In this captivating episode, we delve into the world of classic radio with a focus on the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes. The episode begins with a historical context about the popularity of "The Avengers" in different regions, highlighting the unique challenges faced by South Africa due to the lack of a national television service until 1976. The narrative then transitions to an intriguing Sherlock Holmes adventure, brought to life by Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce, as they unravel the mystery of the Hampstead Heath murders. The story is set against the backdrop of a live audience at Camp Roberts, California, where Dr. Watson recounts the chilling tale of a sinister mass murderer who terrorized London in the summer of 1900.
The episode takes listeners on a thrilling journey as Holmes and Watson investigate the gruesome murders on Hampstead Heath, where young women were brutally killed. The plot thickens as Holmes uncovers clues leading to a waxworks exhibition, where the murderer is hiding in plain sight. The suspense reaches its peak when Holmes, disguised as Watson, spends a night in the Chamber of Horrors to confront the killer. The episode masterfully combines elements of suspense, deduction, and historical intrigue, culminating in a dramatic showdown that reveals the murderer's identity and motives. This classic tale of mystery and deduction is a testament to the enduring appeal of Sherlock Holmes and his adventures.
(00:04) The Avengers in South Africa
(00:50) Sherlock Holmes Broadcast Introduction
(02:32) The Strange Case of the Murder in Wax
(10:09) Holmes' Investigation Begins
(19:04) The Night at the Wax Museum
(24:00) The Capture of the Hampstead Heath Murderer
(27:21) Closing Remarks and Next Week's Preview
Listen to our radio station Old Time Radio https://link.radioking.com/otradio
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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
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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.
[00:00:51] Unknown:
This episode from the life of Sherlock Holmes will be transmitted to our men and women overseas by shortwave and through the worldwide facilities of the Armed Forces Radio Service. Petri Wine brings you Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce and the new adventures of Sherlock Holmes. The Petrie family, the family that took time to bring you good wine, invite you to listen to doctor Watson tell us another exciting adventure he shared with his old friend, that master detective, Sherlock Holmes. Tonight, instead of joining the doctor at his home, we're all meeting here at Camp Roberts in California, where the doctor's going to tell his story before a large audience of GIs.
And as usual, I'm gonna tell my story right now. It's about Petri california sherry. And I want you to know that Petri sherry is the best beginning a good meal ever had. Before you sit down to dinner some evening soon, just pour yourself a glass of petri sherry. Look at that rich dark amber color. Just smell the fragrance of those wonderful grapes. And then taste that petri sherry. Is that ever good? And say, if you like your sherry on the dry side, you know, not sweet, then just wait till you taste Petri pale dry sherry. If some of your family like regular sherry and some like pale dry, don't buy one, buy two.
You can't go wrong so long as you buy Petri, p e t r I, Petri Sherry.
[00:02:32] Unknown:
And now let's join doctor Watson and get on with our story. Good evening, mister Bartel. Well, doctor, your study seems a little bigger than usual, Lisbeth. Yes, my boy. I felt that as tonight's new Sherlock Holmes adventure was rather an exciting one, the men here at Camp Roberts might like me to to tell it to them in person. I'm sure they will, doctor. Which particular story have you selected? One that I call the strange case of the murder in wax. It concerns one of the most sinister mass murderers who ever threatened the peace of London. In the summer of nineteen hundred, and the city had been rocked by a series of gusty murders on Hampstead Heath. Hampstead Heath? Yes. Hampstead Heath. That's a large rambling park in the suburbs of London, mister Bartell, and noted as a rendezvous for young lovers.
It was here that the elusive murderer, knife in hand, was want to roam at nighttime searching for his prey. All of his victims were young girls, and despite the frantic efforts of the police, each murder seemed to be as baffling as the one that preceded it. Finally, of course, as usual, Scotland Yard came to Sherlock Holmes for help. It seems almost like yesterday, mister Bartell, that Inspector Lestrade stood in our Baker Street rooms
[00:03:42] Unknown:
in porting home to handle the case.
[00:03:47] Unknown:
Mister Oates. You've got to help us. I don't mind telling you the yards at the end of its rope. I sympathize with you, Lestrade, but I don't see that there's much that I can do. Only the police can handle the widespread detailed work necessary to this case. The private detective is helpless. Perhaps if you'd come to mister Holmes in the first place, Lestrade, he might have helped you. But the murderer hasn't finished yet. There'll be more killings if we don't catch him. You mark my words. Mister Oakes,
[00:04:12] Unknown:
please help us, won't you? Before I commit myself, Lestrade, give me the exact chronology of events, will you? All my information on the murders has been derived from the London newspapers, notoriously inaccurate in matters of fact. I can give you all the particulars, sir. I've been on the case right from the beginning.
[00:04:29] Unknown:
All the murders have taken place on Amstedeath at nighttime, and all the victims have been young women. Who's the first one? A girl by the name of Oakley, a Bessie Oakley. She was a a shop girl who worked at Derry and Tom's in Kensington High Street. 3 Weeks ago, she was out on the East with a young fella by the name of Alfred Smith. From what he told me, it was a moonlight night that night as they sat there out on the beach.
[00:04:56] Unknown:
Come on, Bessie. Give us a kiss.
[00:04:59] Unknown:
Oh, go on, Fred. Don't be so sorry. Hi, Aunt Sappy. Come on, Bess.
[00:05:06] Unknown:
Hello. Hello. Who's this coming towards us? Bloom and Frowler. Yeah. Yeah. What you want?
[00:05:13] Unknown:
Can't you say something? Look how best he's got tonight. No. You don't. Oh, look. Devil, you you you hit my friend. Keep away from me. Keep away from me, you
[00:05:31] Unknown:
And that's all I know, inspector Lestrade. I never got a good look at him. He caught me on the air and when I come to, there was poor Bessie with a frock cut. Yeah. That's your story, young fella, my lad.
[00:05:42] Unknown:
Alright, sergeant. You can book him on suspicion of murder. Sir George, we should be walking on the heat. Didn't you read about the murder here two days ago? It's a fine thing. I I take you out in the moonlight and you talk of murders. Let's talk about us, Violet, darling. It seems to me we should talk about your wife. My wife doesn't mean anything to me anymore. Violet, if I could get a divorce, I There's someone behind that tree. She's coming towards us. Who are you, sir? What you no. You don't.
[00:06:13] Unknown:
Don't come near me. Don't.
[00:06:21] Unknown:
Inspector Liscard, she's she's dead for a girl. I know, but a scandal can't bring her back. If there's any way to keep my name out of the placements Yeah. I'm afraid you'll have to take your chances, said George. Oh, and sergeant Yes, Inspector. You can turn that boy loose, we belle for questioning. The man who did this is obviously the same killer. I'm afraid we're gonna hear a lot more from him.
[00:06:44] Unknown:
Live edition, Ethan Piper. Hampstead, East Merbitt, Straubts for fifth start. Gone girls, mermaid on Hampstead, East. Live edition, Ethan Piper.
