Sherlock Holmes: In Flanders Field 05/14/1945

Summary

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Podcast Summary:

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode: Sherlock Holmes: In Flanders Field (05/14/1945)
Aired: November 21, 2025
Starring: Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes, Nigel Bruce as Dr. Watson

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Episode Overview

This classic radio drama finds Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson on a secret mission during World War I, just before the pivotal Battle of the Marne. The pair is summoned to the front lines under mysterious circumstances, where they become entangled in intrigue involving espionage, jealousy, and betrayal. Amidst the gathering storm, Holmes steps into the spotlight—literally—when a famous Shakespearean actor slated to perform for British troops disappears, placing Holmes at the center of a larger plot with deadly consequences.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Developments

Setting the Scene: Arrival at the Front (03:23 – 07:57)

• Holmes and Watson Recalled to Duty: Though retired, both men enlist their services when the war breaks out. They’re sent from Paris to the front lines for a secretive mission.
• Meeting Fellow Passengers: Sharing a car with Maitland Morris, a Shakespearean actor, and his wife, Cynthia. Holmes recognizes them, having seen Morris in London the previous year and knowing of him through his brother, General Sir Stanley Morris (05:00).
• Destination: They arrive at the headquarters, greeted by General Morris, who is pleased to host the couple's performance for the troops (09:40).

Underlying Tensions & Foreshadowing (07:57 – 13:30)

• An Eerie Silence: The General notes the unnatural quiet from the German lines ahead of a planned British attack at dawn, raising suspicion of enemy infiltration (11:46).
• Security: The group is warned that surprise is critical and the presence of spies could jeopardize the coming battle.

The Disappearance of Maitland Morris (14:19 – 15:45)

• Sudden Crisis: Mrs. Morris alerts Holmes and Watson that her husband has vanished right before the evening performance. He was summoned by an alleged message from his brother but has not returned (14:32).
• Holmes Steps Up: Displaying stoic resolve, Holmes decides that "the show must go on," and volunteers to replace Maitland on stage (15:00).

Attempted Assassination and Investigation (16:59 – 19:00)

• Drama on Stage: While Holmes delivers a Shakespearean speech, a shot is fired at him, narrowly missing (17:24).
  • Memorable Moment: Holmes calmly deflects Watson’s concern:

    "Fortunately I started to leave the stage as the shot was fired. The bullet just missed me. I heard it splinter some wood nearby." — Holmes (17:28)

• Clues Found: Holmes quickly identifies the bullet as having been fired from a German Luger pistol, deducing an enemy presence behind the lines (18:27).

The Truth about Maitland Morris (19:00 – 21:46)

• Confrontation: Holmes confronts Mrs. Morris, who eventually confesses her husband's pro-German sympathies and jealousy of his brother’s military knighthood (20:00).
  • Revelatory Quote:

    "Maitland was a disciple of Stuart Houston Chamberlain...when Stanley was knighted it hurt Maitland terribly. He said it was typical if the English would knight a soldier and yet leave a great artist like himself unrecognized." — Mrs. Morris (20:00)

• Escape to the Enemy: Maitland has defected with knowledge of the password and possibly secret information (20:27). He leaves behind a note revealing himself as motivated by “something stronger than love and blood and country.” (21:19)

The General’s Dilemma & Holmes’ Solution (23:13 – 25:38)

• General’s Guilt: General Stanley Morris admits he tried to kill his brother (thinking he was on stage) to protect military secrets (24:03).
  • Dramatic Confession:

    "Yes, and I'm sorry I failed. I'd rather see my brother dead than alive and a traitor to his country." — General Morris (24:06)

• Holmes’ Countermove: Holmes reveals he had suspected Maitland and swapped his identification, ensuring the Germans would believe they’d captured Holmes, not Maitland. Further, Holmes intercepted the signature-filled autograph book, likely containing coded information (24:58; 25:14).
  • Cool Logic:

    "I also slipped in his pocket a slight souvenir of my own...the medal presented to me by the University of Leipzig." — Holmes (25:14)

Resolution & The Band of Brothers (26:05 – 27:21)

