In this captivating episode, we delve into the intriguing world of classic radio dramas, exploring the impact of "The Avengers" in South Africa and the challenges faced due to the lack of national television until 1976. We also journey into the thrilling adventures of Sherlock Holmes, as portrayed by Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce, with a particular focus on a mysterious case involving a stolen painting. Holmes and Watson find themselves unraveling a complex plot orchestrated by the notorious Professor Moriarty, showcasing Holmes' unparalleled deductive skills and the cleverness of his adversaries.
The episode also highlights the cultural significance of radio dramas in the mid-20th century, offering a glimpse into the storytelling techniques and the societal context of the time. As Holmes and Watson navigate through a web of deception and intrigue, listeners are treated to a masterclass in suspense and deduction, underscoring the timeless appeal of Sherlock Holmes and the enduring legacy of classic radio storytelling.
(00:34) The Avengers in South Africa
(01:21) Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Missing Painting
(07:34) The Investigation Begins
(13:32) A Clever Ruse Uncovered
(20:26) The Truth Behind the Painting
Listen to our radio station Old Time Radio https://link.radioking.com/otradio
Listen to other Shows at My Classic Radio https://www.myclassicradio.net/
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Remember that times have changed, and some shows might not reflect the standards of today’s politically correct society. The shows do not necessarily reflect the views, standards, or beliefs of Entertainment Radio
[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:
Petrie wine brings you Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce in 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 old friend, that master detective, Sherlock Holmes. And as for me, well, I'd like to talk about those few minutes you have while you're waiting for dinner every evening. That's the perfect time for a glass of petri california sherry. Petri sherry is the best beginning a good meal ever had. You really feel like you're enjoying the good things of life when you take time for a glass of petri sherry. Hold that glass of sherry to the light. Look at it. It's a beautiful dark amber.
Yes and petri sherry is clear and fragrant. The way a good wine should be. Now taste it. You've got something. That petri sherry has a real heart of the grape flavor. Oh and look, if you like your sherry dry, you know not sweet, Petri makes a fine dry sherry. It's called Petri pale dry. And if you don't know yet which you prefer, the regular sherry or the dry, why not try both? Don't buy one, buy two. But just be sure you always buy Patrick. And now let's look in on our old friend, doctor Watson. I'm sure he's expecting us.
[00:03:00] Unknown:
Good evening, doctor. Good evening, mister Bartel. Draw up your usual chair. I'll get on with tonight's new Sherlock Holmes adventure. Well, how did the story begin, doctor? In one day, in the autumn of eighteen hundred and eighty seven, I remember, Holmes and I were seated on either side of the fire in our Baker Street lodging. The great man, his eyes half closed, his long thin fingers pressed together, lay back in his chair, filling the room with large blue clouds of tobacco smoke, and discoursing on one of his favorite subjects, professor Moriarty.
I can almost hear him now, mister Bartell, as he said
[00:03:40] Unknown:
Of course, my friend Watson, the organizer of half that is evil and nearly all that is undetected in this great metropolis. Surely that's an exaggeration of is no? He's a brain of the first order, and his agents are numerous and splendidly organized. He himself sits motionless like a spider in the center of his web, but that web has a thousand radiations, and he, knows every quiver of each one of them. It's fortunate for me that there's only one Moriarty.
[00:04:05] Unknown:
If every criminal were equally astute, I'd be in bankruptcy within the year. I don't think you need to worry about bankruptcy, Holmes. As I came in just now, I picked these letters up from the whole table and slipped them into my pocket. Can you hear me? Oh, thanks, old chap. They didn't look like bills to me. I observed the crest of the Duke of Carlisle on the top envelope. Four balls. Yeah. 500
[00:04:26] Unknown:
guineas. Miss Grace is extremely generous in his evaluation of my services. I don't agree after all. You did save him from a shocking scandal. Listen to this, Watson.
[00:04:37] Unknown:
I seen you yesterday when you come to the cricket match. You wasn't watching a cricket. If you value your life, keep your filthy long nose to yourself.
[00:04:48] Unknown:
And it's signed Joe the Butcher. Filthy long nose. Throw a strip, Joe the Butcher. Oh, man. A criminal that I was instrumental in sending to prison for a short term. He bladdies himself though. I was watching the cricket. No idea that Joe was back in practice again. I'll just keep an eye on him. No. LeBron Carlton Hotel Stationery. Now I've I say this is interesting. Very interesting. Uh-huh. Say hello. Yeah, mister Holmes. I've been informed that you are a man of ability and discretion. My life is in grave danger, and I need your help. Upon receipt of this letter, come to my hotel at once. I shall be expecting you. And it's signed, Francois du Lac. Brother Brent Trezly. No. Please just come to my hotel at once. Who is this, Dulac anyway? What's not the law? Yeah? We were talking about Moriarty just now. I have a feeling that this letter may lead us to him. Well, what makes you say that? Francois Dulac, the writer of this letter, is recognized in France as the one indisputable authority on the paintings of Jean Baptiste Grosz. Well, I still don't see the connection with Moriarty. If there is one thing Moriarty loves, more than the dazzling abstractions of mathematics and even more dazzling achievements of crime, it is the paintings of Gros.
The suggested combination of impending danger and a Gros expert spells Moriarty to me. You can get your hat and coat off the line. We're off to the Carton Hotel to see mister Delac at once.
[00:06:18] Unknown:
This is Room 212. Alright. But there's no answer. Unlock again. Should I go and get someone to unlock the door? No. No. Hold on, Jeff.
[00:06:28] Unknown:
They won't attract attention to our prospective fans. I tell locksmith they're very hard to pick. Yeah. The skeleton keys do the trick quite easily.
[00:06:37] Unknown:
Well, the man at the desk downstairs said that mister Delac was in his room. You know, Watson. He said he thought he was in his room. Uh-huh.
[00:06:45] Unknown:
Easier than I anticipated. Come on. Let's go in.
[00:06:52] Unknown:
Doesn't look as if anyone's occupying his room. No signs of any personal belonging. No clothes hanging in a wardrobe. No luggage. Yet he is still registered
[00:07:02] Unknown:
here. Hello? What's this stain on the carpet by the bed here? Great Scott. Is it It's a blood stain, Watson. Blood stain. And the stain is still damp. I'm afraid we're too late. Come on. We'll do no more good here. You're not giving up, Holmes? No. Of course not, Aditya. Let's see what we can find out from the hotel manager. I refuse to believe that in the nineteenth century, a distinguished foreigner can vanish into thin air.