[00:06:56] Unknown:
Look here, miss. You can't go walking by yourself on the East. It ain't safe. Oh, thank you, constable, but but I'm not frightened.
[00:07:04] Unknown:
I wanna be by myself.
[00:07:06] Unknown:
I want to think. Well, I can't stop you by law, I suppose, but you shouldn't do it. I don't know how to handle these modern young things, and that's a fact.
[00:07:20] Unknown:
I expected Estrada. He must have killed at the moment she got out my sight. I searched the old lady Eve, but I couldn't find the murderer. But I did startle him. He left his knife in the body. Good, Jackson.
[00:07:30] Unknown:
The body's not been identified yet, No, inspector. We'll print her photograph in all the papers. We've got to find out who she is. Mister Bishop, is the this the, body of your missing daughter? Yes. It's Rosie. My rose.
[00:07:52] Unknown:
Inspector Lestrade, if I ever lay my hands on that murdering feed, I'll kill him. I'll kill him with the bare hands.
[00:08:01] Unknown:
Here's the story, mister Holmes. Rose Bishop was the tenth and last girl murdered.
[00:08:08] Unknown:
But she was the first girl murdered when she was alone. Name, Estrad? Yes, sir. You found no clothes? Well, none that proved anything when we checked on them. Let me ask you a question, mister Estrad. Well, anything you like, sir. You've taken the obvious precautions, of course. How do you mean? You posted a heavy police guard on Heath? Why, yes, sir. You've had a hundred plainclothesmen
[00:08:27] Unknown:
walking there at night ever since the second murder, but he he seems to slip through our fingers. I suppose you've also posted policemen dressed Rose. And we've hired girls to walk the heat in couples with our plainclothesmen. But the murderer won't seem to rise to our bait. Oh, he's a cunning brute. Yes. Yes, Watson.
[00:08:46] Unknown:
Obviously, a morbid madman obsessed by a hatred of love. It'll be hard to catch. Mister Dodd, you mentioned clues that amounted to nothing when you check them. What were these clues? Well,
[00:08:56] Unknown:
footprints, a couple of cigarette butts dropped at the scene of the crime, nothing that helped us. The only important clue was the night we found in the body of Rose Bishop, the, last girl murdered. Of course, the experts at the yard examined it. Yes, sir. Didn't tell us a thing, though. Have you had the night with you? Here it is, mister Holmes. I knew you wouldn't trust us. You'd want to look at it yourself. Thank you, Lestrade.
[00:09:23] Unknown:
Yeah. Mhmm. Interesting. Well, what is it, hon? This night is a collector's item. It's at least a hundred years old, I should say. May I keep this overnight, mister O'Dowd? I should like to conduct a few experiments of my own. Why, of course you can, sir. Then you are going to take on the case, Holmes? Let us say that I'll take it under advisement. I'll do my best, mister O'Dowd. I'll do my best. Well, thank you, sir. If any further developments occur, communicate with me at once, will you? Yes, sir. In the meanwhile, I'll smoke a few pipes on the problem. But I promise nothing, my dear fellow. I promise absolutely nothing.
[00:10:10] Unknown:
03:00 in the morning home. You're still peering through your microscope with that knife the stroud, that's it. Old chap. That's quite true. I must be a very dull companion. Why don't you go to bed? Oh, because I'm afraid I may miss something and found it. Have you discovered anything? Yes. I think so. Oh, what? The handle of this knife is corrugated.
[00:10:29] Unknown:
On the underside, I observed a slight diffusion in the markings. Under the penetrating eye of the microscope, I found minute deposits which have caused the diffusion. I have just analyzed that deposit. It's wax, colored wax. Colored wax? Well, what does that signify? Oh, by itself, very little. But when you combine it with a knife that definitely belongs to another century, it does suggest a certain origin. I've got an idea.
[00:10:54] Unknown:
Perhaps it came from the theater. An eighteenth century dagger could belong in a period play, and the colored wax might easily be part of an actor's maker. Excellent deduction, Watson. Oh, thanks for that. However, my own theory would be that this dagger came from a wax works exhibition. Oh, wrong again.
[00:11:11] Unknown:
Putty is used in theatrical disguises, but I don't recall the use of colored wax. Whereas it is used in making wax and effigies. And, of course, the dagger would belong as part of the costume. Precisely, my dear fellow. It's a long chance, but, I think in the morning, we'll make a tour of the various London waxworks exhibitions. If my deduction is a false one, at least we'll have the pleasure of a busman's holiday. We can visit all our old friends who died on the gallows.
[00:11:48] Unknown:
Any taro, chap? I must say I'm a little weary. This is the fourth waxworks exhibition that we've been to. The fourth and the last. If we fail to find any clues here at the Vex Museum, we can return to Big Street. Oh, thank thank heaven. This is our last port of call. I'm so dizzy from looking at waxworks that they begin to look like human beings to me. Did you notice that I asked directions from the wax policemen at the entrance door to staff? Yes.
[00:12:14] Unknown:
I'm sure many people have been deceived in the same way. Uh-huh. Here we are.
[00:12:20] Unknown:
Oh, Moshe
[00:12:21] Unknown:
Levesque doesn't believe in understatement, does he? Look. Look at that sign there. Mercutious me. The Chamber Of Horrors, come in and see the pageant of murder. All the great killers of history reenacting their famous crimes. Well, let's go in, Watson. We should feel thoroughly at home.
[00:12:38] Unknown:
Creepy in here, isn't it? I've heard that mister Levesque could pay a hundred pounds to anyone who will spend all night alone in the Chamber of Horace. Yes. I've heard of that challenge too. Were you thinking of accepting the bet? Brad Scott, now I wouldn't spend a night here for a thousand. Are they comprehensive collection of killers, aren't they? See Williams,
[00:12:54] Unknown:
Wainwright, an arsonist de Brampillier.
[00:13:00] Unknown:
Right, Joe. Yes. She was an attractive woman, wasn't she? A strimmer pair of ankles as ever I've seen. Yes.
[00:13:06] Unknown:
But you wouldn't have liked her cooking, Watson. She used the most lethal condiments of almost any woman in history. Hello?
[00:13:14] Unknown:
What is it? Look over there.
[00:13:17] Unknown:
I was wondering when we'd come to one of your cases. Doctor Grimsby Rylott and the murder at Stoke Moran, or the case of the Speckle Band. Hi, Joe Holmes. The tableau's extraordinary realistic, isn't it?
[00:13:32] Unknown:
One of my other old friends of mine are represented here. She'd rather like to renew acquaintance with Ricoletti of the clubfoot and his abominable wife. Ricoletti? I don't remember him, Holmes. Oh, one of my earlier cases, old fellow. I must tell you that story sometime. I wish you would, Abolf.
[00:13:46] Unknown:
Arbuth. Holmes, look. That veiled figure over there. Read the placard in front of it. The Hampstead Heath Murderer.
