Sherlock Holmes: Hampton Heath Killer (Rathbone & Bruce) 01/07/1946

Summary

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Sherlock Holmes: "Hampstead Heath Killer" (Rathbone & Bruce)

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Original Airdate: January 7, 1946
Summary Date: January 30, 2026
Featured Cast:

• Sherlock Holmes (Basil Rathbone)
• Dr. Watson (Nigel Bruce)
• Inspector Lestrade
• Monsieur Leveque
• Host: Harry Bartel

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Episode Overview

In this atmospheric old-time radio episode, Dr. Watson recounts to an audience of GIs at Camp Roberts the disturbing case of the "Hampstead Heath Killer"—a macabre series of murders haunting Edwardian London. Holmes and Watson are enlisted by a desperate Scotland Yard to track down a cunning mass murderer. The episode blends suspenseful investigation with a chilling climax in a Chamber of Horrors, culminating in a confrontation with a killer whose pride and obsession drive his crimes—and his downfall.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Progression

1. The Setting: Murders Shock London

• [02:01-02:56] Dr. Watson sets the stage: the summer of 1900, Hampstead Heath is plagued by late-night killings of young women, all with their throats cut, each crime more baffling than the last.
• "It concerns one of the most sinister mass murderers who ever threatened the peace of London." (Dr. Watson, 02:01)
• Scotland Yard, led by Inspector Lestrade, is at its wit’s end and comes to Holmes in desperation.

2. Recalling the Murders

• [03:34-07:06] Lestrade recounts a chronology:
  • Details the murders, focusing on Bessie Oakley’s killing, witnessed by her companion, who is initially suspected.
  • Another killing: even an upper-class couple on the Heath falls victim, heightening fear and scandal.
• Each victim is a young woman, mostly accompanied by men, except the last, Rose Bishop, who was attacked alone.

3. Analysis of the Evidence

• [07:23-10:34] Holmes interrogates Lestrade about police procedures and clues.
  • Key find: a knife left in the latest victim, "a collector’s item" over 100 years old.
  • Holmes’ analysis under the microscope reveals a deposit of colored wax, hinting at a connection to waxworks exhibitions.
  • "The handle of this knife is corrugated… a minute deposit… it's wax. Colored wax." (Holmes, 09:39)
• Holmes theorizes the knife is from a wax museum, possibly tied to the murderer’s identity.

4. Visiting Waxworks Exhibitions

• [11:02-13:06] Holmes and Watson visit several waxworks, ending at "Leveque's Museum".
  • The Chamber of Horrors features a veiled figure labeled "The Hampstead Heath Murderer."
  • They meet the proprietor, Monsieur Leveque, who reveals the veiled figure is a publicity stunt—with no features beneath the veil.

5. The Wager and Subterfuge

• [13:12-15:04] Holmes expresses interest in a wager: a £100 reward for spending the night among the murderers’ effigies.
  • Holmes volunteers Watson (to Watson’s comic protest) but intends to go himself, disguised as Watson.
  • "No, but Dr. Watson would like to." (Holmes, 14:21)
  • Holmes notes a connection: "Leveque is the French word for Bishop," linking Leveque to Rose Bishop’s murder.

6. Night in the Waxworks: The Trap is Set

• [16:23–19:16] Holmes, disguised as Watson, is locked into the Chamber of Horrors by Leveque.
  • Leveque confiscates his revolver, promises to return in the morning, and seals the doors—raising the stakes.
  • "Midnight, the bet is on, Doctor. You still wish to go through with it?" (Leveque, 19:06)

7. Showdown in the Chamber

• [20:01–23:08] Watson arrives early, worried for Holmes’ life after a fresh murder.
  • They investigate the veiled waxwork—revealing Leveque’s own face underneath.
  • Suddenly, Leveque himself confronts them, brandishing a knife: "Which is more than either of you will be in a few minutes." (Leveque, 21:33)
  • In the darkness, Holmes ingeniously sets fire to a waxwork with a newspaper torch, forcing Leveque to attack—and enabling their escape as the museum is consumed by flames.
  • "Wax on a wooden frame should blaze brilliantly. There we are." (Holmes, 22:36)

