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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 donating@ChoiceClassicRadio.com Petri wine brings you
Dr. Watson
Basil
Harry Bartel
Rathbone and the New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. The Petrie family 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 old friend, that master detective, Sherlock Holmes. And say if you'd like to try a new adventure in good eating, well, you just make sure that your dinner tomorrow night includes a bottle of Petri California Burgundy. Petri Burgundy is the ideal wine with any kind of meat or meat dish at. Petri Burgundy is a hearty red wine just as rich in flavor as it is in color. It's the perfect companion to a thick, juicy steak, or a piping hot pot roast, or a good hamburger. You know that Petri Burgundy has a happy faculty of turning a simple meal like, say, a hamburger sandwich into a feast. Believe me. Here is a wine that's clear, fragrant and delicious. A wine that you can serve to your friends proudly. Petri Burgundy. Remember the name. Petri is the proudest name in the history of America's wines. And now let's join our good friend, Dr. Watson.
Dr. Watson
I'm out here on the patio, Mr. Bartel.
Harry Bartel
Well, I see you're making the most of a wonderful evening, Doctor.
Dr. Watson
Oh, yes, my boy. It's pleasant to sit out here on a summer's night with a good friend and a pipe, a bottle of wine, help yourself to a glass and sit down.
Harry Bartel
Thank you, sir. All ready with tonight's new Sherlock Holmes adventure, Doctor?
Dr. Watson
Yes. And a strange story it is. It was in the autumn of 1899, Mr. Bartell, that I decided, both as doctor and friend, that Sherlock Holmes was in desperate need of a holiday.
Harry Bartel
He'd really been overdoing it, huh?
Dr. Watson
Yes, my boy, it had been an unusually busy year. And at the time my story begins, Holmes was suffering from complete exhaustion. So, my boy, towards the end of October in that year, we found ourselves in the charming city of Kazanlak, capital of the small Vulcan kingdom of Groznya. Few nights after our arrival, I remember, Pavlo Krosnodar, Groznian Minister of Police, took us to hear the singing of a certain young Hungarian opera star. Ms. Lily Rainer was then touring Europe. At our table was her fiance, the charming young aristocrat, Prince Stefano. And it was very easy to see, as he sat there listening to the song, that the boy Was head over heels in love. It is a haunting melody that she sang, Mr. Bartel. I can almost hear it now. You're a very lucky man, Prince Stefano. Your fiance's voice matches her beauty.
Prince Stefano
Oh, yes, Dr. Watson. I consider myself the most fortunate man in Grotsny.
Sherlock Holmes
She has a magnificent voice. The finest singing I can recall since.
Prince Stefano
Since when was told I was thinking
Sherlock Holmes
of a prima donna of the Warsaw Opera who attained considerable success in London. Ms. Irene Adler.
Dr. Watson
Oh, by George s. She was a criminal. One of the few that outwitted you, Holmes. Oh, that was a case that would have interested you, Mr. Krasnodar.
Pavlo Krasnodar
I am familiar with it.
Prince Stefano
My dear doctor, you are unusually solemn tonight. Krasnodar, have a glass of wine and
Pavlo Krasnodar
I will bring Lily to our table
Prince Stefano
and we will toast our happiness.
Pavlo Krasnodar
I am afraid I cannot drink to that toast, Prince Stefano.
Prince Stefano
Why not?
Dr. Watson
I know why.
Prince Stefano
You, the notorious lady killer of Grotznier, are jealous. You are in love with Lily yourself.
Pavlo Krasnodar
Prince Stefano, I have sad news for you. I have come here tonight but for one purpose. To arrest your fiance.
Dr. Watson
You're joking.
Pavlo Krasnodar
It is far from a joke. At my ministry we have evidence, conclusive evidence, that Ms. Lily Rainer is a spy.
Dr. Watson
Spy?
Pavlo Krasnodar
Good Lord.
Sherlock Holmes
And the penalty for spying in Groznya?
Pavlo Krasnodar
Ah, that, my friend, is why I would drink no toast. In Groznya the penalty for espionage is death.
Dr. Watson
Yes, I know. But Holmes, you must do something to save that girl. You can't just turn in for the night without trying to help her in some way. They might shoot her in the morning.
