In this episode, we delve into the intriguing world of classic radio dramas, exploring the impact of the radio series "The Avengers" in South Africa, where television was not available until 1976. Despite the lack of television, the series managed to gain some exposure through film rentals, captivating audiences with the adventures of John Steed and Company. We also take a nostalgic journey with "The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes," featuring Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce, as they unravel a mystery involving a new metal called Paradol and its inventor, Dr. Paradis. The episode is filled with suspense as Holmes and Watson find themselves trapped in an airtight chamber, only to be rescued by the quick thinking of Mrs. Watson and the timely intervention of Inspector Lestrade.
Join us as we explore the clever schemes of Professor Moriarty, who lures Holmes into a trap using the guise of scientific innovation. The episode highlights the enduring appeal of Sherlock Holmes and the cleverness of Mrs. Watson, who plays a pivotal role in saving the day. With a blend of mystery, humor, and classic detective work, this episode is a testament to the timeless charm of radio dramas and the enduring legacy of Sherlock Holmes.
(00:19) The Avengers in South Africa
(01:06) Sherlock Holmes and the Petri Wine
(02:40) Doctor Watson's Adventure Begins
(06:54) The Mysterious Doctor Paradis
(12:36) Sherlock Holmes' Investigation
(16:48) A Deadly Trap
(19:38) Escape and Resolution
Listen to our radio station Old Time Radio https://link.radioking.com/otradio
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[00:00:00]
Unknown:
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[00:00:15] Unknown:
Other shows we have for you to enjoy at myclassicradio.net. The Avengers was most certainly not a household name in South Africa prior to the radio series. With no national television service until 1976, the mechanism simply was not present in the country to show television programs to mass audiences. While many other countries reveled in the filmed adventures of John Steed and Company, South Africa was not equipped to join in the fun. The series took Britain by storm and made a major impression in the American markets, being that greatest of rarities, a British series given a network transmission slot. However, as a 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.
[00:01:07] Unknown:
Petri Wine brings you Dazl Rathman and Nigel Bruce in 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 about another exciting adventure he shared with his old friend that master detective Sherlock Holmes. Of course I can't be as entertaining as doctor Watson, but I can tell you something that's really worth knowing. Simply this, the best beginning a good meal ever had is a glass of petri california sherry. Petri sherry is the perfect before dinner wine. While you're waiting for dinner to be put on the table, pour yourself a glass of that clear amber colored Petri sherry.
Now just sit back and sip it slowly, take your time so you can thoroughly enjoy every single drop of that wonderful Petri flavor. And what a flavor that sherry has, comes right from the sun ripened heart of wonderful California grapes. And you may be a real wine expert and know all about sherry wine, but believe me until you've tried a Petri sherry, you're really missing something and no kidding. Serve Petri sherry alone or serve it with canopies or appetizers. And by all means, serve it proudly. You can because the letters p e t r I spell the proudest name in the history of American wines, Petri.
And now for our weekly visit with a good doctor Watson. Let's see if he's expecting us.
[00:02:46] Unknown:
Come in. Come in. Come in. Good evening, doctor. Good evening, mister Campbell. It's what time you got here. Drop a churn. Make you so comfortable. Oh, thanks. Why do you have the old black dispatch box out again, I see? I suppose you've been going over your notes on tonight's adventure. Yeah. That's right, my boy. And this may interest you. Missus Watson figured prominently in the story. She did? Yes. In fact, if it hadn't been for some remarkably quick thinking on her part, Holmes and I might have well, there I go again telling you the end of the story before I forget it. Well, how did it begin, doctor? I don't want your evening in 1887.
I've been married some months, and in consequence, I haven't seen much of my old friend Sherlock Holmes. Are you still living at Baker Street, I suppose? Yes, my boy. But we couldn't persuade him to come around and see us. From time to time, I'd heard some vague accounts of his doings of his summons to Odessa in the case of the Cleopov murder and of his clearing up the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers. But to, to get back tonight's story, my wife and I had just finished an excellent dinner. I remember I'd set ourselves down for an evening of pleasant domesticity. She was stitching away on a piece of expert petit poire, and I was at my desk balancing figures in the family account book.
After a few moments, my wife looked up to me and said
[00:04:04] Unknown:
John, dear. Don't look so troubled.
[00:04:06] Unknown:
Was I looking troubled? Oh, you've been scowling at that account for for ten minutes now. What's the matter, dear? Don't the figures add up correctly? Yes. Yes. They add up correctly. In fact, they tell a very pretty story. After buying my practice and setting up all my outstanding accounts, I find that we have nearly a hundred and £50
[00:04:24] Unknown:
left of the diary that mister Sholto has settled upon you. A hundred and 60, isn't it, dear? I was doing the same sum this morning.
[00:04:32] Unknown:
Oh, well, well, well, but but still a hundred and 60. In any case, Mary dear, the point I was going to make is that we we don't need the money just now. My practice is picking up splendidly, and I was thinking we might too might invest it in something really sound, of course.
[00:04:47] Unknown:
Who's been talking to John? Doctor Wilson again. Well,
[00:04:51] Unknown:
as it happens, I did bump into him at the hospital today. He can put us onto something very good in Peruvian silver. What do you think of the idea?
[00:05:00] Unknown:
Well, John, the the fact is I'd almost decided to make a business investment within myself. I thought I'd surprise you. Well, let me tell you about your job. Oh. Yesterday, when you were out on your grounds, a most charming man called here, a mister Ted Barber. He introduced himself as a friend of missus Cecil Forrester. He said he was certain we'd be interested in his new company, and he talked so convincingly that well, I'm afraid I almost promised him I'd buy some stock in the company. Did you really what what, what sort of company is it? Well, I didn't quite understand that part of it, but it sounded wonderful.
He left a prospectus. It's in the right hand drawer of the desk. It's, something to do with metal that's been discovered by an American chemist called Paradis or
[00:05:48] Unknown:
something? Oh, let's have a look to what it says. A company formed to exploit the amazing new metal discovered by doctor Paradis. Paradis preferred stock. The potentialities of this new lawyer are immeasurable. The fourth dimension has been conquered. What?