• Holmes Takes the Stage: At the General’s behest, Holmes performs the Saint Crispin's Day speech, stirring the troops and echoing the theme of brotherhood amidst betrayal (26:45).
  • Iconic Recitation:

    “We few, we happy few, we band of brothers. For he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother...” — Holmes (26:45)

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Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

• Holmes’ Recognition Skills:

  “Elementary, my dear fellow, I didn't deduce it...His name is Maitland Morris. As for his biography, he's a friend of my brother Mycroft's.” — Holmes (05:00)

• Holmes on Evocative Silence:

  “Thousands upon thousands of Germans...crouched in trenches only a mile or two from here...And yet, beyond that patter of rain there isn't a sound to break the stillness of a September evening. Strange world we live in, old chap.” — Holmes (13:00, 13:59)

• Holmes the Showman:

  “Because the show must go on. I shall take your husband's place.” — Holmes to Mrs. Morris (15:05)

• On Jealousy and Betrayal:

  “When Stanley was knighted it hurt Maitland terribly. He said it was typical if the English would knight a soldier and yet leave a great artist like himself unrecognized…” — Mrs. Morris (20:00)

• General’s Anguish:

  “I'd rather see my brother dead than alive and a traitor to his country.” — General Morris (24:06)

• Holmes’ Deceptive Precaution:

  "I took the liberty...of stealing his autograph book. The one containing the magical signature of Field Marshal von Toknitz. I have it in my pocket now." — Holmes (24:58)

• Holmes Inspires the Troops:

  “We few, we happy few, we band of brothers. For he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother...” — Sherlock Holmes, reciting Shakespeare (26:45)

• Watson on Holmes’ Philosophy:

  “He did have a narrow escape, didn't he?...Holmes always said there was no such thing as a narrow escape. He said you either escaped or you didn't. If you did, well, why worry? And if you didn't, you couldn't worry. So what?” — Dr. Watson (27:30)

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Important Timestamps

• 03:23 – Holmes and Watson begin their journey to the front lines
• 07:57 – Arrival at headquarters, introduction to General Morris
• 14:32 – Mrs. Morris reports Maitland missing
• 16:59 – Holmes’ performance interrupted by gunfire
• 18:27 – Discovery of German bullet and suspicion of espionage
• 20:00 – Mrs. Morris reveals Maitland’s true nature
• 24:06 – General admits attempt to kill brother
• 25:14 – Holmes explains his preemptive security measures
• 26:45 – Holmes delivers Saint Crispin’s speech

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Episode Tone & Language

The episode is steeped in wartime tension, loyalty, and the bitter drama of divided allegiances. Holmes remains as poised and analytical as ever, while Watson provides emotional texture and camaraderie. The dialogue is formal, clipped, and evocative of classic British resolve and theatrical tradition.

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Final Thoughts & Legacy

This episode showcases Holmes not only as a detective, but also as a symbol of British endurance and cultural pride—even in moments of crisis. The Saint Crispin’s Day speech serves as a stirring rally, drawing parallels between historic battles and the ongoing struggle. There’s poignancy in the story’s exploration of family, betrayal, and sacrifice, delivered through sharp performances and rich, period detail.

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For fans of old-time radio detective stories, this episode offers a compelling blend of suspense, character, and wartime atmosphere, all built around Holmes’ unshakeable wit and humanity.

Transcript

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[Dr. Watson]

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] this episode from the Life.

[Narrator]

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. From the stage of the Paramount Theater in Hollywood, Pet Free Wine brings you Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce in the new adventures of Sherlock Holmes. The Petrie family, the family that took time to bring you good wine, invite you to listen to Dr. Watson tell us about another exciting adventure he shared with his old friend, that master detective, Sherlock Holmes. You know something? If right now it were possible for me to ask every one of you what you had for dinner this evening, I'll bet a good many of you would say chicken. Chicken is an all American favorite. But boy, you just haven't tasted chicken till you've tried it. Together with a glass of well chilled Petri California Sauterne. Petri Sauternes is a perfect mealtime wine just made to go with chicken. That Petri Sauterne is a white wine, delicate in color and mm, mm, what a flavor. A flavor that comes right from the heart of luscious sun ripened grapes. You can just taste those wonderful grapes. And I'll tell you something. That Petri Sauternes is pretty much on the terrific side when served with fish or any kind of seafood too. And that's a fact. But say, whenever you serve that Petri Sauternes, remember, you can serve it proudly. Because the name Petri is the proudest name in the history of American wines. And now for our weekly doctor's appointment, let's knock on his library door and.