Sherlock Holmes
Krasnodon's no fool. Since he's made the arrest. Obviously he has a waterdight case against the girl.
Dr. Watson
I suppose so.
Sherlock Holmes
Oh, one last pipe.
Dr. Watson
You know, Holmes, I couldn't understand her fiance's behavior. He didn't do a thing. Just stood there and let Krasnodar arrest the girl.
Sherlock Holmes
What could he have done? Krasnodara's Commissioner of Police. There was no point in arguing with him until the evidence had been examined.
Dr. Watson
I imagine the Prince will try and pull some political strings after all. Grozny.
Sherlock Holmes
Go in, come in.
Dr. Watson
Who's this now?
Sherlock Holmes
Oh, you wish to speak to me?
Martha Greggett
Mr. Sherlock Holmes. I have come to talk to you about my baby. My name is Martha Greggett.
Dr. Watson
Your baby, Mr. Holmes, does.
Martha Greggett
Oh, my baby. She is 20 years old and she is flaxen haired and beautiful.
Dr. Watson
Oh, that's entirely different matter. We'll be delighted to help you. Delighted. Sit down, won't you?
Sherlock Holmes
On whose behalf?
Martha Greggett
If you come to me, Poor Lily Raina.
Dr. Watson
Lily Raina? Why that's the girl who's arrested tonight.
Martha Greggett
I am only her dresser and yet I, Martha Gregg, that I'm her mother and father. I have toured Europe with her ever since she left Vienna.
Sherlock Holmes
She sent you to me tonight, I suppose?
Martha Greggett
Yes, Mr. Holmes. She said you would understand.
Dr. Watson
What did she mean by that, I wonder?
Martha Greggett
She said that Mr. Holmes would take care that a talent like hers should not perish just because she had broken a few laws.
Sherlock Holmes
In other words, she wishes me to establish her innocence in the same breath as she confesses her guilt. I'm afraid I don't take that sort of plant. Good night you.
Pavlo Krasnodar
Mr. Holmes. Dr. Watson, I am glad that you came to my office this morning. I can show you the proof of Ms. Lily Raina's guilt. As distinguished foreigners, I should like you to know that though the penalty for political crimes is swift and severe, we are most careful that the incriminating evidence is beyond question. You see these letters? Yeah, we found them sewed into the bodies of her gown.
Dr. Watson
Oh, good gracious me.
Pavlo Krasnodar
They have a series of highly dangerous letters from Joseph, the leader of the revolutionary party with whom she is obviously handing glove. Here, you may examine them if you wish.
Dr. Watson
See it looks like Greek to me.
Sherlock Holmes
My knowledge of the Groznian language is far from perfect. But these letters certainly seem to incriminate their owner beyond doubt.
Pavlo Krasnodar
You will observe that the letters have followed her to each of the cities in which she has been singing. All of them ask questions as to the military garrisons and the chances of a successful revolution. She has been a dangerous spy.
Dr. Watson
Yes, I can see that, sir. But even so, isn't the death penalty excessively severe? Particularly for a woman?
Pavlo Krasnodar
Dr. Watson, the Balkan states are a hotbed of European intrigue. Our penalties must be severe and we cannot make concessions to the sex of a culprit.
Sherlock Holmes
Ms. Mangossit, the writer of these letters, have you been able to find any trace of him?
Pavlo Krasnodar
None. If only we could. But we have never even seen the man. However, we are fortunate to trap his assistant and apparently the lady of his choice.
Dr. Watson
Lady of his choice? But she was engaged to Prince Stefano.
Pavlo Krasnodar
Undoubtedly a blind. In her home we found an unsigned love letter in English. It was in the same handwriting as these letters from Joseph.
Sherlock Holmes
Are you satisfied, Watson? Well, I suppose obviously she's guilty. Well there's no place for me in this affair. Particularly when you consider that she made a virtual confession in sending her dresser to me last night.
Dr. Watson
I suppose you're right. But just the same, if you want to trap this man, Josip, I should think you'd be wiser to hold the girl as a hostage. It might bring him on the scene. He's afraid she'll talk. If you hang her, you'll never find him.
Pavlo Krasnodar
Dr. Watson. In my country we found that prompt justice gets the best results. And for your edification, we do not hang. In Groznya the death penalty is exacted at the hands of a firing squad.
