Sherlock Holmes: Camberwell Poisoning 02/18/1946 Rathbone & Bruce

Summary

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Sherlock Holmes: Camberwell Poisoning

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Original Broadcast: February 18, 1946
Summary Date: February 27, 2026
Starring: Basil Rathbone (Holmes) & Nigel Bruce (Watson)
Episode Theme: “The Camberwell Poisoning” — A locked-house murder with a deadly inheritance and a poignant solution.

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Episode Overview

In this atmospheric radio drama, Dr. Watson recounts a particularly chilling and tragic case from 1887 Cambridge—"The Camberwell Poisoning." Sherlock Holmes is summoned in the dead of night by Edmond Lovelace, a desperate man seeking to prevent an impending murder within his troubled family. At the center is an old house, a stipulation-laden inheritance, and a family seething with distrust and motive. When the feared murder takes place, Holmes must sift through carefully crafted alibis, family tensions, and a crucial clue hidden in the winding of a pocket watch to find the true killer—revealing, in the end, a solution that is both logical and deeply compassionate.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Events

1. Setting the Case: Midnight Visit

• Caller at Midnight: Edmond Lovelace arrives at Baker Street past midnight, anxious and desperate, convinced a murder is about to happen (03:19).
  • Quote: “I’m in terrible trouble, Mr. Holmes… if you’ll accept my case, you can save four lives.” — Edmond Lovelace [03:54]
• Holmes’ Observations: Instantly deduces Lovelace’s background (single, owns a dog, insurance broker) from minor details (04:01–05:15).
  • Quote: “Your cufflinks don’t match, sir. Each is from a different pair—that would suggest preoccupation. And it’s a mistake that neither a wife nor man servant would have allowed to pass.” — Holmes [04:48]

2. The Family & Inheritance Motive

• The Lovelace Household: Five cousins, compelled by the deceased grandfather’s will to live together; inheritance split among survivors (05:14–06:10).
• Tensions: Gerald, the eldest and administrator, is universally resented; if one cousin dies, their share increases for the others.
• Suspicions: Gerald is suspected when a hypodermic syringe and cyanide (smelling of bitter almonds) are found in his coat (06:14–06:36).

3. Arrival at Camberwell House

• Introduction to Cousins: Holmes and Watson meet Alice Harley, Randolph, and learn about Gilly, the mentally disabled younger brother, and Gladstone the old dog (08:29–10:44).
  • Quote: “You know, Gilly’s 20 but he never developed mentally beyond the age of 8…” — Edmond Lovelace [10:09]
• Insight: Holmes suggests the cyanide may be for euthanizing the ailing family dog rather than for murder (10:46–11:02).

4. Tragic Dream and Sudden Death

• Visit to Gilly’s Room: Gilly is found asleep, clutching his beloved dog, and tells a touching dream about tea with rabbits (11:48–13:14).
  • Memorable Moment: The innocent comfort in Gilly’s imaginary world contrasted with the tension outside.
• Discovery: They attempt to see Gerald—but find him murdered, lying in blood, apparently bludgeoned and given a fatal cyanide injection (13:36–14:23).
  • Quote: “Great Scott, Holmes. The back of his skull smashed in!” — Watson [14:03]

5. The Investigation: Timelines and Alibis

• Medical Details: Dr. Watson confirms the sequence of events—blows to the head, then poison injected into Gerald’s wrist (15:59–16:24).
• Holmes’ Focus on Time: The deceased’s pocket watch is inspected and wound—Holmes notes precisely how many turns are left (17:14–17:26).
• Alibis: All cousins’ whereabouts are carefully checked; all appear to have solid alibis during critical hours (18:01–19:04).

6. The Watch and The Wait

• The Watch Experiment: Holmes takes the watch back to Baker Street, letting it run down to determine how long it runs with each turn, linking the hour of death to witness statements (20:11–20:59).
  • Memorable Moment: Holmes vigilantly sits up all night just to time the watch.
• Breakthrough: At 5 a.m., Holmes determines each turn is worth 2 hours, confirming the exact time of death (20:34–20:59).

7. The Culprit Revealed: A Sad Truth

• Returning to Camberwell: Holmes gathers the family; gently questions Gilly about the murder (21:00–22:51).
  • Quote: “How would you kill him?” — Holmes
    “I’d hit him first…I’d take the nasty needle he told me he was going to stick in Gladstone and I’d fill it full of that water he showed me and I’d stick it in him. That’s what I’d do. Then he’d be dead and he couldn’t hurt my Gladstone anymore. Not ever.” — Gilly [22:27–22:51]
• Resolution: Gilly confesses in his own childlike way—he attacked Gerald to prevent him killing his dog, not understanding the adult consequences.
• Holmes’ Compassion: Holmes assures the family Gilly will be placed in care, not tried for murder, and expresses hope Gilly will not outlive his beloved dog (25:19–25:26).