[00:13:55] Unknown:
Well,
[00:13:57] Unknown:
how very interesting. The face is covered with a black veil. Is this pure showmanship? I wonder, or does mister Lavec know more than Scotland Yard and die? A good day to you gentlemen. Miss Scott, do you you startled me, sir? Are you admiring my collection of murderers? Mister Lavec? Yes, sir. And haven't I the distinction of addressing mister Sherlock Holmes? Yes. It's my name. This is my friend, doctor Watson. How do you do? How do you do, doctor? I am greatly honored to meet you both. What do you think of my chamber of horrors? Oh, it's very impressive. We're particularly interested in this veiled figure of the Hampstead Heath murder. Indeed we are, sir. Is there a face behind beneath that that veil? I'll let you in on a trade secret, gentlemen. There are no recognizable features behind that veil. This is purely for publicity purposes. The public always expects to see the latest horrors here. And I I thought I'd titillate their morbid palettes by by having a mysterious figure representing the killer. Of course, if he is captured, I shall add his effigy to my collection. You think he will be captured then? One can only speculate. He's a clever man, mister Helvet. By the way, mister Helvet, does your offer of a hundred pounds to anyone who will spend a night in the Chamber Of Horrors still hold good? Oh, yes. Are you thinking of accepting the bet, mister Helms? No. But doctor Watson would like to.
I don't recommend the experience, doctor. It's an ordeal that calls for nerves of steel. However, I shall be glad to arrange for it. Haven't the slightest of catching the backing down now? Of course you haven't, old fellow. What time shall my friend return, sir? About 11:30 tonight. I'll be waiting for him at the main entrance. Monday. Come on, Watson. Holmes, I Good day, mister Levesque. Good day, gentlemen. I shall be waiting for you tonight, doctor.
[00:15:30] Unknown:
Holmes, what the blazes do you think you're doing? I haven't the slightest intention of keeping that appointment tonight. Well, of course you haven't.
[00:15:36] Unknown:
I shall keep it
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disguised as you. You keep for heaven's sake, tell me what you're up to, Holmes.
[00:15:43] Unknown:
You didn't even mention that missing dagger to elevate. No. Because he knows something about the murderer. I'm convinced of it. Oh, why'd you say that? As we were standing there talking to him, a breath of air from the open window broke out the corner of the veil. I'll swear that there are clearly defined features beneath it. And so you're going back there tonight to find out? That's right, old fellow. The superstitious used to believe they could use a waxen image to kill a man. Tonight, Watson, we shall prove that a waxen image can be used to trap a killer.
[00:16:20] Unknown:
Doctor. Watson will continue his story in just a second. So I'm just going you'll love that wonderful Petri California Sauternes. If you like a red wine, then rich, hearty Petri California Burgundy is your wine. But if you don't know which you prefer, why not try them both? Petri Burgundy and Petri Sauternes, red and white. Don't buy one, buy two, but always buy Petri.
[00:17:02] Unknown:
Well, doctor, so Sherlock Holmes decided to disguise himself as you and spend the night in the Chamber Of Hearts. That's right, mister Burchell. After dinner that night, he began to apply the makeup. I'm telling you to sit there in Baker Street and watch Holmes slowly turning into a very convincing replica of myself. As he did so, we discussed last minute
[00:17:24] Unknown:
We have clock here at 11:30, Watson. If I'm not back here by 02:00, you better come out today. Mister Demi, we can't wait outside or follow. Just in case there's any trouble. No. No. No. No. You'd attract attention. By the way, do you recall the name of the last girl murdered on the heat?
[00:17:38] Unknown:
Heath? Yes. Bishop, Rose. Bishop was there? Exactly.
[00:17:42] Unknown:
The only girl who was murdered when she was unescorted. The body was identified by her father. Robert Holmes? Levesque is a French name, and yet the gentleman had a decidedly English accent. I should say that,
[00:17:55] Unknown:
he adopted a foreign name as being more suited to his profession. I don't see what you're driving here. What's the connection between Levesque, the owner of the waxworks, and the father of Rose Bishop, the murdered girl? Levesque
[00:18:06] Unknown:
is the French word for bishop.
[00:18:08] Unknown:
Great, Scott. You think that he knows who the murderer is and I have one thing, Watson.
[00:18:14] Unknown:
I may see what is beneath that black veil. Now,
[00:18:17] Unknown:
now, how's my disguise?
[00:18:19] Unknown:
Wonderful. You look exactly like me, but
[00:18:22] Unknown:
how how do you manage about the voice? Well, I don't think that'll be too difficult, old man. Not for Rebecca knows that well. Oh, I can't understand half what you're saying.
[00:18:31] Unknown:
In your own case, old chap, that's a handicap that I've suffered from for years. Rubbish. I'm perfectly intelligent. Now let me see the, bull's eye lantern. Yes. Watson, I think I'll borrow your revolver too. I probably won't need it, but, for once, I think it might be safer for me to go armed. Here, Holmes. Do be careful. I will always help. Don't worry. Goodbye. And if I'm not back by 02:00, you better come to the waxworks and see what's happened to me.
[00:19:04] Unknown:
Doctor Watson, you don't mind if I search you? Oh, no gracious. No. No. Of course not. And no no lantern, please. The moonlight will give you all the illumination that you need. Oh, dear me. A revolver in your pocket. I'm afraid I can't allow that. Oh, no. Once before, a young man who unwisely accepted my bets left bullet holes in some of my finest waxworks
[00:19:25] Unknown:
before he finally went raving mad. Washes me raving mad, is it? It's almost my hero. Don't be
[00:19:31] Unknown:
frightened, doctor Watson. Many of the waxwork murderers here are all friends of yours. They'll be good company.
[00:19:36] Unknown:
I shall come and release you at eight in the morning. Well,
[00:19:42] Unknown:
I've I've I've sealed all the windows with string and wax. I shall seal the door behind me as I leave. Oh, that's very unkind of you. Midnight. The bed it on, doctor. Do you still wish to go through it? Well, I suppose so. Very well then. I shall leave you now.
[00:19:57] Unknown:
Good night, doctor Watson. Good night. Pleasant dream. Pleasant dream
[00:20:04] Unknown:
is
[00:20:11] Unknown:
all the
[00:20:19] Unknown:
What's that? Who's that? Who's that? A little smile. I and shuffling about my shadows. Who's going to hear with me?
[00:20:33] Unknown:
It's out of the window. Quick, Scotts Watson. And now before his time. Well,
[00:20:41] Unknown:
either the seals and the string. What's up with it? Holmes. Holmes. Are you alright?
[00:20:48] Unknown:
Yes. I'm alright. You came early, but it's just as well. You're carrying a lantern, and the vet took mine with him. Come on in.
[00:21:02] Unknown:
There we are. Quite open or quiet.
[00:21:05] Unknown:
I'm glad to see you, Watson.