[Dr. Watson]

See if there's no point in doing that. Mr. Slattery. I'm right behind you.

[Narrator]

Hello, Dr. Watson. Don't tell me you've been stalking me.

[Dr. Watson]

No, my boy. I was on the patio and I heard your footsteps, so I thought that I'd come in and fetch you. Let's go back and sit out there, shall we?

[Sherlock Holmes]

It's.

[Dr. Watson]

It's a Beautiful evening.

[Narrator]

That's fine with me, Doctor.

[Dr. Watson]

Ah, here we are. Settle yourself down in a chair and light a cigarette if you have one. I'll get on with my story.

[Narrator]

Last week you told us it concerned an adventure that you and Sherlock Holmes had in Flanders during the First World War.

[Dr. Watson]

That's right, Mr. Slattery did.

[Narrator]

I thought that you and the great man had retired at that period.

[Dr. Watson]

We had, my boy. But it was only natural that as soon as the war broke out we both offered our services in any capacity that might help our country.

[Narrator]

Of course. And how did tonight's story begin, Doctor?

[Dr. Watson]

It was in the winter of that first year. Things weren't going very well for the Allies. The Germans were advancing on Paris and the picture was looking very black. It was just 24 hours before the famous Battle of the Marne began. The battle that changed the early course of the war. When Holmes told me that we had to go up to the front lines on a secret mission. We'd been in Paris for several weeks where Holmes had just solved the case of the missing aide de camp. I was anxious to get back to England and my work in the war hospitals, but of course this new summons was in the nature of a command. And so late on a rainy September afternoon, Holmes and I, with a boom of gunfire in our ears, found ourselves in the front seat of a staff car sloshing and jolting its way towards the battlefield.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Am I driving too fast for you, gentlemen? Hello, Sergeant.

[Narrator]

Not at all.

[Dr. Watson]

You're doing a splendid job. Oh, my man. Look out. Considering the state of the road.

[Maitland Morris]

Thank you, sir.

[Dr. Watson]

Hello. The gunfire is getting nearer. Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, old fellow? I imagine we haven't much further to go, have we, Sergeant?

[Maitland Morris]

No, sir, we're nearly there.

[Dr. Watson]

Did you notice the two civilians in the back seat, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes. Handsome woman and a distinguished looking man several years her senior.

[Dr. Watson]

I wonder who they are.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'll tell you. He's a Shakespearean actor of some note. Though he never achieved the fame to which he thinks he's entitled. I shouldn't be at all surprised if he feels that he's been slighted in not receiving a knighthood.

[Dr. Watson]

But Holmes, that's amazing. How can you possibly deduce all that from just looking at the man as soon as we got into the car?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Elementary, my dear fellow, I didn't deduce it. We saw him twice last year in the London Theatre, if you remember. His name is Maitland Morris. As for his biography, he's a friend of my brother Mycroft's. He told me about him.

[Dr. Watson]

What do you suppose he's doing up here near the front line?

[Sherlock Holmes]

His brother is General Sir Stanley Morris, who's in command of this particular front and it would seem reasonable to presume that his brother has come up here to give a performance for the frontline troops. I suppose this hut is as far as we can drive, Sergeant. On Freud, sir. Sir, we're four miles from the front line now. You'll have to clear your papers here.

[Maitland Morris]

See that ruined farmhouse there, sir?

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, Sergeant. Is that the General's headquarters?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes sir. Come on Watson.

[Dr. Watson]

Good Lord, it's pelting with rain.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yeah, let's make a dash for it.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, who goes there?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Friend, give the password.

