In this festive episode, we delve into a classic Sherlock Holmes adventure set on Christmas Eve in 1886. Doctor Watson recounts a tale filled with holiday cheer and mystery, as he dons a Santa Claus costume to bring joy to children, only to find himself embroiled in a case involving stolen jewels and a cunning criminal. As Holmes and Watson navigate the twists and turns of the case, they encounter old foes and new challenges, all while maintaining the spirit of Christmas.
Meanwhile, Holmes is called upon by Lord Widdicombe to investigate a threatening letter concerning valuable Christmas presents. The story unfolds with Holmes and Watson working separately yet in tandem to solve the mystery, culminating in a heartwarming resolution that brings joy to the children and justice to the criminals. This episode captures the essence of a Victorian Christmas, blending suspense with the warmth of holiday traditions.
(00:20) The Avengers in South Africa
(01:05) Sherlock Holmes Broadcast for Troops
(02:38) A Christmas Eve with Dr. Watson
(04:00) The Santa Claus Disguise
(06:00) A Warning Letter and a Heist
(10:12) The Santa Claus Switch
(14:54) The Carol Singers' Scheme
(18:27) The Temple of the Octagonal Square
(21:04) A Christmas Carol Confrontation
(25:05) A Generous Christmas Gift
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Auto parts.
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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 filmed 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.
[00:01:06] Unknown:
This episode from the life of Sherlock Holmes will be transmitted to our men and women overseas by short wave and through the worldwide facilities of the armed forces radio service. Petri wine brings you Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce, 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. Well, right about now you are probably taking a little breather in your last minute rush to get everything ready for the big day tomorrow. Children have to be put to bed to wait for Santa Claus and is the tree waiting to be decorated and oh a million and one things which must be done before morning.
I sure hope you got all your Christmas shopping done. It's pretty hectic rushing off at the last minute to take care of uncle Charlie or aunt Bertha or cousin Sam. But if you must get something, just remember that you can always dash over to your wine merchant and get a bottle or two of Petri wine. Or better yet, a whole case of Petri wine. Petri wine's a swell gift and I just thought a little last minute suggestion might be of some help. And now I'm sure our good friend Doctor Watson's waiting for us, so let's go in and join him.
[00:02:43] Unknown:
Come in, come in, come in. There you are, Mr. Bartell.
[00:02:48] Unknown:
Oh, say, doctor, I can see you're gonna have yourself quite a Christmas. Big tree in the corner with colored lights on it. Where'd you get those?
[00:02:56] Unknown:
Table covered with presents? You must be mighty popular. They aren't all for me, my boy. You see, I'm I'm having a Christmas party tomorrow for my housekeeper's little nieces. Oh. I'm going to dress up with Santa Claus for them. Well, I'm sure you look very convincing in the part.
[00:03:11] Unknown:
Oh, by the way, doctor, I, I brought you a little present.
[00:03:14] Unknown:
Here it is. I hope you like it. Oh, good. I know you're tomorrow. I got one for you too here, am I? Oh, you you, mustn't open it until tomorrow. Here here, I'm a boy. Thanks a lot doctor.
[00:03:26] Unknown:
And now how's about tonight's story? Last week you told us you'd chosen an adventure with a lot of Christmassy atmosphere. Yes, mister Bartel. My story begins on another Christmas Eve many, many years ago.
[00:03:38] Unknown:
To be exact in 1886. The time the adventure occurred, I must confess I didn't quite understand what was going on myself. In fact, I never did, quite make any tales of it until till Holmes took pity on me later and explain the the whole thing. But I shan't try to confuse you, mister Bartell. I'll tell you the story exactly as it happened. Right you are doctor. Let's go. Very well. On that Christmas Eve in '86, I was standing in our Baker Street rooms dressed in the costume of Santa Claus. Holmes is long thin fingers pressed together, laid back in an armchair and gaze at me quizzically while our housekeeper, missus Hudson, stood by the door and
[00:04:23] Unknown:
you make a grand Santa Claus.
[00:04:26] Unknown:
Tell me, Mrs. Hudson. Now the beard on what's an old chap. I'm afraid this is getting a little uncomfortable.
[00:04:33] Unknown:
How
[00:04:34] Unknown:
does it look? Oh, you look just like the old man on the Christmas cards, doctor. Yes, Watson.
[00:04:39] Unknown:
It really becomes you. The cheery twinkle of the eyes, the ruddy complexion and the, the appropriate girth.
[00:04:46] Unknown:
What a shame we can't obtain some snow and a sleigh and reindeer for you. However, I'm sure missus Hudson's nieces will be very much impressed. Well, there will that, sir. And it's very kind of you, doctor, to offer to come over to that house with me. With our father in the hospital and my sister at his bedside, it would have been a very miserable Christmas without you. Oh, I could enjoy myself, but I think I'll take this beard off before we get there.
[00:05:10] Unknown:
That's it. Are you ready to leave, missus Hudson? I am, sir. Will I get a cab? How far do we have to go?
[00:05:17] Unknown:
Oh, Lexington Gardens, Number 28. It's just off the Edgeware Road, Doctor. It's not far, but bearing in mind my costume, I suppose we'd better take a cab. Aye, sir. I'll get one.
[00:05:28] Unknown:
Holmes, what what are you gonna do with yourself? I hate leaving you alone on Christmas Eve. Oh, don't worry old chap. I shall spend a profitable evening writing on my new monograph. Oh, what's this one about? An analysis of teeth marks on pipe stems with particular regard to indicated character. Oh gracious me. How exciting.
[00:05:45] Unknown:
Well, I must be going.
[00:05:48] Unknown:
Don't forget your sack of presents over the long. No. No. No. When you come to distribute them, you'll find that I took the liberty of adding a few trinkets on my own behalf. Oh, that's very thoughtful of you, Holmes.
[00:05:58] Unknown:
Excuse me, mister Holmes, but there's a gentleman to see you. Says he's an old friend of yours. He has this card, sir. Oh, thank you.
[00:06:06] Unknown:
Oh, mister Woodicombe, splendid. Ask him to come up, please, missus Mrs. Hudson. Alright, sir. And I hope your party is a great success, Mrs. Hudson. Well, thank you, sir. Are you sure you don't like me to stay? Now that you have a visitor? Oh, no, no, no, no. Indeed no, Mrs. Hudson. I can show the gentleman out myself. You go off and have a good time. Thank you sir. I wonder what Lord Wilson wants. Perhaps I should stay. Oh, no, please my dear fellow. Certainly not. Yeah. You far more important work to do. Well, he can probably wants his revenge at chess or something equally innocuous. Off with you. Off with you, my dear. Hello and enjoy yourself. Oh, well, I'm gonna go. Just to say my wish you were coming with me. I'll, I'll see you later. I shall be there. Come on up. Will he come? Hello, Holmes.