[00:21:07] Unknown:
But, what made you decide to come here so well? After you left the start, came to Beg Street. You told me there was another murder on the Heath at and at 07:00 tonight. Another murder, I started worrying about you, Holmes. I had a premonition of impending danger, and I decided to come over here. You're you're not angry with me? Of course not, my dear fellow. I'm glad of your company, and I appreciate your concern. Have you looked under the veil of the waxwork figure of the Hampstead Heath murderer yet? No. I was just about to. A young lantern will be most useful. Come on, Watson. Oh,
[00:21:35] Unknown:
what have you been doing? Just to just doing nothing? Yes. Yes. I I wanted to give Latrice an impression that I was here for the night, and I also wanted to do some serious thinking. I smoked two pipes on the problem, Watson, and I think I know the answer now. I'm willing to swear you'll know the face you see when I lift the veil from the wax and dummy. Here's a figure. Now hold your lantern a little high, will you? That's it. I lift the veil and oh, who do we see? Good lord. It's the waxwork figure of Leveque himself. Precisely, Watson. An unparalleled example of the self betrayal inherent in criminal egotism.
That they couldn't resist the Holmes, the waxwork is moving. Great Scott, it's alarming,
[00:22:15] Unknown:
which is more than either of you will be in a few minutes. You reenter this room by a secret door, I suppose? Yes, mister Holmes. And since you've displayed such a flattering interest in the Hampstead Heath Murderer, I decided to remove the wax figure and appear in person. Look out Holmes, you got a revolver. No. No. No. No, doctor. This isn't a revolver in my pocket. What would the Hampstead Heath Murderer want with a revolver? This is a knife. I feel so much more at home with a knife. There are two of us today. Remember that. And both unarmed.
[00:22:41] Unknown:
Which one of you meddlers wants to die first? Go go go. Watch it. Watch it. Watch it. Watch it.
[00:22:48] Unknown:
The lats are smashed. Yes. And the moon's fading. What a pity. Holmes. Holmes, where are you? Over here by the effigy of Macbeth. How many thoughts will of you to provide him with a dagger, Leveque? I wouldn't want my dear Holmes. You can't escape me. I can feel my way in the dark here. I know every inch of this room. You're doomed, both of you.
[00:23:07] Unknown:
Don't suck a match, Holmes. You'll make a target of yourself. The devil to that. I'm writing this newspaper to make an excellent torch to set the light to the nearest wax world. No. No. Don't burn my wax works. Wax on a wooden frame, the blaze brilliantly. There we are. Oh, you devil. You're destroying my light works. Holmes, I'm burning wax. It's pouring all over the floor.
[00:23:26] Unknown:
The curtains are catching light. The whole place will burn down. Oh, my beautiful museum.
[00:23:31] Unknown:
I thought this would smoke you out. Quit watching that again. Watch that nice home.
[00:23:48] Unknown:
Well, mister Holmes, you've done it again. You've solved the case in a blaze of glory. Get the point, sir. A blaze of glory. Yes, miss Trudy. I get the point. Thank you very much. Pass that, Marmalade. Will you want some? Is that the morning paper you brought with you, Lucerne? Yes, doctor. Yeah. Want me to, read you the headline? Yes. Yes. Please. Please do. Yeah. Amsteed East Murderer captured in fire that destroys waxwork exhibition. You know, mister Holmes, you and the doctor were lucky you went burnt to death. Never mind the chance you ran of having your throat cut by that maniac. It was fortunate that the police and firemen were on the scene as quickly as they were. Levesque had the strength of 10 men. Yes. The strength of a madman. He'll never stand trial, of course. No, doctor. You'll end up in an asylum where he belongs.
Mister Holmes,
[00:24:41] Unknown:
what made you suspect Levesque? You first gave me the cue yourself, Lestrade. You, told me that all the murdered girls were accompanied by men when they were attacked. All of them save one, Rose Bishop. Therefore, if the murderer was venting a hatred of love, he had to, he had to be someone very close to Rose Bishop to know that she was a suitable victim. That point alone, which I was shocking, miss Lowen observing, should have told us to focus our attention on the father, mister Bishop, alias Le Levesque. Well, your theory was certainly right, mister Holmes.
[00:25:13] Unknown:
You should have heard his ravings after the arrest. He swore his daughter had been ruined,
[00:25:18] Unknown:
and so he'd killed her at the Holmes, the the waxwork figure of the killer, the one with a veil over its face, the features underneath were those of the of Levesque himself, weren't they? I'm certain of it, old fellow. You see, he had two great prides. The first, his natural pride as a fine craftsman in wax.
[00:25:34] Unknown:
The second, his perverted pride as a prominent and successful murderer. These two prides combined suggested to his crazed mind that he make a waxwork figure of himself and range it with the other great killers of history. Yes. But he was cunning enough to protect himself by placing a veil over the face. Precisely, my dear fellow. And when he saw us yesterday and we accepted the wager, he undoubtedly became suspicious and removed the wax figure last night and made his personal appearance as the murderer with every intention of killing us both.
Yes. We were very lucky, old chap. Yeah. If you ask me, mister Holmes, you've been very smart. I quite agree, mister Holmes. I think you solved the case brilliantly, Holmes. No. No. No. No. I've been very sluggish. I solved by circumstance and melodrama what should have been a purely intellectual problem. I'm not pleased with myself. Mister Rogers, I hope that my name has not been used in that newspaper report. No. It hasn't. Excellent. I want no credit in this case. Oh, do you mean to say that you're gonna let Scotland Yard get the praise for catching him home? Why not? What a catch. Very generous of you, mister Holmes.
[00:26:33] Unknown:
It'll make other things a lot easier for me. It certainly will, Holmes.
[00:26:37] Unknown:
I can't see why you reproach yourself. Because, my dear Watson, like the Hampstead Heath murderer, I too have my pride as a craftsman. This case had a clearly defined pattern, and I was unable to recognize it. If you should have occasion to chronicle this story, Watson, and I should prefer that you didn't. I I would like you to entitle
[00:26:55] Unknown:
it The Education of an Idiot. Oh, come now, Holmes. Education of an Idiot?
[00:27:00] Unknown:
That's absurd. I know. But, if you do tell this story, it'll probably end up as a strange case of the murderer in wax.
[00:27:21] Unknown:
Well, doctor, that was sure a swell story. You know, that's the kind of story I like. Lots of action. Well, that's the kind of story I like to tell. You know, mister Bartel, although our broadcast were heard overseas every week through armed forces radio, this is one of the few occasions that I've had the privilege of really telling my story directly to the boys. And it's been a great pleasure for me to be here
[00:27:44] Unknown:
at Camp Roberts. Well, that not only goes for you, but for me too, doctor, and for the Petrie family. There there are no words to describe how much our country owes our servicemen. And to all of you, the Petrie family wants to say, just as every American wants to say, thanks for a swell job.