Sherlock Holmes
And when is the execution to take place?
Pavlo Krasnodar
You have timed your visit well, my friends. Please to step onto the balcony. Oh dear. I think that ANSWERS your question, Mr. Holmes.
Dr. Watson
Great Scott. Against the wall, blindfolded, with the firing squad before her. It's Lily Rainer.
Sherlock Holmes
Groznian justice Indeed moves swiftly, Mr. Krasnodar.
Pavlo Krasnodar
It has to, my friend. Captaino.
Dr. Watson
Miss, dear. Great heavens. I can't watch this. I don't care what she's done. I don't want to see it. Aunt, don't. She's crumbled to the ground. Poor little thing.
Pavlo Krasnodar
What an artist.
Sherlock Holmes
Hard to see a woman executed, even if she is a spy.
Pavlo Krasnodar
May all traitors to Groznya die as swiftly.
Dr. Watson
But what a loss. Her beautiful voice.
Pavlo Krasnodar
Yes, her beautiful voice. Shall we go in, gentlemen?
Dr. Watson
You know, Holmes, I can still see that poor girl as she crumbled before the firing squad.
Sherlock Holmes
So can I, old chap.
Dr. Watson
That's her song you're playing, isn't it?
Sherlock Holmes
Yes. The melody still haunts me. You blame me, don't you?
Prince Stefano
Who?
Dr. Watson
Blame you? For what?
Sherlock Holmes
For not preventing her death.
Dr. Watson
Oh, of course I don't blame you, Holmes. The girl's guilty. Grozny in law prescribes the death penalty for her crime. After all, what could you have done about it?
Sherlock Holmes
Nothing. Absolutely nothing. And yet.
Dr. Watson
And yet what?
Sherlock Holmes
I wonder if she was right. I wonder if artistry such as hers isn't of greater value to humanity than spying in any cause.
Dr. Watson
Well, it's not much good worrying about that now, is it? The girl's dead and buried,
Sherlock Holmes
Watson.
Martha Greggett
Huh?
Dr. Watson
What's the matter, Holmes?
Sherlock Holmes
Did you hear that?
Dr. Watson
I hear what?
Sherlock Holmes
I could swear that I heard the dead girl's voice. She was singing a song to my accompaniment.
Dr. Watson
Oh dear me. Your nerves must be in a very bad state, Holmes. Hearing voices indeed. You'd better turn in for the night.
Sherlock Holmes
Perhaps it's a. Well, it may be more my conscience than my nerves.
Dr. Watson
I'll give you a sleeping draught if you like.
Sherlock Holmes
No, no, no, my dear Sheppeter, I'm all right. It's funny though, I. I could have sworn that.
Dr. Watson
Oh, well, play some more of that tune, will you? Great heavens.
Sherlock Holmes
Ah, you heard it this time, eh, Watson?
Dr. Watson
Of course I did. It was her voice. There's no mistaking it.
Pavlo Krasnodar
Holmes.
Dr. Watson
I don't believe in ghosts, and yet I could swear.
Sherlock Holmes
Listen.
Dr. Watson
Good Lord. It is her.
Sherlock Holmes
Sh.
Martha Greggett
Avenge my death. Do not let them go and punish. They kill me.
Sherlock Holmes
Who are you? Where are you?
Martha Greggett
In the area about. You avenged my death.
Sherlock Holmes
Strike a match, Watson. Strike a match. Yes, light the gas. Look, look, look, look, look.
Dr. Watson
They're in the moonlight, moving past the window. It's the figure of that girl that was shot today.
Sherlock Holmes
Matt Watson. I'll go out the door.
Prince Stefano
There.
Dr. Watson
Gas is lighted.
Sherlock Holmes
She's vanished, Holmes, and not by means of this door. We're standing in front of it and there's no other exit from the room.
Dr. Watson
Holmes, I don't like this. We're dabbling in the supernatural.
Sherlock Holmes
Stop trembling, Watson. Whatever the explanation for this, may be one thing at least I find quite fascinating.
Dr. Watson
And what's that?
Sherlock Holmes
It's the first time in my career that I've ever had a ghost for a client.