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Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

• “The briefcase that you carry might at first indicate a barrister… but your brusque, businesslike manner… an insurance broker who must visit clients at odd hours…” — Holmes deducing Lovelace’s profession [04:26]
• “His world may be a great deal more pleasant than ours, Watson.” — Holmes reflecting on Gilly’s innocence [13:17–13:22]
• “All they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. So the scriptures say.” — Holmes on the irony of Gerald’s fate [14:27]
• “One thing we do know for a fact is that this man was murdered at the exact moment he was going to bed… he was wearing his nightgown and nightcap, but the bed has not been slept in.” — Holmes narrows the timeline [16:40–16:52]
• “A sad business, Watson, a sad business.” — Holmes on the aftermath, displaying unusual tenderness [25:16]

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Timestamps of Key Segments

• 03:19 – Edmond Lovelace’s arrival & plea
• 06:14 – Revelation of the cyanide and syringe
• 10:09 – Backstory of Gilly
• 11:48 – Gilly’s dream scene
• 13:36 – Discovery of Gerald’s body (murder revealed)
• 16:00 – Holmes and Watson examine the room
• 17:26 – Holmes’ watch clue
• 20:34–20:59 – Holmes determines the watch’s secrets
• 22:27–22:51 – Gilly’s chilling but innocent confession
• 25:19–25:26 – Holmes’ final reflection on Gilly and Gladstone

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Episode Tone & Style

The episode is steeped in gothic suspense and familial discord, punctuated with moments of warmth (especially around Gilly and his dog), and Holmes’ usual dry wit. As always, Dr. Watson provides the grounded, humane narration, while Holmes’ logic is matched by a rare, genuine empathy for a “murderer” unlike any he’s encountered before.

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Conclusion

In “Camberwell Poisoning,” the classic detective format is given an emotional twist—Holmes’ deduction is as precise as ever, but the case’s solution is heartrending rather than triumphant. Gilly’s innocence, his uncomprehending act born of love for his dog, and Holmes’ gentleness with the family, mark this episode as a standout for its compassion as well as its cleverness.

A masterclass in deduction—with a heartbreaking, human core.

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Transcript

[Harry Bartel]

Welcome to Choice Classic Radio where we bring to you the greatest old time radio shows like us on Facebook. Subscribe to us on YouTube and thank you for [e-mail] Petri wine brings you

[Announcer]

Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce and the new adventures of Sherlock Holmes. The Petrie family, the family that took time to bring you good wine. Invite you to listen to Dr. Watson tell us another exciting adventure he shared with his good friend, that master detective, Sherlock Holmes. And I'd like to tell you about my favorite time of day. It's just before dinner, you know, when the family's all sitting around in the living room and wonderful things are cooking in the kitchen. Ah, that's for me. And that's the time for a glass of sherry. Because, Patrick, California Sherry really makes waiting for dinner a pleasure. That Petri sherry is the perfect before dinner wine. Just look at its beautiful amber color. And then taste that wonderful Petry sherry.

[Dr. Watson]

What a flavor.

[Announcer]

Petri sherry has a rich, nutty flavor that's right. From the heart of sun ripened grapes. And if you like your sherry dry, you know, not sweet. You want to get Petri pale dry sherry. Or better yet, taste them both. Don't buy one, buy two. Those letters P E T R I on the label are the personal assurance of the Petri family that Petri Sherry is truly good wine. And now it's time to keep the weekly appointment with our good friend Dr. Watson. How are you this evening, Doctor?

[Dr. Watson]

I never felt better, thank you, Mr. Bartel. Draw up your usual chair and make yourself comfortable.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thanks.

[Edmond Lovelace]

That's it.

[Announcer]

I see you've had the old tin dispatch box out again. I suppose you've been going through your notes on tonight's new Sherlock holmes adventure.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, Mr. Bartel. I think you'll find it as pretty a little problem as we ever encountered. Story began in 1887, a very busy year for us, my boy. It was the same year that Holmes solved the case of the Amateur Mendicant Society who held their meetings in a luxuriously furnished vault below a furniture warehouse.

[Announcer]

Oh, I remember that story, doctor. And wasn't 87 the year you both escaped from death in the Paradol Chamber.