[00:06:04] Unknown:
Spatial dislocation isn't accomplished back. Graciously, my dear child, this prospectus is absolute poppycock. And now, John, you mustn't be stubborn. I think at least we should investigate. Alright. The man said that if we went to the laboratories, doctor Paradis would give us a demonstration himself. But Mary dear, Mary dear, the fourth dimension, I mean to say, obviously a fraud. That's what everyone says when a new invention comes out. This might be an opportunity for us to make a lot of money, John. Mary, I do wish you please me, dear.
[00:06:35] Unknown:
I can't argue with you very long, Mary. Alright. Alright. I'll take you to the laboratory in the morning, but I warn you, I'll show this doctor Paradis up for the charlatan of the year.
[00:06:54] Unknown:
Doctor Paradis will be with you both in a moment. Well, thank you, my man. She's just concluding an experiment. She? Doctor Paradis is a woman then? Oh, yes, madam, and a very brilliant one too. Excuse me.
[00:07:10] Unknown:
Oh, it's a last straw. The whole thing sounded like an obvious fraud, and now we get here and find that a woman doctor is at the back of the door. Just because she's a woman, it doesn't mean to say that How do you do? I'm doctor Paradis. Oh, how you do, madam? I am doctor Watson, and this is my wife, missus Watson. Oh, yes. Come into the laboratory, won't you? Oh, thank you so much, doctor Paradis.
[00:07:29] Unknown:
Well, we were just wasting your time. We're we're not really interested in this at all. You know? John, don't matter. Well, who's Mister Barber told me that he had called on you, missus Watson, and that you were very interested in my invention. Oh, yes. I am. That's why I persuaded my husband to come down with me and see a demonstration. I'll be most happy to show you everything I can. Here's a practical example of the application of my work. This chamber you see in front of you is made completely of my new alloy. What's the thing do? It's just a great metal box, a lot of dials and switches and things.
[00:08:00] Unknown:
Why is it so big? Do
[00:08:02] Unknown:
do people get inside it? They can. What? Though if they do, they're liable to find themselves transported many miles from here. Come inside, won't you?
[00:08:11] Unknown:
Oh, what a lot of noise. Now, John. Come on, John. I want
[00:08:16] Unknown:
you both to see that there is no exit from inside this chamber. No trapdoors or anything. The only exit is the door we just came through. Yes. It's just like an airtight metal room. Stuffed in here, isn't it? Now let's go outside again. I'll show you how the machine operates. Albert.
[00:08:35] Unknown:
Yes, doctor Paradis.
[00:08:37] Unknown:
I'm going to demonstrate the Paradis. I'm going to demonstrate the Paradis.
[00:08:41] Unknown:
Very well.
[00:08:42] Unknown:
The usual time? Yes, please, Albert. Now my assistant goes inside matter of you. Please don't go well. You're a scientific man. At least give me the opportunity of demonstrating my work. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Now I adjust these down. Dials, turn on the electrical generator, and Good lord. What an amazing business. Now open the door, doctor Watson, and look inside, please.
[00:09:23] Unknown:
Great. Scott, he's gone. I don't believe it. Doctor Paradis, will you explain this to me? Sadly.
[00:09:29] Unknown:
My metal Paradis is an unnatural alloy. What? It causes a dislocation in the warp of space and enables us to enter the fourth dimension. You see time is a dimension. Any object in the past, present or future can be described precisely in parallel combined with the great forces of electricity has created a new force. This element is controlled by these dials and it is possible to move in four dimensions at once. Thus, bodies or other objects can be transported great distances away all in the twinkling of an eye. I coined the word to describe the process.
Teleportation, I call it. Teleportation.
[00:10:07] Unknown:
Well, I am completely confused. All my scientific training tells me this is impossible and yet,
[00:10:13] Unknown:
I wonder if you'd give us another demonstration. Certainly. Perhaps you yourself would like to be teleported somewhere. Certainly not. Gracious we know. No. No. I I think John would be very unhappy in the fourth dimension. He wouldn't belong.
[00:10:25] Unknown:
You said that any objects could be moved. How about that brown paper parcel on the table over there? Certainly. It only contains some company circulars.
[00:10:32] Unknown:
I suggest you write your initials on it so that you can identify it later.
[00:10:37] Unknown:
J h w. There you are. Where do you want a dispatch to? Send it to my house. I'll give you the address. That won't be necessary. Ma'am, this is this is amazing business. Isn't it, John? Exciting too.
[00:10:52] Unknown:
There we are. Now I adjust the dial once more and
[00:11:04] Unknown:
The parcel is already at your house. Oh, it's impossible. Come on, Mary. Let's get a cab and race back there as fast as we can. Yes. Good. Good. Good. Good. Good. Bye.
[00:11:20] Unknown:
Now, dear,
[00:11:22] Unknown:
John, you must admit you're just as excited as I am. I confess that I'm enormously intrigued. Let me just get my my latch front door here. Here we are. We've talked to Paradis as a devilishly clever woman. Even so, my intelligence tells me it's impossible for the package to have reached here before us. Here we are.
[00:11:40] Unknown:
There you are, master. Ma'am, just in time for lunch. Tell me, Annie. Did the package arrive for us? Yes. It did, ma'am. I put it on the old table. Great. Scott, how was it delivered, Annie? Well, now that's the funny thing about it, sir. I don't know. I went out to polish the brass on the door knocker a few minutes ago, and there was the parson lying on the doorstep.
[00:12:00] Unknown:
No one had rung the bell or anything. I don't know how it got there. Thank you, Annie. You you can go now. Yes, ma'am. Well, John, what do you say now? There's a miracle that's been performed. I don't believe my eyes. Look. There are my initials on the package. Mary,
[00:12:15] Unknown:
I think that if you don't mind, after lunch, I'll you'll go around to Baker Street and tell Sherlock Holmes about this. Oh, do do you mind, dear? Of course not, dear. Good. It'll be nice to see Holmes again anywhere.