[00:07:34] Unknown:
Yes. Missus Doulock did have a visitor early on today, mister Holmes. Do you remember his name? I think it was Perkins or Parsons, but I'm not sure. Can you describe his appearance? I think so, mister Holmes. He was a very tall gentleman, tall and thin with deep sunk eyes. King shaven? Oh, yes, sir. He had a high forehead and a funny way of moving his head from side to side. Oh, yes. Right, Joe. Holmes, that's almost an exact description of of Mariachi. Exactly, Watson. Have you seen mister Deluxe since this, mister Perkins or Parsons called on him? No. I haven't, sir. But his visitor came back only an hour ago. He had some men with him. They carried some modged packages out of the hotel. Packages? But not luggage, No. Packages, mister Holmes. Has mister Delac received any other visitors since he arrived here? None that have been here to see him, sir. But I understand that sir Henry Davenant has been most anxious to get in touch with him. Sir Henry Davenant.
Thank you. I'm extremely obliged to you. Come on, Watson. Always proud to be of service to mister Sherlock Holmes.
[00:08:34] Unknown:
The plot begins to clear, Watson. Alright. What makes you say that, Sir Henry Davenant is a millionaire whose art collection is world famous. Year ago, the papers were full of his latest acquisition. The gem of his collection, painting, young girl with a gazelle. And now it would appear that for some reason Moriarty wishes to prevent a meeting between sir Harry Davenant unless you do like a Davenant. Now do you see why the prop begins to clear? Very good, but what are you gonna do? Davenport has said to, there's something of a hermit. It won't have anything to do with officials, interviewers, and people like that. But we know that he wishes to consult an expert on the paintings of Jean Baptiste Beers.
The next move should be obvious, old chap. Krish is where you mean that you'll impersonate one. Certainly. If a Grosz expert is what he wants, then a Grosz expert is what he's gonna get.
[00:09:37] Unknown:
I must say your disguise is is amazingly effective. I miss you.
[00:09:41] Unknown:
You do me the great honor. If I appear convincing to the astute doctor Robinson, how can I fail to convince sir Henry Devanoff? Oh, my dear fellow. It's marvelous.
[00:09:51] Unknown:
Appalling the gun. Yeah. Chevy art, sir. Sir Henry's house. Let's hope for the best of all, fella.
[00:10:00] Unknown:
I don't know
[00:10:09] Unknown:
patron of the art. You certainly look upon, Ojo.
[00:10:13] Unknown:
Good afternoon. Can I help you? My name is Bournay. Andre Bournay. I'm most anxious to make the appearance of sir Henry Daron. I'm afraid that sir Henry is extremely difficult to see sir. I can tell him you're ear, but he very rarely gives interviews. That is a great disappointment to me. Perhaps,
[00:10:30] Unknown:
you would just go and tell him I am a pupil, and a disciple of the great Francois Dula.
[00:10:36] Unknown:
I will do what I can, sir. Come in, won't you gentlemen? If you if you'll wait here for a moment, I'll take your message. But what was the name of the me. Andre Vermey. And this gentleman is mister Watson. Very good, sir.
[00:10:54] Unknown:
Well, we got got into the house. Now let's hope that you can impress the master of it. Not as easy a task I fear of.
[00:11:02] Unknown:
I'd like to match opinions on the paintings of Gurs with an expert. My own knowledge of the subject is, somewhat sketchy on my own. And mine is absolute genius. Gurs was a naturalistic painter who flourished at the close of the eighteenth century, and though his paintings command a fabulous fee in this day and age, he himself died in great poverty.
[00:11:21] Unknown:
Someone's coming.
[00:11:22] Unknown:
Miss Giovanni, will you and mister Watson come with me, please? For Henry's most anxious to meet you. My name is Violet Jackson. I look after sir Henry's art collection. Indeed. A very pleasurable job, I'm sure, my dear. From what I hear, he has a magnificent gallery. He has one of the finest in the world. Yeah. His latest acquisition is the famous young girl with a gazelle by Beauregard. Oh, but I'm sure you know all about that, mister Vermeer. I think you said in your message you were a student of the great Dulac. I have that. Oh, this is sir Henry's study.
[00:12:00] Unknown:
Oh, thank you, Violet. You may go. Yes, sir Henry. You're, Verney, I'm sure. And, this is mister Watson? That's right, sir Henry. Sir Verney is staying with me. I see. Well, sit down, won't you? Look, Verney, you're a friend of two lakhs, aren't you? I think I may claim that on earth, monsieur. Then why in thunder can't I get in touch with him? He's staying at the Carlton Hotel, isn't he? He, was,
[00:12:24] Unknown:
or has been staying there, monsieur. Me.
[00:12:27] Unknown:
I've left half a dozen messages for him asking him to come and see me, and he hasn't answered one of them. I can't understand it. It's most important that I see. Monsieur is in some trouble, perhaps? Perhaps. Now you fellows are familiar with the painting by Grosz, the young lady with the gazelle, aren't you? Oh, yes, Henry. Yes. Indeed. Oh, you are. Yeah. What do you think of it? Well, I One of the greatest works, in my humble opinion, monsieur.
[00:12:53] Unknown:
Of course, I have only seen a reproduction, but it seemed to me, to have a question on behalf of the question. Say, right, firmness and brilliance of line. You are indeed, fortunate
[00:13:04] Unknown:
to own it, monsieur. Don't know about fortunate. Cost me £40,000. I still say you are most fortunate, monsieur. Would you count me the honor of, to examine the original? Well, I don't know whether I ought to. I I've had to guard it very carefully ever since this, but perhaps in your case, I can make an exception. You received threats regarding the painting, sir Henry? Yes. I have, mister Watson, and they've worried me so much that I've even thought of engaging the services of a private detective. Oh, indeed, missus. How very interesting. The Duke of Carlisle strongly recommended a fellow by the name of, Sherlock Holmes. I was seriously thinking of going to him. Instead of which?
[00:13:43] Unknown:
He has come to you, sir Henry. In fact, it will save us all a lot of time, I'm sure. What kind of horseplay is this, sir? Who the devil are you? My name is Sherlock Holmes. Then why do you come here masquerading as a French artist? Because I I'd heard of your aversion to giving interviews, and I wanted to see you urgently. I felt that in the character of a supposed Growers expert, I was, most likely
[00:14:03] Unknown:
to gain immediate admission. Well, then, your friend here? Doctor Watson, my colleague. Well, it's all turned out for the best, sir Henry. You wanted to consult mister Holmes, and he was most anxious to see you. Yeah. Yeah. Yes. Well, I'm glad you fellows are here. You see, I'm devilish worried about that Greer's of mine. Oh, why, sir Henry? Well, I bought it at an auction. But there was another man bidding against me all the time, and when he was finally knocked down in my name, he became most insulting.
[00:14:29] Unknown:
He seemed unable to bear not owning the picture himself.