[Narrator]

Saint Crispin Pass, friends and show your papers.

[Dr. Watson]

How did you know the password, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I was given it before we left Paris. Old chapter.

[Captain Maxwell]

Oh, it's Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, isn't it?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, Captain.

[Captain Maxwell]

I'm Captain Maxwell, General Morris's aide de camp. He asked me to escort you up to his headquarters. By the way, weren't Maitland Morris and his wife in the car with you?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, they're just behind us.

[Captain Maxwell]

Oh splendid. I'm afraid I'll have to ask to see your papers.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, of course. Here's my permit, Captain Maxwell.

[Captain Maxwell]

Thank you. I know you both of course, but we can't afford to take any chances when they're this close to the enemy lines, you see. Oh yeah, yes, that's fine Doctor, everything's in order. Not yours please, Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Here you are.

[Captain Maxwell]

Thanks.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, who goes there, friend.

[Sherlock Holmes]

There's the rescue party now.

[Captain Maxwell]

Oh good. This is quite in order, Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Show your papers.

[Maitland Morris]

Oh, there you are, Captain Maxwell.

[Captain Maxwell]

Hello, sir. Hello Mrs. Murray.

[Mrs. Morris]

How are you, Captain Maxwell?

[Captain Maxwell]

Well, you both met Mr. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, I suppose.

[Maitland Morris]

Well no we haven't, even though we drove up in the same car. Natural reserve of us Britishers I suppose. How are you, Mr. Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

How do you do, Sam?

[Maitland Morris]

I know your brother Micro very well. How are you, Doctor?

[Dr. Watson]

I'm glad to meet you, Mr. Morris. I saw you a couple of times in the theatre last year and enjoyed your performances very much.

[Maitland Morris]

Oh, thank you, sir. Then you must know my wife, my leading lady.

[Mrs. Morris]

How do you do, gentlemen?

[Dr. Watson]

How do you do, Morris?

[Captain Maxwell]

Can I see your papers, Mr. Morris? Just a matter of form, you understand.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, yes, of course, of course. Mrs. Morris, I presume you and your husband are going to give a performance tonight for the men going up the front line?

[Mrs. Morris]

Yes. D. Doctor, we're very flattered. They've asked us to do some Shakespearean themes. Oh yeah, although I should have thought something a little lighter would have been more appropriate. The general, he's Maitland's brother, you know, seemed to think differently.

[Maitland Morris]

Well, my dear, show Captain Maxwell your papers, then we can all go along and see my brother Stanley.

[Mrs. Morris]

Very well, Maitland.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Mr. Morris, I shall look forward to hearing your reading of Shakespeare's Saint Crispin speech from Henry V tonight.

[Maitland Morris]

Bless my soul, Holmes, how did you know I was planning to do it?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, the setting is so perfect and the time so appropriate. I can't conceive an English actor who could resist the temptation. I noticed that your brother appreciated the fact in naming today's password.

[Maitland Morris]

Yes, it's amazingly appropriate. You know, it's almost 500 years ago to the day that the Battle of Agincourt took place.

[Dr. Watson]

Let's hope that the results of the forthcoming battle will be equally successful for you.

[Maitland Morris]

Yes, indeed. Oh, by the way, Holmes, this will probably seem rather silly to you but I'm an inveterate autograph collector and I have my book here with me. I, I wonder if you'd mind signing it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I shall be very glad to, Mr. Morris. Give me a pen, will you, Watson?

[Dr. Watson]

Holmes.

[Maitland Morris]

You'll find yourself among quite distinguished company in that book, sir.

[Sherlock Holmes]

So I see. Adelina Patty, crown prince of Norway. Hell no. Field Marshal von Tochnitz.

[Maitland Morris]

Oh yes, he was one of my admirers when I played in Munich before the war. I suppose now that our countries are fighting I should tear that page out. You know, I cannot help but feel that art and the appreciation of art are independent of national hatreds.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Quite so, sir. I myself still have a medal presented to me by the University of Leipzig for some trifling services. Anyone, Mr. Morris?

[Maitland Morris]

Oh, thank you very much, Mr. Holmes. A notable addition to my collection.