8. Case Resolution and Aftermath

• [23:08–26:43] Scotland Yard (Lestrade) captures Leveque as the wax museum burns.
  • Leveque is revealed as Rose Bishop’s father, who, driven by mania and hatred, killed his own daughter and the others; he is committed to an asylum.
  • Holmes reflects with self-criticism on his own delay in cracking the case: "I hope that my name has not been used in that newspaper report." (Holmes, 25:43)
  • "If you should have occasion to chronicle this story, Watson... I would like you to entitle it the Education of an Idiot." (Holmes, 26:18)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the nature of the killer:
  • "A morbid madman obsessed by a hatred of love. He'll be hard to catch." (Holmes, 07:57)
• On the evidence:
  • "This knife is a collector’s item... at least a hundred years old." (Holmes, 08:39)
• Holmes’ revelation:
  • “Leveque is the French word for Bishop.” (Holmes, 17:20)
• Confrontation with Leveque:
  • "Which is more than either of you will be in a few minutes." (Leveque, 21:33)
• Holmes’ humility:
  • "I solved by circumstance and melodrama what should have been a purely intellectual problem. I’m not pleased with myself, Lestrade." (Holmes, 25:32)
  • "If you should have occasion to chronicle this story, Watson... I would like you to entitle it the Education of an Idiot." (Holmes, 26:18)
• Inspector Lestrade’s pun:
  • "You've solved the case in a blaze of glory. Get the point, sir? A blaze of glory." (Lestrade, 23:08)

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Key Timestamps for Important Segments

• [02:01] – Dr. Watson introduces the Hampstead Heath murders
• [03:34] – Lestrade summarizes crime chronology
• [07:23] – Discovery of the knife/clue
• [09:39] – Holmes finds colored wax evidence
• [11:02] – Tour of waxwork exhibitions
• [13:06] – Encounter with Leveque in the Chamber of Horrors
• [14:21] – The wager to spend the night in the museum
• [17:20] – Holmes connects Leveque and the murdered Rose Bishop
• [19:06] – Holmes is locked in for the night
• [21:18] – Unveiling of Leveque’s wax figure
• [22:36] – Holmes sets torch, burning the museum
• [23:08] – Case wrap-up and Lestrade’s summary
• [26:18] – Holmes titles the adventure “The Education of an Idiot”

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Tone & Style

The episode captures the suspense and period flavor of classic Sherlock Holmes. The chemistry between Rathbone’s sharp, contemplative Holmes and Bruce’s affable Watson is evident, leavened by wit (“Let us say I’ll take it under advisement. I’ll do my best, Lestrade, I’ll do my best.” – Holmes, 08:49) and moments of humility. The horror elements in the wax museum are evocative, contributing to the dramatic tension.

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Episode Takeaway

"Hampstead Heath Killer" is an exemplar of Golden Age radio drama—a tale of jealousy, madness, and grisly pride set amid foggy London streets and a Chamber of Horrors. In unraveling the case, Holmes navigates both criminal psychology and physical danger, unveiling not just the murderer but the tragic roots of his crimes.

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For Sherlock Holmes fans and OTR enthusiasts alike, this is a gripping, suspense-filled mystery—best enjoyed in the dark!

Transcript

[Harry Bartel]

This episode from the Life of Sherlock Holmes will be transmitted to our men and women overseas by shortwave and through the worldwide facilities of the Armed Forces Radio Service. Petrie wine brings you Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce and the new adventures of Sherlock Holmes. The Petri family. The family that took time to bring you good wine and invite you to listen to Dr. Watson tell us another exciting adventure he shared with his old friend, that master detective, Sherlock Holmes. Tonight, instead of joining the Doctor at his home, we're all meeting here at Camp Roberts in California where the Doctor's going to tell his story before a large audience of GIs. And as usual, I'm going to tell my story right now. It's about Petri California Sherry. And I want you to know that Petry sherry is the best beginning a good meal ever had. Before you sit down to dinner some evening soon, just pour yourself a glass of Petri Sherry. Look at that rich, dark amber color. Just smell the fragrance of those wonderful grapes. And then taste that Petri sherry. Is that ever good. And say, if you like your sherry on the dry side, you know, not sweet, then just wait till you taste Petri Pale dry sherry. If some of your family like regular sherry and some like pale dry, don't buy one, buy two. You can't go wrong so long as you buy Petri P E T R I Petri Sherry. And now let's join Dr. Watson and get on with our story.

[Dr. Watson]

Good evening, Mr. Bartel.

[Harry Bartel]

Well, doctor, your study seems a little bigger than usual this week.

[Dr. Watson]

That's my boy. I felt that as tonight's new Sherlock Holmes adventure was rather an exciting one. The men here at Camp Roberts might like me to tell it to them in person.