[Dr. Watson]

It was indeed. You've got a very good memory, Barto. The story I'm going to tell you tonight topped off this unusually exciting year. It was late in October and the equinoxial gales had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had howled and the rain had beaten against the windows of our Baker street lodgings. Finally, it was midnight. As far as I remember. The storm grew higher and louder and the wind in the chimney sobbed like a child. Suddenly, much to our surprise, the doorbell jangled. And a few moments later our midnight visitor stood before us. He was a man of about 55, and as he looked about him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, I could see that his face was pale and that his eyes heavy like those of a man who's weighed down with some great anxiety. And when he spoke, his tone was businesslike and almost aggressive.

[Edmond Lovelace]

I've come to you for advice, Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

That's easily obtained. And help that is not always so easy. Help the gentleman off with his coat. Really? Well, indeed.

[Dr. Watson]

Here you are, let me hang it up for you.

[Edmond Lovelace]

Thank you, sir. I heard of you, Mr. Holmes, from major Prendergast.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh yes.

[Edmond Lovelace]

He said that you could solve anything.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Already said too much.

[Edmond Lovelace]

But you've never been beaten.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I've been beaten four times, sir. Three times by men and once by a woman. But supposing you sit down and introduce yourself. My friend's name is Watson. Dr. Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

How do you do, sir?

[Edmond Lovelace]

How do you, doctor? My name is Lovelace.

[Dr. Watson]

Edmond Lovelace.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And what brings you to me at this hour of the night, Mr. Lovelace?

[Edmond Lovelace]

I'm in terrible trouble, Mr. Holmes. You don't know anything about me. But if you'll accept my case, you can save four lives.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I wouldn't say that I know nothing about you, sir.

[Dr. Watson]

No, it's true.

[Sherlock Holmes]

True that I know little beyond the somewhat obvious fact that, well, you're single. That you keep a dog, but not a man servant. And that you are much preoccupied with your business, which I take to be some form of insurance.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, come, come, come now.

[Edmond Lovelace]

What is this?

[Dr. Watson]

Well, I'll wager that my friend's right though, isn't he, Mr. Lovelace?

[Edmond Lovelace]

Perfectly. But I'll be hanged if I can see how he knows.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It's a practical application of logic, sir. The briefcase that you carry might at first indicate a barrister or some other professional man. But you're brusque to business. Businesslike manner. Contracts. That suggestion. An insurance broker who must visit clients at odd hours is the likeliest man to combine that manner with a briefcase of midnight.

[Edmond Lovelace]

But the wife and the man servant. And the fact that I'm preoccupied with my business.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Your cufflinks don't match, sir. Each is from a different pair. That would suggest preoccupation. And it's a mistake that neither a wife nor man servant would have allowed to pass.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, but how about the Dog.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh surely that's odd, Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

Well I can't see it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'll let you ponder on that matter while Mr. Lovelace tells us his problem.

[Edmond Lovelace]

Mr. Holmes, are you as interested in preventing a murder as in solving one?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Actually I am, Mr. Lovelace, even more so. But please tell me your story.

[Edmond Lovelace]

I live with four cousins of mine in an old house in Camberwell. My grandfather left the house and a sizable fortune to the five of us on condition that we live together and maintain the family unity. It probably wouldn't surprise you to know

[Dr. Watson]

that we've grown to get pretty much

[Edmond Lovelace]

on each other's nerves.

[Dr. Watson]

What happens if one of you dies, Mr. Lovelace?

[Edmond Lovelace]

His share divided among the others.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No wonder to me, is there, that not that a murder may take place but that it has not happened long ago. Who's responsible for the administration of the estate?

[Dr. Watson]

My cousin Gerald.

[Edmond Lovelace]

He's much older than the rest of us and he's a thoroughly unpleasant, cantankerous man. He gets an extra share in the estate as administrator and in consequence he does work. We feel of course that he lives all vast and we're continually quarreling with him about it.

[Dr. Watson]

Sounds like a jolly.

[Edmond Lovelace]

There's going to be trouble, Mr. Holmes, I know it. Gerald hates us and he's jealous of

[Announcer]

our share in the estate.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You spoke of preventing murder just now, yet I can see that you've selected your cousin Gerald as the potential murderer. Am I right? Yes, you are.

[Edmond Lovelace]

But don't think it's personal prejudice that makes me suspect him. I have good reason for doing so.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What reason?

[Edmond Lovelace]

This evening just before dinner I helped Gerald off with his topcoat and went to hang it up for him. As I did so, I heard a strange clink in one of his pockets. I slipped my hand inside it and found that a hypodermic syringe and a small pile of liquid. I opened the pile and smelled it, gentlemen. It reeked of bitter almonds, mister.

