00) A Sinister Plot Unfolds
(20:31) The Twin Sister's Deception
(24:03) The Truth Revealed
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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.
[00:00:52] Unknown:
Petri Wine brings you Basil Rathbone and the new adventures of Sherlock Holmes. The Petri family, the family that took time to bring you good wine, invites you to listen to doctor Watson tell us another exciting adventure he shared with his good friend, that master detective, Sherlock Holmes. And as for me, well, I'd like to ask you if you know that one of the favorite wines of American women is Petri California Muscatel. In fact, the whole family likes Petri Muscatel, and you'll certainly know why if you'll just pour yourself a glass. Why that Petri Muscatel is wonderful just to look at. It's the color of sheer gold, and raise that glass of Petrie Muscatel to your lips.
Oh boy, what a wine. Look, did you ever walk through a vineyard early in the morning, you know, when the dew is still clinging to the grapes? And did you taste one of those luscious plump Muscat grapes? Then you'll know what to expect the first time you taste Petri Muscatel. Petri Muscatel brings you that same wonderful Muscat flavor right from the heart of the grape. Try serving Petri Muscatel after dinner by itself or with fruit or nuts. It's the perfect after dinner wine, and serve it proudly because five letters p e t r I spell the proudest name in the history of American wine.
And now I'm sure our good friend doctor Watson is ready for us. Let's go in and join.
[00:02:36] Unknown:
Come in. Come in. Oh, there you are, mister Bartlett. Good evening, doctor. Are you all ready with tonight's new Sherlock Holmes adventure? I'm ready if you are my boy. How would you like to hear a story that took place in Italy? In Italy?
[00:02:50] Unknown:
Say, you and the great Sherlock Holmes certainly did get around.
[00:02:53] Unknown:
What took you there, doctor? We've gone to Rome to investigate the sudden death of cardinal Tosca. An inquiry, which I may tell you, mister Barto, was carried out by Holmes at the expressed desire of his holiness the pope. Say, doctor. That sounds like a wonder No. No, mister Bartel. That's a story that I'm afraid I can never tell you. However, tonight's adventure took place a few days after Holmes had brought his case to a satisfactory, though somewhat terrifying, conclusion. I suggested to the great man that a short holiday would be good for us before returning to England, and so we spent some happy days browsing among the architectural treasure of Old Rome, the Colosseum, the Baths Of Caracalla, the Forum, the wonderful ruins on on the Palatine Hill. I couldn't drag Holmes away from mister Barto.
And at nighttime, he was able to indulge to his heart's content his great love of music. Finally, it was two nights before we were to sail for England, I remember. We went to the opera house to hear the famous Italian soprano, Gina Valchese, singing Verdi's immortal La Traviata. I can hear that exquisite voice now, mister Bartel, as Holmes and I, seated in a box, listened spellbound to the great Valchese singing her last act after. What a voice, Watson. What a magnificent voice. Yes. It is, Holmes. It's pretty though that most opera stars who sing like nightingales seem to have the figures of unusually well fed pouter pigeons.
[00:04:35] Unknown:
Poor woman. She must weigh at least twenty stone. Nevertheless, you mustn't refer to her as puller, my dear chap, despite her somewhat unfortunate proportions. Senora Chunda Valchese remains one of the greatest and wealthiest of contemporary sopranos. Listen to the applause. Yes. I'm glad we should sing an encore. We might as well go back to her dressing room now. The opera is almost over. Why are we going back to the dressing room? Dressingham? Because during the last division, I received a note from her requesting my attendance. Oh, what did the note say? Well, it seems that the lady is not too popular with certain members of the opera company. While I've no wish to become entangled in any opera clash temperaments, I I confess I find myself not a little interested in meeting the lady.
She's gonna sing a long call. Are you really going back to her dressing? Certainly, my dear fellow. A summons from Jinabakiss is no more to be disobeyed than a royal command.
[00:05:54] Unknown:
I must ask you gentlemen not to stand outside La Vallequais's dressing room. We permit to know strangers, particularly foreigners. But the signora has requested our presence.
[00:06:05] Unknown:
May I ask who you are? Permit me to introduce myself, gentlemen. I am Armando Bellini, Inspector of Police. My name is Holmes, Sherlock Holmes, and this is my friend, doctor Watson. Sherlock Holmes.
[00:06:16] Unknown:
But this is a great honor. Allow me to apologize. Here in the operas, we have to be so careful, you understand, of intrigues. There are so many. But, Senor Holmes and his friend, I am so happy to meet you both. At At headquarters, I hear wonderful reports of your work in the cardinal Toscafare. I should prefer not to mention that unfortunate matter, inspector, except under conditions of extreme privacy. Oh, quite so. And behind the scenes at the opera is not the most secluded place. Please do forgive me. You are waiting to see La Varkasse? Yes. She is still on the stage.
[00:06:54] Unknown:
She has requested your presence, you say, senorantes? Oh, yes. I trust the meeting is to be a social, not a professional one. We're sailing for England in a couple of days. And do you came to hear the great Varkasas sing before you left? Most understandable. A magnificent voice, Inspector.
[00:07:09] Unknown:
Yes, doctor. And still, well, I am a devote upper lover myself. Yet I cannot, but feel it's a future lies with those who can add youth and beauty to a great voice. That's true. True, senor. But where can you find such a combination? I have found it. Here in the opera, there is a girl. She is my protege. Someday, I hope she will be my wife. At the moment, she is only understudying La Barchese. If she should ever get the opportunity of singing in her whole place, then a new star will be born. Oh, really? What's her name? Liza Bordoni. She has but recently come to Rome from Milano where she studied with the great Alfieres.
Confidentially, I think that La Barchese is so jealous of all that, here is Lisa now, and there is her brother with her. Lisa Caramea,
[00:08:04] Unknown:
please to join us. Aye, George. What a beautiful girl. What is it, Armando?
[00:08:09] Unknown:
Permit me to present, the famous English detective,
[00:08:13] Unknown:
senior Sherlock Holmes and his friend, doctor Watson. How'd you do? How'd you do, young lady? Glad to meet you both. This is my brother, Wally. How'd you do, sir? I certainly feel that I know a lot about you two gentlemen. No. I can't tell you how many times I've read your stories, Doctor. Watson. Indeed, sir. I'm very flattered. Lisa, Caramea,
[00:08:31] Unknown:
we were just saying that in youth and beauty, combined with the voice, lies our future hope in the opera. Your day will come, Lisa Mia.