Evening, Watson. You make a very convincing Santa Claus. Are you leaving? I'm afraid so, old, Widdigo. Well, good night then.
[00:06:55] Unknown:
Good night, good night.
[00:06:57] Unknown:
How are you, Holmes? All alone on Christmas eve. Yes, Widdigo. I'm glad you came over to see me. Mhmm. What's it to be? An evening of chess or have you unearthed some recent treasure of medieval pottery that we can discuss? Neither, Holmes. I've come to you in your professional capacity. I, I need help. Oh, come now, William. Don't tell me that after all these years of quiet friendship, you're going to become a clown. I'm afraid so Holmes. Though I doubt if my problem will problem will interest you very much. It's hardly up to your rather colorful standards carefully cigar. Oh, thanks. Now, my dear Willingham, what's your trouble? Well, I decided this year to have a little Christmas party at my townhouse. I'm quite comfortably off as you know and it occurred to me that I have several relatives and friends who are not as well off. I'm having a party for them tonight, Holmes, and I hope you'd attend it disguised as, Santa Claus. My dear fellow.
I've adopted many disguises in my time but father Christmas has never been one of them. Why do you want me to attend your party in disguise in any case? You ashamed of your friendship with a private detective or, do you consider my features more acceptable when buried beneath the depths of a snowy beard? Oh, my dear Holmes, do take me seriously. I'm not joking. I assure you. Of course you're not. Of course you're not. You, you want me to attend your party in disguise. Why? Now I'm giving some very valuable presents, diamond and onyx cufflinks, platinum and ruby earrings and such like, and I've wrapped each of the presents in bank notes. Jeremy.
Where are these presents now? In a sack. In charge of my butler. I was going to dress up as Santa Claus and give him out myself until I got the warning letter. That's why I've come to you. Warning letter, Yes. I received it by this evening's post. Listen to this. My dear Lord Widdicombe, your generosity with Christmas presents borders on ostentation. We do not approve. Neither we receive £5,000 in sovereigns at Post Restaurant Box 379 by 06:00 on Christmas eve or I'm afraid a Christmas party will be conspicuous by its absence of presents. Let me see that note, Widdigan, will you? Yes, here you are. Thanks. Mhmm.
Plain paper, drawn from a penny notebook. The writing is obviously disguised, isn't it? By George, yes. Willingham, I accept the case. I'll come with you to your party at once and furthermore I shall follow your suggestion regarding a disguise. Dressed as Santa Claus, I shall be less likely to attract suspicion. I'm delighted Holmes, but, what made you decide so suddenly? This writing my dear fellow, this writing. Oh, it's in a false hand. I know that characteristic M in my dear Whittaker. I've seen it too often at the beginning of a signature. Moriarty.
Moriarty? Who's he? Oh, one of the cleverest and most unscrupulous criminals in England. Whittakerm, there's no time to be lost. It's let me see now. 06:30. Half an hour beyond the deadline given you in this letter. We must go to your house once.
[00:10:12] Unknown:
This is as far as the cab can take us, doctor. Here you are, Cabot. It's 5 shillings for you and a and a Merry Christmas. Oh, bless you, gentlemen. And merry Christmas to you too.
[00:10:21] Unknown:
You said you wanted to get into the house through the back way so that you could surprise the children. Yes. I thought I'd come down the kitchen chimney. Oh, you can get to the back of the house by going up the alley here. I'll go in the front door. Spending spending, mister Sutton. Which is the house? Number 28. It's the third one down the alley, doctor. I'll have the back window open in no time, and you can slip in without any of the barren scene. Very well. A gloomy little street. I must say,
[00:10:47] Unknown:
hello.
[00:10:49] Unknown:
Where's the music coming from? Oh, it's from that temple across the street, doctor. The disciples of the octagonal square, they call themselves. What on earth do you suppose that means? Oh, some newfangled cult. Heathens most
[00:11:02] Unknown:
likely. Oh, hello. Hello. I'm not the only Santa Claus abroad tonight.
[00:11:07] Unknown:
Look at that fellow across the street over there. Oh, dressed just like yourself, doctor. And Carrie in a sack too. Oh, he he's running up the steps to the temple. Prince got he. He slipped on the ice.
[00:11:18] Unknown:
Oh, I wonder what his hurry was. Here, here, I mean Oh, oh, he doesn't know, doctor. Do not slip for yourself. Here, Ursa. Now, give me a hand.
[00:11:27] Unknown:
Thank you, sir.
[00:11:28] Unknown:
Silly of me, wasn't it? We Santa Claus have to help each other. You know? Up you come. That's it. Whoo. Oh, oh, oh, doctor. I told you to be careful. Now you've fallen too. Oh, it's this confounded red curdum on it. It tripped me up. Did you have to so sorry? No. No. No. No. I'm alright, I think.
[00:11:48] Unknown:
How about you, sir? Well, I'm alright. Thanks. Silly of me to run, wasn't it? Here's your sex, sir. Well, thank you. Good night, and, merry Christmas.
[00:11:59] Unknown:
Good night. Same to you. It's the same to you. Oh, you went into the temple. Must be a disciple of the octagonal square. You're sure you know how to do it, doctor? No. No. Of course not, missus Hudson. Give me my sec, please. Thank you. Your sister's house is the third one down this alleyway. You say? I'll hurry and open the back window. Yes. I'll be waiting for you, missus Hudson. This is rather fun. What a shame Holmes isn't with us. Well, he's probably happier having a good game of chess with Lord Willingham.
[00:12:45] Unknown:
This is my house Holmes, number thirty nine. Thirty nine Banson Square. And dear old Watson is just around the corner in Lexington Gardens and hasn't any idea that I've left Bakersfield. Yes. Here you are Caddy.
[00:12:56] Unknown:
Thank you sir. Merry Christmas sir.
[00:13:00] Unknown:
Uh-huh. Isn't that? Kowl singers. Yes. We'll probably have our fill of them before this evening's over.
[00:13:16] Unknown:
Good evening, Milord. Have the have the guests arrived, Harvide? Most of them, sir. They're in the library. You brought another Santa Claus with you, I see Milord. Another Santa Claus? What do you mean? The gentleman arrived three quarters of an hour ago, sir, dressed as Santa Claus. I took him to your study, milord, and showed him the sack of presents. Confirm it. It's got here before us. Where's the study? In this way. I hope I didn't do wrong, milord. You told me that a gentleman dressed as Santa Claus would be coming here.