Harry Bartel
Doctor Watson will tell us the rest of his story in just a second. So I'm just going to tell you about a wine that adds the perfect finishing touch to a good meal. Petri California Muscatel. With its sunshiny golden color and its full aroma, you just know Petri Muscatel is going to taste good. And it really does. Ah, the flavor of big, plump Muscat grapes picked when they're full to bursting with luscious juice for the wine that everybody likes.
Dr. Watson
Serve.
Harry Bartel
Petri Muscatel. You know it's good if It's Petri. Well, Dr. Watson, so you had a ghostly visitor calling on you at the hotel that night, huh?
Dr. Watson
Yes, my boy. And I confess I was so badly shaken by the experience that I. I hardly slept a wink all night. Well, the next morning, after an early breakfast, Holmes and I located the proprietor of our hotel and began to question him as to the history of the building.
Sherlock Holmes
I've admired the architecture of this building ever since you. Ever since we came here. A house of this period would undoubtedly have been built with secret passages and staircases.
Hotel Proprietor
I confess that I know of one secret staircase there. There may well be others.
Sherlock Holmes
Indeed. And her is the one you know of.
Hotel Proprietor
You wish to explore it, gentlemen?
Dr. Watson
Oh, very much. My friend and I are most interested in such things.
Hotel Proprietor
Follow me, please. These stairs lead to our wine cellars. Thousands of feet have tramped up and down these steps. Only a select few Know that behind this tapestry here. Behind this tapestry, gentlemen, is apparently a solid wall. But the wall is not solid. You have a match perhaps?
Dr. Watson
Oh yes, of course. Here you are.
Hotel Proprietor
We keep a candle here in this niche for just such an occasion as this, so please hold back. Tapestries.
Dr. Watson
Oh, I've got it, thank you.
Hotel Proprietor
Now let me see. 1, 2, 3, 4. The fourth brick up from the stair, I press it so.
Dr. Watson
And look, Holmes. Great Scott. A section of the wall swinging out,
Sherlock Holmes
disclosing a stairway behind it. Ingenious.
Hotel Proprietor
Dear gentlemen, allow me to give you the candle.
Dr. Watson
But aren't you going to lead the way?
Hotel Proprietor
No sir, I'm not going to lead the way. Thank you. I have owned this hotel for 32 years and yet I have never explored this stairway.
Dr. Watson
Why sir, is it reputed to be haunted?
Hotel Proprietor
Yes, it is supposed to be haunted.
Sherlock Holmes
The candle, gentleman. I'm much obliged to. Come on, Watson.
Hotel Proprietor
I shall wait here.
Dr. Watson
I don't think I care for this, Holmes. Frightfully dark in here. It's damp and moody too.
Sherlock Holmes
Look Watson, look here. Where's landing?
Dr. Watson
Landing? Nothing but dust. Dust and. Come Wim.
Sherlock Holmes
A plus Old Chapter. There's the faint imprint of a woman's heel here.
Dr. Watson
By George, yes. Shoes that have gone both up and down these stairs in the last 24 hours.
Sherlock Holmes
Exactly. And there's a reverse print over here. This, my dear chap, I think, accounts for the appearance and disappearance of our visitor last night.
Dr. Watson
Esme. Holmes. It was the singer Lily Rayner, yet we saw her shot yesterday morning. Rubbish.
Sherlock Holmes
What's rubbish? What have we to do with walking corpses? Come on, old fellow, let's see where this stairway leads us to.
Dr. Watson
I know, but then what did we see if we didn't see a ghost last night?
Sherlock Holmes
That, my dear chap, is what we have to find out. Wait a minute. Staircase ends here
Dr. Watson
isn't against a blank wall. That doesn't make sense.
Sherlock Holmes
And yet the entrance to this stairway was an apparent blank wall too. Remember. See if the same formula will do the same trick here.
Dr. Watson
What was it? Oh, it's 1, 2, 3, 4, 4
Sherlock Holmes
bricks up from the step. I press so and open Sesame school.
Dr. Watson
Swinging back again.
Sherlock Holmes
What do we see? Another tapestry. A tapestry that seems very familiar.
Dr. Watson
Well, I should say so. This hidden door leads into your very own bedroom.
Sherlock Holmes
Exactly, my dear Chapter. Now we know beyond doubt how the apparent ghost made her appearance last night.
Dr. Watson
Don't you suppose it must have been someone impersonating the dead man?