[Harry Bartel]

I'm sure they will. Doctor. Which particular story have you selected?

[Dr. Watson]

One that I call the Strange Case of the Murder in Wex. It concerns one of the most sinister mass murderers who ever threatened the peace of London. In the summer of 1900 and the city had been rocked by a series of gusty murders on Hampstead Heath.

[Harry Bartel]

Hampstead Heath?

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, Hampstead Heath. That's a large rambling park in the suburbs of London, Mr. Bartel. And noted as a rendezvous for young lovers. It was here that the elusive murderer, knife in hand, was wont to roam at nighttime searching for his prey. All of his victims were young girls. And despite the frantic efforts of the police, each murder seemed to be as baffling as the one that preceded it. Finally, of course, as usual, Scotland Yard came to Sherlock Holmes for help. It seems almost like yesterday, Mr. Bartel. Inspector Lestrade stood in our Baker street rooms imploring Holmes to handle the case.

[Inspector Lestrade]

Mr. Holmes, you got to help us. I don't mind telling you the Yard's at the end of its rope.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I sympathize with you, Lestrade, but I don't see that there's much that I can do. Only the police can handle the widespread detailed work necessary to this case. The private detective is helpless.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes. Perhaps if you'd come to Mr. Holmes in the first place, Lestrade, he might have helped you.

[Inspector Lestrade]

But the murderer hasn't finished yet. There'll be more killings if we don't catch him. You mark my words, Mr. Holmes. Please help us, won't you?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Before I commit myself, Lestrade, give me the exact chronology of events, will you? All my information on the murders has been derived from the London newspapers. Notoriously inaccurate in matters of fact.

[Inspector Lestrade]

I can give you all the particulars, sir. I've been on the case right from the beginning. All the murders have taken place on Amsterd Heath at nighttime and all the victims have been young women.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Who was the first one?

[Inspector Lestrade]

A girl by the name of Oakley, a Bessie Oakley. She was a shop girl who worked at Derry and Tom's in Kensington High Street. Three weeks ago she was out on the east with a young fellow by the name of Alfred Smith. From what he told me, it was a moonlight night that night as they sat there out on the east.

[Harry Bartel]

Come on, Bessie, give us a kiss.

[Fred]

Oh, go on, Fred, don't be so sloppy.

[Harry Bartel]

I ain't sloppy. Come on, Bess.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Hello.

[Fred]

Hello. Who's this coming towards us?

[Harry Bartel]

Blooming prowler here. Yeah, what you want?

[Fred]

Can't you say something?

[Harry Bartel]

Look, our Bessie's got a knife. No you don't.

[Fred]

You devil, you. You. You admire Fred. Keep away from me. Keep away from me, dude.

[Harry Bartel]

And that's all I know. Inspector Lestrade. I never got a good look at him. He caught me on the head and when I come to there was poor Bessie with a throat cut.

[Inspector Lestrade]

Yeah, that's your story, young fella, my lad. All right, Sergeant, you can book him on suspicion of murder.

[Fred]

Sir George, we shouldn't be walking on the heath. Didn't you read about the murder here two days ago?

[Sir George]

It's a fine thing. I take you out in the moonlight.

[Dr. Watson]

And you talk of murders.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Let's talk about us.

[Fred]

Violet, darling, it seems to me we should talk about your wife.

[Sir George]

My wife doesn't mean anything to me anymore. Violet, if I could get a divorce, I.

[Fred]

There's someone behind that tree. She's Coming towards us.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Who are you sir? And what do you. No you don't.

[Dr. Watson]

Don't come near me. Don't.

[Sir George]

Inspector Lestrade, she's dead.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Poor girl.

[Sir George]

I know but a scandal can't bring her back. If there's any way to keep my.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Name out of the papers I. Yeah.

[Inspector Lestrade]

I'm afraid you'll have to take your chances, sir. George. Oh and Sergeant.

[Harry Bartel]

Yours Inspector.

[Inspector Lestrade]

You can turn that boy loose. Weave el for questioning. The man who did this is obviously the same killer. I'm afraid we're going to hear a lot more from him.

[Dr. Watson]

Line edition.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Evening Piper.

[Monsieur Leveque]

Empston Eat Murderer strikes for fifth time.

[Dr. Watson]

Nine girls murdered on Empston Eats. Light edition.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Evening paper. Here.

[Sir George]

Look here Miss, you can't go walking by yourself on the Eats. It ain't safe.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh it's.

[Fred]

Thank you Constable, but. But I'm not frightened. I want to be by myself and I want to think.