[00:14:32] Unknown:
He told me bluntly that I wouldn't enjoy it long. Didn't think much about it at the time, but lately, I've been receiving postcards repeating the threat. I don't like it. That's a fact. Well, you've kept those postcards, I hope, sir Harris? No. Threw them in the pile where they belong. Oh, it's bitty, sir. Can you recall the name of this,
[00:14:51] Unknown:
bidder at the auction who threatened you? No. Didn't know his name. Can you describe his appearance? Well, let me see. He was tall,
[00:14:59] Unknown:
pinch haven
[00:15:00] Unknown:
Mhmm. And a curious habit of moving his head from side to side. Mariotti again. Yes, old chap. My supposition was correct. Now tell me, sir Henry, is the painting safely guarded? Well, I'd say that it was impregnable, Holmes.
[00:15:13] Unknown:
It's not in my regular galleries. I had a special strong room built for it when I started to receive these threats. It has a lock to which only I know the combination and a special clockwork device that so controls the room that even I can only enter it during certain daytime hours. And yet, sir Henry, with such thorough precautions, you appear to be frightened. Why? Well, I hardly dare trust my own shadow, Holmes. As you possibly know, one of Greer's pupils, a certain Madame LeDoux, imitated his paintings most successfully. Several of the experts were fooled.
I confess that I've been frightened lately, since I received the threats, but a clever man might try and substitute a fake painting for the original if indeed he hasn't already done so. That's why I was so anxious to get in touch with Dulac. He'd know a fraud at once. A substitution would be impossible if you're the only one that knows the combination to the luck of the stronghold. Well, that's what my logic tells me too, doctor. Yet I'm
[00:16:11] Unknown:
very uneasy, I must confess. It's still daylight, sir Henry. Would it be possible for us to examine the painting now? Most certainly.
[00:16:17] Unknown:
By the way, what happened to Francois de Laat? Did he, leave the Continental?
[00:16:22] Unknown:
He did, sir. Though the circumstances of his departure made us distinctly
[00:16:27] Unknown:
uneasier. In what way? His room is empty. There were no signs of luggage and yet
[00:16:33] Unknown:
come in. Yes, Violet. What is it? This note was just left for you to Henry. I was asked to Who left it, Violet? You can give his name, sir Henry, but he was a tall, thin man with deep sunk eyes. Oh, what's the note say?
[00:16:50] Unknown:
Quite. It's the same fellow again. Listen to this. I told you you wouldn't enjoy the painting for long. You didn't,
[00:17:00] Unknown:
did you? No. It's cut its money off.
[00:17:02] Unknown:
Holmes, I don't see anything funny about this. What makes you laugh? It's obvious that my painting is being stolen. I find nothing funny about it either, sir Henry, but I must admit a certain pleasure. Once again, I'm crossing swords with an adversary who was more than worthy of my steal.
[00:17:25] Unknown:
You'll hear the rest of doctor Watson's story in just a second. So I'm just going to remind you that petri sherry could really be called the all around all American wine. That's right, Petri California Sherry. Now the reason I say that is because Petri Sherry is not only a swell before dinner wine, but it's a perfect wine for almost any occasion. When company drops in, serve Petri Sherry. After dinner, when you're just sitting around chatting, Petri Sherry again is just right. Believe me, you couldn't ask for a better all round wine than sherry. You couldn't ask for a better tasting sherry than Petri. Free. Pet free sherry.
Well, doctor Watson, you kept me on the edge of my chair so far with your story. What happened next? Did, sir, Henry Davenport take you to see his famous painting? He did, mister Bartone.
[00:18:14] Unknown:
Together with mister Bartone Jackson, we descended countless flights of stairs. Doors opened where no one expected the door to exist. Finally, after walking down a narrow stone staircase that turned and twisted, we came up against a blank wall. It seemed that we could go no further. Interior of a small room, a room with no windows and hardly any light. An oil painting stood on an easel before us. It was in Copperfield Grier's painting of a young girl with a gazelle. We stood looking at it for a brief moment, and then
[00:18:59] Unknown:
Heavenly painting is still safe. Sir Henry,
[00:19:03] Unknown:
if it still is the same painting. It looks the same, mister Holmes. No. It does to me. That remains that only far as what you Dulac could tell us if it is the same or a brilliant copy.
[00:19:13] Unknown:
Yes. And, mister Dulac has been, silent.
[00:19:17] Unknown:
So it would seem. Of course, we could ask the expert at the British Museum to pass judgment. Yeah. But how could it have been stolen?
[00:19:25] Unknown:
It'd be impossible to smuggle it out of here and replace it with a copy. There's only one way of being absolutely certain. With your permission, sir Henry, I should like to make a test. You're going to take a stamp of the plate, mister Holmes? Yes. That took it a certain proof. Well, very very well. Yeah. You better do it by a letter. But be careful. Remember, the painting cost me £40,000.
[00:19:43] Unknown:
My new fragment of paint will be sufficient for the test. Won't it, mister Holmes? Indeed. With my fingernails, sir Henry, I'll scratch off a tiny sample.
[00:19:52] Unknown:
Firstly, I if it's a gas fine, but it works whoever painted it. There you are, mister Holmes. Is that enough paint? Splendid, miss Jackson. Splendid. Thank you.
[00:20:00] Unknown:
Please put it on this envelope for me, will you? That's it. And now, sir Henry, I shall return to Baked Street and analyze this paint. Within an hour, I shall be able to tell you whether the painting is worth £40,000 or a plugged party.
[00:20:26] Unknown:
Will Will Holmes, did you, make the test?
[00:20:29] Unknown:
I did, sir Henry. And? I'm afraid there's no doubt that you're painting at Ford. Oh, fraud. Sample of paint that I examined was manufactured not more than twenty five years ago, and Grier's died in 2300.
[00:20:42] Unknown:
Will I still say that it's a fine painting whoever did it? I wouldn't mind having it resolved. I agree, doctor Watson.
[00:20:48] Unknown:
In fact, I'd be glad to buy it. It's a brilliant copy, and more than likely, it was done by madame Ladoux.
[00:20:54] Unknown:
You're remarkably glad, sir, Henry.
[00:20:56] Unknown:
Forty thousand pounds. Forty thousand pounds. No. No. No, sir. Put that knife down. Holmes, help me grab him. But don't worry, gentlemen. I'm not about commit suicide and despair if that's what you're thinking. Now why are you grasping that knife, sir? Because I have work to do in my strong room. I'm going to use this knife to smash that lying canvas into 40,000 pieces. Yes. Well, I suppose you're right, Violet. It was childish to mutilate this door. It's a brilliant fraud, sir Henry. I'd like to have it. I'll buy it from you gladly. Buy it from me? You can have it. Go and make arrangements to have the wretched thing taken away at once. I don't want any frauds in my collection. Yes, sir Henry. And thank you. Now mister Sherlock Holmes, I'll pay you any fee you name if you can tell me how the original painting was stolen. Well, sir Henry, the how must here precede the who and the how, I must confess seems impossible. I agree.