[00:12:37] Unknown:
Doctor Watson. How nice to see you again. Hello, missus Hudson. How are you, my dear? Oh, I'm just fine. Oh, you're looking grand, sir. Marriage agrees with you, if you don't mind my seeing so. Oh, thank you, missus Hudson. Is, is mister Holmes in? Aye, sir. And I'm very glad you're seeing him. He's no been acting like himself lately. Really? Locking his door and only unlocking it for me when I give him a a password. And he's hardly touched his food for the last three days. To tell you the truth, doctor Watson, I'm awful wide about him. Really? Well, I'll go up to him. He'll be glad to see you, I'm sure.
[00:13:22] Unknown:
Yes? Who is it? It's me, Watson.
[00:13:25] Unknown:
Watson? Oh, possibly. I'm not taking any chances. Oh, this is ridiculous.
[00:13:31] Unknown:
Surely you know my voice after all these years. John h Watson.
[00:13:36] Unknown:
Tell me what your middle initial stands for and I'll let you in. It stands for Hamish.
[00:13:42] Unknown:
Question, my dear fellow. How are you? I am fine and delighted to see you again, Holmes.
[00:13:48] Unknown:
Incidentally, why all this rigmarole about locked doors and and passwords? Well, professor Marias has decided that it's high time to settle his score with me. There have been several attempts on my life lately. Twice, I've been attacked in the streets and only yesterday a shot was fired at me through the, window you see broken there. Lord Holmes, you must be careful. I am being very careful. Well, enough of my problems. What's on your mind? There's a sparkle in your eye and an air of excitement that tells me that you've, some news to impart. Well, I I must say there is something. Of course, there is, my dear fellow. Come on. Tell me about it. You ever hear of a new metal called Paradol and its inventor, doctor Paradis? Oh, yes. Yes. Indeed, I have. I received a perspective concerning it the other day. Well, what,
[00:14:34] Unknown:
what do you think of the idea? Oh, obviously, it's rubbish designed to fool a gullible public into buying shares. Don't tell me that, you were taking a bite. No. No. No. Of course not, Holmes. Naturally, as a scientific man, I knew it wasn't rubbish. My, my wife, however, had a couple of involved in the concern. And so today, to prove to her that the whole thing was a a fraud, we went down to the laboratory and met this doctor Paradis. Oh, did you indeed? In the first place, let me tell you. This doctor Paradis is a woman. Oh, a woman? As you could imagine, I didn't have any difficulty in discrediting our theories. In fact, I'm afraid I I made her seem rather stupid.
However, we did stay there long enough for her to to give us a demonstration. And that's the way that it was, Holmes. When we got back to our house, the initial package was there waiting for us. Oh, childish trick. Obviously, the pallidol chamber contains an ingeniously hidden trap door
[00:15:32] Unknown:
through which the assistant disappeared and made her the package.
[00:15:35] Unknown:
A fast cab then took it to your home before you could get there. Oh, yes. Oh, really? Well, yes. This, of course, that's exactly how I explained the thing to Mary. Was she impressed with the feet? Yeah. She was. But you know how women are. I tried to tell her the whole thing was a fraud. She's a very obstinate. I was hoping perhaps that you will help me expose the concern. Oh, god. It seem necessary, Othello. That's an obvious fraud. However, for your sake, I'll be glad to do anything I can. I thought we might go down to the laboratory late tonight when nobody's there and take a look at that Paradol chamber a little more closely. Yes, about a good idea.
[00:16:06] Unknown:
After being cooped up here for three days, it'll be a pleasure to get some night air and indulge in a little simple burglarizing. Well, shall I call for you here? No. No. Wait a minute, dear fellow. It's much too dangerous. I'll, I'll be in a handsome cab outside your house about 11:30 tonight. How's that? Splendid. Quite like old times, isn't it, home? Yes. It is, old chap. Though I think that, this time for missus Watson's sake, I must try and keep you out of trouble. Midnight home? Yes, Barton. Time that only concerned old bachelors like myself should be wandering the streets of London. Oh, rubbish, Holmes. You talk as if Mary was a tyrant. Now don't get angry with me, old job. I was only being suspicious. Is this, doctor Paradis' laboratory? Yes.
I'd like to be seen. I don't imagine it'll be very hard to break in, though. Strike a match, will you? I took the precaution of bringing this lantern.
[00:17:09] Unknown:
There you are. Thanks,
[00:17:14] Unknown:
Is the is the door locked? Yes. But I think the skeleton key will do the trick. Hold this lantern for a second, will you? Here you are. Boy, this child's play so far. Come on.
[00:17:29] Unknown:
There's the the paradigms chamber over there.
[00:17:33] Unknown:
Uh-huh. Give me the lantern again, I shall, will you? Thanks. Quite an elaborate contraption. Door's been left open. Let's go in and take a look at the inside of it. Not over this, Watson. If this is the only entrance and, the two of us walked in, it'd be too easy to slam the door shut on us. I suppose so. You go in, and I'll keep watch out here. Alright. Oh, why, trust that in a few minutes, I won't find myself lying on your doorstep. Holmes, there are times when your sense of humor is a little strained.
[00:18:07] Unknown:
Holmes. Holmes, are you alright? Watson. What is it, Holmes?
[00:18:13] Unknown:
The body of a dead woman. She's been shot.
[00:18:16] Unknown:
Unless I'm much mistaken. Let me come and look. A thousand to one is doctor Purdey's. Yes. Yes. It is. Watson, Galaric. Yeah. Don't you see that? Good lord. Someone has slammed the snow at the door. Shut on us. Yes, my dear fellow.
[00:18:29] Unknown:
We walked into a trap very neatly. I'm afraid that we're imprisoned in what appears to be an airtight metal chamber, and the only person who can help us to get out of it again is a corpse.
[00:18:50] Unknown:
Doctor Watson's story will continue in just a few seconds. It's time for me to remind you that good food always tastes better when served together with good wine. Did you know that Petri makes two wonderful meal time wines? Wines especially made to go with food and well they do. Petri California Burgundy and Petri California Sauternes. You want a rich hearty red wine, a wine that's great with any meat or meat dish, you just try a Petri Burgundy. And if you want a wine that's perfect with chicken or fish, try a delicate golden colored Petri Sauternes. Petri Burgundy if you want a red wine, Petri Sauternes if you want white. But always a Petri wine if you want a good wine.