[Dr. Watson]

I shall be very glad to sign your book for you, Mr. Morris, if you'd like me to.

[Maitland Morris]

That's very kind of you, Doctor. Captain Maxwell, if our permits are all in order, don't you think we should be moving along?

[Captain Maxwell]

Just what I was going to suggest myself. I'll take you all straight over to General Morris's headquarters. General Morris, may I introduce Mr. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.

[Sherlock Holmes]

How do you do, sir?

[Dr. Watson]

How are you, General? How do you do?

[General Stanley Morris]

Know a lot about you. A long way from Baker street, isn't it?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes indeed, sir.

[General Stanley Morris]

Where's that brother of mine? Ah, there you are, Maitland. Cynthia, how nice to see you both.

[Mrs. Morris]

Oh, it's good to see you again, Stanley.

[Maitland Morris]

Hello there, Stanley.

[General Stanley Morris]

The men will be glad you arrived. They're looking forward to your show tonight.

[Maitland Morris]

We're very flattered that they want to hear us do some Shakespeare.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh rubbish old boy.

[General Stanley Morris]

With you and Cynthia up there on the platform you could read the telephone book and they'd love you.

[Narrator]

Oh very kind.

[General Stanley Morris]

By the way, you will find the stage very pretty primitive. Just a few trestles and a large tent and a curtain made of army blankets and your dressing room will be even worse.

[Mrs. Morris]

Oh don't worry about our comfort Stanley. As long as we cheer the boys up, that's the important thing.

[Maitland Morris]

Yes, of course. By the way, what program do you have mapped out for us?

[General Stanley Morris]

Well I thought we'd have two shows. The tent's not large enough to hold everybody at once. Anybody. Anyway, we have to keep up an alert all the time. Think you can manage two separate shows?

[Maitland Morris]

Of course I can Stanley. I may look old but I don't feel it.

[General Stanley Morris]

You don't even look at, you scoundrel.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank you.

[Maitland Morris]

Perhaps we could take a look at the staging equipment, eh?

[General Stanley Morris]

Oh certainly. Captain. Maxwell, take them over to the tent and show them what the facilities are, will you?

[Captain Maxwell]

Right. Will you follow me?

[Maitland Morris]

Oh yes, of course. See you later Stanley. Come along my dear.

[Mrs. Morris]

All right.

[General Stanley Morris]

I'm glad you're here, Holmes. I'm here so I can speak quite freely in front of Dr. Watson.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh yes, with perfect freedom, sir. He's my colleague and he's an old army man himself.

[General Stanley Morris]

Really?

[Captain Maxwell]

What regiment, Doctor?

[Dr. Watson]

5Th Northumberland Fuselier, sir. Later attached to Berkshire's in Afghanistan and wounded in the battle of Mainland.

[General Stanley Morris]

Really? Then I'm sure I can speak freely. And Holmes, you know why you're up here so near the front line, don't you?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I have a very shrewd suspicion, sir. I thought you had.

[General Stanley Morris]

That's why I asked for you to be sent here.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You asked for me to be sent here, General? Yes, I think I understand.

[Dr. Watson]

I wish I did.

[General Stanley Morris]

You will Doctor, in due time. In the meanwhile gentlemen I'll have an orderly show you to your quarters.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank you, sir.

[General Stanley Morris]

And Holmes, take a look around will you? And keep your ears open. We're comparatively a little distance from the German front lines and yet there's a very puzzling silence just now.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, I noticed that sir. And half an hour ago on our way up there was quite a lot of shilling.

[General Stanley Morris]

Exactly. It's unnatural and rather frightening at a time like this. You see we're attacking at dawn. The enemy might be trying to infiltrate spies and the whole success of this battle depends on a surprise attack.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I quite understand, sir. Come on, Wats.

[Dr. Watson]

Holmes. Holmes. The first performance starts in a few minutes. You know. They're all there waiting. Why are we tramping about out here in the mud and the rain?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I thought a pipe or two in the open air would cheer our brains.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes, a pipe in the open air is one thing, but a pipe in a downpour of rain is another.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Is it raining? I didn't even notice it. I was listening to the silence.