[Sir George]

Well I can't stop you by law I suppose but you shouldn't do it. I don't know how to handle these modern young things and that's a fact. Inspector Lestrade. He must have killed her the moment she got out of my sight. I searched the old ruddy heath but I couldn't find the murderer. But I did startle him.

[Monsieur Leveque]

He left his knife in the body.

[Inspector Lestrade]

Good Jackson, the body's not been ident.

[Sir George]

No Inspector.

[Inspector Lestrade]

We'll print her photograph in all the papers. We've got to find out who she is. Mr. Bishop, is this the body of your missing daughter?

[Monsieur Leveque]

Yes, it's Rosie, my Rose. Inspector Lestrade, if I ever lay my.

[Dr. Watson]

Hands on that murdering fiend I'll kill him. I'll kill him with my bare hand.

[Inspector Lestrade]

There's the story, Mr. Holmes. Rose Bishop was the tenth and last girl murdered.

[Sherlock Holmes]

But she was the first girl murdered when she was alone. And Lestrade?

[Inspector Lestrade]

Yes sir.

[Dr. Watson]

You found no clues where?

[Inspector Lestrade]

None that proved anything when we checked on them.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Let me ask you a question or two, Lestrade.

[Inspector Lestrade]

Or anything you like, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You've taken the obvious precautions of course.

[Inspector Lestrade]

How do you mean?

[Sherlock Holmes]

You posted a heavy police guard on Heath.

[Inspector Lestrade]

Why yes sir. We've had a hundred plain clothes men walking there at night ever since the second murder but he, he seems to slip through our fingers.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I suppose you've also posted policemen dressed in women's clothes?

[Inspector Lestrade]

Yes Ms. Romes. And we've hired girls to walk the eat in couples with our plain clothesmen. But the murderer won't seem to rise to our bait.

[Dr. Watson]

He's a cunning brute.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes he is. Watson, obviously a morbid madman obsessed by a hatred of love. It'll be hard to catch. Lestrade, you mentioned clues that amounted to nothing when you checked them. What were these clues?

[Inspector Lestrade]

Well, footprints, a couple of cigarette butts dropped at the scene of the crime. Nothing that helped us. The only important clue was the knife we found in the body of Rose Bishop, the last girl murdered.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Because the experts at the Yard examined it.

[Inspector Lestrade]

Yes, sir. Didn't tell us a thing though.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You got the knife with you?

[Inspector Lestrade]

Here it is, Mr. Holmes. I knew you wouldn't trust us. You'd want to look at it yourself.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank you, Lestrade. Yes. Interesting.

[Dr. Watson]

What is it, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

This knife is a collector's item. It's at least a hundred years old, I should say. May I keep this overnight, Lestrade? I should like to conduct a few experiments of my own.

[Inspector Lestrade]

Why of course you can, sir.

[Dr. Watson]

Then you are going to take on the case?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Holmes, let us say that I'll take it under advisement. I'll do my best, Lestrade, I'll do my best. Well, thank you, sir. If any further developments occur, communicate with me at once, will you?

[Inspector Lestrade]

Yes, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

In the meanwhile I'll smoke a few pipes on the problem. But I promise nothing, my dear fellow. I promise absolutely nothing.

[Dr. Watson]

3:00 clock in the morning, Holmes. You're still peering through your microscope with that knife Lestrade left for you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

That's true, old chap, that's quite true. I must be a very dull companion. Why don't you go to bed?

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, cause I'm afraid I may miss something. Confounded. Have you discovered anything?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, I think so.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh. What?

[Sherlock Holmes]

The handle of this knife is corrugated. On the underside I observed a slight diffusion in the markings. Under the penetrating eye of the microscope I found a minute deposit which had caused the diffusion. I have just analyzed that deposit. It's wax. Colored wax.

[Dr. Watson]

Colored wax? Well, what does that signify?

[Sherlock Holmes]

By itself, very little. But when you combine it with a knife that definitely belongs to another century, it does suggest a certain origin.

[Dr. Watson]

I got an idea. Perhaps it came from the theater. An 18th century dagger could belong in a period play. And the colored wax might easily be part of an actor's maker.

[Sherlock Holmes]

An excellent deduction, Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, thanks, Rupert.

[Sherlock Holmes]

However, my own theory would be that this dagger came from a waxworks exhibition.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, wrong again.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Putty is used in theatrical disguises, but I don't recall the use of colored wax.