Now back to tonight's new Sherlock Holmes adventure. It is in the early hours of a winter's morning in 1887. The famous pair while investigating the mysteries of a scientific laboratory in the East End Of London have been trapped in an airtight metal cabinet. Their only companion being the dead body of a woman scientist. As we rejoin our story, Sherlock Holmes and his old friend doctor Watson are listening intently as footsteps approach what appears to be their metal coffin. There's someone outside. They're sliding back to
[00:20:07] Unknown:
sliding back to mental power.
[00:20:10] Unknown:
Good evening,
[00:20:12] Unknown:
gentlemen. That voice, it's doctor Paddy's assistant.
[00:20:15] Unknown:
Let us out of here. Or should I be more precise, mister Holmes, and say good morning?
[00:20:21] Unknown:
Hello, Moriarty. Moriarty, you scoundrel.
[00:20:25] Unknown:
I can just get my hands on him. Doctor Watson, I wish you could get over your dislike for me. My own part, I'm genuinely sorry that my trap had to catch fruit too. I probably not have you that you're not on my side. Such slavish admiration of you, given your friend Sherlock Holmes must be highly gratified. About all that. What do you think you're up to? It's obvious, madam Watson.
[00:20:45] Unknown:
The whole scheme is a plan to lure me out my safe hiding by presenting an intriguing problem and one that victimized the wife of my old friend. You knew it would get back to my ear, didn't you, Moriarty?
[00:20:56] Unknown:
Yes. Exact But why did you murder this Paradis woman? That's equally obvious, my dear Watson.
[00:21:01] Unknown:
It serves her purpose in presenting a most convincing scientific front. As soon as the trap was baited, she was of our ability. She might tell tales until she was killed, like so many other of your accomplices, my dear professor.
[00:21:12] Unknown:
Precisely. Now my dear fellows, I'm afraid that I must close this panel and say goodbye. Quite solid I have to kill you, but you're becoming dreadfully in my way. And how do you plan to kill us, my honor? By doing nothing more than closing this panel. Oh, I could be frightfully dramatic and release deadly gases into the chamber or poisonous snakes or something equally colorful. But quite frankly, it seems so much simpler just to shut you in. Your oxygen supply won't last very long, you know. And for your benefit, doctor Watson, I may tell you that Peridol, whatever its other shortcomings as a metal, is bulletproof.
But buy you meddling fools.
[00:21:50] Unknown:
Well, there seems nothing for us to do but look around and ascertain our chances and escape. Holmes, I don't like this. We're in a very nasty situation. My dear Watson, sometimes you're a master of understatement. Uh-huh. Just as I thought. What have you found, Holmes? A sliding panel just behind the dead woman. It leads us to a passageway, a passageway that has been bricked up only within the last few hours but long enough, I'm afraid, to make impossible. No. There's no escape here. Hold the lantern a little higher, William. Yeah. That's it. Well, what are we gonna do now? I was just estimating the cubic capacity of this chamber. The air supply should last comfortably for at least another eight hours. I recommend a a brief sleep to refresh us and also to conserve our oxygen supply. Relief, who could sleep at a time like this? I can, and you can, old chap, if you discipline yourself. Well, I'll try, Holmes, but I know perfectly well I shan't close my eyes.
Wake up, Watson. Wake up.
[00:23:09] Unknown:
Yes, Mary. Oh, oh, oh, oh, is it you?
[00:23:16] Unknown:
We're still in this in the final trap. I'm afraid so, old chap.
[00:23:20] Unknown:
What time? Just after seven in the morning. How long did you estimate our oxygen supply would last? Probably about another hour. Well, it's just possible some worker will come to the bar too early and let us out. I shouldn't count too much on that if I were you. Oh, I suppose not.
[00:23:36] Unknown:
I say, Holmes, I'm I'm famished. I thought you would be, my dear chap. So I saved you a this half of a bar of chocolate. I get my own share just before you were wakened. Oh, thanks, my dear fellow.
[00:23:46] Unknown:
Did did you sleep too home? No. I didn't, Watson.
[00:23:49] Unknown:
I employed my time in conducting a minute examination of his chamber. I was trying to find some possible way of getting out. And you fail there? I'm afraid so.
[00:23:59] Unknown:
Holmes, this looks like the end, doesn't it? Well, if it is my time to die, I'm glad that we're together again. Although I blame myself entirely for for letting you into the trap. Come now, my dear fellow. Don't take it as bad as that. But you admitted you're defeated and that there's no possible way out to this distance. I meant that there's no way out from the inside. So my time worked. Good question to me. What on earth? The trial. Mister trial, there you are. Mary.
[00:24:24] Unknown:
Mary, you dear little thing. You you must have been frightened of death. Hello, Donald. Good day. You must have been a miserable night. Well, well, well, well, mister Sherlock Holmes and doctor Watson have been getting themselves in trouble again. Sir, this is no time for your heavy handed bedding out. There's the body of a murdered woman inside that chamber. She was killed by professor Moriarty. Professor Moriarty. Too bad you didn't get my message sooner. Your message? Well, bless myself, Holmes. I wish you'd tell me how you got your message to the Scotland Yard. Well, ever since these recent attacks on my life, I've had, my delightful band of ragamuffins, the Baker Street Irregulars, watching my house in fixed watches, two at a time. I gave the boys instructions to follow me whenever I went out. And if ever I did not reappear within three hours, they were to report to our friend, Lestrade, at Scotland Yard. Holmes, you're amazing.
[00:25:07] Unknown:
You you you think of everything. Just a minute, gentlemen. Just a minute.
[00:25:12] Unknown:
I didn't get no message from any of your Baker Street irregulars. You didn't? No, sir. Though I did find a couple of the boys tied up when we came in here just now. If you didn't get a message from them, how did you come here so awkwardly? That's an easy one because missus Watzner came and fetched me. You didn't know? But how on earth? Go on, ma'am. Oh, tell him. Well, it's really very simple.
[00:25:35] Unknown:
When John came back from seeing you yesterday, mister Holmes, he was overly elaborately casual in his references to the chamber. So, of course, I knew at once the two of you were going to investigate the matter. I also caught him oiling his revolver after dinner. I didn't know that you slipped out last night, John. But as soon as I woke up this morning, I realized what had happened. So I went straight to Scotland Yard for inspector Lestrade and brought him here with me. Why, Mary, you clever little thing. Isn't she clever, darling Holmes?