[Dr. Watson]

Cyanide, eh?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Now what did you do?

[Edmond Lovelace]

I thought of destroying it but I realized that that would put him on his guard so I replaced it in his pocket. Of course I warned the others and we decided that I'd come to you. I had to see a most important client tonight or I'd have been here earlier.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, it seems odd that you didn't come directly to Mr. Holmes as soon as you'd made the discovery, Mr. Lovelace. After all, if a potential murderer is walking about with a pocket full of cyanide, I should have thought that itself was more important. Than business.

[Edmond Lovelace]

Well, I, yes, I, I suppose it

[Sherlock Holmes]

might seem so to you. Doctor. That's the most interesting stick you carry, sir.

[Edmond Lovelace]

May I examine it? Of course.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Here. Thank God.

[Dr. Watson]

Now I see how you deduced it. Mr. Lovelace had a dog.

Holmes.

There are the marks of the dog's teeth on the stick.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, my dear Watson, but these marks under scrutiny give us even more specific information. He's a large dog. You've had him for some years, Mr. Lovelace, and he's now old and feeble.

[Edmond Lovelace]

Well, you're perfectly right, but I'll be hanged if I can see how you can tell that from looking at a walking stick.

[Sherlock Holmes]

This stick is covered with teeth marks, therefore it has been carried many times by the dog. Now it's a heavy stick, so only a large dog could have carried it. And the teeth marks also indicate a large jaw. The older marks are deep sunk. Look here. The fresh ones where the wood is not yet darkened are shallow. Yes, it's obvious that the jaws are losing their strength.

[Edmond Lovelace]

That's very clever of you, Mr. Holmes, but I don't see what it has to do with the case in hand.

[Dr. Watson]

Neither do I, Holmes, I must confess.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, surely it tells us that your story, Mr. Lovelace, may bear a less terrifying implication than you think. On the other hand, its implication may be even more terrifying. It's late at night. I feel that any further delay in this matter would be extremely dangerous. I suggest that you get a cab and come to your house in Camberwell at once.

[Gilly Lovelace]

Alice.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Randolph. I'm glad you're still up.

[Edmond Lovelace]

I was able to persuade Mr. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson to come back with me. Gentlemen, this is my cousin, Alice Harley. How do you do?

[Sherlock Holmes]

How do you do, Ms. Harley?

[Dr. Watson]

How do you do?

And my cousin Randolph.

[Announcer]

Lovely.

[Sherlock Holmes]

How do you do? How do you do?

[Edmond Lovelace]

I told him about the whole business, Randolph, so we can all speak perfectly freely.

[Alice Harley]

Let's begin by sitting down, shall we? Randolph and I had just finished a little cold supper. We've been to the theater tonight.

[Dr. Watson]

Well, Mr. Holmes, I, I suppose Edmund told you about finding the hypodermic syringe and the cyanide in Gerald's coat pocket.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, indeed. May I ask where your cousin Gerald Lovelace is now?

[Alice Harley]

We left the house at seven, but I imagine Gerald went upstairs at eight as usual, didn't he?

[Edmond Lovelace]

On the stroke of eight, Alice. He's very fixed in his habits, Mr. Holmes. He goes up to his room every night at eight there he reads or works on his account and eventually goes to bed anytime between 10 and 1?

[Dr. Watson]

Well he might still be up.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I should like to speak to him a little later. In the meanwhile may I ask you two young people tell me quite honestly your feelings about your cousin Gerald.

[Edmond Lovelace]

And you might as well be frank.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I've kept nothing back.

[Alice Harley]

All right Randolph, and I hate him. First of all we're sure he's jealous of our shares in the estate and,

[Gilly Lovelace]

and then we, Alice and I want

[Dr. Watson]

to get married, Mr. Holmes, and Gerald won't hear of it.

But you're your cousins, aren't you?

[Alice Harley]

Only second cousins, Dr. Watson. Gerald is dreadfully conventional. He's threatened us that if we do get married he'll go to court and try to have our shares in the estate annulled.

[Dr. Watson]

And from the way the will is worded I wouldn't be surprised he could do it. So you can see why we have no great love for him. Why we're afraid of him.

He sounds an extremely unpleasant person to me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You mentioned there were five cousins in the house. Three of you were here. Mr. Gerald Lovelace is upstairs. Who and where is the fifth cousin?