[00:28:03] Unknown:
Well, doctor Watson, what story are you planning to tell us next week? Next week. Well, now next week, mister Bartel, I'm going to tell you one of the strangest adventures that ever happened to Sherlock Holmes. It takes place in a in a monastery high in the mountains of Tibet and concerns itself with an avalanche, an execution,
[00:28:22] Unknown:
and a murder.
[00:28:36] Unknown:
Tonight's Sherlock Holmes adventure was written by Dennis Green and Anthony Boucher and was suggested by an incident in sir Arthur Conan Doyle's story, The Adventure of the Second Stain. Music is by Dean Foster. Mister Rathbone appears through the courtesy of Metro Baldwin Mayer, and mister Bruce through 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. This is Harry Bartel saying good night for the Petrie family.
For a solid hour of exciting mystery dramas, listen every Monday night 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.
[00:00:51] Unknown:
This episode from the life of Sherlock Holmes will be transmitted to our men and women overseas by shortwave and through the worldwide facilities of the Armed Forces Radio Service. Petri Wine brings you Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce and the new adventures of Sherlock Holmes. The Petrie family, the family that took time to bring you good wine, invite you to listen to doctor Watson tell us another exciting adventure he shared with his old friend, that master detective, Sherlock Holmes. Tonight, instead of joining the doctor at his home, we're all meeting here at Camp Roberts in California, where the doctor's going to tell his story before a large audience of GIs.
And as usual, I'm gonna tell my story right now. It's about Petri california sherry. And I want you to know that Petri sherry is the best beginning a good meal ever had. Before you sit down to dinner some evening soon, just pour yourself a glass of petri sherry. Look at that rich dark amber color. Just smell the fragrance of those wonderful grapes. And then taste that petri sherry. Is that ever good? And say, if you like your sherry on the dry side, you know, not sweet, then just wait till you taste Petri pale dry sherry. If some of your family like regular sherry and some like pale dry, don't buy one, buy two.
You can't go wrong so long as you buy Petri, p e t r I, Petri Sherry.
[00:02:32] Unknown:
And now let's join doctor Watson and get on with our story. Good evening, mister Bartel. Well, doctor, your study seems a little bigger than usual, Lisbeth. Yes, my boy. I felt that as tonight's new Sherlock Holmes adventure was rather an exciting one, the men here at Camp Roberts might like me to to tell it to them in person. I'm sure they will, doctor. Which particular story have you selected? One that I call the strange case of the murder in wax. It concerns one of the most sinister mass murderers who ever threatened the peace of London. In the summer of nineteen hundred, and the city had been rocked by a series of gusty murders on Hampstead Heath. Hampstead Heath? Yes. Hampstead Heath. That's a large rambling park in the suburbs of London, mister Bartell, and noted as a rendezvous for young lovers.
It was here that the elusive murderer, knife in hand, was want to roam at nighttime searching for his prey. All of his victims were young girls, and despite the frantic efforts of the police, each murder seemed to be as baffling as the one that preceded it. Finally, of course, as usual, Scotland Yard came to Sherlock Holmes for help. It seems almost like yesterday, mister Bartell, that Inspector Lestrade stood in our Baker Street rooms
[00:03:42] Unknown:
in porting home to handle the case.
[00:03:47] Unknown:
Mister Oates. You've got to help us. I don't mind telling you the yards at the end of its rope. I sympathize with you, Lestrade, but I don't see that there's much that I can do. Only the police can handle the widespread detailed work necessary to this case. The private detective is helpless. Perhaps if you'd come to mister Holmes in the first place, Lestrade, he might have helped you. But the murderer hasn't finished yet. There'll be more killings if we don't catch him. You mark my words. Mister Oakes,
[00:04:12] Unknown:
please help us, won't you? Before I commit myself, Lestrade, give me the exact chronology of events, will you? All my information on the murders has been derived from the London newspapers, notoriously inaccurate in matters of fact. I can give you all the particulars, sir. I've been on the case right from the beginning.
[00:04:29] Unknown:
All the murders have taken place on Amstedeath at nighttime, and all the victims have been young women. Who's the first one? A girl by the name of Oakley, a Bessie Oakley. She was a a shop girl who worked at Derry and Tom's in Kensington High Street. 3 Weeks ago, she was out on the East with a young fella by the name of Alfred Smith. From what he told me, it was a moonlight night that night as they sat there out on the beach.
[00:04:56] Unknown:
Come on, Bessie. Give us a kiss.
[00:04:59] Unknown:
Oh, go on, Fred. Don't be so sorry. Hi, Aunt Sappy. Come on, Bess.
[00:05:06] Unknown:
Hello. Hello. Who's this coming towards us? Bloom and Frowler. Yeah. Yeah. What you want?
[00:05:13] Unknown:
Can't you say something? Look how best he's got tonight. No. You don't. Oh, look. Devil, you you you hit my friend. Keep away from me. Keep away from me, you
[00:05:31] Unknown:
And that's all I know, inspector Lestrade. I never got a good look at him. He caught me on the air and when I come to, there was poor Bessie with a frock cut. Yeah. That's your story, young fella, my lad.
[00:05:42] Unknown:
Alright, sergeant. You can book him on suspicion of murder. Sir George, we should be walking on the heat. Didn't you read about the murder here two days ago? It's a fine thing. I I take you out in the moonlight and you talk of murders. Let's talk about us, Violet, darling. It seems to me we should talk about your wife. My wife doesn't mean anything to me anymore. Violet, if I could get a divorce, I There's someone behind that tree. She's coming towards us. Who are you, sir? What you no. You don't.
[00:06:13] Unknown:
Don't come near me. Don't.
[00:06:21] Unknown:
Inspector Liscard, she's she's dead for a girl. I know, but a scandal can't bring her back. If there's any way to keep my name out of the placements Yeah. I'm afraid you'll have to take your chances, said George. Oh, and sergeant Yes, Inspector. You can turn that boy loose, we belle for questioning. The man who did this is obviously the same killer. I'm afraid we're gonna hear a lot more from him.
[00:06:44] Unknown:
Live edition, Ethan Piper. Hampstead, East Merbitt, Straubts for fifth start. Gone girls, mermaid on Hampstead, East. Live edition, Ethan Piper.
[00:06:56] Unknown:
Look here, miss. You can't go walking by yourself on the East. It ain't safe. Oh, thank you, constable, but but I'm not frightened.
[00:07:04] Unknown:
I wanna be by myself.
[00:07:06] Unknown:
I want to think. Well, I can't stop you by law, I suppose, but you shouldn't do it. I don't know how to handle these modern young things, and that's a fact.
[00:07:20] Unknown:
I expected Estrada. He must have killed at the moment she got out my sight. I searched the old lady Eve, but I couldn't find the murderer. But I did startle him. He left his knife in the body. Good, Jackson.
[00:07:30] Unknown:
The body's not been identified yet, No, inspector. We'll print her photograph in all the papers. We've got to find out who she is. Mister Bishop, is the this the, body of your missing daughter? Yes. It's Rosie. My rose.