[00:26:04] Unknown:
Missus Watson, this has been a salutary experience. Will you allow me to congratulate you on your deductibility?
[00:26:10] Unknown:
Well, that's very nice of you, mister Holmes, but I really don't deserve any compliments if you don't mind my saying so. It was elementary, my dear mister Holmes. Elementary.
[00:26:33] Unknown:
This is Bob Campbell saying good night for the Petrie family. This program comes to you from our Hollywood Mutual Broadcasting system.
Bettering your business takes working with the best. With the James Hardie Alliance, you gain access to leads, training, networking, and support from the number one brand of siding in North America. Achieve new levels of success by joining the James Hardie Alliance today.
[00:00:15] Unknown:
Other shows we have for you to enjoy at myclassicradio.net. The Avengers was most certainly not a household name in South Africa prior to the radio series. With no national television service until 1976, the mechanism simply was not present in the country to show television programs to mass audiences. While many other countries reveled in the filmed adventures of John Steed and Company, South Africa was not equipped to join in the fun. The series took Britain by storm and made a major impression in the American markets, being that greatest of rarities, a British series given a network transmission slot. However, as a 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.
[00:01:07] Unknown:
Petri Wine brings you Dazl Rathman and Nigel Bruce in 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 about another exciting adventure he shared with his old friend that master detective Sherlock Holmes. Of course I can't be as entertaining as doctor Watson, but I can tell you something that's really worth knowing. Simply this, the best beginning a good meal ever had is a glass of petri california sherry. Petri sherry is the perfect before dinner wine. While you're waiting for dinner to be put on the table, pour yourself a glass of that clear amber colored Petri sherry.
Now just sit back and sip it slowly, take your time so you can thoroughly enjoy every single drop of that wonderful Petri flavor. And what a flavor that sherry has, comes right from the sun ripened heart of wonderful California grapes. And you may be a real wine expert and know all about sherry wine, but believe me until you've tried a Petri sherry, you're really missing something and no kidding. Serve Petri sherry alone or serve it with canopies or appetizers. And by all means, serve it proudly. You can because the letters p e t r I spell the proudest name in the history of American wines, Petri.
And now for our weekly visit with a good doctor Watson. Let's see if he's expecting us.
[00:02:46] Unknown:
Come in. Come in. Come in. Good evening, doctor. Good evening, mister Campbell. It's what time you got here. Drop a churn. Make you so comfortable. Oh, thanks. Why do you have the old black dispatch box out again, I see? I suppose you've been going over your notes on tonight's adventure. Yeah. That's right, my boy. And this may interest you. Missus Watson figured prominently in the story. She did? Yes. In fact, if it hadn't been for some remarkably quick thinking on her part, Holmes and I might have well, there I go again telling you the end of the story before I forget it. Well, how did it begin, doctor? I don't want your evening in 1887.
I've been married some months, and in consequence, I haven't seen much of my old friend Sherlock Holmes. Are you still living at Baker Street, I suppose? Yes, my boy. But we couldn't persuade him to come around and see us. From time to time, I'd heard some vague accounts of his doings of his summons to Odessa in the case of the Cleopov murder and of his clearing up the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers. But to, to get back tonight's story, my wife and I had just finished an excellent dinner. I remember I'd set ourselves down for an evening of pleasant domesticity. She was stitching away on a piece of expert petit poire, and I was at my desk balancing figures in the family account book.
After a few moments, my wife looked up to me and said
[00:04:04] Unknown:
John, dear. Don't look so troubled.
[00:04:06] Unknown:
Was I looking troubled? Oh, you've been scowling at that account for for ten minutes now. What's the matter, dear? Don't the figures add up correctly? Yes. Yes. They add up correctly. In fact, they tell a very pretty story. After buying my practice and setting up all my outstanding accounts, I find that we have nearly a hundred and £50
[00:04:24] Unknown:
left of the diary that mister Sholto has settled upon you. A hundred and 60, isn't it, dear? I was doing the same sum this morning.
[00:04:32] Unknown:
Oh, well, well, well, but but still a hundred and 60. In any case, Mary dear, the point I was going to make is that we we don't need the money just now. My practice is picking up splendidly, and I was thinking we might too might invest it in something really sound, of course.
[00:04:47] Unknown:
Who's been talking to John? Doctor Wilson again. Well,
[00:04:51] Unknown:
as it happens, I did bump into him at the hospital today. He can put us onto something very good in Peruvian silver. What do you think of the idea?
[00:05:00] Unknown:
Well, John, the the fact is I'd almost decided to make a business investment within myself. I thought I'd surprise you. Well, let me tell you about your job. Oh. Yesterday, when you were out on your grounds, a most charming man called here, a mister Ted Barber. He introduced himself as a friend of missus Cecil Forrester. He said he was certain we'd be interested in his new company, and he talked so convincingly that well, I'm afraid I almost promised him I'd buy some stock in the company. Did you really what what, what sort of company is it? Well, I didn't quite understand that part of it, but it sounded wonderful.
He left a prospectus. It's in the right hand drawer of the desk. It's, something to do with metal that's been discovered by an American chemist called Paradis or
[00:05:48] Unknown:
something? Oh, let's have a look to what it says. A company formed to exploit the amazing new metal discovered by doctor Paradis. Paradis preferred stock. The potentialities of this new lawyer are immeasurable. The fourth dimension has been conquered. What?
[00:06:04] Unknown:
Spatial dislocation isn't accomplished back. Graciously, my dear child, this prospectus is absolute poppycock. And now, John, you mustn't be stubborn. I think at least we should investigate. Alright. The man said that if we went to the laboratories, doctor Paradis would give us a demonstration himself. But Mary dear, Mary dear, the fourth dimension, I mean to say, obviously a fraud. That's what everyone says when a new invention comes out. This might be an opportunity for us to make a lot of money, John. Mary, I do wish you please me, dear.
[00:06:35] Unknown:
I can't argue with you very long, Mary. Alright. Alright. I'll take you to the laboratory in the morning, but I warn you, I'll show this doctor Paradis up for the charlatan of the year.