[00:13:48] Unknown:
Dear me. The gentleman appears to have gone Yes. From the sack containing the presents with him. But he can't have left the house, milord. I've been watching the front door. Yes. And while you were doing that, he slipped out through the window here. The catch is undone. Andre,
[00:14:02] Unknown:
describe this man. Well, I can't tell you much about his appearance, I'm afraid, sir. He was dressed as Santa Claus just like yourself. But I did notice one thing about him, sir. Oh, what was that? He lisped, sir. It was quite pronounced. Of course.
[00:14:15] Unknown:
Lou Valisper. Who on earth is Lou Valisper? One of Moriarty's most trusted accomplices. Fortunately, though, I've had news of him lately through my underworld grapevine. You, you know where he lives? He's reputed to have some, connections for the new cult that calls themselves the disciples of the octagonal square. Their headquarters are just around the corner from here. Look, let's go there at once. Of course. And Hargrave. Yes, sir. Get a message to Scott and Yard as fast as you can. Ask for inspector Lestrade and tell him to join me at the temple of the octagonal square in Lexington Gardens as soon as possible.
[00:14:55] Unknown:
Oh, the children are awful excited, doctor. I told them you just came down the chivalry. I'll sip the bed on and then I'll go into them. Will I announce you, doctor? Yes. Yes. Please. Will it happen? Alright, sir. Now, children quiet. Santa Claus has come to see you and she's brought you all presents. Hello. Hello to her. Hello. Hello, Santa Claus. My name's Elsie.
[00:15:20] Unknown:
Did you bring me a present? No. I did, Elsie. I'll look in for a second a minute. And, what's your name, young man? Herbert, they call me Bertie. Did you come down the chimney? Yes, Bertie. I bet you had a time doing it. You're so fast. Hey. Don't do it Bertie or Santa Claus won't give you your present. And what's your name, little man? My adult.
[00:15:41] Unknown:
I've got a cold. Yes. Yes. I see you have. Well, children, gather around men. I'll see what presents I got for you. What do you mean for me? Not be right. It says for her grace,
[00:15:57] Unknown:
the dowager duchess of Beaulieu. Oh, do you suppose mister Holmes has been playing a practical joke on you, doctor? I suppose so. Well, I can't see the point result,
[00:16:05] Unknown:
but he did say that he'd added a few trinkets of his own. I want my present. Then supposing you take this, Elsa. Oh, thank you. And this one is marked for the reverend Arthur Carter. Okay. He would hold it up to. Here you are, Bertie. True. Thanks. And this is for you, Lionel, because you've been a a good little boy. This is a very big, is it? I wanted the dog. I wanted the dog because Well, I'll bring you a dog next year, Laurel. Oh, is it doctor Watson? Yes.
[00:16:35] Unknown:
Oh, look at the wrapping on these presents, doctor. They have 20 pound notes. It's cut.
[00:16:41] Unknown:
Oh, oh, look what I cut. Now let me see. Why,
[00:16:45] Unknown:
cufflinks and diamond and all except ones unless I'm very much mistaken. I've got pretty earrings.
[00:16:51] Unknown:
Look how they sparkle. Let me see, O'Simpsons.
[00:16:54] Unknown:
Good gracious. I swear that these gentlemen, Rubies, what in thunder's going on? I want my earring back. Give me back mine too. Oh, oh, oh, well, here here you are. Here are. Mister Watson, what do you suppose has happened? I don't know, missus Hudson. Perhaps my toys are still at the bottom of the sack. I can't understand it. I wish Holmes were here instead of dozing in front of our fire in Baker Street.
[00:17:26] Unknown:
Where are you, Holmes? Here, but the bed. This is the only room in the temple that gives any signs of having been lived in. I think our bird has been here but I'm afraid he's flown. I'm sure inspector Lestrade will get here. Strike a match, will you, buddy? Come right. Here's a candle on the table. Oh, just as I feared. Look on the bed. A red coat and a beard. Yes. Lulu, the lisper has discarded its disguise and gone. And with him, I'm afraid you are valuable precious. Oh, wait a minute. Here's a sack lying on the floor. Papa. Oh, no. This isn't mine. Look what's in it. A toy dog, large box of chocolates, little girl's dog. What are you thunder?
Well, this is Watson's sack. But how on earth could Lou the lisper have got hold of it? Somewhere, somehow, he Watson must have made an accidental change and Lou the Lisper is no doubt trying to track Watson down at this very moment. He must work fast, William, or my friend's life and those of missus Hudson and our relatives won't be worth our tinker's damn.
[00:18:28] Unknown:
Oh, now, doctor, you can't break off your story there. Oh, yes. I can, my boy. Before I go on, I thought we'd never lost pork just to
[00:18:35] Unknown:
to freshen us up. Oh, well, that's that's something different. Of course. Instead of talking about port as I sometimes do, it'll be nice to drink some for a change.
[00:18:46] Unknown:
Hey, I'm a boy and a and a merry Christmas to you. The same to you. And now, what happened next doctor? We left you at the children's Christmas party and Sherlock Holmes and Lord Whitcomb around the corner at the temple of the octagonal square. Yes. Mister Bartel, although at the time, of course, I had no idea what was going on. There I was cheerfully handing out gifts worth well, not a king's, at least to baronet's ransom. While outside the temple of the octagonal square, Holmes Lord Whittaker were talking to inspect Lestrade, the cut and yards.
[00:19:18] Unknown:
Where's the case in a nutshell, It seems to me Lord Whittaker, you would have been wiser to get in touch with Scotland Yard when you first got the warning note. We could have nabbed him when he came to your house and pinched the sack of presents. This is no time for post mortems. We better reach Lou the Lisper before he finds doctor Watson. Do you suppose he can do do that Holmes? It wouldn't be difficult. Lou the lispa is nearly as clever as his master professor Moriarty. The chances are that you were followed when you came to Baker Street tonight, Whittigham. And it equally likely that Watson and Mrs. Hudson were followed as they left it. Mariotti seldom leaves anything to chance. Well, where did Doctor. Watson go tonight? In the 8 Lexington Gardens. It's just around the corner from here. Well, then this go there at once. Quite not quarry away. No, no, no, no, Vastraad. We must use a little subtlety. Now Lou the Lisboa wishes to recover that sack of presence from Watson. How would he invade the party with the least possible trouble? By, by dressing up as Santa Claus again. No, no. I think he's overplayed that role for one evening. Well then, how would he try to get in Mr. Holmes? Oh, come now, mister. What group of people can enter any house on Christmas Eve without invitation and without creating suspicion? Who cares exactly my dear fellow? I shouldn't be at all surprised if at this very moment Louvallis Ferne, some of his gang are singing carols outside 28 Lexington Gardens. Well then, what are we going to do? Former rival choral society. How many of your men did you bring with Three.
[00:20:31] Unknown:
Sergeant and two constables. Wearing greatcoats?