[00:07:52] Unknown:
Inspector Lestrade, if I ever lay my hands on that murdering feed, I'll kill him. I'll kill him with the bare hands.
[00:08:01] Unknown:
Here's the story, mister Holmes. Rose Bishop was the tenth and last girl murdered.
[00:08:08] Unknown:
But she was the first girl murdered when she was alone. Name, Estrad? Yes, sir. You found no clothes? Well, none that proved anything when we checked on them. Let me ask you a question, mister Estrad. Well, anything you like, sir. You've taken the obvious precautions, of course. How do you mean? You posted a heavy police guard on Heath? Why, yes, sir. You've had a hundred plainclothesmen
[00:08:27] Unknown:
walking there at night ever since the second murder, but he he seems to slip through our fingers. I suppose you've also posted policemen dressed Rose. And we've hired girls to walk the heat in couples with our plainclothesmen. But the murderer won't seem to rise to our bait. Oh, he's a cunning brute. Yes. Yes, Watson.
[00:08:46] Unknown:
Obviously, a morbid madman obsessed by a hatred of love. It'll be hard to catch. Mister Dodd, you mentioned clues that amounted to nothing when you check them. What were these clues? Well,
[00:08:56] Unknown:
footprints, a couple of cigarette butts dropped at the scene of the crime, nothing that helped us. The only important clue was the night we found in the body of Rose Bishop, the, last girl murdered. Of course, the experts at the yard examined it. Yes, sir. Didn't tell us a thing, though. Have you had the night with you? Here it is, mister Holmes. I knew you wouldn't trust us. You'd want to look at it yourself. Thank you, Lestrade.
[00:09:23] Unknown:
Yeah. Mhmm. Interesting. Well, what is it, hon? This night is a collector's item. It's at least a hundred years old, I should say. May I keep this overnight, mister O'Dowd? I should like to conduct a few experiments of my own. Why, of course you can, sir. Then you are going to take on the case, Holmes? Let us say that I'll take it under advisement. I'll do my best, mister O'Dowd. I'll do my best. Well, thank you, sir. If any further developments occur, communicate with me at once, will you? Yes, sir. In the meanwhile, I'll smoke a few pipes on the problem. But I promise nothing, my dear fellow. I promise absolutely nothing.
[00:10:10] Unknown:
03:00 in the morning home. You're still peering through your microscope with that knife the stroud, that's it. Old chap. That's quite true. I must be a very dull companion. Why don't you go to bed? Oh, because I'm afraid I may miss something and found it. Have you discovered anything? Yes. I think so. Oh, what? The handle of this knife is corrugated.
[00:10:29] Unknown:
On the underside, I observed a slight diffusion in the markings. Under the penetrating eye of the microscope, I found minute deposits which have caused the diffusion. I have just analyzed that deposit. It's wax, colored wax. Colored wax? Well, what does that signify? Oh, by itself, very little. But when you combine it with a knife that definitely belongs to another century, it does suggest a certain origin. I've got an idea.
[00:10:54] Unknown:
Perhaps it came from the theater. An eighteenth century dagger could belong in a period play, and the colored wax might easily be part of an actor's maker. Excellent deduction, Watson. Oh, thanks for that. However, my own theory would be that this dagger came from a wax works exhibition. Oh, wrong again.
[00:11:11] Unknown:
Putty is used in theatrical disguises, but I don't recall the use of colored wax. Whereas it is used in making wax and effigies. And, of course, the dagger would belong as part of the costume. Precisely, my dear fellow. It's a long chance, but, I think in the morning, we'll make a tour of the various London waxworks exhibitions. If my deduction is a false one, at least we'll have the pleasure of a busman's holiday. We can visit all our old friends who died on the gallows.
[00:11:48] Unknown:
Any taro, chap? I must say I'm a little weary. This is the fourth waxworks exhibition that we've been to. The fourth and the last. If we fail to find any clues here at the Vex Museum, we can return to Big Street. Oh, thank thank heaven. This is our last port of call. I'm so dizzy from looking at waxworks that they begin to look like human beings to me. Did you notice that I asked directions from the wax policemen at the entrance door to staff? Yes.
[00:12:14] Unknown:
I'm sure many people have been deceived in the same way. Uh-huh. Here we are.
[00:12:20] Unknown:
Oh, Moshe
[00:12:21] Unknown:
Levesque doesn't believe in understatement, does he? Look. Look at that sign there. Mercutious me. The Chamber Of Horrors, come in and see the pageant of murder. All the great killers of history reenacting their famous crimes. Well, let's go in, Watson. We should feel thoroughly at home.
[00:12:38] Unknown:
Creepy in here, isn't it? I've heard that mister Levesque could pay a hundred pounds to anyone who will spend all night alone in the Chamber of Horace. Yes. I've heard of that challenge too. Were you thinking of accepting the bet? Brad Scott, now I wouldn't spend a night here for a thousand. Are they comprehensive collection of killers, aren't they? See Williams,
[00:12:54] Unknown:
Wainwright, an arsonist de Brampillier.
[00:13:00] Unknown:
Right, Joe. Yes. She was an attractive woman, wasn't she? A strimmer pair of ankles as ever I've seen. Yes.
[00:13:06] Unknown:
But you wouldn't have liked her cooking, Watson. She used the most lethal condiments of almost any woman in history. Hello?
[00:13:14] Unknown:
What is it? Look over there.
[00:13:17] Unknown:
I was wondering when we'd come to one of your cases. Doctor Grimsby Rylott and the murder at Stoke Moran, or the case of the Speckle Band. Hi, Joe Holmes. The tableau's extraordinary realistic, isn't it?
[00:13:32] Unknown:
One of my other old friends of mine are represented here. She'd rather like to renew acquaintance with Ricoletti of the clubfoot and his abominable wife. Ricoletti? I don't remember him, Holmes. Oh, one of my earlier cases, old fellow. I must tell you that story sometime. I wish you would, Abolf.
[00:13:46] Unknown:
Arbuth. Holmes, look. That veiled figure over there. Read the placard in front of it. The Hampstead Heath Murderer.
[00:13:55] Unknown:
Well,
[00:13:57] Unknown:
how very interesting. The face is covered with a black veil. Is this pure showmanship? I wonder, or does mister Lavec know more than Scotland Yard and die? A good day to you gentlemen. Miss Scott, do you you startled me, sir? Are you admiring my collection of murderers? Mister Lavec? Yes, sir. And haven't I the distinction of addressing mister Sherlock Holmes? Yes. It's my name. This is my friend, doctor Watson. How do you do? How do you do, doctor? I am greatly honored to meet you both. What do you think of my chamber of horrors? Oh, it's very impressive. We're particularly interested in this veiled figure of the Hampstead Heath murder. Indeed we are, sir. Is there a face behind beneath that that veil? I'll let you in on a trade secret, gentlemen. There are no recognizable features behind that veil. This is purely for publicity purposes. The public always expects to see the latest horrors here. And I I thought I'd titillate their morbid palettes by by having a mysterious figure representing the killer. Of course, if he is captured, I shall add his effigy to my collection. You think he will be captured then? One can only speculate. He's a clever man, mister Helvet. By the way, mister Helvet, does your offer of a hundred pounds to anyone who will spend a night in the Chamber Of Horrors still hold good? Oh, yes. Are you thinking of accepting the bet, mister Helms? No. But doctor Watson would like to.