[00:22:09] Unknown:
This is the sealed metal room. The only entrance is through the door. That has a combination that only you know, sir Henry. Very true.
[00:22:17] Unknown:
It's impossible for anyone to enter this room without my being present, or I would have sworn it was. Please examine these walls,
[00:22:25] Unknown:
Martin. That's your secret panel. Uh-huh. Ventilator. No method of entrance here.
[00:22:35] Unknown:
Well, you'll find no floors. I'm sure this room was built like a giant sink, and the time lock on the door is equally solid. The time lock working now? Yes. It started five minutes ago when we opened the door. But don't worry. It's perfectly safe with the door open. But when the door is closed, it couldn't be reopened again, I take it, sir Henry? Not until the morning, doctor. No. I had the locks specially designed. Very ingenious.
[00:23:00] Unknown:
This presents as pretty a problem as ever I've tackled, sir Henry. A large painting stolen and a fake one substituted in a sealed room to which only you have access.
[00:23:11] Unknown:
Must confess to how seems utterly impossible. Remember what you always say Holmes, throw out the impossible and whatever remains no matter how improbable
[00:23:21] Unknown:
must be the possible. Let's consider the who for a moment. Is your butler absolutely reliable? Absolutely. How about miss Jackson? Oh, completely trustworthy.
[00:23:29] Unknown:
Brought letters of recommendation from most of the leading art galleries in London. Intelligent too and serious minded. She's made a deep study of mathematics as well as her knowledge of painting. Mathematics.
[00:23:43] Unknown:
How do you know that, sir Henry? Well, she had a book with her the other day.
[00:23:47] Unknown:
I was surprised that the title could have been a novel, but no. It was called the dynamics of an asteroid, and it was inscribed to her by the author. Dynamics of an asteroid and inscribed to her by the author. Thank heavens for your memories, Henry. That book was written by professor Moriarty.
[00:24:04] Unknown:
Bartlett Jackson must be an accomplice of his. Place. Violet? I
[00:24:08] Unknown:
The door. Come on. Stand the chat.
[00:24:11] Unknown:
Yes. And it's not very hard to guess who that someone is. Oh, but I I can't believe that pilot is a Look at all. There's a there's a note being pushed under the door. Strike a match, will you, old fellow? Not you.
[00:24:23] Unknown:
What's it say, Holmes?
[00:24:26] Unknown:
Forgive my unladylike eavesdropping, but for mister Sherlock Holmes, as near the truth as he is, I'm afraid it would be unwise for me to remain here any longer. On the other hand, you are in no danger of smothering in the strong run, but your imprisonment should delay my pursuit till morning. Father Jackson. He's escaped at home. Don't worry, Watson. Jackson's failure to procure the painting for Moriarty will land her in a far worse dilemma than anything we could subjected to. Moriarty has never tolerated failure on the part of his minions. A brilliant plot of love, a brilliant plot. Moriarty is a presineth of his powers.
How fortunate that we were able to foil him. What do you mean foil him? My painting's being stolen. Oh, painting's Henry? Oh, no. No. No. No. It's, it's here in this room. What on earth you talking about, Holmes? You reminded me of my own victim, Watson. I discarded the impossible. It was impossible that the picture had been stolen, therefore, it had not been stolen.
[00:25:25] Unknown:
You mean that this painting is the original, good? Yes. Yes. Of course, sir.
[00:25:30] Unknown:
Surely the whole plot is crystal clear now. Just about as clear as porridge to me. Well then, let me explain. The whole episode of Francois Dulac, the note to be the empty hotel room and the significant blood stains and the apparent disappearance of Dulac were all part of Moriarty's plot. The real Dulac never left France. Moriarty created him in England to lure me into the case. Why in thunder should he want to do that, Holmes? Yes. I should think you're the last person he'd want on the scene. Oh, no. No country, sir. He knew that I'd grab at his bait. The apparent murder of Greer's expert who would make it seem likely that your painting had a a substitute to Hemmery.
He wanted me to test the painting, which I did. I fell into his trap very neatly. To paint, Holmes, you said that it was no more more than 20 years old. Yes, my dear fellow. The, answer should be obvious.
[00:26:18] Unknown:
I see it. Violet was his accomplice, had prepared the painting beforehand,
[00:26:23] Unknown:
and carefully scraped off a piece of modern paint. Exactly, sir Henry. And Moriarty had assumed, quite correctly as it turned out, that as soon as you thought your painting was a fraud, you'd wanna get rid of it. And that girl was gonna take it out of this house with your full approval, and, of course, send it over to Moriarty. What a fantastic scheme. A devilishly clever one, old chap. It hadn't been for your chance to remark about the book on mathematics, sir Henry. I'm very much afraid the young lady with a gazelle might even now be on her way out of your house. Holmes,
[00:26:50] Unknown:
I can't tell you how grateful I am.
[00:26:53] Unknown:
Am I going to express that gratitude in a very material manner? I assure you. Thank you, sir Henry. But I wouldn't dream of accepting a fee for this case. I have been shockingly precocious. I might easily have let them walk away with your pleasure, might under our noses.
[00:27:06] Unknown:
We locked in here for the night, sir? I'm very much afraid so, doctor Watson.
[00:27:11] Unknown:
Oh, I shouldn't be surprised if the butler notices our disappearance and comes looking for us, but he won't be able to open the door. It'll need
[00:27:24] Unknown:
careful evening.
[00:27:26] Unknown:
Don't be gloomy, my dear fellow. You're lucky with one of the loveliest girls in history and she's genuine at that. It's like another magical jab, don't we? Let's, let's look at her once again.
[00:27:49] Unknown:
Well, doctor, that was not only a swell story, but I really learned something. Oh, good. Good. Good, mister Bartell. And just what did you learn? Well, this fellow Gros, the painter? Yes. I know this must sound stupid to you, but until you mentioned his name, I'd never heard of him before.
[00:28:06] Unknown:
Holmes mentioned his name to me. I've never heard him before either. But then, we'll never learn about the good things in this world unless somebody tells us. Exactly. That's the way I feel about Patrick
[00:28:18] Unknown:
Wait a minute. Now here's the way I look at it. There are thousands of people who know about Petri wine and love it. Right? But even though it's a wonderful wine, there must be some people who don't know about it. So I tell them about it and I tell them about the Petri family and how they've been making wine for generations and how they've been handing on down from father to son, from father to son, the fine art of turning luscious grapes into delicious wine. Yes, and when I tell them that the name Petri on a bottle of wine is the personal assurance of the Petri family that every drop of wine in that bottle is good wine, well that's all you have to know.