[00:20:34] Unknown:
Yes, mister Holmes. But why? Good. They can hide their helmets and pretend to be singers. Come on. Let's go over there and while we're walking we'll rehearse our carols. We must appear reasonably convincing. Sound your day, Lestrade. Sound your day.
[00:21:05] Unknown:
No. No. You mustn't make Santa Claus too tired. No. That's alright, missus Hudson. Hop on, Lal. Hop on. Second? Of course they can. Ask them to come in, missus Hudson. Alright, sir. Oh, come on. Let me get on your back too. Oh, no. No. Take it easy. Oh, there we go. I wanna see your reindeer, Santa. Let's see my reindeer. Oh, boy. Boy, they're stop on the roof. I'll climb up and see them. No. No. No. You must do that. They're asleep. Oh, here are the carol singers. Off you get, children. There we go. That's it now. Good evening, gentlemen. Good evening, and merry Christmas. Would you like to sing some carols for the children? After that, I'm sure you'd like a drop of something to warm you up. Well, thank you, sir. We should like that. Haven't I met you before somewhere, my man?
[00:21:52] Unknown:
No, sir. I'm sure you haven't. Come on, man. Let's sing good king Went Philip.
[00:22:16] Unknown:
Well, here we are outside the house, mister Holmes. Now watch. Listen.
[00:22:21] Unknown:
Uh-huh. Lou the whisper and his men are already there. Are we going in now? One moment. Amen. You will have your truncheons handy. Yes, Mr. Holmes. We're ready. Spend it. Now remember when we're inside and I yell Merry Christmas at the top of my voice, you bring out your truncheons and get Louva, Lisper and his gang out of there as quickly as possible. Don't arrest them until you get them outside again, mister. I don't wanna fight in the children. Right you are, mister Holmes. We're ready. Just give us the word and we'll go in and get them.
[00:23:00] Unknown:
That was very nice singing. And now, how about something to warm you all up? That won't be necessary,
[00:23:06] Unknown:
doctor Watson. See you to the door, Sammy. Now all of you stay right where you are. Who are you? What do you think you're up to? Please don't be difficult, doctor. All I want is the jewels out of my sack that you sold for me tonight. If you try and stop me, I shall have to hurt you.
[00:23:19] Unknown:
Why do you talk so funny? You got a cold like me. Shut up.
[00:23:24] Unknown:
Now, doctor, where are the jewels? Oh, curse it. There are some more Carol fingers outside. Lots of effort to get away, Lou. No. Better let them come in. If we don't, they might get suspicious. Alright, Lou. First of all, you're up to. Now no tricks, doctor.
[00:23:39] Unknown:
If you try and give an alarm or something, that's to get rough with you. I don't mind about that, but just remember that there are children present. Oh, yeah, Manny. Yeah. We're all here before you. Right? What you say? We all join our little carol for the nippers. Right? Well, alright.
[00:23:54] Unknown:
What what do you want to sing? Man. Up the old angels sing. Right? Alright. Alright. Come on, man. Let's sing.
[00:24:28] Unknown:
What is going on? I'll explain it to you later old chap. Mistrade. Yes, mister Holmes. Take them to Scotland Yard and preferred charges. I'll be over in a little while and give evidence. Right you are, sir. Too bad we didn't catch professor Moriarty too. Well, at least we have some of his cohorts. I'll see you later, Les Brown. I'm not showing you what was going on here. Is Moriarty mixed up in this business? Yes, Watson. I'll tell you all about it as soon as I've straightened this thing out. Now, would you come? Yes, Holmes? The £20 notes that you used as wrapping for your gifts seem to have been scattered all over the house. Do you want me to recover them too? No. From what you've told me of the children, I think their parents could use the money much more profitably than my relatives. In any case, I can replace it. A very generous Christmas gift. Well children,
[00:25:10] Unknown:
did you enjoy the, little game we staged for you? It wasn't our fun. Yes. I really died laughing when they started hitting each other.
[00:25:19] Unknown:
I'm glad you enjoyed it children And now I, I want you to show me the presents you received. I got these pretty earrings. Oh, they were a part of the game too. A nice little girl like you doesn't want silly earrings, Elsie. Here's a beautiful doll for you. Oh. Her eyes open chest and everything. And what did you get, my little man? These. Oh, cufflinks. Good gracious. Who wants cufflinks when he can have a a clockwork train? You want to exchange?
[00:25:45] Unknown:
My lord love a duck. Yes. I wanted the dog. What, Julie? Here's a nice big box of chocolates too. You can all share them. Oh, lovely. What a night. I ain't had as much fun since granny got her finger stuck in a plug o.
[00:26:05] Unknown:
I still don't understand what's going on, Holmes, but I I must say this has all the earmarks
[00:26:10] Unknown:
of of being a happy Christmas. Yes. Oh, oh, oh. Missus Hudson. It's fine, mister Holmes. How's the, how's the turkey coming along? Oh, it'll be ready in a few minutes, mister Holmes. Splendid. And while we're waiting, perhaps the children will oblige with something we haven't heard so far. Missus, I know what you mean. A Christmas carol that really sounds convincing.
[00:26:28] Unknown:
How about it, children? Alright, sir. Come on, Elfie. Come on, Lionel.
[00:27:09] Unknown:
Well doctor, that was really a twelfth, a swell story. On a Christmas Eve like this, do you ever wish you were back in Baker Street celebrating Christmas there? Times, yes. But actually, mister Bartell, I'm I'm very happy right here in my little home.
[00:27:23] Unknown:
There on the table is a beautiful little Christmas tree. There's a fine flower in my fireplace. My two dogs, Monty and Willie, are are sleeping peacefully at my feet. And best of it all, I've got the love of every child in the in the neighborhood. Yes, I've got a great deal this Christmas Eve, lots to be thankful for. And what with the troubles of the world on their way to being settled, it looks as if this is the brightest Christmas that that I've ever had. Well, that's how I feel about it too, doctor. I hope that all our friends listening in are just as happy this Christmas Eve as we are. And speaking not only for myself, but I know for all of us and for the Petrie family too, we wish every one of you a happy Christmas from the bottom of our hearts.
God rest ye merry, gentlemen. Well, doctor Watson, next Monday is New Year's Eve. What story do you plan to tell us? One that I think you'll find extremely appropriate, mister Bartell. It takes place in a Scottish castle near Edinburgh on a New Year's Eve in 1900 and concerns a pair of lovers, an elderly baronet, and a strange iron box that proved to be more than worth its weight in gold.