Sherlock Holmes
That, my dear fellow, is a question that can only be answered by calling on her fiance, Prince Stefano. Let's go over and see him at once, shall we? Prince Stefano, I dislike to intrude upon your personal tragedy, but I must ask you a few questions.
Prince Stefano
Ask your questions.
Sherlock Holmes
Did your fiance have a sister? A sister who may have resembled her?
Prince Stefano
No, she had no living relatives at all.
Dr. Watson
Mr. Holmes, tell me this, who inherits her estate? Sir?
Prince Stefano
Her dress, sir. A faithful old woman by the name of Marta Gregor who looked after her for some years.
Sherlock Holmes
I see. Did Ms. Rayner have an understudy?
Prince Stefano
As a singer she could have no understudy. She was replaced.
Sherlock Holmes
You say as a singer. Was she also an actress?
Prince Stefano
But yes, Mr. Holmes.
Sherlock Holmes
Oh really?
Dr. Watson
How very unusual for an opera singer.
Sherlock Holmes
Go out, Watson, please.
Prince Stefano
The first time I saw her was in Tosca.
Dr. Watson
She.
Prince Stefano
She was not another baronet, but her performance was very promising one considering her age in my country. Of course, she was not able to appear in anything but opera because. Because she could not speak Grosnian.
Sherlock Holmes
She didn't speak Grosnian? Now I have the answer.
Prince Stefano
The answer?
Dr. Watson
Yes to what?
Sherlock Holmes
To this entire story. From the arrest of your fiance, to certain strange visitations at my hotel last night.
Martha Greggett
What do you mean?
Prince Stefano
Mr. Holmes?
Sherlock Holmes
If you come to my hotel room tonight, my dear Prince, I can safely promise to make the whole matter clear to you. And I dare go a little further. I think that I can even help you to find consolation in your bereavement. Ladies and gentlemen, I can see that you wonder why Dr. Watson and I have asked you to come here to our hotel tonight.
Pavlo Krasnodar
As Minister of Police. I should be stupid if I did not realize that since your other two guests are the Prince Stefano and Martha Gregor, the dead girl's dresser, that this meeting has some bearing on the execution of Ms. Lily Rayner.
Prince Stefano
I should prefer to say her murder.
Sherlock Holmes
Ladies and gentlemen, if you please, I should like to make my own position in this matter quite clear. Two nights ago you mother came to me on behalf of Ms. Lily Rayner to solicit my aid. I, convinced that she was guilty, refused that aid. Yesterday morning she died before a firing squad. Last night her ghost appeared to me here in this room and asked me to avenge her death.
Pavlo Krasnodar
Her ghost? What nonsense are you talking?
Martha Greggett
It would be no surprise to me if her poor murdered soul came back from the grave to ask for justice.
Dr. Watson
Sir, I saw her, my good woman, almost as clearly as I see you all now.
Sherlock Holmes
I agree with Krasnodar.
Prince Stefano
To talk of ghosts is beyond belief.
Sherlock Holmes
Please, let me finish. When I had this. This visitation last night, I decided to investigate the case thoroughly. I did so today, and I can assure you that Ms. Rayn paid for a crime she did not commit.
Pavlo Krasnodar
What grounds do you have for saying that, Mr. Holmes?
Sherlock Holmes
The letters that were supposedly written to her were in the Groznian language. And yet today Prince Stefano informed me that she could not appear in the theater here because she did not speak the language.
Dr. Watson
Those letters were sewed into her body's home.
Sherlock Holmes
That's true, my dear fellow. And who was the only person who had the opportunity to do that? The same person who came to me two nights ago and succeeded in convincing me that Ms. Rayner was guilty. Her own dresser and supposed friend.
Martha Greggett
Are you suggesting that.
Sherlock Holmes
I'm suggesting that you inherited her estate, her death, and that you would have lost that inheritance if she had married and had a family of her own.
Pavlo Krasnodar
What do you have to say in answer to that, Martin?
Martha Greggett
That I am among mad men. This talk of ghost proves it.
Sherlock Holmes
Very well then. Let the ghost support my theories. Hand me the violin, will you, Watson, old fellow?
Dr. Watson
Yes, of course.