So it adds up to this. If you want a fine wine for any occasion, you want a Petri wine because Petri took time to bring you good wine. The night Sherlock Holmes adventure was written by and was suggested by an incident in sir Arthur Conan Doyle's story, the final problem. Music is by Dean Foster. Mister Rathbone appears through the courtesy of Metro Golden Mayor and Mr. Bruce through the courtesy of Universal Pictures, where they are now starring in the Sherlock Holmes series. 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 studio. This is Harry Bartel saying good night for the family. This is the mutual broadcasting system.
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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:
Petrie wine brings you Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce in 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 old friend, that master detective, Sherlock Holmes. And as for me, well, I'd like to talk about those few minutes you have while you're waiting for dinner every evening. That's the perfect time for a glass of petri california sherry. Petri sherry is the best beginning a good meal ever had. You really feel like you're enjoying the good things of life when you take time for a glass of petri sherry. Hold that glass of sherry to the light. Look at it. It's a beautiful dark amber.
Yes and petri sherry is clear and fragrant. The way a good wine should be. Now taste it. You've got something. That petri sherry has a real heart of the grape flavor. Oh and look, if you like your sherry dry, you know not sweet, Petri makes a fine dry sherry. It's called Petri pale dry. And if you don't know yet which you prefer, the regular sherry or the dry, why not try both? Don't buy one, buy two. But just be sure you always buy Patrick. And now let's look in on our old friend, doctor Watson. I'm sure he's expecting us.
[00:03:00] Unknown:
Good evening, doctor. Good evening, mister Bartel. Draw up your usual chair. I'll get on with tonight's new Sherlock Holmes adventure. Well, how did the story begin, doctor? In one day, in the autumn of eighteen hundred and eighty seven, I remember, Holmes and I were seated on either side of the fire in our Baker Street lodging. The great man, his eyes half closed, his long thin fingers pressed together, lay back in his chair, filling the room with large blue clouds of tobacco smoke, and discoursing on one of his favorite subjects, professor Moriarty.
I can almost hear him now, mister Bartell, as he said
[00:03:40] Unknown:
Of course, my friend Watson, the organizer of half that is evil and nearly all that is undetected in this great metropolis. Surely that's an exaggeration of is no? He's a brain of the first order, and his agents are numerous and splendidly organized. He himself sits motionless like a spider in the center of his web, but that web has a thousand radiations, and he, knows every quiver of each one of them. It's fortunate for me that there's only one Moriarty.
[00:04:05] Unknown:
If every criminal were equally astute, I'd be in bankruptcy within the year. I don't think you need to worry about bankruptcy, Holmes. As I came in just now, I picked these letters up from the whole table and slipped them into my pocket. Can you hear me? Oh, thanks, old chap. They didn't look like bills to me. I observed the crest of the Duke of Carlisle on the top envelope. Four balls. Yeah. 500
[00:04:26] Unknown:
guineas. Miss Grace is extremely generous in his evaluation of my services. I don't agree after all. You did save him from a shocking scandal. Listen to this, Watson.
[00:04:37] Unknown:
I seen you yesterday when you come to the cricket match. You wasn't watching a cricket. If you value your life, keep your filthy long nose to yourself.
[00:04:48] Unknown:
And it's signed Joe the Butcher. Filthy long nose. Throw a strip, Joe the Butcher. Oh, man. A criminal that I was instrumental in sending to prison for a short term. He bladdies himself though. I was watching the cricket. No idea that Joe was back in practice again. I'll just keep an eye on him. No. LeBron Carlton Hotel Stationery. Now I've I say this is interesting. Very interesting. Uh-huh. Say hello. Yeah, mister Holmes. I've been informed that you are a man of ability and discretion. My life is in grave danger, and I need your help. Upon receipt of this letter, come to my hotel at once. I shall be expecting you. And it's signed, Francois du Lac. Brother Brent Trezly. No. Please just come to my hotel at once. Who is this, Dulac anyway? What's not the law? Yeah? We were talking about Moriarty just now. I have a feeling that this letter may lead us to him. Well, what makes you say that? Francois Dulac, the writer of this letter, is recognized in France as the one indisputable authority on the paintings of Jean Baptiste Grosz. Well, I still don't see the connection with Moriarty. If there is one thing Moriarty loves, more than the dazzling abstractions of mathematics and even more dazzling achievements of crime, it is the paintings of Gros.
The suggested combination of impending danger and a Gros expert spells Moriarty to me. You can get your hat and coat off the line. We're off to the Carton Hotel to see mister Delac at once.
[00:06:18] Unknown:
This is Room 212. Alright. But there's no answer. Unlock again. Should I go and get someone to unlock the door? No. No. Hold on, Jeff.
[00:06:28] Unknown:
They won't attract attention to our prospective fans. I tell locksmith they're very hard to pick. Yeah. The skeleton keys do the trick quite easily.
[00:06:37] Unknown:
Well, the man at the desk downstairs said that mister Delac was in his room. You know, Watson. He said he thought he was in his room. Uh-huh.
[00:06:45] Unknown:
Easier than I anticipated. Come on. Let's go in.
[00:06:52] Unknown:
Doesn't look as if anyone's occupying his room. No signs of any personal belonging. No clothes hanging in a wardrobe. No luggage. Yet he is still registered
[00:07:02] Unknown:
here. Hello? What's this stain on the carpet by the bed here? Great Scott. Is it It's a blood stain, Watson. Blood stain. And the stain is still damp. I'm afraid we're too late. Come on. We'll do no more good here. You're not giving up, Holmes? No. Of course not, Aditya. Let's see what we can find out from the hotel manager. I refuse to believe that in the nineteenth century, a distinguished foreigner can vanish into thin air.
[00:07:34] Unknown:
Yes. Missus Doulock did have a visitor early on today, mister Holmes. Do you remember his name? I think it was Perkins or Parsons, but I'm not sure. Can you describe his appearance? I think so, mister Holmes. He was a very tall gentleman, tall and thin with deep sunk eyes. King shaven? Oh, yes, sir. He had a high forehead and a funny way of moving his head from side to side. Oh, yes. Right, Joe. Holmes, that's almost an exact description of of Mariachi. Exactly, Watson. Have you seen mister Deluxe since this, mister Perkins or Parsons called on him? No. I haven't, sir. But his visitor came back only an hour ago. He had some men with him. They carried some modged packages out of the hotel. Packages? But not luggage, No. Packages, mister Holmes. Has mister Delac received any other visitors since he arrived here? None that have been here to see him, sir. But I understand that sir Henry Davenant has been most anxious to get in touch with him. Sir Henry Davenant.