[00:28:37] Unknown:
Tonight's Sherlock Holmes adventure was written by Dennis Green and Anthony Boucher and was suggested by an incident in the suggested by an incident in the sir Arthur Conan Doyle story, the adventure of the blue carbuncle. Music is by Dean Foster. Mister Rathbone appears through the courtesy of Metro Goldwyn Mayer and mister Bruce through the courtesy of universal pictures, where they are now starring in the Sherlock Holmes series. The Petri wine company of San Francisco, California invites you to tune in again next week, same time, same station. Sherlock Holmes comes to you from our Hollywood studios.
This is Harry Bartel saying good night for the Petrie family. For a solid hour of exciting mystery dramas, listen every Monday on most of these same stations at 08:00 to Michael Shane followed immediately by Sherlock Holmes. This is the mutual broadcasting system.
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Auto parts.
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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 filmed 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.
[00:01:06] Unknown:
This episode from the life of Sherlock Holmes will be transmitted to our men and women overseas by short wave and through the worldwide facilities of the armed forces radio service. Petri wine brings you Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce, 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. Well, right about now you are probably taking a little breather in your last minute rush to get everything ready for the big day tomorrow. Children have to be put to bed to wait for Santa Claus and is the tree waiting to be decorated and oh a million and one things which must be done before morning.
I sure hope you got all your Christmas shopping done. It's pretty hectic rushing off at the last minute to take care of uncle Charlie or aunt Bertha or cousin Sam. But if you must get something, just remember that you can always dash over to your wine merchant and get a bottle or two of Petri wine. Or better yet, a whole case of Petri wine. Petri wine's a swell gift and I just thought a little last minute suggestion might be of some help. And now I'm sure our good friend Doctor Watson's waiting for us, so let's go in and join him.
[00:02:43] Unknown:
Come in, come in, come in. There you are, Mr. Bartell.
[00:02:48] Unknown:
Oh, say, doctor, I can see you're gonna have yourself quite a Christmas. Big tree in the corner with colored lights on it. Where'd you get those?
[00:02:56] Unknown:
Table covered with presents? You must be mighty popular. They aren't all for me, my boy. You see, I'm I'm having a Christmas party tomorrow for my housekeeper's little nieces. Oh. I'm going to dress up with Santa Claus for them. Well, I'm sure you look very convincing in the part.
[00:03:11] Unknown:
Oh, by the way, doctor, I, I brought you a little present.
[00:03:14] Unknown:
Here it is. I hope you like it. Oh, good. I know you're tomorrow. I got one for you too here, am I? Oh, you you, mustn't open it until tomorrow. Here here, I'm a boy. Thanks a lot doctor.
[00:03:26] Unknown:
And now how's about tonight's story? Last week you told us you'd chosen an adventure with a lot of Christmassy atmosphere. Yes, mister Bartel. My story begins on another Christmas Eve many, many years ago.
[00:03:38] Unknown:
To be exact in 1886. The time the adventure occurred, I must confess I didn't quite understand what was going on myself. In fact, I never did, quite make any tales of it until till Holmes took pity on me later and explain the the whole thing. But I shan't try to confuse you, mister Bartell. I'll tell you the story exactly as it happened. Right you are doctor. Let's go. Very well. On that Christmas Eve in '86, I was standing in our Baker Street rooms dressed in the costume of Santa Claus. Holmes is long thin fingers pressed together, laid back in an armchair and gaze at me quizzically while our housekeeper, missus Hudson, stood by the door and
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you make a grand Santa Claus.
[00:04:26] Unknown:
Tell me, Mrs. Hudson. Now the beard on what's an old chap. I'm afraid this is getting a little uncomfortable.
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How
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does it look? Oh, you look just like the old man on the Christmas cards, doctor. Yes, Watson.
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It really becomes you. The cheery twinkle of the eyes, the ruddy complexion and the, the appropriate girth.
[00:04:46] Unknown:
What a shame we can't obtain some snow and a sleigh and reindeer for you. However, I'm sure missus Hudson's nieces will be very much impressed. Well, there will that, sir. And it's very kind of you, doctor, to offer to come over to that house with me. With our father in the hospital and my sister at his bedside, it would have been a very miserable Christmas without you. Oh, I could enjoy myself, but I think I'll take this beard off before we get there.
[00:05:10] Unknown:
That's it. Are you ready to leave, missus Hudson? I am, sir. Will I get a cab? How far do we have to go?
[00:05:17] Unknown:
Oh, Lexington Gardens, Number 28. It's just off the Edgeware Road, Doctor. It's not far, but bearing in mind my costume, I suppose we'd better take a cab. Aye, sir. I'll get one.
[00:05:28] Unknown:
Holmes, what what are you gonna do with yourself? I hate leaving you alone on Christmas Eve. Oh, don't worry old chap. I shall spend a profitable evening writing on my new monograph. Oh, what's this one about? An analysis of teeth marks on pipe stems with particular regard to indicated character. Oh gracious me. How exciting.
[00:05:45] Unknown:
Well, I must be going.
[00:05:48] Unknown:
Don't forget your sack of presents over the long. No. No. No. When you come to distribute them, you'll find that I took the liberty of adding a few trinkets on my own behalf. Oh, that's very thoughtful of you, Holmes.
[00:05:58] Unknown:
Excuse me, mister Holmes, but there's a gentleman to see you. Says he's an old friend of yours. He has this card, sir. Oh, thank you.
[00:06:06] Unknown:
Oh, mister Woodicombe, splendid. Ask him to come up, please, missus Mrs. Hudson. Alright, sir. And I hope your party is a great success, Mrs. Hudson. Well, thank you, sir. Are you sure you don't like me to stay? Now that you have a visitor? Oh, no, no, no, no. Indeed no, Mrs. Hudson. I can show the gentleman out myself. You go off and have a good time. Thank you sir. I wonder what Lord Wilson wants. Perhaps I should stay. Oh, no, please my dear fellow. Certainly not. Yeah. You far more important work to do. Well, he can probably wants his revenge at chess or something equally innocuous. Off with you. Off with you, my dear. Hello and enjoy yourself. Oh, well, I'm gonna go. Just to say my wish you were coming with me. I'll, I'll see you later. I shall be there. Come on up. Will he come? Hello, Holmes.
Evening, Watson. You make a very convincing Santa Claus. Are you leaving? I'm afraid so, old, Widdigo. Well, good night then.
[00:06:55] Unknown:
Good night, good night.
[00:06:57] Unknown:
How are you, Holmes? All alone on Christmas eve. Yes, Widdigo. I'm glad you came over to see me. Mhmm. What's it to be? An evening of chess or have you unearthed some recent treasure of medieval pottery that we can discuss? Neither, Holmes. I've come to you in your professional capacity. I, I need help. Oh, come now, William. Don't tell me that after all these years of quiet friendship, you're going to become a clown. I'm afraid so Holmes. Though I doubt if my problem will problem will interest you very much. It's hardly up to your rather colorful standards carefully cigar. Oh, thanks. Now, my dear Willingham, what's your trouble? Well, I decided this year to have a little Christmas party at my townhouse. I'm quite comfortably off as you know and it occurred to me that I have several relatives and friends who are not as well off. I'm having a party for them tonight, Holmes, and I hope you'd attend it disguised as, Santa Claus. My dear fellow.