[00:08:41] Unknown:
Your day will come soon. I hope you're right, Armando. But as long as I understand Edina Valchese, I don't see when I'll get my chance.
[00:08:49] Unknown:
She's disgustingly healthy. If you're about nice things, oh, young lady. Though your name is Bordoni, you and your brother don't sound at least Italian. Well, we're not, mister Holmes. We're American. But to succeed in Italian opera, my sister has found that an Italian name is essential. So the Borden family became the Bordonis.
[00:09:07] Unknown:
In any case, my real name is Lizzie Borden. I'm sure you, mister Holmes, as a famous detective, will see that I had to change my name. Yes. I can well understand. Who was Lizzie Baldwin? Well, my dear fellow, one of the greatest and,
[00:09:19] Unknown:
most successful of murderers who wielded an axe with incredible dexterity, I've often regretted that I was in Tibet instead of America at the time of that particular case. Senior arms, I do not understand you Anglo Saxons.
[00:09:32] Unknown:
To me, a murderers is a murderers. Now, when you speak of a greatness in women, I feel oh, but here comes Gina Valcayce now. I I will introduce you. How many times would I tell you a lot? No one to stand outside my dressing room. Send them away, La Verkhese is a tie. But do you wish to see, senor Sherlock Holmes, said the famous detective? He has come here in answer to your request. Please, permit me to present him and also his friend, doctor Watts. How do you do, senor? I'd like the honor to meet you, senorobarkase.
[00:10:02] Unknown:
And now perhaps if we may come into your dressing room and confer privately. Perrito.
[00:10:06] Unknown:
What would love would Casey have to say to a detective? Meaning of the police as zero. Go away, all of
[00:10:15] Unknown:
you. Well, what do you think of that? She slammed the door in my face. A waiter. Waiter. Bring me some more coffee, please. Sejeune. The very pleasant dining here on the hotel. Tell us, I must confess. Very. Amazingly considering yesterday's snow. Yes. It is. Later I suggest we pay another visit to the opera in here about Casey's sing Guil d'Arcoletto.
[00:10:49] Unknown:
Upon my soul, Holmes, it seems to me that you're astonishingly casual after the way that woman in Sausage of last night, slamming the door in your face as if you were a tradesman, shot you. What would you have me do, my dear chap? Force my way into a into a room, demand an apology, or have my friend challenge her to a duel in order to avenge my honor? Oh, don't try to be funny, Holmes. You know perfectly well what I mean. The lady asks you to come and see her. And when you do, she pretends she's never heard of you. And here it is nearly twenty four hours later, and you've done absolutely nothing about it. Oh, dear old Watson,
[00:11:22] Unknown:
you're really quite upset over the affair, aren't you? Well, if it'll make you any happier, let me tell you, I have done something about it. I'm delighted to hear it. What? This morning, I was able to obtain a specimen of our case's handwriting from an autographed picture in the possession of inspector Bellini. I compared the writing with that on the note and I, that I received in the box last night. It was the it was the same, proving that the message I received was authentic. Oh, in that case, why did she snub you like that? Well, something must have frightened her, I suppose. Something or someone who was standing at the dressing room door with us. Well, who was there?
[00:11:58] Unknown:
Inspector Bellini, Lisa Bordone, and her brothers. Precisely, my dear fellow. Therefore, we may assume that La Valchese had no wish to recognize me in their presence. But if you think that, Holmes, why haven't you been in touch with her today? She may be in some dreadful danger. If she is,
[00:12:12] Unknown:
she can find me easily enough. Meanwhile, I'm perfectly happy to be left alone. The last few weeks have been sufficiently strenuous without becoming involved in some fresh case. On my soul, Holmes, you must be tired. I've never known you to be so indifferent to a case. Great Scott. What is it, Watson? Look. Walking towards us, it's Signora Valkisi herself. Oh, and judging from the lady's expression, she seems to be in some distress. Good evening, Senora. See your arms. I must speak Please sit down, aren't you? This is my colleague, Doctor. Watson. How do you do?
[00:12:40] Unknown:
First, I must apologize for my behavior last night. It would have been dangerous if Pavel Casey had acknowledged that she had communicated with you. That's just what my friend assumed, madam. Please speak quite freely now, senora. No one can overhear us. Senor Holmes, I am being persecuted. My life is in danger. You must save me. You're threatened. Si. Si, senor. And not today, tragedy has a stroke. My sister, my beloved Bella, lies near death from a murderous attack. An attack that was immense for me. Good lord. What happened, madam? If you will please to keep quiet, a little longer tears this week will I learn what happened. Why, I'm so sorry, madam. I These are morning. These are morning I always myself take my dog for a walk, but these are morning I feel the trace of a cold. I ask my sister to take the dog for a walk. Please do understand that my sister is very much like me in the field. Yes. I understand, Senora. Now please continue. She woke alone in the park from nowhere. A horseman come gallop and ride her door. These are much I learned from the in the snow when I worry and go to find her. Was she able to tell you who the horseman was?
No. She cannot speak, senor. They say at the hospital that her skull is a fracture, that she may not live. Senor Holmes, that attack, it was meant for me. You must protect me. Signor, I shall do everything in my power to
[00:14:03] Unknown:
No. No. No. No. What's wrong, madam?
[00:14:06] Unknown:
Somewhere there is a cat. I know it. Make it go away. I can't understand. Can't
[00:14:25] Unknown:
must be your imagination.
[00:14:29] Unknown:
You hey, I'm sorry to make such a scene, but I cannot appear to be near a gas. I cannot tell you what he do to me.
[00:14:41] Unknown:
He he may sound of foolish weakness. No. No. Not at all, signora. Such a condition is quite common. In fact, I believe medical science has given it a name. It's known as iulopophia.
[00:14:50] Unknown:
Whatever he's called. It make me ill. I must go to my room. I I cannot stand much more, my poor sis. I imagine with your sister at death's door, Signora, you will not sing tonight. Signor Holmes, I love her very much. But even a sister is only a sister. My art is my life. In an hour, singer. I sing Gilda in a Rigoletto. You will attend the performance. And afterward, you will tell Ella Vallejoise how she may trap this devil who seek to destroy her.