[Dr. Watson]

Whereas it is used in making wax and effigies. And of course the dagger would belong as part of the costume.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Precisely, my dear fellow. It's a long chance, but I think in the morning we'll make a tour of the various London waxworks exhibitions. If my deduction is a false one, at least we'll have the pleasure of a busman's holiday. We can visit all our old friends who died on the gallows. Any tid, old chap?

[Dr. Watson]

I must say I'm a little weary. This is the fourth waxworks exhibition that we've been to.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The fourth and the last. We fail to find any clues here at Leveque's Museum, we can return to Big Street.

[Dr. Watson]

Well, thank heaven this is our last port of call. I'm so dizzy from looking at waxworks that they begin to look like human beings to me. Did you notice that I asked directions from the wax policeman at the entrance door to Staff?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, I'm sure many people have been deceived in the same way. Here we are.

[Dr. Watson]

Monsieur Leveque doesn't believe in understatement, does he? Look at that sign there.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Gracious me. The Chamber of Horrors. Come in and see the Pageant of Murder. All the great killers of history reenacting their famous crimes. Well, let's go in, Watson. We should feel thoroughly at home.

[Dr. Watson]

Creepy in here, isn't it? I've heard that Monsieur leveque could pay £100 to anyone who will spend all night alone in the Chamber of Horrors.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, I've heard of that challenge, too. Are you thinking of accepting the bet?

[Dr. Watson]

Great Scott. Now I wouldn't spend a night here for a thousand.

[Sherlock Holmes]

A very comprehensive collection of killers, aren't they? See? Williams, Wainwright. Ah, the Marchioness de Brinvilliers.

[Dr. Watson]

By Jo. Yes, she was an attractive woman, wasn't she? As trim a pair of ankles as ever I seen.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, but you wouldn't have liked her cooking, Watson. She used the most lethal condiments of almost any woman in history. Hello.

[Dr. Watson]

What is it?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Look over there.

[Dr. Watson]

I was wondering when we'd come to one of your cases. Dr. Grimsby Rylott and the Murder at Stoke Moran, or the Case of the Speckled Band. By Jove, Holmes, the tableau's extraordinarily realistic, isn't it?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, wonderful. Other old friends of mine are represented here. Should rather like to renew acquaintance with Ricoletti of the Clubfoot and his abominable wife.

[Dr. Watson]

Ricoletti? I don't remember him, Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, one of my earlier cases. Old fellow, I must tell you that story sometime.

[Dr. Watson]

No, but you would abol. Holmes, look. That veiled figure over there. Read the placard in front of it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The Hampstead Heath murderer. Well, how very interesting.

[Dr. Watson]

The face is covered with a black veil.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Is this pure showmanship, I wonder? Or does Monsieur Leveque know more than Scotland Yard and I?

[Monsieur Leveque]

Good day to you, gentlemen.

[Dr. Watson]

You startle me, sir.

[Monsieur Leveque]

Are you admiring my collection of murderers, Monsieur Leveque? Yes, sir. And haven't I the distinction of addressing Mr. Sherlock Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

That is my name. And this is my friend, Dr. Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

How do you do?

[Monsieur Leveque]

How do you do, Doctor? I am greatly honored to meet you both. What do you think of my Chamber of Horrors?

[Sherlock Holmes]

It's very impressive. We're particularly interested in this veiled figure of the Hampstead Heath merchant.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, indeed we are, sir. Is there a face behind beneath that veil?

[Monsieur Leveque]

I'll let you in on a trade secret, gentlemen. There are no recognizable features behind that veil. This is purely for publicity purposes. The public always expects to see the latest horrors here and I. I thought I'd titillate their morbid palates by. By having a mysterious figure representing the killer. Of course, if he is captured, I shall add his effigy to my collection.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You think he will be captured then?

[Monsieur Leveque]

One can only speculate. He's a clever man, Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

By the way, Monsieur Levesque, does your offer of a hundred pounds to anyone who will spend a night in the Chamber of Horrors still hold good? Oh, yes.

[Monsieur Leveque]

Are you thinking of accepting the bet, Mr. Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, but Dr. Watson would like to.

[Monsieur Leveque]

I don't recommend the experience, Doctor. It's an ordeal that calls for nerves of steel. However, I shall be glad to arrange for it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I haven't the slightest intention of backing down now. Of course you haven't, old fellow. What time shall my friend return, sir?

[Monsieur Leveque]

About 11:30 tonight. I'll be waiting for him at the main entrance.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Mandy. Come on. Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Good day, Monsieur Leveque.