[Dr. Watson]

The fifth cousin is my brother Gilly. He's something of a tragedy I'm afraid. You see Gilly's 20 but he, he never developed mentally beyond the the age of eight. He had a bad fall in the hunting field when he was a kid. He's been like this ever since.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm sorry to hear that, sir.

[Alice Harley]

But he's the dearest, most gentle boy you've ever met.

[Edmond Lovelace]

And incidentally the one person in this house who doesn't hate Gerald.

[Dr. Watson]

Poor fellow doesn't understand the conditions of the will I suppose.

[Alice Harley]

No, but if he did I don't think it'd make any difference. I swear Gilly loves every living thing, especially Gladstone. Gladstone is the name of his dog.

[Dr. Watson]

His dog?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, the dog may be the key to this whole matter.

[Dr. Watson]

The dog? What makes you say that? Home.

[Sherlock Holmes]

When a man brings a quick and painless poison home to a household containing an old and feeble dog, it's more than possible that he has obtained that poison quite legitimately to give the dog a merciful death.

[Gilly Lovelace]

To kill Gladstone? Oh no.

[Dr. Watson]

After all Alice dear, he is old and almost blind.

[Edmond Lovelace]

But Mr. Holmes, if you think Gerald brought home the poison to put Gladstone out of the way and I admit it sounds perfectly logical, what made you decide to come here tonight?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Because I dare not even guess what you may have done by including the thought of murder in this situation. Where is your brother Gilly?

[Dr. Watson]

In his room upstairs asleep.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I wonder if we might go up to him, I'd like to talk to him if you don't mind. And after that I. I want a few words with your cousin Gerald Lovelace.

[Gilly Lovelace]

He's asleep, Mr. Hel.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, with a dog in his arm.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm afraid we'll have to waken him.

[Gilly Lovelace]

Gilly. It's all right, Preston. We're not going to hurt him. Gilly. Who is it? Oh, hello Alice. Who are these men?

[Sherlock Holmes]

They've come to take Gladstone away.

[Dr. Watson]

No, no, Gilly, we haven't.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Of course not, Gilly. We've just come to admire him. Your brother's been telling us what a fine dog he is.

[Gilly Lovelace]

Oh, that's different. He. Isn't he beautiful? I just had such a wonderful dream about him. Such a wonderful dream.

[Dr. Watson]

What was it, Gilly?

[Gilly Lovelace]

Well, he was all young again, just a puppy. He was chasing a rabbit across a cliff top and I was running with him. Oh, Gladstone looked so beautiful, didn't you, old boy? Of course you did. And you know, the rabbit went down a hole and Gladstone went down after him and I went down after Gladstone and all had tea with the rabbits. Oh, so funny. He all had little green hats on hats with. With feathers.

[Dr. Watson]

I wanted Gladstone to try one on

[Gilly Lovelace]

but no he wouldn't. So sleepy. Come on, Gladstone, let's go back to the tea party.

[Dr. Watson]

Okay.

[Sherlock Holmes]

His world may be a great deal more pleasant than ours, Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

That's what I'd like to think, Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Now I'd like to have a few words with your cousin Gerald.

[Dr. Watson]

His room's at the end of this corridor.

[Alice Harley]

I'm afraid Gilly wasn't much help to you, Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

On the contrary, young lady. He told me exactly what I wanted to know. Here we are.

[Dr. Watson]

This is Gerald's room.

There's no light under the door. He must have gone to sleep.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm afraid we must waken him too.

[Dr. Watson]

Must be a heavy sleeper.

But he isn't. He's a remarkably light one.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Come on, let's go in. Strike a match will you old fellow?

[Alice Harley]

That's all the gas mantle at the head of his bed.

[Gilly Lovelace]

Dr. Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

He's lying on the outside of his bed. He must be. There's blood on the pillow.

Great Scott, Holmes. The back of his skull smashed in.

[Edmond Lovelace]

He's murdered.

[Alice Harley]

Oh no.

[Dr. Watson]

Horrible.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, Watson, but after the blows on his head. Look here on the table by his bed.

[Dr. Watson]

A hypodermic syringe and a broken file.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, a broken file. Reeking of bitter almonds, poor devil.

[Dr. Watson]

Well, I won't Pretend I like him. But what a ghastly way to die.

[Sherlock Holmes]

All they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. So the scriptures say. Mr. Lovelace, the very suspicion of the killing has brought murder to pass. Well it's too late to prevent it. Our job now is to find the killer and see that he's brought to justice.

