Sherlock Holmes: Haunting of Sherlock Holmes 05/20/1946 (Rathbone & Bruce)

Summary

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

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Main Theme

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.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Holmes’s Exhaustion and the Setting (02:04)

• Watson insists on a holiday for Holmes in Kazanlak, capital of Groznya, to recuperate from a taxing year.
• The setting quickly shifts from restful to dramatic as they become embroiled in local intrigue.

2. The Arrest of Lily Rainer (03:28)

• Dr. Watson, Holmes, and Prince Stefano attend an opera performance by Lily Rainer, who is engaged to Stefano.
• During the celebration, Pavlo Krasnodar, Minister of Police, interrupts to arrest Lily for espionage.
• Quote:
  • Krasnodar: "In Groznya the penalty for espionage is death." (04:28)

3. The Evidence and Execution (06:43–09:35)

• Holmes and Watson are shown incriminating letters found sewn into Lily's gowns, allegedly tying her to the revolutionary Josip.
• Despite Watson’s appeals, justice is swift: Lily is executed by firing squad as Holmes and Watson watch from a balcony.
• Quote:
  • Dr. Watson: “Against the wall, blindfolded, with the firing squad before her. It's Lily Rainer.” (09:25)
  • Pavlo Krasnodar (after the execution): "What an artist." (09:56)
  • Holmes: "Hard to see a woman executed, even if she is a spy." (09:58)

4. Haunted by a Ghost? (10:31–13:59)

• Holmes and Watson, deeply affected, hear Lily’s song played on violin—the melody "still haunts" (10:45) Holmes.
• They experience a supernatural manifestation: both hear Lily’s voice and see her form at the window.
• Quote:
  • Holmes: "It's the first time in my career that I've ever had a ghost for a client." (13:44)

5. Investigating Secret Passages (14:40–18:16)

• Holmes and Watson consult the hotel proprietor about secret staircases.
• They discover a secret passage leading from the wine cellar to Holmes’s own bedroom, deciphering the mechanism ("the fourth brick up from the stair," 16:07).

6. Lily’s Apparition and the Real Culprit (18:16–22:48)

• Holmes deduces that Lily’s appearance as a ghost was staged via the secret passage.
• He interrogates Prince Stefano about Lily’s background and quickly realizes inconsistencies—most notably, that Lily could not speak Groznian, casting suspicion on the authenticity of the incriminating letters.
• In a dramatic parlor scene, Holmes accuses Martha Greggett (Lily’s dresser) of framing Lily to inherit her estate.
• Holmes orchestrates the "ghost" to appear via the hidden passage, prompting a confession from Greggett.
• Quote:
  • "I did do it. The letters belong to me. I sacrificed my own baby for gold. May heaven have mercy on my soul." — Martha Greggett’s confession (22:33)

7. The Solution and Final Twist (23:48–26:23)

• Holmes reveals to Prince Stefano and the group that Lily is alive, and the execution was a staged ruse, referencing the opera Tosca for the method.
• The real revolutionary leader, "Josip," is revealed to be Stefano himself, though Holmes declines to further meddle in Groznian politics.
• Quote:
  • "When you inform me that Ms. Rayner had once played the title role in Tosca... a minister of police, who is very susceptible to a lady's charms, arranges a false execution." — Sherlock Holmes (24:23–24:42)

8. Reflections and Closure (26:23–27:40)

• Holmes reflects on the two great singer cases in his career—Irene Adler and Lily Rainer.
• Quote:
  • "Irene Adler will always be the woman." (26:50)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• "In Groznya the penalty for espionage is death." — Pavlo Krasnodar (04:28)
• "It's the first time in my career that I've ever had a ghost for a client." — Sherlock Holmes (13:44)
• "If a ghost can sing, I'm sure it can also talk." — Sherlock Holmes (22:29)
• "I did do it. The letters belong to me. I sacrificed my own baby for gold." — Martha Greggett (22:33)
• "Irene Adler will always be the woman." — Sherlock Holmes (26:50)

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Important Timestamps

• 02:04: Watson narrates Holmes’s exhaustion, leading to a holiday in Groznya.
• 03:28: Introduction of Lily Rainer and her arrest.
• 09:25: Execution of Lily—its impact on Holmes and Watson.
• 12:42–13:59: Supernatural manifestation in Holmes's room—the ghostly song.
• 16:07: Discovery of the secret passage mechanism.
• 19:02: Key information about Lily’s estate and lack of relatives.
• 21:13: Holmes’s assertion of Lily’s innocence.
• 22:33: Greggett's confession invoked by the "ghost."
• 24:23–24:42: Holmes’s explanation of the Tosca ruse.

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Structure of the Episode

• Opening/Intro/Setup: Holmes in need of rest, journey to Groznya.
• Rising Action: Arrest of Lily at the opera, sudden execution, supernatural visitations.
• Investigation: Secret passages, probing inconsistencies in evidence, parallel to Tosca opera.
• Climax: Dramatic confrontation in Holmes’s hotel room; confession and denouement.
• Twist Ending: Revelation of the staged execution and the true revolutionary leader.
• Final Reflections: Holmes muses on artistry, the two singers who challenged him.

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Tone and Style

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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Perfect for listeners who love:

• Classic detective logic interwoven with supernatural elements
• International settings and operatic drama
• Clever twist endings and rousing period performances

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."

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

[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.