[Monsieur Leveque]

Good day, gentlemen. I shall be waiting for you tonight, Doctor.

[Dr. Watson]

Holmes. What the blaze did you think you're doing? I haven't the slightest intention of keeping that appointment tonight.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, of course you haven't. I shall keep it disguised as you.

[Dr. Watson]

You keep it. For heaven's sake, tell me what you're up to, Holmes. You didn't even mention that missing dagger to Levate.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, because he knows something about the murderer. I'm convinced of it.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, why'd you say that?

[Sherlock Holmes]

As we were standing there talking to him, a breath of air from the open window blew back a corner of the veil. I'll swear that there are clearly defined features beneath it.

[Dr. Watson]

And so you're going back there tonight to find out.

[Sherlock Holmes]

That's Right, old fellow. I, the superstitious used to believe they could use a waxen image to kill a man. Tonight, Watson, we shall prove that a waxen image can be used to trap a killer.

[Harry Bartel]

Doctor Watson will continue his story in just a second. So I'm just going to remind you that there are lots of ways to make good food taste better. But the easiest way is to serve that food with a good wine. A Petri wine. If you like a white wine, with chicken or with fish. You love that wonderful Petri California Sauterne. If you like a red wine, then rich, hearty Petri California Burgundy is your wine. But if you don't know which you prefer, why not try them both? Petri Burgundy and Petri Sauternes red and white. Don't buy one, buy two. But always buy Patrick. Well, Doctor. So Sherlock Holmes decided to disguise himself as you and spend the night in the Chamber of Horrors.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, that's right, Mr. Bartel. After dinner that night he began to apply the makeup. It's uncanny to sit there in Baker street and watch Holmes slowly turning into a very convincing replica of myself as he did. So we discussed last minute arrangement at 11:30.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Watson, if I'm not back here by 2 o', clock, you better come out to me.

[Dr. Watson]

Well, you should let me come and wait outside, old fellow, just in case there's any trouble.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, no, no, no, you'd attract attention. By the way, do you recall the name of the last girl murdered on the heath?

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, Bishop. Rose Bishop.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Wasn't it exactly the only girl who was murdered when she was unescorted? The body was identified by her father.

[Dr. Watson]

I'm not Robert Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Leveque is a French name and yet the gentleman had a decidedly English accent. I should say that he adopted a foreign name as being more suited to his profession.

[Dr. Watson]

I don't see what you're driving at. What's the connection between Leveque, the owner of the waxworks, and the father of Rose Bishop, the murdered girl?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Leveque is the French word for bishop.

[Dr. Watson]

Great Scott. You think that he knows who the murderer is?

[Sherlock Holmes]

And I know only one thing, Watson. I may see what is beneath that black veil now as my disguise.

[Dr. Watson]

Wonderful. You look exactly like me. But how do you manage about the voice?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, I don't think it'll be too difficult.

[Dr. Watson]

I can't understand half what you're saying.

[Sherlock Holmes]

In your own case, old chap, that's a handicap that I've suffered from for years. Rubbish.

[Dr. Watson]

I'm perfectly in touch.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Now let me see the bullseye lantern yes, Watson, I think I'll borrow your revolver too. I probably won't need it, but for once I think it might be safer for me to go armed here.

[Dr. Watson]

Holmes. Now do be careful.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I will, old chap. Don't worry. Goodbye. And if I'm not back by 2 o', clock, you better come to the waxworks and see what's happened to me.

[Monsieur Leveque]

Doctor Watson. You don't mind if I search you?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh gracious, no. Go back. No, of course not.

[Monsieur Leveque]

No lantern please. The moonlight will give you all the illumination that you need. Dear me. A revolver in your pocket. I'm afraid I can't allow that. Once before a young man who unwisely accepted my bet left bullet holes in some of my finest waxworks before he finally went raving mad.

[Sherlock Holmes]

This is me. Raving mad. Did he?

[Monsieur Leveque]

Don't be frightened, Dr. Watson. Many of the waxwork murderers here are all friends of yours. They'll be good company. I shall come and release you at 8 in the morning. I've sealed all the windows with string and wax. I shall seal the door behind me as I leave.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, that's very unkind of you.

[Monsieur Leveque]

Midnight. The Betty. Darn, Doctor. You still wish to go through with it?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I suppose so.

[Monsieur Leveque]

Very well then. I shall leave you now. Good night, Dr. Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

Good night.