[Announcer]

Doctor Watson will tell you the rest of his story in just a few seconds. Just time enough for me to tell you that if there's one wine that's perfect for any occasion, it's Petri, California Sherry. With a bottle of that rich amber colored Petri sherry on hand you can make that time before dinner a main event. And Petri Sherry is the perfect answer to the question of what to serve when company comes. Serve Petri sherry alone and let its full wonderful flavor speak for itself. Or serve Petri sherry with hors d' oeuvres or party sandwiches. And remember, you can serve Petri sherry proudly because Petri is the proudest name in the history of American wine. Well, Dr. Watson, so you found Gerald Lovelace dead in one of the bedrooms of the house in Camberwell. What did you do, send for the police?

[Dr. Watson]

Not at once, Mr. Bartel. Sherlock Holmes persuaded the remainder of the household to give him the opportunity of examining the scene of the crime carefully before the police were sent for. And so a few minutes before one o' clock that October night, Holmes and I stood alone in the room of death.

[Sherlock Holmes]

A little higher with old chap.

[Dr. Watson]

You know Holmes, I think you should have sent to the police right away.

[Sherlock Holmes]

In a case like this, Watson, I prefer to be my own police and I have spun the web. They may take the flies but not before. What are the results of your medical examination, old chap?

[Dr. Watson]

Exactly as you reconstructed it, Holmes. He was first beaten on the head with that poker lying on the floor. Then he had the full file of cyanide injected into his left wrist.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Can you estimate the time of death accurately?

[Edmond Lovelace]

No.

[Dr. Watson]

This room's confoundedly hot. He might have died anytime from one to five hours ago.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, it's now one o' clock and we know that he was alive at 8. Statement? Lovelace saw him leave for his room at that hour.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, if he was telling the truth.

[Sherlock Holmes]

One thing we do know for a fact is that this man was murdered at the exact moment he was going to bed. He's wearing his nightgown and nightcap, but his bed has not been slept in.

[Dr. Watson]

Is it possible the murderer might have killed him shortly after 8 and then dressed him in his night clothes to confuse us.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, my dear chap. You will notice that the hypodermic needle passed through the sleeve of his nightshirt. Yeah. Also the nightcap is crushed and blood stained from the blows of the poker. No. Donald Lovelace had prepared for bed.

[Gilly Lovelace]

Yes.

[Dr. Watson]

With a glass of water on the night table. And the prayer book. And the watch.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes. Signs of a prosperous and meticulous man. A fine gold watch and in excellent condition. Aha. There's the answer, Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

What do you mean there's the answer, Watson?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I just wound this watch one turn and then it was fully wounded. That provides us with the time schedule for our. Come on. We'll send a servant for the police. And while they're on the way, if you'll call everyone together, I should like to put a few more questions to this family. Before the police arrive. I should like to hear your statements again very carefully, if you don't mind. Mr. Edmund Lovelace, what were your exact movements tonight?

[Edmond Lovelace]

I left here shortly before 10. From 10 o' clock until the time I came to Baker Street I was with my client.

[Sherlock Holmes]

His name and address?

[Edmond Lovelace]

Derek Waterlow, 59 Onslow Square, South Kensington.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank you. Make a note of these, Willie Watson, you, Miss Harley and you, Mr. Randolph. Lovelies went to the theater together. Can any independent witness testify as to your movements?

[Alice Harley]

Yes, Mr. Holmes. We went with friends. The Grant Moresby. They live at the Clarendon Hotel off Charing Cross.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What time did you leave this house? Well it.

[Dr. Watson]

It was about a quarter to eight, wasn't it, Alice?

[Alice Harley]

Yes. And after the play we went to the Cafe Royal for a little refreshment with our friends and then came back here.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I see. And what time did you arrive back at this house?

[Dr. Watson]

Just a few minutes before midnight. I remember the grandfather clock in the hall striking just as we went into the drawing room.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And your brother Gilly, sir, I hate to waken him again. Have you any idea of his movements tonight?

[Dr. Watson]

Well, he never goes out after dark, Mr. But I spoke to the cook as we came in tonight. She says that he played cards with her until just after 10 o'.

Clock.

[Alice Harley]

He was fast asleep when I looked in on him shortly after midnight.

[Dr. Watson]

Thank you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You've made a note of all these facts, Watson?

[Harry Bartel]

Yes.

[Dr. Watson]

Hell, I got them all down.

Good.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Then let's be our way to Baker Street.

[Edmond Lovelace]

But the police, Mr. Holmes, they're on their way.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I know. Please give them my regards. Will you apologize for my informality and tell them. But I shall have the answer to this matter probably in a little over 24 hours,

[Gilly Lovelace]

Holmes.