[00:15:35] Unknown:
Holmes, it's after 09:30. We've missed quite a lot of the opera. It's hardly worth going to our box now. It's just been time to hear that Alkeesia sing the incomparable Caronami.
[00:15:44] Unknown:
Come on, old fellow. Let's slip in as quiet as we can. Seems to me we should have been in our box from the beginning of the performance. She asked you to keep an eye on her. I asked you all, champ. But it occurred to me that an attack on her during the performance was unlikely and that our time might be more profitably spent making inquiries at the riding academy. You drew a blank. We found no trace of that mysterious rider. No. But at least we tried. Here we are. Let's stand at the back of the theater for a few minutes.
[00:16:18] Unknown:
Great Scott.
[00:16:20] Unknown:
That isn't our case's singing. It's the understudy. Lady's protege, the American girl, Lisa Bodoni. What a beautiful one. Nice one, but with a beautiful, wonderful range. But here, we we have no time to listen to her now. Let me go to the other case's dressing room at once. We know she left to the theater tonight with the intention of singing. I'm very much afraid. There's devil's work of it, Watson.
[00:16:57] Unknown:
Why on Earth doesn't she answer?
[00:17:01] Unknown:
Listen. There are cats inside our dressing room. Come on, Watson. Locked. Put your shoulder to waste. Come on. Help me. Watson. Come on. Once more. Come on. Get down.
[00:17:10] Unknown:
Watson. Here.
[00:17:12] Unknown:
Come on. Once more. Come on. Get down. Watson. Here. Quick scratch. She's unconscious, Watson. See what you can do for her. She must have picked it with white ears. Some fiend, knowing her deadly fear of cats, has locked her in here with half a dozen of them. Shoo. Shoo. Hold me. Shoo.
[00:17:27] Unknown:
Her eyes are opening, Holmes.
[00:17:29] Unknown:
She's coming too.
[00:17:30] Unknown:
Senora Barchese. Her lips are moving. She's trying to speak. Senora Barchese,
[00:17:35] Unknown:
tell me, who did this to you? Great heavens. Her voice, it's gone. I've known many vicious crimes in my lifetime, Watson, but to murder a voice, a voice that was one of the treasures of the world, is as vile a killing as I've ever encountered.
[00:18:02] Unknown:
Doctor Watson will tell you the rest of his story in just a few seconds. And right now would be a wonderful
[00:18:19] Unknown:
rich red wine, the kind of wine you like to sip slowly, so you won't miss a drop of its
[00:18:21] Unknown:
of wine you like to sip slowly, so you won't miss a drop of its truly fine flavor. I'm not kidding when I say you owe it to yourself and your family to try Petri Port. In fact, you should try Petri Port and Petri Muscatel. So don't buy one, buy two. Buy both Port and Muscatel. Just be sure you get Petri, because Petri wine is always good wine. Well, doctor Watson saw the great opera singer lost her voice when someone locked in a room full of cats.
[00:18:54] Unknown:
What did you and Sherlock Holmes do? We took senior Valcasey back to her hotel at once and saw that she was properly taken care of. How did the understudy, Lisa Bordoni make out, doctor? Well, the tragedy that overtook La Valcasey gave her her great chance. She received a tremendous ovation at the close of the performance, and it seems certain that another star had had been born. But let me tell you the story just as it happened, mister Bartel. A little later that night, Holmes and I were once again standing on the balcony of our hotel, watching a crowd of people that had assembled in the courtroom.
[00:19:26] Unknown:
You see that crowd, Yes. I suppose they come here to acclaim the new star. Oh, no. My dear fellow, that crowd isn't planning a celebration. Look at them and listen to their angry murmuring.
[00:19:34] Unknown:
I'm afraid there's gonna be trouble. I don't like the look of it. Hello. Here comes Lisa Bodoni's brother, Wally. What's wrong, sir? Mister Holmes. Mister Holmes, you've got to do something. What's happened? Well, somehow the story about the cats in La Valcasey's dressing room has spread. The crowd outside are saying that my sister, Lisa, planned the whole thing so that she could sing Valcasey's part in the opera club. Where's your sister now? In a room at the hotel here. I managed to get her away from the crowd and I locked her in. With that mob, I'm frightened. Here comes the official representative of law and daughter, Inspector Bellini. Wally. Wally. Where is Lisa? I was just telling mister Holmes that I'd locked her in a room. And that crowd's in a dangerous mood, Beline. What precautions are you taking? I have thrown a cord on the police around the hotel.
[00:20:13] Unknown:
The mob is getting out of our hand, and Lisa must be protected. As a matter of fact, the situation is even worse than the crowd knows. I I have just been told that La Valle Casey's twin sister, Bella, died in the hospital tonight, that I had some murder charge. If the crowd knew about that, I tremble to think what might happen. Did you say that,
[00:20:34] Unknown:
La Largo Casey's sister was a twin inspector? Yes, senor Holmes. She was a hor exact double in everything but voice. Indeed. How very illuminating. If you don't mind, I should like to have a few words in private with my friend doctor Watson. Excuses for a moment, please.
[00:20:50] Unknown:
What do you make of it, Holmes? What are you old chap? Well, the American girl seemed very charming and all that, but she might have done it. It had to be either her, her brother, or the inspector himself. They all had a motive for wanting La Valle Casey to lose her voice,
[00:21:03] Unknown:
but I must say I can't understand the motive behind the murder of her twin sister. I think I can give you the answer to that question in a very few minutes. But meanwhile, the mob gets uglier and uglier. The only way to avert violence, Watson, is to give them quick proof and a certainty of conviction. I must go back to Bellini and the young American. I want to keep an eye on them. Meanwhile, I want you to slip out and,
[00:21:24] Unknown:
get me a cat. Cat? What about a sport? You'll find out soon enough. Holmes, what kind of a cat? Oh, any kind, but hurry. Come on, Chicky. Chicky. Come on, Chitty. There's a good Chitty. Here. Here.
[00:21:50] Unknown:
Here. What you doing in a hotel kitchen, senor? Oh, you wanna play with my cat? Oh, is he your cat? Charming little fellow.
[00:21:58] Unknown:
I'd like to borrow him for a little while. Why you wanna borrow my cat? Oh, I thought I'd take him up to my hotel room and have a little game with him. I've got some old socks he can play with. Deal. The English, they had a crazy race.