[Monsieur Leveque]

Pleasant dreams.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Pleasant dreams. All in the pleasant sort. What's that? Excuse me. Who's there this morning doing something about the shadows? Who's home to here with me?

[Harry Bartel]

Quick Scott.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It's Watson now. Before his time. Well here. Got the seals from the string. What?

[Dr. Watson]

Up with it, Holmes. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You all right? Shh. Yes, I'm all right. You came early. But it's just as well you're carrying a lantern. Leveque took mine with him. Come on in. There we are. Quite a bit of quiet. I'm glad to see you, Watson. But what made you decide to come here so early? After you left the Stark to Bake Street?

[Dr. Watson]

He told me there was another murder.

[Sherlock Holmes]

On the heath at 7:00 tonight. Another murder, eh?

[Dr. Watson]

I started worrying about your Holmes. I had a premonition of impending danger and I decided to come over here.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You. You're not angry with me? Of course not my dear fellow. I'm glad of your company and I appreciate your concern.

[Dr. Watson]

Have you looked under the veil of the waxwork figure the Hampstead Heath murderer yet?

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, I was just about to. Your lantern will be most useful. Come on, Watson.

[Harry Bartel]

Oh.

[Dr. Watson]

What have you been doing? Just. Just doing nothing.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, Yes, I. I wanted to give la impression that I Was here for the night and I also wanted to do some serious thinking. I smoked two pipes on the problem Watson, and I think I know the answer now. I'm willing to swear you'll know the face you see when I lift the veil from the waxen dummy. Here's the figure now hold your lantern a little higher will you? That's it. I lift the veil and who do we see?

[Dr. Watson]

Good Lord. It's a waxwork figure of Leveque himself.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Precisely Watson. An unparalleled example of the self betrayal inherent in criminal egotism. Leveque couldn't resist the.

[Dr. Watson]

Holmes, the waxwork is moving. Great Scott, it's alive.

[Monsieur Leveque]

Yes gentlemen, which is more than either of you will be in a few minutes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You've re entered this room by a secret door I suppose?

[Monsieur Leveque]

Yes Mr. Holmes. And since you've displayed such a flattering interest in the Hampstead Heath murderer, I decided to remove the wax figure and appear in person.

[Dr. Watson]

Look out Holmes you've got a revolver.

[Monsieur Leveque]

Oh no, no, no doctor, this isn't a revolver. In my pocket. What would the Hampstead Heath murderer want with a revolver? This is a knife. I feel so much more at home with a knife.

[Sherlock Holmes]

There are two of us Levec, remember that.

[Monsieur Leveque]

And both unarmed. Which one of you meddlers wants to die first?

[Sherlock Holmes]

What you want with both?

[Dr. Watson]

The lantern smash?

[Monsieur Leveque]

Yes, and the moon's fading. What a pity.

[Dr. Watson]

Holmes. Holmes where are you? Over here.

[Sherlock Holmes]

By the effigy of Macbeth. I'm very thoughtful of you to provide him with a dagger. Leveque.

[Monsieur Leveque]

I wouldn't run my dear Holmes. You can't escape me. I can feel my way in the dark here. I know every inch of this room. You're doomed both of you.

[Dr. Watson]

Don't strike a match Holmes, you'll make a target of yourself.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The devil. The bat. I'm lighting this newspaper as we make an excellent torch to set the light to the nearest waxwork.

[Dr. Watson]

No, no, don't burn my wax. Words.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Wax on a wooden frame should blaze brilliantly. There we are.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh you devil.

[Monsieur Leveque]

You're destroying my life work.

[Dr. Watson]

Homes are burning wax. It's pouring all over the floor. The curtains are catching light. The whole place will burn down. Oh my beautiful museum.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ah, I thought this would smoke you out. Quick, watching at him again.

[Dr. Watson]

What's up? Knife. Holmes.

[Inspector Lestrade]

Well Mr. Holmes, you've done it again. You've solved the case in a blaze of glory. Get the point sir? A blaze of glory.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes Lestrade, I get the point thank you very much. Pass that marmalade will you Watson?

[Dr. Watson]

Holmes, Is that the morning paper you brought with you Lestrade?

[Inspector Lestrade]

Yes Doctor. Want me to read you the headlines?

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, yes please, please do.

[Inspector Lestrade]

Amsterdy Murderer captured in fire. That destroys waxwork exhibition. You know Mr. Holmes, you and the doctor were lucky you weren't burned to death. Never mind the chance you ran of having your throat cut by that maniac.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It was fortunate that the police and firemen were on the scene as quickly as they were. Leveque had the strength of 10 men.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, the strength of a madman. He'll never stand trial of course.