[Dr. Watson]

Here it is, well after midnight. You haven't done a thing on the Camberwell case.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, but you have old chap. You've checked on all the time alibis and found them valid. I'm much obliged to you Inspector.

[Dr. Watson]

Lestard was here tonight you know and he made some pretty caustic remarks I can tell you.

[Edmond Lovelace]

Oh didn't you inform him that I'll

[Sherlock Holmes]

have the answer to the problem before many hours have passed?

[Dr. Watson]

But you know Lestrade, he wanted action.

[Sherlock Holmes]

He shall have it. The watch still running.

[Dr. Watson]

Another thing. What will Lestrade say when he finds that you took the dead man's watch?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I have no idea.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, why didn't you take him anywhere?

[Sherlock Holmes]

You sound sleepy old chap.

[Dr. Watson]

I'm confounded asleep.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Why don't you go to bed?

[Dr. Watson]

What are you gonna do?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Continue my vigil with my pipe and the watch of a dead man. Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

Watson wake up. What time is it?

[Sherlock Holmes]

5 o' clock in the morning.

[Dr. Watson]

What were you doing up at this hour?

[Sherlock Holmes]

The watch has just stopped. I'm about to rewind it.

[Dr. Watson]

What are you rewinding it for, Holmes? You waited over 24 hours for it to unwind.

[Sherlock Holmes]

When I know how many turns it takes to to wind it fully I shall have the answer to the whole business. 10. 11.

[Dr. Watson]

You're being confoundedly mysterious as usual.

[Gilly Lovelace]

14.

[Sherlock Holmes]

14 turns and the watch is fully wound. Get your clothes on old chap.

[Dr. Watson]

Where are we going? On this house?

[Sherlock Holmes]

To the house in Camberwell. Now I know who murdered Gerald Lovelace. Mr. Edmund L. I'm glad you let us in. Please take us up to your young cousin's room at once.

[Edmond Lovelace]

Really? What do you want with him?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'll explain it in a moment. Please take us up to him.

[Dr. Watson]

Of course.

[Edmond Lovelace]

But what brings you here at this

[Sherlock Holmes]

hour of the morning?

[Dr. Watson]

Mr. Holmes knows who murdered your cousin.

[Edmond Lovelace]

I'm glad to hear it. It's more than the police seem to know. They were here half the night cross examining us. Here we are.

[Dr. Watson]

I don't think we'll bother to knock. Billy.

[Gilly Lovelace]

Billy, I'm awake. We heard you coming up the stairs, didn't we? Gladstone.

[Edmond Lovelace]

It's the same man again.

[Dr. Watson]

You're not going to take Gladstone away, are you?

[Alice Harley]

Please don't take him away.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Don't worry Gilly, we're not going to touch him.

[Gilly Lovelace]

Oh, all right then.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh Gilly.

[Gilly Lovelace]

Yes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

You really love that dog, don't you?

[Dr. Watson]

Of course I do.

[Gilly Lovelace]

More than anything or anybody.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I believe you'd even kill a man who tried to hurt Gladstone, wouldn't you?

[Gilly Lovelace]

Oh yes, sir, I would.

[Edmond Lovelace]

Billy?

[Sherlock Holmes]

No.

[Dr. Watson]

Great shutter,

[Sherlock Holmes]

Gilly. I don't think you really kill a man. I don't think you could.

[Gilly Lovelace]

Couldn't I though?

[Sherlock Holmes]

How would you kill him?

[Gilly Lovelace]

I'd hit him first. I'd take a poker and hit him on the head so we couldn't fight back. And then I'd take the nasty needle he told me he was going to stick in Gladstone and I'd fill it full of that water he showed me and I'd stick it in him. That's what I'd do. Then he'd be dead and he couldn't hurt my Glaston anymore. Not ever.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Let's leave him, shall we? Goodbye, Gilly. Best dreams.

[Gilly Lovelace]

Goodbye, sir.

[Announcer]

Good old Glancer.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You satisfied, sir?

[Dr. Watson]

Yes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Poor Guinea.

[Dr. Watson]

There's no doubt about it, of course.

Can there be? No one had described the murder to him and yet he's just given an exact description of its method.

What will happen to him? They, they won't try him?

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, no, no, no. A little pressure in the right places and he'll be released to a private nursing home. I'll do everything I can, Mr. Lovelace.

[Dr. Watson]

Thank you, Mr. Holmes. Thank you very much.