I don't recommend the experience, doctor. It's an ordeal that calls for nerves of steel. However, I shall be glad to arrange for it. Haven't the slightest of catching the backing down now? Of course you haven't, old fellow. What time shall my friend return, sir? About 11:30 tonight. I'll be waiting for him at the main entrance. Monday. Come on, Watson. Holmes, I Good day, mister Levesque. Good day, gentlemen. I shall be waiting for you tonight, doctor.
[00:15:30] Unknown:
Holmes, what the blazes do you think you're doing? I haven't the slightest intention of keeping that appointment tonight. Well, of course you haven't.
[00:15:36] Unknown:
I shall keep it
[00:15:38] Unknown:
disguised as you. You keep for heaven's sake, tell me what you're up to, Holmes.
[00:15:43] Unknown:
You didn't even mention that missing dagger to elevate. No. Because he knows something about the murderer. I'm convinced of it. Oh, why'd you say that? As we were standing there talking to him, a breath of air from the open window broke out the corner of the veil. I'll swear that there are clearly defined features beneath it. And so you're going back there tonight to find out? That's right, old fellow. The superstitious used to believe they could use a waxen image to kill a man. Tonight, Watson, we shall prove that a waxen image can be used to trap a killer.
[00:16:20] Unknown:
Doctor. Watson will continue his story in just a second. So I'm just going you'll love that wonderful Petri California Sauternes. If you like a red wine, then rich, hearty Petri California Burgundy is your wine. But if you don't know which you prefer, why not try them both? Petri Burgundy and Petri Sauternes, red and white. Don't buy one, buy two, but always buy Petri.
[00:17:02] Unknown:
Well, doctor, so Sherlock Holmes decided to disguise himself as you and spend the night in the Chamber Of Hearts. That's right, mister Burchell. After dinner that night, he began to apply the makeup. I'm telling you to sit there in Baker Street and watch Holmes slowly turning into a very convincing replica of myself. As he did so, we discussed last minute
[00:17:24] Unknown:
We have clock here at 11:30, Watson. If I'm not back here by 02:00, you better come out today. Mister Demi, we can't wait outside or follow. Just in case there's any trouble. No. No. No. No. You'd attract attention. By the way, do you recall the name of the last girl murdered on the heat?
[00:17:38] Unknown:
Heath? Yes. Bishop, Rose. Bishop was there? Exactly.
[00:17:42] Unknown:
The only girl who was murdered when she was unescorted. The body was identified by her father. Robert Holmes? Levesque is a French name, and yet the gentleman had a decidedly English accent. I should say that,
[00:17:55] Unknown:
he adopted a foreign name as being more suited to his profession. I don't see what you're driving here. What's the connection between Levesque, the owner of the waxworks, and the father of Rose Bishop, the murdered girl? Levesque
[00:18:06] Unknown:
is the French word for bishop.
[00:18:08] Unknown:
Great, Scott. You think that he knows who the murderer is and I have one thing, Watson.
[00:18:14] Unknown:
I may see what is beneath that black veil. Now,
[00:18:17] Unknown:
now, how's my disguise?
[00:18:19] Unknown:
Wonderful. You look exactly like me, but
[00:18:22] Unknown:
how how do you manage about the voice? Well, I don't think that'll be too difficult, old man. Not for Rebecca knows that well. Oh, I can't understand half what you're saying.
[00:18:31] Unknown:
In your own case, old chap, that's a handicap that I've suffered from for years. Rubbish. I'm perfectly intelligent. Now let me see the, bull's eye lantern. Yes. Watson, I think I'll borrow your revolver too. I probably won't need it, but, for once, I think it might be safer for me to go armed. Here, Holmes. Do be careful. I will always help. Don't worry. Goodbye. And if I'm not back by 02:00, you better come to the waxworks and see what's happened to me.
[00:19:04] Unknown:
Doctor Watson, you don't mind if I search you? Oh, no gracious. No. No. Of course not. And no no lantern, please. The moonlight will give you all the illumination that you need. Oh, dear me. A revolver in your pocket. I'm afraid I can't allow that. Oh, no. Once before, a young man who unwisely accepted my bets left bullet holes in some of my finest waxworks
[00:19:25] Unknown:
before he finally went raving mad. Washes me raving mad, is it? It's almost my hero. Don't be
[00:19:31] Unknown:
frightened, doctor Watson. Many of the waxwork murderers here are all friends of yours. They'll be good company.
[00:19:36] Unknown:
I shall come and release you at eight in the morning. Well,
[00:19:42] Unknown:
I've I've I've sealed all the windows with string and wax. I shall seal the door behind me as I leave. Oh, that's very unkind of you. Midnight. The bed it on, doctor. Do you still wish to go through it? Well, I suppose so. Very well then. I shall leave you now.
[00:19:57] Unknown:
Good night, doctor Watson. Good night. Pleasant dream. Pleasant dream
[00:20:04] Unknown:
is
[00:20:11] Unknown:
all the
[00:20:19] Unknown:
What's that? Who's that? Who's that? A little smile. I and shuffling about my shadows. Who's going to hear with me?
[00:20:33] Unknown:
It's out of the window. Quick, Scotts Watson. And now before his time. Well,
[00:20:41] Unknown:
either the seals and the string. What's up with it? Holmes. Holmes. Are you alright?
[00:20:48] Unknown:
Yes. I'm alright. You came early, but it's just as well. You're carrying a lantern, and the vet took mine with him. Come on in.
[00:21:02] Unknown:
There we are. Quite open or quiet.
[00:21:05] Unknown:
I'm glad to see you, Watson.
[00:21:07] Unknown:
But, what made you decide to come here so well? After you left the start, came to Beg Street. You told me there was another murder on the Heath at and at 07:00 tonight. Another murder, I started worrying about you, Holmes. I had a premonition of impending danger, and I decided to come over here. You're you're not angry with me? Of course not, my dear fellow. I'm glad of your company, and I appreciate your concern. Have you looked under the veil of the waxwork figure of the Hampstead Heath murderer yet? No. I was just about to. A young lantern will be most useful. Come on, Watson. Oh,
[00:21:35] Unknown:
what have you been doing? Just to just doing nothing? Yes. Yes. I I wanted to give Latrice an impression that I was here for the night, and I also wanted to do some serious thinking. I smoked two pipes on the problem, Watson, and I think I know the answer now. I'm willing to swear you'll know the face you see when I lift the veil from the wax and dummy. Here's a figure. Now hold your lantern a little high, will you? That's it. I lift the veil and oh, who do we see? Good lord. It's the waxwork figure of Leveque himself. Precisely, Watson. An unparalleled example of the self betrayal inherent in criminal egotism.