[00:06:54] Unknown:
Doctor Paradis will be with you both in a moment. Well, thank you, my man. She's just concluding an experiment. She? Doctor Paradis is a woman then? Oh, yes, madam, and a very brilliant one too. Excuse me.
[00:07:10] Unknown:
Oh, it's a last straw. The whole thing sounded like an obvious fraud, and now we get here and find that a woman doctor is at the back of the door. Just because she's a woman, it doesn't mean to say that How do you do? I'm doctor Paradis. Oh, how you do, madam? I am doctor Watson, and this is my wife, missus Watson. Oh, yes. Come into the laboratory, won't you? Oh, thank you so much, doctor Paradis.
[00:07:29] Unknown:
Well, we were just wasting your time. We're we're not really interested in this at all. You know? John, don't matter. Well, who's Mister Barber told me that he had called on you, missus Watson, and that you were very interested in my invention. Oh, yes. I am. That's why I persuaded my husband to come down with me and see a demonstration. I'll be most happy to show you everything I can. Here's a practical example of the application of my work. This chamber you see in front of you is made completely of my new alloy. What's the thing do? It's just a great metal box, a lot of dials and switches and things.
[00:08:00] Unknown:
Why is it so big? Do
[00:08:02] Unknown:
do people get inside it? They can. What? Though if they do, they're liable to find themselves transported many miles from here. Come inside, won't you?
[00:08:11] Unknown:
Oh, what a lot of noise. Now, John. Come on, John. I want
[00:08:16] Unknown:
you both to see that there is no exit from inside this chamber. No trapdoors or anything. The only exit is the door we just came through. Yes. It's just like an airtight metal room. Stuffed in here, isn't it? Now let's go outside again. I'll show you how the machine operates. Albert.
[00:08:35] Unknown:
Yes, doctor Paradis.
[00:08:37] Unknown:
I'm going to demonstrate the Paradis. I'm going to demonstrate the Paradis.
[00:08:41] Unknown:
Very well.
[00:08:42] Unknown:
The usual time? Yes, please, Albert. Now my assistant goes inside matter of you. Please don't go well. You're a scientific man. At least give me the opportunity of demonstrating my work. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Now I adjust these down. Dials, turn on the electrical generator, and Good lord. What an amazing business. Now open the door, doctor Watson, and look inside, please.
[00:09:23] Unknown:
Great. Scott, he's gone. I don't believe it. Doctor Paradis, will you explain this to me? Sadly.
[00:09:29] Unknown:
My metal Paradis is an unnatural alloy. What? It causes a dislocation in the warp of space and enables us to enter the fourth dimension. You see time is a dimension. Any object in the past, present or future can be described precisely in parallel combined with the great forces of electricity has created a new force. This element is controlled by these dials and it is possible to move in four dimensions at once. Thus, bodies or other objects can be transported great distances away all in the twinkling of an eye. I coined the word to describe the process.
Teleportation, I call it. Teleportation.
[00:10:07] Unknown:
Well, I am completely confused. All my scientific training tells me this is impossible and yet,
[00:10:13] Unknown:
I wonder if you'd give us another demonstration. Certainly. Perhaps you yourself would like to be teleported somewhere. Certainly not. Gracious we know. No. No. I I think John would be very unhappy in the fourth dimension. He wouldn't belong.
[00:10:25] Unknown:
You said that any objects could be moved. How about that brown paper parcel on the table over there? Certainly. It only contains some company circulars.
[00:10:32] Unknown:
I suggest you write your initials on it so that you can identify it later.
[00:10:37] Unknown:
J h w. There you are. Where do you want a dispatch to? Send it to my house. I'll give you the address. That won't be necessary. Ma'am, this is this is amazing business. Isn't it, John? Exciting too.
[00:10:52] Unknown:
There we are. Now I adjust the dial once more and
[00:11:04] Unknown:
The parcel is already at your house. Oh, it's impossible. Come on, Mary. Let's get a cab and race back there as fast as we can. Yes. Good. Good. Good. Good. Good. Bye.
[00:11:20] Unknown:
Now, dear,
[00:11:22] Unknown:
John, you must admit you're just as excited as I am. I confess that I'm enormously intrigued. Let me just get my my latch front door here. Here we are. We've talked to Paradis as a devilishly clever woman. Even so, my intelligence tells me it's impossible for the package to have reached here before us. Here we are.
[00:11:40] Unknown:
There you are, master. Ma'am, just in time for lunch. Tell me, Annie. Did the package arrive for us? Yes. It did, ma'am. I put it on the old table. Great. Scott, how was it delivered, Annie? Well, now that's the funny thing about it, sir. I don't know. I went out to polish the brass on the door knocker a few minutes ago, and there was the parson lying on the doorstep.
[00:12:00] Unknown:
No one had rung the bell or anything. I don't know how it got there. Thank you, Annie. You you can go now. Yes, ma'am. Well, John, what do you say now? There's a miracle that's been performed. I don't believe my eyes. Look. There are my initials on the package. Mary,
[00:12:15] Unknown:
I think that if you don't mind, after lunch, I'll you'll go around to Baker Street and tell Sherlock Holmes about this. Oh, do do you mind, dear? Of course not, dear. Good. It'll be nice to see Holmes again anywhere.
[00:12:37] Unknown:
Doctor Watson. How nice to see you again. Hello, missus Hudson. How are you, my dear? Oh, I'm just fine. Oh, you're looking grand, sir. Marriage agrees with you, if you don't mind my seeing so. Oh, thank you, missus Hudson. Is, is mister Holmes in? Aye, sir. And I'm very glad you're seeing him. He's no been acting like himself lately. Really? Locking his door and only unlocking it for me when I give him a a password. And he's hardly touched his food for the last three days. To tell you the truth, doctor Watson, I'm awful wide about him. Really? Well, I'll go up to him. He'll be glad to see you, I'm sure.
[00:13:22] Unknown:
Yes? Who is it? It's me, Watson.
[00:13:25] Unknown:
Watson? Oh, possibly. I'm not taking any chances. Oh, this is ridiculous.
[00:13:31] Unknown:
Surely you know my voice after all these years. John h Watson.