I've adopted many disguises in my time but father Christmas has never been one of them. Why do you want me to attend your party in disguise in any case? You ashamed of your friendship with a private detective or, do you consider my features more acceptable when buried beneath the depths of a snowy beard? Oh, my dear Holmes, do take me seriously. I'm not joking. I assure you. Of course you're not. Of course you're not. You, you want me to attend your party in disguise. Why? Now I'm giving some very valuable presents, diamond and onyx cufflinks, platinum and ruby earrings and such like, and I've wrapped each of the presents in bank notes. Jeremy.
Where are these presents now? In a sack. In charge of my butler. I was going to dress up as Santa Claus and give him out myself until I got the warning letter. That's why I've come to you. Warning letter, Yes. I received it by this evening's post. Listen to this. My dear Lord Widdicombe, your generosity with Christmas presents borders on ostentation. We do not approve. Neither we receive £5,000 in sovereigns at Post Restaurant Box 379 by 06:00 on Christmas eve or I'm afraid a Christmas party will be conspicuous by its absence of presents. Let me see that note, Widdigan, will you? Yes, here you are. Thanks. Mhmm.
Plain paper, drawn from a penny notebook. The writing is obviously disguised, isn't it? By George, yes. Willingham, I accept the case. I'll come with you to your party at once and furthermore I shall follow your suggestion regarding a disguise. Dressed as Santa Claus, I shall be less likely to attract suspicion. I'm delighted Holmes, but, what made you decide so suddenly? This writing my dear fellow, this writing. Oh, it's in a false hand. I know that characteristic M in my dear Whittaker. I've seen it too often at the beginning of a signature. Moriarty.
Moriarty? Who's he? Oh, one of the cleverest and most unscrupulous criminals in England. Whittakerm, there's no time to be lost. It's let me see now. 06:30. Half an hour beyond the deadline given you in this letter. We must go to your house once.
[00:10:12] Unknown:
This is as far as the cab can take us, doctor. Here you are, Cabot. It's 5 shillings for you and a and a Merry Christmas. Oh, bless you, gentlemen. And merry Christmas to you too.
[00:10:21] Unknown:
You said you wanted to get into the house through the back way so that you could surprise the children. Yes. I thought I'd come down the kitchen chimney. Oh, you can get to the back of the house by going up the alley here. I'll go in the front door. Spending spending, mister Sutton. Which is the house? Number 28. It's the third one down the alley, doctor. I'll have the back window open in no time, and you can slip in without any of the barren scene. Very well. A gloomy little street. I must say,
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hello.
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Where's the music coming from? Oh, it's from that temple across the street, doctor. The disciples of the octagonal square, they call themselves. What on earth do you suppose that means? Oh, some newfangled cult. Heathens most
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likely. Oh, hello. Hello. I'm not the only Santa Claus abroad tonight.
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Look at that fellow across the street over there. Oh, dressed just like yourself, doctor. And Carrie in a sack too. Oh, he he's running up the steps to the temple. Prince got he. He slipped on the ice.
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Oh, I wonder what his hurry was. Here, here, I mean Oh, oh, he doesn't know, doctor. Do not slip for yourself. Here, Ursa. Now, give me a hand.
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Thank you, sir.
[00:11:28] Unknown:
Silly of me, wasn't it? We Santa Claus have to help each other. You know? Up you come. That's it. Whoo. Oh, oh, oh, doctor. I told you to be careful. Now you've fallen too. Oh, it's this confounded red curdum on it. It tripped me up. Did you have to so sorry? No. No. No. No. I'm alright, I think.
[00:11:48] Unknown:
How about you, sir? Well, I'm alright. Thanks. Silly of me to run, wasn't it? Here's your sex, sir. Well, thank you. Good night, and, merry Christmas.
[00:11:59] Unknown:
Good night. Same to you. It's the same to you. Oh, you went into the temple. Must be a disciple of the octagonal square. You're sure you know how to do it, doctor? No. No. Of course not, missus Hudson. Give me my sec, please. Thank you. Your sister's house is the third one down this alleyway. You say? I'll hurry and open the back window. Yes. I'll be waiting for you, missus Hudson. This is rather fun. What a shame Holmes isn't with us. Well, he's probably happier having a good game of chess with Lord Willingham.
[00:12:45] Unknown:
This is my house Holmes, number thirty nine. Thirty nine Banson Square. And dear old Watson is just around the corner in Lexington Gardens and hasn't any idea that I've left Bakersfield. Yes. Here you are Caddy.
[00:12:56] Unknown:
Thank you sir. Merry Christmas sir.
[00:13:00] Unknown:
Uh-huh. Isn't that? Kowl singers. Yes. We'll probably have our fill of them before this evening's over.
[00:13:16] Unknown:
Good evening, Milord. Have the have the guests arrived, Harvide? Most of them, sir. They're in the library. You brought another Santa Claus with you, I see Milord. Another Santa Claus? What do you mean? The gentleman arrived three quarters of an hour ago, sir, dressed as Santa Claus. I took him to your study, milord, and showed him the sack of presents. Confirm it. It's got here before us. Where's the study? In this way. I hope I didn't do wrong, milord. You told me that a gentleman dressed as Santa Claus would be coming here.
[00:13:48] Unknown:
Dear me. The gentleman appears to have gone Yes. From the sack containing the presents with him. But he can't have left the house, milord. I've been watching the front door. Yes. And while you were doing that, he slipped out through the window here. The catch is undone. Andre,
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describe this man. Well, I can't tell you much about his appearance, I'm afraid, sir. He was dressed as Santa Claus just like yourself. But I did notice one thing about him, sir. Oh, what was that? He lisped, sir. It was quite pronounced. Of course.
[00:14:15] Unknown:
Lou Valisper. Who on earth is Lou Valisper? One of Moriarty's most trusted accomplices. Fortunately, though, I've had news of him lately through my underworld grapevine. You, you know where he lives? He's reputed to have some, connections for the new cult that calls themselves the disciples of the octagonal square. Their headquarters are just around the corner from here. Look, let's go there at once. Of course. And Hargrave. Yes, sir. Get a message to Scott and Yard as fast as you can. Ask for inspector Lestrade and tell him to join me at the temple of the octagonal square in Lexington Gardens as soon as possible.