That they couldn't resist the Holmes, the waxwork is moving. Great Scott, it's alarming,
[00:22:15] Unknown:
which is more than either of you will be in a few minutes. You reenter this room by a secret door, I suppose? Yes, mister Holmes. And since you've displayed such a flattering interest in the Hampstead Heath Murderer, I decided to remove the wax figure and appear in person. Look out Holmes, you got a revolver. No. No. No. No, doctor. This isn't a revolver in my pocket. What would the Hampstead Heath Murderer want with a revolver? This is a knife. I feel so much more at home with a knife. There are two of us today. Remember that. And both unarmed.
[00:22:41] Unknown:
Which one of you meddlers wants to die first? Go go go. Watch it. Watch it. Watch it. Watch it.
[00:22:48] Unknown:
The lats are smashed. Yes. And the moon's fading. What a pity. Holmes. Holmes, where are you? Over here by the effigy of Macbeth. How many thoughts will of you to provide him with a dagger, Leveque? I wouldn't want my dear Holmes. You can't escape me. I can feel my way in the dark here. I know every inch of this room. You're doomed, both of you.
[00:23:07] Unknown:
Don't suck a match, Holmes. You'll make a target of yourself. The devil to that. I'm writing this newspaper to make an excellent torch to set the light to the nearest wax world. No. No. Don't burn my wax works. Wax on a wooden frame, the blaze brilliantly. There we are. Oh, you devil. You're destroying my light works. Holmes, I'm burning wax. It's pouring all over the floor.
[00:23:26] Unknown:
The curtains are catching light. The whole place will burn down. Oh, my beautiful museum.
[00:23:31] Unknown:
I thought this would smoke you out. Quit watching that again. Watch that nice home.
[00:23:48] Unknown:
Well, mister Holmes, you've done it again. You've solved the case in a blaze of glory. Get the point, sir. A blaze of glory. Yes, miss Trudy. I get the point. Thank you very much. Pass that, Marmalade. Will you want some? Is that the morning paper you brought with you, Lucerne? Yes, doctor. Yeah. Want me to, read you the headline? Yes. Yes. Please. Please do. Yeah. Amsteed East Murderer captured in fire that destroys waxwork exhibition. You know, mister Holmes, you and the doctor were lucky you went burnt to death. Never mind the chance you ran of having your throat cut by that maniac. It was fortunate that the police and firemen were on the scene as quickly as they were. Levesque had the strength of 10 men. Yes. The strength of a madman. He'll never stand trial, of course. No, doctor. You'll end up in an asylum where he belongs.
Mister Holmes,
[00:24:41] Unknown:
what made you suspect Levesque? You first gave me the cue yourself, Lestrade. You, told me that all the murdered girls were accompanied by men when they were attacked. All of them save one, Rose Bishop. Therefore, if the murderer was venting a hatred of love, he had to, he had to be someone very close to Rose Bishop to know that she was a suitable victim. That point alone, which I was shocking, miss Lowen observing, should have told us to focus our attention on the father, mister Bishop, alias Le Levesque. Well, your theory was certainly right, mister Holmes.
[00:25:13] Unknown:
You should have heard his ravings after the arrest. He swore his daughter had been ruined,
[00:25:18] Unknown:
and so he'd killed her at the Holmes, the the waxwork figure of the killer, the one with a veil over its face, the features underneath were those of the of Levesque himself, weren't they? I'm certain of it, old fellow. You see, he had two great prides. The first, his natural pride as a fine craftsman in wax.
[00:25:34] Unknown:
The second, his perverted pride as a prominent and successful murderer. These two prides combined suggested to his crazed mind that he make a waxwork figure of himself and range it with the other great killers of history. Yes. But he was cunning enough to protect himself by placing a veil over the face. Precisely, my dear fellow. And when he saw us yesterday and we accepted the wager, he undoubtedly became suspicious and removed the wax figure last night and made his personal appearance as the murderer with every intention of killing us both.
Yes. We were very lucky, old chap. Yeah. If you ask me, mister Holmes, you've been very smart. I quite agree, mister Holmes. I think you solved the case brilliantly, Holmes. No. No. No. No. I've been very sluggish. I solved by circumstance and melodrama what should have been a purely intellectual problem. I'm not pleased with myself. Mister Rogers, I hope that my name has not been used in that newspaper report. No. It hasn't. Excellent. I want no credit in this case. Oh, do you mean to say that you're gonna let Scotland Yard get the praise for catching him home? Why not? What a catch. Very generous of you, mister Holmes.
[00:26:33] Unknown:
It'll make other things a lot easier for me. It certainly will, Holmes.
[00:26:37] Unknown:
I can't see why you reproach yourself. Because, my dear Watson, like the Hampstead Heath murderer, I too have my pride as a craftsman. This case had a clearly defined pattern, and I was unable to recognize it. If you should have occasion to chronicle this story, Watson, and I should prefer that you didn't. I I would like you to entitle
[00:26:55] Unknown:
it The Education of an Idiot. Oh, come now, Holmes. Education of an Idiot?
[00:27:00] Unknown:
That's absurd. I know. But, if you do tell this story, it'll probably end up as a strange case of the murderer in wax.
[00:27:21] Unknown:
Well, doctor, that was sure a swell story. You know, that's the kind of story I like. Lots of action. Well, that's the kind of story I like to tell. You know, mister Bartel, although our broadcast were heard overseas every week through armed forces radio, this is one of the few occasions that I've had the privilege of really telling my story directly to the boys. And it's been a great pleasure for me to be here
[00:27:44] Unknown:
at Camp Roberts. Well, that not only goes for you, but for me too, doctor, and for the Petrie family. There there are no words to describe how much our country owes our servicemen. And to all of you, the Petrie family wants to say, just as every American wants to say, thanks for a swell job.
[00:28:03] Unknown:
Well, doctor Watson, what story are you planning to tell us next week? Next week. Well, now next week, mister Bartel, I'm going to tell you one of the strangest adventures that ever happened to Sherlock Holmes. It takes place in a in a monastery high in the mountains of Tibet and concerns itself with an avalanche, an execution,
[00:28:22] Unknown:
and a murder.
[00:28:36] Unknown:
Tonight's Sherlock Holmes adventure was written by Dennis Green and Anthony Boucher and was suggested by an incident in sir Arthur Conan Doyle's story, The Adventure of the Second Stain. Music is by Dean Foster. Mister Rathbone appears through the courtesy of Metro Baldwin Mayer, and mister Bruce through 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. This is Harry Bartel saying good night for the Petrie family.
For a solid hour of exciting mystery dramas, listen every Monday night 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
Sherlock Holmes Broadcast Introduction
The Strange Case of the Murder in Wax
Holmes' Investigation Begins
The Night at the Wax Museum
The Capture of the Hampstead Heath Murderer
Closing Remarks and Next Week's Preview