[00:13:36] Unknown:
Tell me what your middle initial stands for and I'll let you in. It stands for Hamish.
[00:13:42] Unknown:
Question, my dear fellow. How are you? I am fine and delighted to see you again, Holmes.
[00:13:48] Unknown:
Incidentally, why all this rigmarole about locked doors and and passwords? Well, professor Marias has decided that it's high time to settle his score with me. There have been several attempts on my life lately. Twice, I've been attacked in the streets and only yesterday a shot was fired at me through the, window you see broken there. Lord Holmes, you must be careful. I am being very careful. Well, enough of my problems. What's on your mind? There's a sparkle in your eye and an air of excitement that tells me that you've, some news to impart. Well, I I must say there is something. Of course, there is, my dear fellow. Come on. Tell me about it. You ever hear of a new metal called Paradol and its inventor, doctor Paradis? Oh, yes. Yes. Indeed, I have. I received a perspective concerning it the other day. Well, what,
[00:14:34] Unknown:
what do you think of the idea? Oh, obviously, it's rubbish designed to fool a gullible public into buying shares. Don't tell me that, you were taking a bite. No. No. No. Of course not, Holmes. Naturally, as a scientific man, I knew it wasn't rubbish. My, my wife, however, had a couple of involved in the concern. And so today, to prove to her that the whole thing was a a fraud, we went down to the laboratory and met this doctor Paradis. Oh, did you indeed? In the first place, let me tell you. This doctor Paradis is a woman. Oh, a woman? As you could imagine, I didn't have any difficulty in discrediting our theories. In fact, I'm afraid I I made her seem rather stupid.
However, we did stay there long enough for her to to give us a demonstration. And that's the way that it was, Holmes. When we got back to our house, the initial package was there waiting for us. Oh, childish trick. Obviously, the pallidol chamber contains an ingeniously hidden trap door
[00:15:32] Unknown:
through which the assistant disappeared and made her the package.
[00:15:35] Unknown:
A fast cab then took it to your home before you could get there. Oh, yes. Oh, really? Well, yes. This, of course, that's exactly how I explained the thing to Mary. Was she impressed with the feet? Yeah. She was. But you know how women are. I tried to tell her the whole thing was a fraud. She's a very obstinate. I was hoping perhaps that you will help me expose the concern. Oh, god. It seem necessary, Othello. That's an obvious fraud. However, for your sake, I'll be glad to do anything I can. I thought we might go down to the laboratory late tonight when nobody's there and take a look at that Paradol chamber a little more closely. Yes, about a good idea.
[00:16:06] Unknown:
After being cooped up here for three days, it'll be a pleasure to get some night air and indulge in a little simple burglarizing. Well, shall I call for you here? No. No. Wait a minute, dear fellow. It's much too dangerous. I'll, I'll be in a handsome cab outside your house about 11:30 tonight. How's that? Splendid. Quite like old times, isn't it, home? Yes. It is, old chap. Though I think that, this time for missus Watson's sake, I must try and keep you out of trouble. Midnight home? Yes, Barton. Time that only concerned old bachelors like myself should be wandering the streets of London. Oh, rubbish, Holmes. You talk as if Mary was a tyrant. Now don't get angry with me, old job. I was only being suspicious. Is this, doctor Paradis' laboratory? Yes.
I'd like to be seen. I don't imagine it'll be very hard to break in, though. Strike a match, will you? I took the precaution of bringing this lantern.
[00:17:09] Unknown:
There you are. Thanks,
[00:17:14] Unknown:
Is the is the door locked? Yes. But I think the skeleton key will do the trick. Hold this lantern for a second, will you? Here you are. Boy, this child's play so far. Come on.
[00:17:29] Unknown:
There's the the paradigms chamber over there.
[00:17:33] Unknown:
Uh-huh. Give me the lantern again, I shall, will you? Thanks. Quite an elaborate contraption. Door's been left open. Let's go in and take a look at the inside of it. Not over this, Watson. If this is the only entrance and, the two of us walked in, it'd be too easy to slam the door shut on us. I suppose so. You go in, and I'll keep watch out here. Alright. Oh, why, trust that in a few minutes, I won't find myself lying on your doorstep. Holmes, there are times when your sense of humor is a little strained.
[00:18:07] Unknown:
Holmes. Holmes, are you alright? Watson. What is it, Holmes?
[00:18:13] Unknown:
The body of a dead woman. She's been shot.
[00:18:16] Unknown:
Unless I'm much mistaken. Let me come and look. A thousand to one is doctor Purdey's. Yes. Yes. It is. Watson, Galaric. Yeah. Don't you see that? Good lord. Someone has slammed the snow at the door. Shut on us. Yes, my dear fellow.
[00:18:29] Unknown:
We walked into a trap very neatly. I'm afraid that we're imprisoned in what appears to be an airtight metal chamber, and the only person who can help us to get out of it again is a corpse.
[00:18:50] Unknown:
Doctor Watson's story will continue in just a few seconds. It's time for me to remind you that good food always tastes better when served together with good wine. Did you know that Petri makes two wonderful meal time wines? Wines especially made to go with food and well they do. Petri California Burgundy and Petri California Sauternes. You want a rich hearty red wine, a wine that's great with any meat or meat dish, you just try a Petri Burgundy. And if you want a wine that's perfect with chicken or fish, try a delicate golden colored Petri Sauternes. Petri Burgundy if you want a red wine, Petri Sauternes if you want white. But always a Petri wine if you want a good wine.
Now back to tonight's new Sherlock Holmes adventure. It is in the early hours of a winter's morning in 1887. The famous pair while investigating the mysteries of a scientific laboratory in the East End Of London have been trapped in an airtight metal cabinet. Their only companion being the dead body of a woman scientist. As we rejoin our story, Sherlock Holmes and his old friend doctor Watson are listening intently as footsteps approach what appears to be their metal coffin. There's someone outside. They're sliding back to
[00:20:07] Unknown:
sliding back to mental power.
[00:20:10] Unknown:
Good evening,
[00:20:12] Unknown:
gentlemen. That voice, it's doctor Paddy's assistant.
[00:20:15] Unknown:
Let us out of here. Or should I be more precise, mister Holmes, and say good morning?