Sherlock Holmes
Thank you. And now turn down the gas light. That's it. And listen. Yes,
Dr. Watson
yes, that's her voice.
Prince Stefano
And that's her figure standing there in the moonlight. Even though she's dead.
Sherlock Holmes
Now what do you say, Mother? Aren't you responsible for our death? If a ghost can sing, I'm sure it can also talk.
Martha Greggett
I did do it. The letters belong to me. I sacrificed my own baby for gold. May heaven have mercy on my soul.
Sherlock Holmes
A confession in front of four witnesses. Why not take it away, Krasnodor? We'll testify later.
Dr. Watson
I will.
Pavlo Krasnodar
Come with me, Martha.
Martha Greggett
I killed my own baby. I deserve to die.
Dr. Watson
Shall I. Shall I turn up the gas, Holmes?
Sherlock Holmes
Ask Prince Stefano.
Prince Stefano
No, do not turn it up. I've seen and heard the ghost of my beloved when the lights were down. I'm not afraid. Please play her melody again, Mr. Holmes.
Dr. Watson
Aren't you afraid, Prince Stefano?
Sherlock Holmes
Why should I be afraid?
Prince Stefano
Lily, my beloved, your spirit, I know, can be no evil one. But I love it as I loved you living. The pleasure of love lasts but an instant. Love's regrets last for a lifetime. This is now my lifetime, brightened by your gracious ghost.
Sherlock Holmes
I'm sure this is a very touching scene, but it's getting dreadfully Maudlin. All right, Ms. Raynor. You may come from behind the tapestry now. What's an old chap? Turn up the gas light, there's a good fellow. Right you are home, Prince Stefano. Permit me to reintroduce you to your far from ghostly fiance, Ms. Lily Reynard.
Prince Stefano
Lily, my Beloved, you are not dead.
Martha Greggett
No, I am not dead. Though I cannot see how Sherlock Holmes fathomed my secret.
Dr. Watson
And there, my dear young lady, you are in exactly the same boat as I am.
Sherlock Holmes
Surely the answer is obvious. You gave me the key yourself, Prince Stefano.
Dr. Watson
Indeed.
Prince Stefano
But how, Mr. Holmes?
Sherlock Holmes
When you inform me that Ms. Rayner had once played the title role in Tosca.
Dr. Watson
Tosca? What's that got to do with anything?
Sherlock Holmes
Consider the plot, Watson. A minister of police, who is very susceptible to a lady's charms, arranges a false execution. Knowing Mr. Krasnodar's weakness, Ms. Raynor, you prevailed upon him to do likewise, huh?
Dr. Watson
Well, then the whole execution was a piece of pantomime. The rifles must have contained blanks.
Sherlock Holmes
That's right, old fellow. What should have heightened my suspicion, Ms. Rayner, was the fact that at the moment of your apparent death, Mr. Krasnodor quoted a line from Tosca. He said, what an artist I was. Not perceptive enough at the time to evaluate the remark correctly, I'm afraid. When the simulated execution took place, you were free but assumed dead.
Martha Greggett
But why should I indulge in Such a trick, Mr. Holmes?
Sherlock Holmes
You reasoned that had you come to me directly, I might easily have turned you over as a fugitive from justice. And when you decided to dramatize the situation and appear last night as an apparent ghost, you knew it would at the very least stimulate my curiosity. It will cause me to investigate the matter and possibly to learn the truth and clear you from suspicion.
Dr. Watson
Yes, but Holmes, if she's innocent, how about the love letter in English, which was in the handwriting of Joseph, the revolutionary leader?
Sherlock Holmes
Well, I can see only one explanation for that. You, Prince Stefano, are that mysterious revolutionary, Josip Stefano.
Martha Greggett
Oh, no, no, that is not possible.
Prince Stefano
Mr. Holmes. You are a visitor in my country. I do not suppose you will be staying here much longer, Stefano.
Martha Greggett
All these, Monsieur, this evening.
Prince Stefano
Silence, Lily. Gentlemen, I hope for your own sake you will not be staying here much longer.
Sherlock Holmes
Oh, I've been threatened by far more imposing adversaries than you, Prince Stefano. I suggest that you leave my room. It's none of my business, dabbling in Groznian political affairs. Your secret is safe in any case. I came to Groznia for a holiday. Goodbye.