[00:22:11] Unknown:
My cat does not like to play with the old socks. Look here. He has 50 lira for you. Wait. Oh, no. No. No. I tell you my cat does not like to play with old socks. My cat will stay here and you can keep her your money. I'll give you a hundred lira. So did that you may stuff my cat full of old socks? No. No. You mean break my cat. Oh, that place is with you. You'll get it back in your yard. Stop him. Stop him. The crazy Englishman is stealing my cat.
[00:22:52] Unknown:
Well, I've got a cat for you, Holmes, but I wish you'd tell me what we're doing outside Malches's door with it. I'm going to try an experiment. We open our bedroom door softly. I'm going to try an experiment. I'm going to try an experiment. Experiment.
[00:23:01] Unknown:
We open a bedroom door softly, so slip the cat in, so and close the door.
[00:23:14] Unknown:
Holmes, ma'am, what the blazes you think you're doing? Don't drive her mad. I think not. Listen.
[00:23:20] Unknown:
You watch through the keyhole if you can. Where do you feel from, you stupid cat? Louis. Holmes, her voice. It's come back. Yes. I thought it might. I can see her through the keyhole.
[00:23:33] Unknown:
She's picking the cat up by the scruff of its neck.
[00:23:36] Unknown:
She's walking toward the balcony. Yes. And towards the crouch down below. An excellent opportunity for a public confession. Come on. Come up. What do you want? I charge you with the murder of your sister, the great singer about Casey.
[00:24:04] Unknown:
It was a magnificent senior mom. It's magnificent. The way you force her to confess on the balcony in a full side of the map, and so you save Lisa.
[00:24:14] Unknown:
I can't thank you enough, mister Holmes. Nor can I?
[00:24:18] Unknown:
Though I still don't see how you guessed. She looks so much like her sister that she fooled even me, her understanding. Yes. It was an extremely cunning plot, miss Bodoni.
[00:24:26] Unknown:
The real Vauquese sent me that note last night. When I met her at the dressing room door, she denied having sent for me because the three of you were there. I suppose that she suspect the one of us. Oh, yes. Obviously. And later, no doubt, she told her twin sister, Bella, about having sent me the message and also announced her intention of coming to see me. Bella saw her opportunity, murdered La Valchese, assumed her identity, and to give added realism to her role, followed through with her sister's plan by coming to see me today. But I still don't understand this business, mister Holmes.
[00:24:57] Unknown:
Why did the twin sister lock herself in her dressing room and fill it with cats?
[00:25:01] Unknown:
What did it accomplish? It gave me the chance to sing. Yes. That's true.
[00:25:05] Unknown:
Which is why Watson felt certain the criminal must be you, your brother, or brother, or signor Bellini. But you see, the episode with the cats accomplished one other thing. It made it plausible that the great Val chase should never sing again. To whose advantage would that be? An imposter, of course. The person or the twin sister who could not sing and who must surely envy her sister's great will. Exactly, my dear fellow. As soon as I knew they were twin sisters in everything but voice, it became more than a possibility. It became probability, but it had to be tested. And that's why I sent for the cat, Watson. When When the sister, thinking herself unobserved, exhibited no terror for cats, well, it became a certainty. For my soul, Holmes, this is as fantastic a plot as ever we've met. A diabolical plan, Watson. And I'm only thankful, miss Bordenay, that we were able to expose it before the crowd reached you tonight. I don't know what I can ever do to repay you, mister Holmes. All that won't be hard, my dear. A box of Cotton Garden for your London debut would be, well, an ample repayment. And from what I hear of your reception in Rigoletto tonight, I shan't have to wait very long for that reward, It's a promise, mister Bo. Come in.
[00:26:11] Unknown:
Oh, excuse me, please. All over the hotel, I look up for my cat. I say to myself, there he is. He's stealing my cat. Inspector Malina, you arrest him. He tried to bribe me and made me run away with my cat and fill him full of old English socks.
[00:26:43] Unknown:
Doctor, I'd sure like to have a picture of you running away with that fellow's cat under your arm. You, a cat stealer. You know, a bit funny, mister Bartow. Believe me, it was most embarrassing. I know. But it was all for a good cause, and I think you were splendid about the whole thing.
[00:26:58] Unknown:
Incidentally, how'd you happen to look for a cat in a hotel kitchen? Oh, there's usually one around the back door of a kitchen. Haven't you ever wandered? Well, backstage in in a hotel? Fascinating.
[00:27:09] Unknown:
Oh, of course I have, but, I've never been in a hotel kitchen. Then where were you? In the wine cellar. I should have known. Yes, doctor. I like to look at bottles of Petri wine because when I see a Petri wine, I know I'm looking at a good wine. And Petri wine is good because of the Petri family. The Petri family first started making fine wine before the beginning of this century, generations ago. Since then, winemaking has been their heritage, handed on down from father to son. So you can take it for granted that the Petri family really knows how to turn luscious sun ripened grapes into clear, fragrant, delicious wine.
And you can take it for granted too that the name Petri on a bottle of wine is more than a trademark, it's a personal assurance of the Petri family that every drop of wine in that bottle is good wine. You just can't go wrong with Petri wine because Petri took time to bring you good wine.
[00:28:07] Unknown:
Well, doctor Watson, what story are you planning to tell us next week? Next week, mister Bartel, I'm going to tell you a strange adventure that Holmes and I had many, many years ago. It concerns a young girl, the mutilation of her doll, and the tragedy that overtook a certain wise woman from the mountains.
[00:28:38] Unknown:
Tonight's Sherlock Holmes adventure was written by Dennis Green and Anthony Boucher, and was suggested by an incident in this Arthur Conan Doyle story, The Adventure of Black Peter. Music is by Dean Fosler. Mister Rathbone appears through the courtesy of Metro Goldwyn Mayer, and tonight, doctor Watson was played by mister Eric Snowden, who substituted for was played by mister Eric Snowden, who substituted for mister Nigel Bruce. Mister Bruce is scheduled to return to the program next week. The Petri Wine Company of San Francisco, California invites you to tune in again next week, same time, same station.
Sherlock Holmes comes to you from our Hollywood studios. This is Harry Bartel saying good night for the Petrie family. For a solid hour of exciting mystery dramas, listen every Monday on most of these same stations at 08:00 to Michael Shane followed immediately by Sherlock Holmes. This is the mutual broadcasting system.
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.