Well, Holmes, now that we're back in Baker street and the whole pressing case is finished with, perhaps you'll tell me how you knew that Billy had committed the murder.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, consider the time schedules, old fellow. You checked the alibis of the other cousins and found them satisfactory. That meant that Alice Harley and Randolph Lovelace could have committed the crime only at midnight. Edmond only before 10. Gilly only around 11. You said that the time of death could have been at any of those hours.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, I did. So how did you pin it down to 11?

[Sherlock Holmes]

The watch gave me the specific answer when I picked it up. I'm thinkingly wound it, made one turn and was then fully wounded. Now when does methodical, precise man like Gerald Lovelace wind his watch just he's going to bed. Exactly, old fellow. So that it was obvious that he was killed? Precisely one watch stem turn before I wound his watch.

[Dr. Watson]

Now I'm beginning to see daylight, Holmes. So you left the watch run down?

[Sherlock Holmes]

That's what I did. It took 28 hours from 1 o' clock the night before last until 5 this morning. Now how many turns did it take to rewind it?

[Dr. Watson]

14.

[Sherlock Holmes]

That's right. Therefore one turn of the watch stem equal two hours, proving that Gerald Lovelace had been murdered two hours before one o' clock at 11pm when Gilly was

[Dr. Watson]

the only one who could have done it. You know Holmes, I still find it hard to believe that boy was capable of such a ghastly crime. He seems so gentle.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh yes, he is. Except when his beloved dog's life was at stake. Probably out of some mistaken notion of kindness, Gerald Lovelace warned the boy of his intentions regarding the dog. It's a sad business, Watson, a sad business.

[Dr. Watson]

I hate to think that boy is spending the rest of his life in a mental home.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I have one prayer for his future.

[Dr. Watson]

What's that?

[Gilly Lovelace]

Home.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The dog. Gadsden can't live very long. I pray Gilly does not long outlive him.

[Announcer]

That was a remarkable bit of deduction on the part of Mr. Holmes.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, extremely clever, wasn't it? Of course, if I may say so, I was of some small help myself.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Small help?

[Announcer]

Why Doctor, you practically solved the case by yourself.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, I wouldn't go as far as

[Announcer]

saying, but Doctor, you did check all the alibis, didn't you?

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, I checked where each suspect was at various times.

[Announcer]

Yes, you checked time. And what's more important than time?

[Dr. Watson]

Whoa.

[Announcer]

Why Doctor, time is even vitally important when it comes to wine.

[Dr. Watson]

I was wondering how you were going to bring that in.

[Announcer]

And one thing we do know, Petri took time to bring you good wine. So nobody can miss with Petri wine

[Edmond Lovelace]

it's just got to be good.

[Announcer]

You know, you can't be in the wine business as long as the Petri family without really learning all about the fine art of making wine. And don't forget the Petrie family has been making fine wine since way back in the 1800s. So naturally they've been able to hand on down from father to son, from father to son. The result of generations of experience of turning luscious sun ripened grapes into fragrant delicious wine. No matter what type of wine you prefer, you'll like it more if it's a Petri wine because Petri took time to bring you good wine. Well Dr. Watson, what new Sherlock Holmes story do you plan to tell us next week?

[Dr. Watson]

Well now, next week, Mr. Bartel, I'm going to tell you a most unusual adventure that Holmes and I had when we were attending a performance at the opera house in Rome. Concerns a famous singer who lost her voice, an understudy who was nearly lynched, and a murder that baffled the police. I call it the Adventure of the Terrifying Cat.

[Announcer]

Well that's a story we've got to hear.

[Dr. Watson]

Thank you Mr. Bartel.

And before you go, I want to talk to our friends about their war bonds. You know, during the war, the best investment we could find was the United States War Bond. And for my money, they're still a great investment. They're called United States Savings Bonds now, and only the name is changed. Savings bonds are sold in the same denominations and give you all the same advantages. And you can buy savings bonds at the same places at your bank or your post office or through the payroll savings plan. So invest all you can in United States Savings Bonds because you cannot find a better or a safer investment.

[Announcer]

Tonight's Sherlock Holmes adventure was written by Dennis Green and Anthony Boucher and was suggested by an incident in the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle story the Five Orange Pits. Music is by Dean Foster. Mr. Rathbone appears through the courtesy of Metro Goldwyn Mayer and Mr. Bruce through the courtesy of Universal Pictures where they are now starring in the Sherlock Holmes series. The Petri Wine Company of San Francisco, California, invite 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. Listen every Monday on most of these Same stations at 8 o' clock to Michael Shane, followed immediately by Sherlock Holmes. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.