Thank you. I'm extremely obliged to you. Come on, Watson. Always proud to be of service to mister Sherlock Holmes.
[00:08:34] Unknown:
The plot begins to clear, Watson. Alright. What makes you say that, Sir Henry Davenant is a millionaire whose art collection is world famous. Year ago, the papers were full of his latest acquisition. The gem of his collection, painting, young girl with a gazelle. And now it would appear that for some reason Moriarty wishes to prevent a meeting between sir Harry Davenant unless you do like a Davenant. Now do you see why the prop begins to clear? Very good, but what are you gonna do? Davenport has said to, there's something of a hermit. It won't have anything to do with officials, interviewers, and people like that. But we know that he wishes to consult an expert on the paintings of Jean Baptiste Beers.
The next move should be obvious, old chap. Krish is where you mean that you'll impersonate one. Certainly. If a Grosz expert is what he wants, then a Grosz expert is what he's gonna get.
[00:09:37] Unknown:
I must say your disguise is is amazingly effective. I miss you.
[00:09:41] Unknown:
You do me the great honor. If I appear convincing to the astute doctor Robinson, how can I fail to convince sir Henry Devanoff? Oh, my dear fellow. It's marvelous.
[00:09:51] Unknown:
Appalling the gun. Yeah. Chevy art, sir. Sir Henry's house. Let's hope for the best of all, fella.
[00:10:00] Unknown:
I don't know
[00:10:09] Unknown:
patron of the art. You certainly look upon, Ojo.
[00:10:13] Unknown:
Good afternoon. Can I help you? My name is Bournay. Andre Bournay. I'm most anxious to make the appearance of sir Henry Daron. I'm afraid that sir Henry is extremely difficult to see sir. I can tell him you're ear, but he very rarely gives interviews. That is a great disappointment to me. Perhaps,
[00:10:30] Unknown:
you would just go and tell him I am a pupil, and a disciple of the great Francois Dula.
[00:10:36] Unknown:
I will do what I can, sir. Come in, won't you gentlemen? If you if you'll wait here for a moment, I'll take your message. But what was the name of the me. Andre Vermey. And this gentleman is mister Watson. Very good, sir.
[00:10:54] Unknown:
Well, we got got into the house. Now let's hope that you can impress the master of it. Not as easy a task I fear of.
[00:11:02] Unknown:
I'd like to match opinions on the paintings of Gurs with an expert. My own knowledge of the subject is, somewhat sketchy on my own. And mine is absolute genius. Gurs was a naturalistic painter who flourished at the close of the eighteenth century, and though his paintings command a fabulous fee in this day and age, he himself died in great poverty.
[00:11:21] Unknown:
Someone's coming.
[00:11:22] Unknown:
Miss Giovanni, will you and mister Watson come with me, please? For Henry's most anxious to meet you. My name is Violet Jackson. I look after sir Henry's art collection. Indeed. A very pleasurable job, I'm sure, my dear. From what I hear, he has a magnificent gallery. He has one of the finest in the world. Yeah. His latest acquisition is the famous young girl with a gazelle by Beauregard. Oh, but I'm sure you know all about that, mister Vermeer. I think you said in your message you were a student of the great Dulac. I have that. Oh, this is sir Henry's study.
[00:12:00] Unknown:
Oh, thank you, Violet. You may go. Yes, sir Henry. You're, Verney, I'm sure. And, this is mister Watson? That's right, sir Henry. Sir Verney is staying with me. I see. Well, sit down, won't you? Look, Verney, you're a friend of two lakhs, aren't you? I think I may claim that on earth, monsieur. Then why in thunder can't I get in touch with him? He's staying at the Carlton Hotel, isn't he? He, was,
[00:12:24] Unknown:
or has been staying there, monsieur. Me.
[00:12:27] Unknown:
I've left half a dozen messages for him asking him to come and see me, and he hasn't answered one of them. I can't understand it. It's most important that I see. Monsieur is in some trouble, perhaps? Perhaps. Now you fellows are familiar with the painting by Grosz, the young lady with the gazelle, aren't you? Oh, yes, Henry. Yes. Indeed. Oh, you are. Yeah. What do you think of it? Well, I One of the greatest works, in my humble opinion, monsieur.
[00:12:53] Unknown:
Of course, I have only seen a reproduction, but it seemed to me, to have a question on behalf of the question. Say, right, firmness and brilliance of line. You are indeed, fortunate
[00:13:04] Unknown:
to own it, monsieur. Don't know about fortunate. Cost me £40,000. I still say you are most fortunate, monsieur. Would you count me the honor of, to examine the original? Well, I don't know whether I ought to. I I've had to guard it very carefully ever since this, but perhaps in your case, I can make an exception. You received threats regarding the painting, sir Henry? Yes. I have, mister Watson, and they've worried me so much that I've even thought of engaging the services of a private detective. Oh, indeed, missus. How very interesting. The Duke of Carlisle strongly recommended a fellow by the name of, Sherlock Holmes. I was seriously thinking of going to him. Instead of which?
[00:13:43] Unknown:
He has come to you, sir Henry. In fact, it will save us all a lot of time, I'm sure. What kind of horseplay is this, sir? Who the devil are you? My name is Sherlock Holmes. Then why do you come here masquerading as a French artist? Because I I'd heard of your aversion to giving interviews, and I wanted to see you urgently. I felt that in the character of a supposed Growers expert, I was, most likely
[00:14:03] Unknown:
to gain immediate admission. Well, then, your friend here? Doctor Watson, my colleague. Well, it's all turned out for the best, sir Henry. You wanted to consult mister Holmes, and he was most anxious to see you. Yeah. Yeah. Yes. Well, I'm glad you fellows are here. You see, I'm devilish worried about that Greer's of mine. Oh, why, sir Henry? Well, I bought it at an auction. But there was another man bidding against me all the time, and when he was finally knocked down in my name, he became most insulting.
[00:14:29] Unknown:
He seemed unable to bear not owning the picture himself.
[00:14:32] Unknown:
He told me bluntly that I wouldn't enjoy it long. Didn't think much about it at the time, but lately, I've been receiving postcards repeating the threat. I don't like it. That's a fact. Well, you've kept those postcards, I hope, sir Harris? No. Threw them in the pile where they belong. Oh, it's bitty, sir. Can you recall the name of this,
[00:14:51] Unknown:
bidder at the auction who threatened you? No. Didn't know his name. Can you describe his appearance? Well, let me see. He was tall,
[00:14:59] Unknown:
pinch haven
[00:15:00] Unknown:
Mhmm. And a curious habit of moving his head from side to side. Mariotti again. Yes, old chap. My supposition was correct. Now tell me, sir Henry, is the painting safely guarded? Well, I'd say that it was impregnable, Holmes.