[00:14:55] Unknown:
Oh, the children are awful excited, doctor. I told them you just came down the chivalry. I'll sip the bed on and then I'll go into them. Will I announce you, doctor? Yes. Yes. Please. Will it happen? Alright, sir. Now, children quiet. Santa Claus has come to see you and she's brought you all presents. Hello. Hello to her. Hello. Hello, Santa Claus. My name's Elsie.
[00:15:20] Unknown:
Did you bring me a present? No. I did, Elsie. I'll look in for a second a minute. And, what's your name, young man? Herbert, they call me Bertie. Did you come down the chimney? Yes, Bertie. I bet you had a time doing it. You're so fast. Hey. Don't do it Bertie or Santa Claus won't give you your present. And what's your name, little man? My adult.
[00:15:41] Unknown:
I've got a cold. Yes. Yes. I see you have. Well, children, gather around men. I'll see what presents I got for you. What do you mean for me? Not be right. It says for her grace,
[00:15:57] Unknown:
the dowager duchess of Beaulieu. Oh, do you suppose mister Holmes has been playing a practical joke on you, doctor? I suppose so. Well, I can't see the point result,
[00:16:05] Unknown:
but he did say that he'd added a few trinkets of his own. I want my present. Then supposing you take this, Elsa. Oh, thank you. And this one is marked for the reverend Arthur Carter. Okay. He would hold it up to. Here you are, Bertie. True. Thanks. And this is for you, Lionel, because you've been a a good little boy. This is a very big, is it? I wanted the dog. I wanted the dog because Well, I'll bring you a dog next year, Laurel. Oh, is it doctor Watson? Yes.
[00:16:35] Unknown:
Oh, look at the wrapping on these presents, doctor. They have 20 pound notes. It's cut.
[00:16:41] Unknown:
Oh, oh, look what I cut. Now let me see. Why,
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cufflinks and diamond and all except ones unless I'm very much mistaken. I've got pretty earrings.
[00:16:51] Unknown:
Look how they sparkle. Let me see, O'Simpsons.
[00:16:54] Unknown:
Good gracious. I swear that these gentlemen, Rubies, what in thunder's going on? I want my earring back. Give me back mine too. Oh, oh, oh, well, here here you are. Here are. Mister Watson, what do you suppose has happened? I don't know, missus Hudson. Perhaps my toys are still at the bottom of the sack. I can't understand it. I wish Holmes were here instead of dozing in front of our fire in Baker Street.
[00:17:26] Unknown:
Where are you, Holmes? Here, but the bed. This is the only room in the temple that gives any signs of having been lived in. I think our bird has been here but I'm afraid he's flown. I'm sure inspector Lestrade will get here. Strike a match, will you, buddy? Come right. Here's a candle on the table. Oh, just as I feared. Look on the bed. A red coat and a beard. Yes. Lulu, the lisper has discarded its disguise and gone. And with him, I'm afraid you are valuable precious. Oh, wait a minute. Here's a sack lying on the floor. Papa. Oh, no. This isn't mine. Look what's in it. A toy dog, large box of chocolates, little girl's dog. What are you thunder?
Well, this is Watson's sack. But how on earth could Lou the lisper have got hold of it? Somewhere, somehow, he Watson must have made an accidental change and Lou the Lisper is no doubt trying to track Watson down at this very moment. He must work fast, William, or my friend's life and those of missus Hudson and our relatives won't be worth our tinker's damn.
[00:18:28] Unknown:
Oh, now, doctor, you can't break off your story there. Oh, yes. I can, my boy. Before I go on, I thought we'd never lost pork just to
[00:18:35] Unknown:
to freshen us up. Oh, well, that's that's something different. Of course. Instead of talking about port as I sometimes do, it'll be nice to drink some for a change.
[00:18:46] Unknown:
Hey, I'm a boy and a and a merry Christmas to you. The same to you. And now, what happened next doctor? We left you at the children's Christmas party and Sherlock Holmes and Lord Whitcomb around the corner at the temple of the octagonal square. Yes. Mister Bartel, although at the time, of course, I had no idea what was going on. There I was cheerfully handing out gifts worth well, not a king's, at least to baronet's ransom. While outside the temple of the octagonal square, Holmes Lord Whittaker were talking to inspect Lestrade, the cut and yards.
[00:19:18] Unknown:
Where's the case in a nutshell, It seems to me Lord Whittaker, you would have been wiser to get in touch with Scotland Yard when you first got the warning note. We could have nabbed him when he came to your house and pinched the sack of presents. This is no time for post mortems. We better reach Lou the Lisper before he finds doctor Watson. Do you suppose he can do do that Holmes? It wouldn't be difficult. Lou the lispa is nearly as clever as his master professor Moriarty. The chances are that you were followed when you came to Baker Street tonight, Whittigham. And it equally likely that Watson and Mrs. Hudson were followed as they left it. Mariotti seldom leaves anything to chance. Well, where did Doctor. Watson go tonight? In the 8 Lexington Gardens. It's just around the corner from here. Well, then this go there at once. Quite not quarry away. No, no, no, no, Vastraad. We must use a little subtlety. Now Lou the Lisboa wishes to recover that sack of presence from Watson. How would he invade the party with the least possible trouble? By, by dressing up as Santa Claus again. No, no. I think he's overplayed that role for one evening. Well then, how would he try to get in Mr. Holmes? Oh, come now, mister. What group of people can enter any house on Christmas Eve without invitation and without creating suspicion? Who cares exactly my dear fellow? I shouldn't be at all surprised if at this very moment Louvallis Ferne, some of his gang are singing carols outside 28 Lexington Gardens. Well then, what are we going to do? Former rival choral society. How many of your men did you bring with Three.
[00:20:31] Unknown:
Sergeant and two constables. Wearing greatcoats?
[00:20:34] Unknown:
Yes, mister Holmes. But why? Good. They can hide their helmets and pretend to be singers. Come on. Let's go over there and while we're walking we'll rehearse our carols. We must appear reasonably convincing. Sound your day, Lestrade. Sound your day.
[00:21:05] Unknown:
No. No. You mustn't make Santa Claus too tired. No. That's alright, missus Hudson. Hop on, Lal. Hop on. Second? Of course they can. Ask them to come in, missus Hudson. Alright, sir. Oh, come on. Let me get on your back too. Oh, no. No. Take it easy. Oh, there we go. I wanna see your reindeer, Santa. Let's see my reindeer. Oh, boy. Boy, they're stop on the roof. I'll climb up and see them. No. No. No. You must do that. They're asleep. Oh, here are the carol singers. Off you get, children. There we go. That's it now. Good evening, gentlemen. Good evening, and merry Christmas. Would you like to sing some carols for the children? After that, I'm sure you'd like a drop of something to warm you up. Well, thank you, sir. We should like that. Haven't I met you before somewhere, my man?