[00:00:52] Unknown:
Petri Wine brings you Basil Rathbone and the new adventures of Sherlock Holmes. The Petri family, the family that took time to bring you good wine, invites you to listen to doctor Watson tell us another exciting adventure he shared with his good friend, that master detective, Sherlock Holmes. And as for me, well, I'd like to ask you if you know that one of the favorite wines of American women is Petri California Muscatel. In fact, the whole family likes Petri Muscatel, and you'll certainly know why if you'll just pour yourself a glass. Why that Petri Muscatel is wonderful just to look at. It's the color of sheer gold, and raise that glass of Petrie Muscatel to your lips.
Oh boy, what a wine. Look, did you ever walk through a vineyard early in the morning, you know, when the dew is still clinging to the grapes? And did you taste one of those luscious plump Muscat grapes? Then you'll know what to expect the first time you taste Petri Muscatel. Petri Muscatel brings you that same wonderful Muscat flavor right from the heart of the grape. Try serving Petri Muscatel after dinner by itself or with fruit or nuts. It's the perfect after dinner wine, and serve it proudly because five letters p e t r I spell the proudest name in the history of American wine.
And now I'm sure our good friend doctor Watson is ready for us. Let's go in and join.
[00:02:36] Unknown:
Come in. Come in. Oh, there you are, mister Bartlett. Good evening, doctor. Are you all ready with tonight's new Sherlock Holmes adventure? I'm ready if you are my boy. How would you like to hear a story that took place in Italy? In Italy?
[00:02:50] Unknown:
Say, you and the great Sherlock Holmes certainly did get around.
[00:02:53] Unknown:
What took you there, doctor? We've gone to Rome to investigate the sudden death of cardinal Tosca. An inquiry, which I may tell you, mister Barto, was carried out by Holmes at the expressed desire of his holiness the pope. Say, doctor. That sounds like a wonder No. No, mister Bartel. That's a story that I'm afraid I can never tell you. However, tonight's adventure took place a few days after Holmes had brought his case to a satisfactory, though somewhat terrifying, conclusion. I suggested to the great man that a short holiday would be good for us before returning to England, and so we spent some happy days browsing among the architectural treasure of Old Rome, the Colosseum, the Baths Of Caracalla, the Forum, the wonderful ruins on on the Palatine Hill. I couldn't drag Holmes away from mister Barto.
And at nighttime, he was able to indulge to his heart's content his great love of music. Finally, it was two nights before we were to sail for England, I remember. We went to the opera house to hear the famous Italian soprano, Gina Valchese, singing Verdi's immortal La Traviata. I can hear that exquisite voice now, mister Bartel, as Holmes and I, seated in a box, listened spellbound to the great Valchese singing her last act after. What a voice, Watson. What a magnificent voice. Yes. It is, Holmes. It's pretty though that most opera stars who sing like nightingales seem to have the figures of unusually well fed pouter pigeons.
[00:04:35] Unknown:
Poor woman. She must weigh at least twenty stone. Nevertheless, you mustn't refer to her as puller, my dear chap, despite her somewhat unfortunate proportions. Senora Chunda Valchese remains one of the greatest and wealthiest of contemporary sopranos. Listen to the applause. Yes. I'm glad we should sing an encore. We might as well go back to her dressing room now. The opera is almost over. Why are we going back to the dressing room? Dressingham? Because during the last division, I received a note from her requesting my attendance. Oh, what did the note say? Well, it seems that the lady is not too popular with certain members of the opera company. While I've no wish to become entangled in any opera clash temperaments, I I confess I find myself not a little interested in meeting the lady.
She's gonna sing a long call. Are you really going back to her dressing? Certainly, my dear fellow. A summons from Jinabakiss is no more to be disobeyed than a royal command.
[00:05:54] Unknown:
I must ask you gentlemen not to stand outside La Vallequais's dressing room. We permit to know strangers, particularly foreigners. But the signora has requested our presence.
[00:06:05] Unknown:
May I ask who you are? Permit me to introduce myself, gentlemen. I am Armando Bellini, Inspector of Police. My name is Holmes, Sherlock Holmes, and this is my friend, doctor Watson. Sherlock Holmes.
[00:06:16] Unknown:
But this is a great honor. Allow me to apologize. Here in the operas, we have to be so careful, you understand, of intrigues. There are so many. But, Senor Holmes and his friend, I am so happy to meet you both. At At headquarters, I hear wonderful reports of your work in the cardinal Toscafare. I should prefer not to mention that unfortunate matter, inspector, except under conditions of extreme privacy. Oh, quite so. And behind the scenes at the opera is not the most secluded place. Please do forgive me. You are waiting to see La Varkasse? Yes. She is still on the stage.
[00:06:54] Unknown:
She has requested your presence, you say, senorantes? Oh, yes. I trust the meeting is to be a social, not a professional one. We're sailing for England in a couple of days. And do you came to hear the great Varkasas sing before you left? Most understandable. A magnificent voice, Inspector.
[00:07:09] Unknown:
Yes, doctor. And still, well, I am a devote upper lover myself. Yet I cannot, but feel it's a future lies with those who can add youth and beauty to a great voice. That's true. True, senor. But where can you find such a combination? I have found it. Here in the opera, there is a girl. She is my protege. Someday, I hope she will be my wife. At the moment, she is only understudying La Barchese. If she should ever get the opportunity of singing in her whole place, then a new star will be born. Oh, really? What's her name? Liza Bordoni. She has but recently come to Rome from Milano where she studied with the great Alfieres.
Confidentially, I think that La Barchese is so jealous of all that, here is Lisa now, and there is her brother with her. Lisa Caramea,
[00:08:04] Unknown:
please to join us. Aye, George. What a beautiful girl. What is it, Armando?
[00:08:09] Unknown:
Permit me to present, the famous English detective,
[00:08:13] Unknown:
senior Sherlock Holmes and his friend, doctor Watson. How'd you do? How'd you do, young lady? Glad to meet you both. This is my brother, Wally. How'd you do, sir? I certainly feel that I know a lot about you two gentlemen. No. I can't tell you how many times I've read your stories, Doctor. Watson. Indeed, sir. I'm very flattered. Lisa, Caramea,
[00:08:31] Unknown:
we were just saying that in youth and beauty, combined with the voice, lies our future hope in the opera. Your day will come, Lisa Mia.
[00:08:41] Unknown:
Your day will come soon. I hope you're right, Armando. But as long as I understand Edina Valchese, I don't see when I'll get my chance.