[00:15:13] Unknown:
It's not in my regular galleries. I had a special strong room built for it when I started to receive these threats. It has a lock to which only I know the combination and a special clockwork device that so controls the room that even I can only enter it during certain daytime hours. And yet, sir Henry, with such thorough precautions, you appear to be frightened. Why? Well, I hardly dare trust my own shadow, Holmes. As you possibly know, one of Greer's pupils, a certain Madame LeDoux, imitated his paintings most successfully. Several of the experts were fooled.
I confess that I've been frightened lately, since I received the threats, but a clever man might try and substitute a fake painting for the original if indeed he hasn't already done so. That's why I was so anxious to get in touch with Dulac. He'd know a fraud at once. A substitution would be impossible if you're the only one that knows the combination to the luck of the stronghold. Well, that's what my logic tells me too, doctor. Yet I'm
[00:16:11] Unknown:
very uneasy, I must confess. It's still daylight, sir Henry. Would it be possible for us to examine the painting now? Most certainly.
[00:16:17] Unknown:
By the way, what happened to Francois de Laat? Did he, leave the Continental?
[00:16:22] Unknown:
He did, sir. Though the circumstances of his departure made us distinctly
[00:16:27] Unknown:
uneasier. In what way? His room is empty. There were no signs of luggage and yet
[00:16:33] Unknown:
come in. Yes, Violet. What is it? This note was just left for you to Henry. I was asked to Who left it, Violet? You can give his name, sir Henry, but he was a tall, thin man with deep sunk eyes. Oh, what's the note say?
[00:16:50] Unknown:
Quite. It's the same fellow again. Listen to this. I told you you wouldn't enjoy the painting for long. You didn't,
[00:17:00] Unknown:
did you? No. It's cut its money off.
[00:17:02] Unknown:
Holmes, I don't see anything funny about this. What makes you laugh? It's obvious that my painting is being stolen. I find nothing funny about it either, sir Henry, but I must admit a certain pleasure. Once again, I'm crossing swords with an adversary who was more than worthy of my steal.
[00:17:25] Unknown:
You'll hear the rest of doctor Watson's story in just a second. So I'm just going to remind you that petri sherry could really be called the all around all American wine. That's right, Petri California Sherry. Now the reason I say that is because Petri Sherry is not only a swell before dinner wine, but it's a perfect wine for almost any occasion. When company drops in, serve Petri Sherry. After dinner, when you're just sitting around chatting, Petri Sherry again is just right. Believe me, you couldn't ask for a better all round wine than sherry. You couldn't ask for a better tasting sherry than Petri. Free. Pet free sherry.
Well, doctor Watson, you kept me on the edge of my chair so far with your story. What happened next? Did, sir, Henry Davenport take you to see his famous painting? He did, mister Bartone.
[00:18:14] Unknown:
Together with mister Bartone Jackson, we descended countless flights of stairs. Doors opened where no one expected the door to exist. Finally, after walking down a narrow stone staircase that turned and twisted, we came up against a blank wall. It seemed that we could go no further. Interior of a small room, a room with no windows and hardly any light. An oil painting stood on an easel before us. It was in Copperfield Grier's painting of a young girl with a gazelle. We stood looking at it for a brief moment, and then
[00:18:59] Unknown:
Heavenly painting is still safe. Sir Henry,
[00:19:03] Unknown:
if it still is the same painting. It looks the same, mister Holmes. No. It does to me. That remains that only far as what you Dulac could tell us if it is the same or a brilliant copy.
[00:19:13] Unknown:
Yes. And, mister Dulac has been, silent.
[00:19:17] Unknown:
So it would seem. Of course, we could ask the expert at the British Museum to pass judgment. Yeah. But how could it have been stolen?
[00:19:25] Unknown:
It'd be impossible to smuggle it out of here and replace it with a copy. There's only one way of being absolutely certain. With your permission, sir Henry, I should like to make a test. You're going to take a stamp of the plate, mister Holmes? Yes. That took it a certain proof. Well, very very well. Yeah. You better do it by a letter. But be careful. Remember, the painting cost me £40,000.
[00:19:43] Unknown:
My new fragment of paint will be sufficient for the test. Won't it, mister Holmes? Indeed. With my fingernails, sir Henry, I'll scratch off a tiny sample.
[00:19:52] Unknown:
Firstly, I if it's a gas fine, but it works whoever painted it. There you are, mister Holmes. Is that enough paint? Splendid, miss Jackson. Splendid. Thank you.
[00:20:00] Unknown:
Please put it on this envelope for me, will you? That's it. And now, sir Henry, I shall return to Baked Street and analyze this paint. Within an hour, I shall be able to tell you whether the painting is worth £40,000 or a plugged party.
[00:20:26] Unknown:
Will Will Holmes, did you, make the test?
[00:20:29] Unknown:
I did, sir Henry. And? I'm afraid there's no doubt that you're painting at Ford. Oh, fraud. Sample of paint that I examined was manufactured not more than twenty five years ago, and Grier's died in 2300.
[00:20:42] Unknown:
Will I still say that it's a fine painting whoever did it? I wouldn't mind having it resolved. I agree, doctor Watson.
[00:20:48] Unknown:
In fact, I'd be glad to buy it. It's a brilliant copy, and more than likely, it was done by madame Ladoux.
[00:20:54] Unknown:
You're remarkably glad, sir, Henry.
[00:20:56] Unknown:
Forty thousand pounds. Forty thousand pounds. No. No. No, sir. Put that knife down. Holmes, help me grab him. But don't worry, gentlemen. I'm not about commit suicide and despair if that's what you're thinking. Now why are you grasping that knife, sir? Because I have work to do in my strong room. I'm going to use this knife to smash that lying canvas into 40,000 pieces. Yes. Well, I suppose you're right, Violet. It was childish to mutilate this door. It's a brilliant fraud, sir Henry. I'd like to have it. I'll buy it from you gladly. Buy it from me? You can have it. Go and make arrangements to have the wretched thing taken away at once. I don't want any frauds in my collection. Yes, sir Henry. And thank you. Now mister Sherlock Holmes, I'll pay you any fee you name if you can tell me how the original painting was stolen. Well, sir Henry, the how must here precede the who and the how, I must confess seems impossible. I agree.
[00:22:09] Unknown:
This is the sealed metal room. The only entrance is through the door. That has a combination that only you know, sir Henry. Very true.
[00:22:17] Unknown:
It's impossible for anyone to enter this room without my being present, or I would have sworn it was. Please examine these walls,
[00:22:25] Unknown:
Martin. That's your secret panel. Uh-huh. Ventilator. No method of entrance here.