[00:21:52] Unknown:
No, sir. I'm sure you haven't. Come on, man. Let's sing good king Went Philip.
[00:22:16] Unknown:
Well, here we are outside the house, mister Holmes. Now watch. Listen.
[00:22:21] Unknown:
Uh-huh. Lou the whisper and his men are already there. Are we going in now? One moment. Amen. You will have your truncheons handy. Yes, Mr. Holmes. We're ready. Spend it. Now remember when we're inside and I yell Merry Christmas at the top of my voice, you bring out your truncheons and get Louva, Lisper and his gang out of there as quickly as possible. Don't arrest them until you get them outside again, mister. I don't wanna fight in the children. Right you are, mister Holmes. We're ready. Just give us the word and we'll go in and get them.
[00:23:00] Unknown:
That was very nice singing. And now, how about something to warm you all up? That won't be necessary,
[00:23:06] Unknown:
doctor Watson. See you to the door, Sammy. Now all of you stay right where you are. Who are you? What do you think you're up to? Please don't be difficult, doctor. All I want is the jewels out of my sack that you sold for me tonight. If you try and stop me, I shall have to hurt you.
[00:23:19] Unknown:
Why do you talk so funny? You got a cold like me. Shut up.
[00:23:24] Unknown:
Now, doctor, where are the jewels? Oh, curse it. There are some more Carol fingers outside. Lots of effort to get away, Lou. No. Better let them come in. If we don't, they might get suspicious. Alright, Lou. First of all, you're up to. Now no tricks, doctor.
[00:23:39] Unknown:
If you try and give an alarm or something, that's to get rough with you. I don't mind about that, but just remember that there are children present. Oh, yeah, Manny. Yeah. We're all here before you. Right? What you say? We all join our little carol for the nippers. Right? Well, alright.
[00:23:54] Unknown:
What what do you want to sing? Man. Up the old angels sing. Right? Alright. Alright. Come on, man. Let's sing.
[00:24:28] Unknown:
What is going on? I'll explain it to you later old chap. Mistrade. Yes, mister Holmes. Take them to Scotland Yard and preferred charges. I'll be over in a little while and give evidence. Right you are, sir. Too bad we didn't catch professor Moriarty too. Well, at least we have some of his cohorts. I'll see you later, Les Brown. I'm not showing you what was going on here. Is Moriarty mixed up in this business? Yes, Watson. I'll tell you all about it as soon as I've straightened this thing out. Now, would you come? Yes, Holmes? The £20 notes that you used as wrapping for your gifts seem to have been scattered all over the house. Do you want me to recover them too? No. From what you've told me of the children, I think their parents could use the money much more profitably than my relatives. In any case, I can replace it. A very generous Christmas gift. Well children,
[00:25:10] Unknown:
did you enjoy the, little game we staged for you? It wasn't our fun. Yes. I really died laughing when they started hitting each other.
[00:25:19] Unknown:
I'm glad you enjoyed it children And now I, I want you to show me the presents you received. I got these pretty earrings. Oh, they were a part of the game too. A nice little girl like you doesn't want silly earrings, Elsie. Here's a beautiful doll for you. Oh. Her eyes open chest and everything. And what did you get, my little man? These. Oh, cufflinks. Good gracious. Who wants cufflinks when he can have a a clockwork train? You want to exchange?
[00:25:45] Unknown:
My lord love a duck. Yes. I wanted the dog. What, Julie? Here's a nice big box of chocolates too. You can all share them. Oh, lovely. What a night. I ain't had as much fun since granny got her finger stuck in a plug o.
[00:26:05] Unknown:
I still don't understand what's going on, Holmes, but I I must say this has all the earmarks
[00:26:10] Unknown:
of of being a happy Christmas. Yes. Oh, oh, oh. Missus Hudson. It's fine, mister Holmes. How's the, how's the turkey coming along? Oh, it'll be ready in a few minutes, mister Holmes. Splendid. And while we're waiting, perhaps the children will oblige with something we haven't heard so far. Missus, I know what you mean. A Christmas carol that really sounds convincing.
[00:26:28] Unknown:
How about it, children? Alright, sir. Come on, Elfie. Come on, Lionel.
[00:27:09] Unknown:
Well doctor, that was really a twelfth, a swell story. On a Christmas Eve like this, do you ever wish you were back in Baker Street celebrating Christmas there? Times, yes. But actually, mister Bartell, I'm I'm very happy right here in my little home.
[00:27:23] Unknown:
There on the table is a beautiful little Christmas tree. There's a fine flower in my fireplace. My two dogs, Monty and Willie, are are sleeping peacefully at my feet. And best of it all, I've got the love of every child in the in the neighborhood. Yes, I've got a great deal this Christmas Eve, lots to be thankful for. And what with the troubles of the world on their way to being settled, it looks as if this is the brightest Christmas that that I've ever had. Well, that's how I feel about it too, doctor. I hope that all our friends listening in are just as happy this Christmas Eve as we are. And speaking not only for myself, but I know for all of us and for the Petrie family too, we wish every one of you a happy Christmas from the bottom of our hearts.
God rest ye merry, gentlemen. Well, doctor Watson, next Monday is New Year's Eve. What story do you plan to tell us? One that I think you'll find extremely appropriate, mister Bartell. It takes place in a Scottish castle near Edinburgh on a New Year's Eve in 1900 and concerns a pair of lovers, an elderly baronet, and a strange iron box that proved to be more than worth its weight in gold.
[00:28:37] Unknown:
Tonight's Sherlock Holmes adventure was written by Dennis Green and Anthony Boucher and was suggested by an incident in the suggested by an incident in the sir Arthur Conan Doyle story, the adventure of the blue carbuncle. Music is by Dean Foster. Mister Rathbone appears through the courtesy of Metro Goldwyn Mayer and mister Bruce through the courtesy of universal pictures, where they are now starring in the Sherlock Holmes series. The Petri wine company of San Francisco, California invites you to tune in again next week, same time, same station. Sherlock Holmes comes to you from our Hollywood studios.
This is Harry Bartel saying good night for the Petrie family. For a solid hour of exciting mystery dramas, listen every Monday on most of these same stations at 08:00 to Michael Shane followed immediately by Sherlock Holmes. This is the mutual broadcasting system.
The Avengers in South Africa
Sherlock Holmes Broadcast for Troops
A Christmas Eve with Dr. Watson
The Santa Claus Disguise
A Warning Letter and a Heist
The Santa Claus Switch
The Carol Singers' Scheme
The Temple of the Octagonal Square
A Christmas Carol Confrontation
A Generous Christmas Gift