[00:08:49] Unknown:
She's disgustingly healthy. If you're about nice things, oh, young lady. Though your name is Bordoni, you and your brother don't sound at least Italian. Well, we're not, mister Holmes. We're American. But to succeed in Italian opera, my sister has found that an Italian name is essential. So the Borden family became the Bordonis.
[00:09:07] Unknown:
In any case, my real name is Lizzie Borden. I'm sure you, mister Holmes, as a famous detective, will see that I had to change my name. Yes. I can well understand. Who was Lizzie Baldwin? Well, my dear fellow, one of the greatest and,
[00:09:19] Unknown:
most successful of murderers who wielded an axe with incredible dexterity, I've often regretted that I was in Tibet instead of America at the time of that particular case. Senior arms, I do not understand you Anglo Saxons.
[00:09:32] Unknown:
To me, a murderers is a murderers. Now, when you speak of a greatness in women, I feel oh, but here comes Gina Valcayce now. I I will introduce you. How many times would I tell you a lot? No one to stand outside my dressing room. Send them away, La Verkhese is a tie. But do you wish to see, senor Sherlock Holmes, said the famous detective? He has come here in answer to your request. Please, permit me to present him and also his friend, doctor Watts. How do you do, senor? I'd like the honor to meet you, senorobarkase.
[00:10:02] Unknown:
And now perhaps if we may come into your dressing room and confer privately. Perrito.
[00:10:06] Unknown:
What would love would Casey have to say to a detective? Meaning of the police as zero. Go away, all of
[00:10:15] Unknown:
you. Well, what do you think of that? She slammed the door in my face. A waiter. Waiter. Bring me some more coffee, please. Sejeune. The very pleasant dining here on the hotel. Tell us, I must confess. Very. Amazingly considering yesterday's snow. Yes. It is. Later I suggest we pay another visit to the opera in here about Casey's sing Guil d'Arcoletto.
[00:10:49] Unknown:
Upon my soul, Holmes, it seems to me that you're astonishingly casual after the way that woman in Sausage of last night, slamming the door in your face as if you were a tradesman, shot you. What would you have me do, my dear chap? Force my way into a into a room, demand an apology, or have my friend challenge her to a duel in order to avenge my honor? Oh, don't try to be funny, Holmes. You know perfectly well what I mean. The lady asks you to come and see her. And when you do, she pretends she's never heard of you. And here it is nearly twenty four hours later, and you've done absolutely nothing about it. Oh, dear old Watson,
[00:11:22] Unknown:
you're really quite upset over the affair, aren't you? Well, if it'll make you any happier, let me tell you, I have done something about it. I'm delighted to hear it. What? This morning, I was able to obtain a specimen of our case's handwriting from an autographed picture in the possession of inspector Bellini. I compared the writing with that on the note and I, that I received in the box last night. It was the it was the same, proving that the message I received was authentic. Oh, in that case, why did she snub you like that? Well, something must have frightened her, I suppose. Something or someone who was standing at the dressing room door with us. Well, who was there?
[00:11:58] Unknown:
Inspector Bellini, Lisa Bordone, and her brothers. Precisely, my dear fellow. Therefore, we may assume that La Valchese had no wish to recognize me in their presence. But if you think that, Holmes, why haven't you been in touch with her today? She may be in some dreadful danger. If she is,
[00:12:12] Unknown:
she can find me easily enough. Meanwhile, I'm perfectly happy to be left alone. The last few weeks have been sufficiently strenuous without becoming involved in some fresh case. On my soul, Holmes, you must be tired. I've never known you to be so indifferent to a case. Great Scott. What is it, Watson? Look. Walking towards us, it's Signora Valkisi herself. Oh, and judging from the lady's expression, she seems to be in some distress. Good evening, Senora. See your arms. I must speak Please sit down, aren't you? This is my colleague, Doctor. Watson. How do you do?
[00:12:40] Unknown:
First, I must apologize for my behavior last night. It would have been dangerous if Pavel Casey had acknowledged that she had communicated with you. That's just what my friend assumed, madam. Please speak quite freely now, senora. No one can overhear us. Senor Holmes, I am being persecuted. My life is in danger. You must save me. You're threatened. Si. Si, senor. And not today, tragedy has a stroke. My sister, my beloved Bella, lies near death from a murderous attack. An attack that was immense for me. Good lord. What happened, madam? If you will please to keep quiet, a little longer tears this week will I learn what happened. Why, I'm so sorry, madam. I These are morning. These are morning I always myself take my dog for a walk, but these are morning I feel the trace of a cold. I ask my sister to take the dog for a walk. Please do understand that my sister is very much like me in the field. Yes. I understand, Senora. Now please continue. She woke alone in the park from nowhere. A horseman come gallop and ride her door. These are much I learned from the in the snow when I worry and go to find her. Was she able to tell you who the horseman was?
No. She cannot speak, senor. They say at the hospital that her skull is a fracture, that she may not live. Senor Holmes, that attack, it was meant for me. You must protect me. Signor, I shall do everything in my power to
[00:14:03] Unknown:
No. No. No. No. What's wrong, madam?
[00:14:06] Unknown:
Somewhere there is a cat. I know it. Make it go away. I can't understand. Can't
[00:14:25] Unknown:
must be your imagination.
[00:14:29] Unknown:
You hey, I'm sorry to make such a scene, but I cannot appear to be near a gas. I cannot tell you what he do to me.
[00:14:41] Unknown:
He he may sound of foolish weakness. No. No. Not at all, signora. Such a condition is quite common. In fact, I believe medical science has given it a name. It's known as iulopophia.
[00:14:50] Unknown:
Whatever he's called. It make me ill. I must go to my room. I I cannot stand much more, my poor sis. I imagine with your sister at death's door, Signora, you will not sing tonight. Signor Holmes, I love her very much. But even a sister is only a sister. My art is my life. In an hour, singer. I sing Gilda in a Rigoletto. You will attend the performance. And afterward, you will tell Ella Vallejoise how she may trap this devil who seek to destroy her.
[00:15:35] Unknown:
Holmes, it's after 09:30. We've missed quite a lot of the opera. It's hardly worth going to our box now. It's just been time to hear that Alkeesia sing the incomparable Caronami.