[00:22:35] Unknown:
Well, you'll find no floors. I'm sure this room was built like a giant sink, and the time lock on the door is equally solid. The time lock working now? Yes. It started five minutes ago when we opened the door. But don't worry. It's perfectly safe with the door open. But when the door is closed, it couldn't be reopened again, I take it, sir Henry? Not until the morning, doctor. No. I had the locks specially designed. Very ingenious.
[00:23:00] Unknown:
This presents as pretty a problem as ever I've tackled, sir Henry. A large painting stolen and a fake one substituted in a sealed room to which only you have access.
[00:23:11] Unknown:
Must confess to how seems utterly impossible. Remember what you always say Holmes, throw out the impossible and whatever remains no matter how improbable
[00:23:21] Unknown:
must be the possible. Let's consider the who for a moment. Is your butler absolutely reliable? Absolutely. How about miss Jackson? Oh, completely trustworthy.
[00:23:29] Unknown:
Brought letters of recommendation from most of the leading art galleries in London. Intelligent too and serious minded. She's made a deep study of mathematics as well as her knowledge of painting. Mathematics.
[00:23:43] Unknown:
How do you know that, sir Henry? Well, she had a book with her the other day.
[00:23:47] Unknown:
I was surprised that the title could have been a novel, but no. It was called the dynamics of an asteroid, and it was inscribed to her by the author. Dynamics of an asteroid and inscribed to her by the author. Thank heavens for your memories, Henry. That book was written by professor Moriarty.
[00:24:04] Unknown:
Bartlett Jackson must be an accomplice of his. Place. Violet? I
[00:24:08] Unknown:
The door. Come on. Stand the chat.
[00:24:11] Unknown:
Yes. And it's not very hard to guess who that someone is. Oh, but I I can't believe that pilot is a Look at all. There's a there's a note being pushed under the door. Strike a match, will you, old fellow? Not you.
[00:24:23] Unknown:
What's it say, Holmes?
[00:24:26] Unknown:
Forgive my unladylike eavesdropping, but for mister Sherlock Holmes, as near the truth as he is, I'm afraid it would be unwise for me to remain here any longer. On the other hand, you are in no danger of smothering in the strong run, but your imprisonment should delay my pursuit till morning. Father Jackson. He's escaped at home. Don't worry, Watson. Jackson's failure to procure the painting for Moriarty will land her in a far worse dilemma than anything we could subjected to. Moriarty has never tolerated failure on the part of his minions. A brilliant plot of love, a brilliant plot. Moriarty is a presineth of his powers.
How fortunate that we were able to foil him. What do you mean foil him? My painting's being stolen. Oh, painting's Henry? Oh, no. No. No. No. It's, it's here in this room. What on earth you talking about, Holmes? You reminded me of my own victim, Watson. I discarded the impossible. It was impossible that the picture had been stolen, therefore, it had not been stolen.
[00:25:25] Unknown:
You mean that this painting is the original, good? Yes. Yes. Of course, sir.
[00:25:30] Unknown:
Surely the whole plot is crystal clear now. Just about as clear as porridge to me. Well then, let me explain. The whole episode of Francois Dulac, the note to be the empty hotel room and the significant blood stains and the apparent disappearance of Dulac were all part of Moriarty's plot. The real Dulac never left France. Moriarty created him in England to lure me into the case. Why in thunder should he want to do that, Holmes? Yes. I should think you're the last person he'd want on the scene. Oh, no. No country, sir. He knew that I'd grab at his bait. The apparent murder of Greer's expert who would make it seem likely that your painting had a a substitute to Hemmery.
He wanted me to test the painting, which I did. I fell into his trap very neatly. To paint, Holmes, you said that it was no more more than 20 years old. Yes, my dear fellow. The, answer should be obvious.
[00:26:18] Unknown:
I see it. Violet was his accomplice, had prepared the painting beforehand,
[00:26:23] Unknown:
and carefully scraped off a piece of modern paint. Exactly, sir Henry. And Moriarty had assumed, quite correctly as it turned out, that as soon as you thought your painting was a fraud, you'd wanna get rid of it. And that girl was gonna take it out of this house with your full approval, and, of course, send it over to Moriarty. What a fantastic scheme. A devilishly clever one, old chap. It hadn't been for your chance to remark about the book on mathematics, sir Henry. I'm very much afraid the young lady with a gazelle might even now be on her way out of your house. Holmes,
[00:26:50] Unknown:
I can't tell you how grateful I am.
[00:26:53] Unknown:
Am I going to express that gratitude in a very material manner? I assure you. Thank you, sir Henry. But I wouldn't dream of accepting a fee for this case. I have been shockingly precocious. I might easily have let them walk away with your pleasure, might under our noses.
[00:27:06] Unknown:
We locked in here for the night, sir? I'm very much afraid so, doctor Watson.
[00:27:11] Unknown:
Oh, I shouldn't be surprised if the butler notices our disappearance and comes looking for us, but he won't be able to open the door. It'll need
[00:27:24] Unknown:
careful evening.
[00:27:26] Unknown:
Don't be gloomy, my dear fellow. You're lucky with one of the loveliest girls in history and she's genuine at that. It's like another magical jab, don't we? Let's, let's look at her once again.
[00:27:49] Unknown:
Well, doctor, that was not only a swell story, but I really learned something. Oh, good. Good. Good, mister Bartell. And just what did you learn? Well, this fellow Gros, the painter? Yes. I know this must sound stupid to you, but until you mentioned his name, I'd never heard of him before.
[00:28:06] Unknown:
Holmes mentioned his name to me. I've never heard him before either. But then, we'll never learn about the good things in this world unless somebody tells us. Exactly. That's the way I feel about Patrick
[00:28:18] Unknown:
Wait a minute. Now here's the way I look at it. There are thousands of people who know about Petri wine and love it. Right? But even though it's a wonderful wine, there must be some people who don't know about it. So I tell them about it and I tell them about the Petri family and how they've been making wine for generations and how they've been handing on down from father to son, from father to son, the fine art of turning luscious grapes into delicious wine. Yes, and when I tell them that the name Petri on a bottle of wine is the personal assurance of the Petri family that every drop of wine in that bottle is good wine, well that's all you have to know.
So it adds up to this. If you want a fine wine for any occasion, you want a Petri wine because Petri took time to bring you good wine. The night Sherlock Holmes adventure was written by and was suggested by an incident in sir Arthur Conan Doyle's story, the final problem. Music is by Dean Foster. Mister Rathbone appears through the courtesy of Metro Golden Mayor and Mr. Bruce through the courtesy of Universal Pictures, where they are now starring in the Sherlock Holmes series. 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 studio. This is Harry Bartel saying good night for the family. This is the mutual broadcasting system.