[Inspector Lestrade]

No Doctor. He'll end up in an asylum where he belongs. Mr. Holmes, what made you suspect Leveque?

[Sherlock Holmes]

You first gave me the clue yourself, Lestrade. You told me that all the murdered girls were accompanied by men when they were attacked. All of them save one Rose Bishop. Therefore if the murderer was venting a hatred of love he had to be someone very close to Rose Bishop to know that she was a suitable victim. That point alone, which I was shockingly slow in observing should have told us to focus our attention on Father. Mr. Bishop. Elias Levesque.

[Inspector Lestrade]

Well your theory was certainly right, Mr. Holmes. You should have heard his ravings after the arrest. He swore his daughter had been ruined and so he'd killed her too.

[Dr. Watson]

Holmes. The waxwork figure of the killer, the one with a veil over its face. The features underneath were those of the of Leveque himself, weren't they?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm certain of it, old fellow. You see he had two great prides. The first, his natural pride as a fine craftsman in wax. The second, his perverted pride as a prominent and successful murderer. These two prides combined suggested to his crazed mind that he make a waxwork figure of himself and range it with the other great killers of history.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, but he was cunning enough to protect himself. By placing a veil over the face.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Precisely, my dear fellow. And when he saw us yesterday and we accepted the wager he undoubtedly became suspicious and removed the wax figure last night and made his personal appearance as the murderer with every intention of killing us both. Yes, we were very lucky old chap.

[Inspector Lestrade]

If you ask me, Mr. Holmes, you've been very smart.

[Dr. Watson]

I quite agree Lester. I think you solved the case brilliantly.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, no, no, no. I've been very sluggish. I solved by circumstance and melodrama what should have been a purely intellectual problem. I'm not pleased with myself, Lestrade. I hope that my name has not been used in that newspaper report.

[Inspector Lestrade]

No it hasn't.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Excellent. I want no credit in this case.

[Dr. Watson]

What do you Mean to say that you're going to let Scotland Yard get the praise for catching him, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Why not?

[Inspector Lestrade]

That's very generous of you, Mr. Holmes. It'll make things a lot easier for me.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, it certainly will. Homes are. I can't see why you reproach yourself.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Because, my dear Watson, like the Hampstead Heath murderer, I too have my pride as a craftsman. This case had a clearly defined pattern and I was unable to recognize it. If you should have occasion to chronicle this story, Watson, and I should prefer that you didn't I. I would like you to entitle it the Education of an Idiot.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, come now, Holmes. The Education of an Idiot. That's absurd.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I know. But if you do tell this story, it'll probably end up as a strange case of the murderer in wax.

[Harry Bartel]

Well, Doctor, that was sure a swell story. You know, that's the kind of story I like. Lots of action.

[Dr. Watson]

Well, that's the kind of story I like to tell. You know, Mr. Bartel, although our broadcasts were heard overseas every week through Armed Forces Radio, this is one of the few occasions that I've had the privilege of really telling my story directly to the boys. And it's been a great pleasure for me to be here at Camp Roberts.

[Harry Bartel]

Well, that not only goes for you, but for me too, Doctor. And for the Petrie family. There there are no words to describe how much our country owes our servicemen. And to all of you, the Petrie family wants to say, just as every American wants to say, thanks for a swell job. Well, Dr. Watson, what story are you planning to tell us next week?

[Dr. Watson]

Next week? Well, next week, Mr. Bartell, I'm going to tell you one of the strangest adventures that ever happened to Sherlock Holmes. It takes place in a monastery high in the mountains of Tibet and concerns itself with an avalanche, an execution and the murder.

[Harry Bartel]

Tonight's Sherlock Holmes adventure was written by Dennis Green and Anthony Boucher and was suggested by an incident in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's story, the adventure of the second stain. Music is by Dean Fostler. Mr. Rathbone appears through the courtesy of Metro Baldwin, mayor and Mr. Bruce through the courtesy of Universal Pictures, where they are now starring in the Sherlock Holmes series. The Petri Wine Company of San Francisco, California, invite you to tune in again next week, same time, same station. This is Harry Bartel saying good night for the Petri family for a solid hour of exciting mystery dramas. Listen every Monday night on most of these Same stations at 8 o' clock to Michael Shane, followed immediately by Sherlock Holmes. This is the Mutual broadcasting system.