[00:15:44] Unknown:
Come on, old fellow. Let's slip in as quiet as we can. Seems to me we should have been in our box from the beginning of the performance. She asked you to keep an eye on her. I asked you all, champ. But it occurred to me that an attack on her during the performance was unlikely and that our time might be more profitably spent making inquiries at the riding academy. You drew a blank. We found no trace of that mysterious rider. No. But at least we tried. Here we are. Let's stand at the back of the theater for a few minutes.
[00:16:18] Unknown:
Great Scott.
[00:16:20] Unknown:
That isn't our case's singing. It's the understudy. Lady's protege, the American girl, Lisa Bodoni. What a beautiful one. Nice one, but with a beautiful, wonderful range. But here, we we have no time to listen to her now. Let me go to the other case's dressing room at once. We know she left to the theater tonight with the intention of singing. I'm very much afraid. There's devil's work of it, Watson.
[00:16:57] Unknown:
Why on Earth doesn't she answer?
[00:17:01] Unknown:
Listen. There are cats inside our dressing room. Come on, Watson. Locked. Put your shoulder to waste. Come on. Help me. Watson. Come on. Once more. Come on. Get down.
[00:17:10] Unknown:
Watson. Here.
[00:17:12] Unknown:
Come on. Once more. Come on. Get down. Watson. Here. Quick scratch. She's unconscious, Watson. See what you can do for her. She must have picked it with white ears. Some fiend, knowing her deadly fear of cats, has locked her in here with half a dozen of them. Shoo. Shoo. Hold me. Shoo.
[00:17:27] Unknown:
Her eyes are opening, Holmes.
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She's coming too.
[00:17:30] Unknown:
Senora Barchese. Her lips are moving. She's trying to speak. Senora Barchese,
[00:17:35] Unknown:
tell me, who did this to you? Great heavens. Her voice, it's gone. I've known many vicious crimes in my lifetime, Watson, but to murder a voice, a voice that was one of the treasures of the world, is as vile a killing as I've ever encountered.
[00:18:02] Unknown:
Doctor Watson will tell you the rest of his story in just a few seconds. And right now would be a wonderful
[00:18:19] Unknown:
rich red wine, the kind of wine you like to sip slowly, so you won't miss a drop of its
[00:18:21] Unknown:
of wine you like to sip slowly, so you won't miss a drop of its truly fine flavor. I'm not kidding when I say you owe it to yourself and your family to try Petri Port. In fact, you should try Petri Port and Petri Muscatel. So don't buy one, buy two. Buy both Port and Muscatel. Just be sure you get Petri, because Petri wine is always good wine. Well, doctor Watson saw the great opera singer lost her voice when someone locked in a room full of cats.
[00:18:54] Unknown:
What did you and Sherlock Holmes do? We took senior Valcasey back to her hotel at once and saw that she was properly taken care of. How did the understudy, Lisa Bordoni make out, doctor? Well, the tragedy that overtook La Valcasey gave her her great chance. She received a tremendous ovation at the close of the performance, and it seems certain that another star had had been born. But let me tell you the story just as it happened, mister Bartel. A little later that night, Holmes and I were once again standing on the balcony of our hotel, watching a crowd of people that had assembled in the courtroom.
[00:19:26] Unknown:
You see that crowd, Yes. I suppose they come here to acclaim the new star. Oh, no. My dear fellow, that crowd isn't planning a celebration. Look at them and listen to their angry murmuring.
[00:19:34] Unknown:
I'm afraid there's gonna be trouble. I don't like the look of it. Hello. Here comes Lisa Bodoni's brother, Wally. What's wrong, sir? Mister Holmes. Mister Holmes, you've got to do something. What's happened? Well, somehow the story about the cats in La Valcasey's dressing room has spread. The crowd outside are saying that my sister, Lisa, planned the whole thing so that she could sing Valcasey's part in the opera club. Where's your sister now? In a room at the hotel here. I managed to get her away from the crowd and I locked her in. With that mob, I'm frightened. Here comes the official representative of law and daughter, Inspector Bellini. Wally. Wally. Where is Lisa? I was just telling mister Holmes that I'd locked her in a room. And that crowd's in a dangerous mood, Beline. What precautions are you taking? I have thrown a cord on the police around the hotel.
[00:20:13] Unknown:
The mob is getting out of our hand, and Lisa must be protected. As a matter of fact, the situation is even worse than the crowd knows. I I have just been told that La Valle Casey's twin sister, Bella, died in the hospital tonight, that I had some murder charge. If the crowd knew about that, I tremble to think what might happen. Did you say that,
[00:20:34] Unknown:
La Largo Casey's sister was a twin inspector? Yes, senor Holmes. She was a hor exact double in everything but voice. Indeed. How very illuminating. If you don't mind, I should like to have a few words in private with my friend doctor Watson. Excuses for a moment, please.
[00:20:50] Unknown:
What do you make of it, Holmes? What are you old chap? Well, the American girl seemed very charming and all that, but she might have done it. It had to be either her, her brother, or the inspector himself. They all had a motive for wanting La Valle Casey to lose her voice,
[00:21:03] Unknown:
but I must say I can't understand the motive behind the murder of her twin sister. I think I can give you the answer to that question in a very few minutes. But meanwhile, the mob gets uglier and uglier. The only way to avert violence, Watson, is to give them quick proof and a certainty of conviction. I must go back to Bellini and the young American. I want to keep an eye on them. Meanwhile, I want you to slip out and,
[00:21:24] Unknown:
get me a cat. Cat? What about a sport? You'll find out soon enough. Holmes, what kind of a cat? Oh, any kind, but hurry. Come on, Chicky. Chicky. Come on, Chitty. There's a good Chitty. Here. Here.
[00:21:50] Unknown:
Here. What you doing in a hotel kitchen, senor? Oh, you wanna play with my cat? Oh, is he your cat? Charming little fellow.
[00:21:58] Unknown:
I'd like to borrow him for a little while. Why you wanna borrow my cat? Oh, I thought I'd take him up to my hotel room and have a little game with him. I've got some old socks he can play with. Deal. The English, they had a crazy race.
[00:22:11] Unknown:
My cat does not like to play with the old socks. Look here. He has 50 lira for you. Wait. Oh, no. No. No. I tell you my cat does not like to play with old socks. My cat will stay here and you can keep her your money. I'll give you a hundred lira. So did that you may stuff my cat full of old socks? No. No. You mean break my cat. Oh, that place is with you. You'll get it back in your yard. Stop him. Stop him. The crazy Englishman is stealing my cat.