[00:20:21] Unknown:
Hello, Moriarty. Moriarty, you scoundrel.
[00:20:25] Unknown:
I can just get my hands on him. Doctor Watson, I wish you could get over your dislike for me. My own part, I'm genuinely sorry that my trap had to catch fruit too. I probably not have you that you're not on my side. Such slavish admiration of you, given your friend Sherlock Holmes must be highly gratified. About all that. What do you think you're up to? It's obvious, madam Watson.
[00:20:45] Unknown:
The whole scheme is a plan to lure me out my safe hiding by presenting an intriguing problem and one that victimized the wife of my old friend. You knew it would get back to my ear, didn't you, Moriarty?
[00:20:56] Unknown:
Yes. Exact But why did you murder this Paradis woman? That's equally obvious, my dear Watson.
[00:21:01] Unknown:
It serves her purpose in presenting a most convincing scientific front. As soon as the trap was baited, she was of our ability. She might tell tales until she was killed, like so many other of your accomplices, my dear professor.
[00:21:12] Unknown:
Precisely. Now my dear fellows, I'm afraid that I must close this panel and say goodbye. Quite solid I have to kill you, but you're becoming dreadfully in my way. And how do you plan to kill us, my honor? By doing nothing more than closing this panel. Oh, I could be frightfully dramatic and release deadly gases into the chamber or poisonous snakes or something equally colorful. But quite frankly, it seems so much simpler just to shut you in. Your oxygen supply won't last very long, you know. And for your benefit, doctor Watson, I may tell you that Peridol, whatever its other shortcomings as a metal, is bulletproof.
But buy you meddling fools.
[00:21:50] Unknown:
Well, there seems nothing for us to do but look around and ascertain our chances and escape. Holmes, I don't like this. We're in a very nasty situation. My dear Watson, sometimes you're a master of understatement. Uh-huh. Just as I thought. What have you found, Holmes? A sliding panel just behind the dead woman. It leads us to a passageway, a passageway that has been bricked up only within the last few hours but long enough, I'm afraid, to make impossible. No. There's no escape here. Hold the lantern a little higher, William. Yeah. That's it. Well, what are we gonna do now? I was just estimating the cubic capacity of this chamber. The air supply should last comfortably for at least another eight hours. I recommend a a brief sleep to refresh us and also to conserve our oxygen supply. Relief, who could sleep at a time like this? I can, and you can, old chap, if you discipline yourself. Well, I'll try, Holmes, but I know perfectly well I shan't close my eyes.
Wake up, Watson. Wake up.
[00:23:09] Unknown:
Yes, Mary. Oh, oh, oh, oh, is it you?
[00:23:16] Unknown:
We're still in this in the final trap. I'm afraid so, old chap.
[00:23:20] Unknown:
What time? Just after seven in the morning. How long did you estimate our oxygen supply would last? Probably about another hour. Well, it's just possible some worker will come to the bar too early and let us out. I shouldn't count too much on that if I were you. Oh, I suppose not.
[00:23:36] Unknown:
I say, Holmes, I'm I'm famished. I thought you would be, my dear chap. So I saved you a this half of a bar of chocolate. I get my own share just before you were wakened. Oh, thanks, my dear fellow.
[00:23:46] Unknown:
Did did you sleep too home? No. I didn't, Watson.
[00:23:49] Unknown:
I employed my time in conducting a minute examination of his chamber. I was trying to find some possible way of getting out. And you fail there? I'm afraid so.
[00:23:59] Unknown:
Holmes, this looks like the end, doesn't it? Well, if it is my time to die, I'm glad that we're together again. Although I blame myself entirely for for letting you into the trap. Come now, my dear fellow. Don't take it as bad as that. But you admitted you're defeated and that there's no possible way out to this distance. I meant that there's no way out from the inside. So my time worked. Good question to me. What on earth? The trial. Mister trial, there you are. Mary.
[00:24:24] Unknown:
Mary, you dear little thing. You you must have been frightened of death. Hello, Donald. Good day. You must have been a miserable night. Well, well, well, well, mister Sherlock Holmes and doctor Watson have been getting themselves in trouble again. Sir, this is no time for your heavy handed bedding out. There's the body of a murdered woman inside that chamber. She was killed by professor Moriarty. Professor Moriarty. Too bad you didn't get my message sooner. Your message? Well, bless myself, Holmes. I wish you'd tell me how you got your message to the Scotland Yard. Well, ever since these recent attacks on my life, I've had, my delightful band of ragamuffins, the Baker Street Irregulars, watching my house in fixed watches, two at a time. I gave the boys instructions to follow me whenever I went out. And if ever I did not reappear within three hours, they were to report to our friend, Lestrade, at Scotland Yard. Holmes, you're amazing.
[00:25:07] Unknown:
You you you think of everything. Just a minute, gentlemen. Just a minute.
[00:25:12] Unknown:
I didn't get no message from any of your Baker Street irregulars. You didn't? No, sir. Though I did find a couple of the boys tied up when we came in here just now. If you didn't get a message from them, how did you come here so awkwardly? That's an easy one because missus Watzner came and fetched me. You didn't know? But how on earth? Go on, ma'am. Oh, tell him. Well, it's really very simple.
[00:25:35] Unknown:
When John came back from seeing you yesterday, mister Holmes, he was overly elaborately casual in his references to the chamber. So, of course, I knew at once the two of you were going to investigate the matter. I also caught him oiling his revolver after dinner. I didn't know that you slipped out last night, John. But as soon as I woke up this morning, I realized what had happened. So I went straight to Scotland Yard for inspector Lestrade and brought him here with me. Why, Mary, you clever little thing. Isn't she clever, darling Holmes?
[00:26:04] Unknown:
Missus Watson, this has been a salutary experience. Will you allow me to congratulate you on your deductibility?
[00:26:10] Unknown:
Well, that's very nice of you, mister Holmes, but I really don't deserve any compliments if you don't mind my saying so. It was elementary, my dear mister Holmes. Elementary.
[00:26:33] Unknown:
This is Bob Campbell saying good night for the Petrie family. This program comes to you from our Hollywood Mutual Broadcasting system.