Martha Greggett
Goodbye, mister.
Dr. Watson
For my soul, if we were in London, you wouldn't behave in this offhand way.
Sherlock Holmes
But we're in Groznia, old chap, aren't we? Hand me the violin, will you?
Dr. Watson
All right. Here you are.
Sherlock Holmes
Thanks. You know, Watson, I've only had professional dealings with two singers in my life. The first was Irene Adler, and she fooled me oh so cleverly.
Dr. Watson
And this singer tried to fool you? And failed dismally. Seems to me the score's about even, chap.
Sherlock Holmes
No, this one was an amateur. Irene Adler will always be the woman. Oh, well, I think that's enough excitement for one day, don't you? After all, I am supposed to be taking a holiday.
Harry Bartel
Doctor, that was a swell story. And I'll bet that you were a lot more interested in the beautiful lily than your story tonight would have us believe.
Dr. Watson
Of course I'm interested in a beautiful woman. Then what man isn't, Jack? But don't Worry about me, Mr. Bartel. You know, being a family man, I just naturally associate a beautiful woman and home, and that makes me think of hospitality.
Harry Bartel
What do you mean by that?
Dr. Watson
Well, according to you, I'm interested in home life. You, you're primarily interested in wine. Put us together and we're interested in
Harry Bartel
wine in the home.
Dr. Watson
Isn't that an important part of hospitality?
Harry Bartel
That I admit. But remember, my interest in wine is entirely an interest in good wine. In Petri wine, to be exact. Because I know all about Petri wine. I know that the Petri family has been making wine for generations. With the Petri family, the growing of perfect sun ripened grapes and the art of turning those grapes into fragrant, delicious wine is a heritage. It's a heritage handed down from father to son. From father to son. The skills of those generations of winemaking are evident in every drop of Petri wine. The name Petri on a bottle of wine is more than a trademark. It's the personal assurance of the Petri family that Petri wine is always good wine. But you'll discover that for yourself. You'll learn that no matter what type wine you prefer, you'll like it better when it's a Petri wine. Because Petri took time to bring you good wine. Well, Dr. Watson, what new Sherlock Holmes adventure do you have lined up for us next week?
Dr. Watson
Next week, Mr. Bartel, I'm going to tell you a most unusual story in which Sherlock Holmes crossed swords with a famous Frenchman and proved that although the English have been called a nation of shopkeepers, that a murder did not always prove to be a good bargain.
Harry Bartel
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 Sussex Vampire. Music is by Dean Fostler. Mr. Rathbone appears through the courtesy of Metro Goldwyn Mayer. And tonight, Dr. Watson was played by Mr. Joe Kearns, who substituted for Mr. Nigel Bruce. Mr. Bruce is scheduled to return to the program next week. The Petri Wine Company of San Francisco, California, invites you to tune in again next week, same time, same station. Sherlock Holmes comes to you from our Hollywood studios. This is Harry Bartel saying goodnight for the Petri family for a solid hour of exciting mystery dramas. 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.
Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode: Sherlock Holmes: "Haunting of Sherlock Holmes" (aired 05/20/1946)
Starring: Basil Rathbone & Joe Kearns (subbing for Nigel Bruce)
Airdate: April 10, 2026 (rebroadcast)
Summary by Choice Classic Radio Podcast Summarizer
In this haunting installment, Dr. Watson recounts a chilling adventure during a supposed holiday in the Balkan kingdom of Groznya, where Sherlock Holmes finds himself unraveling a web of intrigue involving opera, espionage, false executions, and a "ghostly" visitation—leading to a cunning revelation of true villainy. The episode masterfully blends international intrigue and supernatural suspense, highlighting Holmes’s unwavering rationality even when confronted with apparent paranormal manifestations.
The episode maintains the classic Sherlockian tone—wry, skeptical, and methodically logical—while wrapping its mystery in a gothic, ghostly atmosphere. The interplay between Holmes and Watson is bantering but underscored with genuine emotion, especially over the execution/haunting. The Balkan intrigue and parlor room revelation scene offer listeners the blend of intellect and spectacle characteristic of Golden Age radio mysteries.
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A memorable quote to sum up the mood:
Holmes (13:44): "It's the first time in my career that I've ever had a ghost for a client."