[00:22:52] Unknown:
Well, I've got a cat for you, Holmes, but I wish you'd tell me what we're doing outside Malches's door with it. I'm going to try an experiment. We open our bedroom door softly. I'm going to try an experiment. I'm going to try an experiment. Experiment.
[00:23:01] Unknown:
We open a bedroom door softly, so slip the cat in, so and close the door.
[00:23:14] Unknown:
Holmes, ma'am, what the blazes you think you're doing? Don't drive her mad. I think not. Listen.
[00:23:20] Unknown:
You watch through the keyhole if you can. Where do you feel from, you stupid cat? Louis. Holmes, her voice. It's come back. Yes. I thought it might. I can see her through the keyhole.
[00:23:33] Unknown:
She's picking the cat up by the scruff of its neck.
[00:23:36] Unknown:
She's walking toward the balcony. Yes. And towards the crouch down below. An excellent opportunity for a public confession. Come on. Come up. What do you want? I charge you with the murder of your sister, the great singer about Casey.
[00:24:04] Unknown:
It was a magnificent senior mom. It's magnificent. The way you force her to confess on the balcony in a full side of the map, and so you save Lisa.
[00:24:14] Unknown:
I can't thank you enough, mister Holmes. Nor can I?
[00:24:18] Unknown:
Though I still don't see how you guessed. She looks so much like her sister that she fooled even me, her understanding. Yes. It was an extremely cunning plot, miss Bodoni.
[00:24:26] Unknown:
The real Vauquese sent me that note last night. When I met her at the dressing room door, she denied having sent for me because the three of you were there. I suppose that she suspect the one of us. Oh, yes. Obviously. And later, no doubt, she told her twin sister, Bella, about having sent me the message and also announced her intention of coming to see me. Bella saw her opportunity, murdered La Valchese, assumed her identity, and to give added realism to her role, followed through with her sister's plan by coming to see me today. But I still don't understand this business, mister Holmes.
[00:24:57] Unknown:
Why did the twin sister lock herself in her dressing room and fill it with cats?
[00:25:01] Unknown:
What did it accomplish? It gave me the chance to sing. Yes. That's true.
[00:25:05] Unknown:
Which is why Watson felt certain the criminal must be you, your brother, or brother, or signor Bellini. But you see, the episode with the cats accomplished one other thing. It made it plausible that the great Val chase should never sing again. To whose advantage would that be? An imposter, of course. The person or the twin sister who could not sing and who must surely envy her sister's great will. Exactly, my dear fellow. As soon as I knew they were twin sisters in everything but voice, it became more than a possibility. It became probability, but it had to be tested. And that's why I sent for the cat, Watson. When When the sister, thinking herself unobserved, exhibited no terror for cats, well, it became a certainty. For my soul, Holmes, this is as fantastic a plot as ever we've met. A diabolical plan, Watson. And I'm only thankful, miss Bordenay, that we were able to expose it before the crowd reached you tonight. I don't know what I can ever do to repay you, mister Holmes. All that won't be hard, my dear. A box of Cotton Garden for your London debut would be, well, an ample repayment. And from what I hear of your reception in Rigoletto tonight, I shan't have to wait very long for that reward, It's a promise, mister Bo. Come in.
[00:26:11] Unknown:
Oh, excuse me, please. All over the hotel, I look up for my cat. I say to myself, there he is. He's stealing my cat. Inspector Malina, you arrest him. He tried to bribe me and made me run away with my cat and fill him full of old English socks.
[00:26:43] Unknown:
Doctor, I'd sure like to have a picture of you running away with that fellow's cat under your arm. You, a cat stealer. You know, a bit funny, mister Bartow. Believe me, it was most embarrassing. I know. But it was all for a good cause, and I think you were splendid about the whole thing.
[00:26:58] Unknown:
Incidentally, how'd you happen to look for a cat in a hotel kitchen? Oh, there's usually one around the back door of a kitchen. Haven't you ever wandered? Well, backstage in in a hotel? Fascinating.
[00:27:09] Unknown:
Oh, of course I have, but, I've never been in a hotel kitchen. Then where were you? In the wine cellar. I should have known. Yes, doctor. I like to look at bottles of Petri wine because when I see a Petri wine, I know I'm looking at a good wine. And Petri wine is good because of the Petri family. The Petri family first started making fine wine before the beginning of this century, generations ago. Since then, winemaking has been their heritage, handed on down from father to son. So you can take it for granted that the Petri family really knows how to turn luscious sun ripened grapes into clear, fragrant, delicious wine.
And you can take it for granted too that the name Petri on a bottle of wine is more than a trademark, it's a personal assurance of the Petri family that every drop of wine in that bottle is good wine. You just can't go wrong with Petri wine because Petri took time to bring you good wine.
[00:28:07] Unknown:
Well, doctor Watson, what story are you planning to tell us next week? Next week, mister Bartel, I'm going to tell you a strange adventure that Holmes and I had many, many years ago. It concerns a young girl, the mutilation of her doll, and the tragedy that overtook a certain wise woman from the mountains.
[00:28:38] Unknown:
Tonight's Sherlock Holmes adventure was written by Dennis Green and Anthony Boucher, and was suggested by an incident in this Arthur Conan Doyle story, The Adventure of Black Peter. Music is by Dean Fosler. Mister Rathbone appears through the courtesy of Metro Goldwyn Mayer, and tonight, doctor Watson was played by mister Eric Snowden, who substituted for was played by mister Eric Snowden, who substituted for mister Nigel Bruce. Mister Bruce is scheduled to return to the program next week. The Petri Wine Company of San Francisco, California invites you to tune in again next week, same time, same station.
Sherlock Holmes comes to you from our Hollywood studios. This is Harry Bartel saying good night for the Petrie family. For a solid hour of exciting mystery dramas, listen every Monday on most of these same stations at 08:00 to Michael Shane followed immediately by Sherlock Holmes. This is the mutual broadcasting system.
The Avengers in South Africa
Petri Wine and Sherlock Holmes Introduction
Doctor Watson's Italian Adventure
The Opera and the Mysterious Note
The Understudy's Ambition
A Perilous Encounter
The Opera Performance
A Sinister Plot Unfolds
The Twin Sister's Deception
The Truth Revealed