[Dr. Watson]

What do you mean?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thousands upon thousands of Germans, armed Germans, full of a blind fanatical hatred and desire to kill are crouched in trenches only a mile or two from here. Surrounding us are an equal number of English boys also armed and with the will, if not the desire to fight because they know their cause is the cause of freedom and justice. All these thousands poised, ready to pounce on each other and fight to the death. And yet.

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[Sherlock Holmes]

Beyond that patter of rain there isn't a sound to break the stillness of a September evening. Strange world we live in, old chap.

[Dr. Watson]

You're being unusually rhetorical.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, I am, aren't I? Let's be a little more practical, shall we? I wonder what is wrong with the actors tonight?

[Dr. Watson]

Why do you ask that?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, a little while ago I noticed Mrs. Morris in a great state of excitement going towards the farmhouse where the General is. Then she went back to her own quarters and now she seems to be headed in our direction. Anything wrong, Mrs. Morris?

[Mrs. Morris]

It's Maitland.

[Dr. Watson]

What's wrong with him, madam?

[Mrs. Morris]

He's disappeared.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Disappeared? What's happened?

[Mrs. Morris]

We were in the tent together making up for our performance when an orderly came in with a message. Maitland said it was from his brother, slipped on a raincoat and went out saying he'd be back in a few moments. I waited and waited and after a while I got worried and I went over to see the General myself. He said that he'd sent no message and that he hadn't seen any sign of Maitland.

[Dr. Watson]

Good Lord, what could have happened to him?

[Mrs. Morris]

I don't know Doctor, but I'm frightened. What shall I do, Mr. Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

You a brave woman, Mrs. Morris?

[Mrs. Morris]

Brave? I don't know, Mr. Holmes. Why?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Because the show must go on. I shall take your husband's place.

[Dr. Watson]

But Holmes, something's happened to Matron Morris. He's in danger, Watson.

[Sherlock Holmes]

True, but a thousand men inside that tent are in mortal danger too. Tomorrow morning, many of them maybe corpses on the fields of Flanders. But tonight they've been promised a show.

[Dr. Watson]

Do you think that you can do it, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, I think I can, with the help of Mrs. Morris.

[Mrs. Morris]

I can't do it, Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You can, Mrs. Morris, and you will, if only to uphold that great tradition of the theatre that the show must go.

[Narrator]

Where the rest of Dr. Watson's story in just a few seconds. Time I'd like to take to tell you that if you've got a butcher who has meat and you've got the points to get that meat, don't forget to bring home a bottle of Petri California Burgundy. Tell you why that Petri Burgundy is a rich red mealtime wine that's wonderful with any meat or meat dish, that's a fact. Petri Burgundy can make a banquet out of a hamburger. And boy, Petri Burgundy and old fashioned Irish stew are bosom companions. Just get yourself some Pet Free Burgundy and share it with your family. Pet Free Burgundy is the best friend a good meal ever had. And now back to tonight's new Sherlock Holmes adventure. It is just before the Battle of the Marne in the First World War and Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are at headquarters a few miles behind the frontline trenches. A famous Shakespearean actor who was to give a performance for the troops has mysteriously disappeared and the great detective has taken his place at the last minute. As we rejoin our story, Sherlock Holmes, alone on the improvised stage, is delivering a Shakespearean speech before a spellbound audience.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Happy breed of men. This little world, this precious stone set in a silver sea, which serves it in the office of a wall or as a moat defensive to a house against the envy of less happier lands, this blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England.

[Dr. Watson]

Holmes, that shot, are you all right?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, old chap. Fortunately I started to leave the stage as the shot was fired. The bullet just missed me. I heard it splinter some wood nearby.

[Dr. Watson]

But who on earth would want to shoot you?

[Sherlock Holmes]

That's what we've got to find out. Though I think it more likely that the shot was intended for me. It was not intended for me, but for Maitland Morris, the man for whom I'm substituting.

[Dr. Watson]

Well, even so, who'd want to shoot him?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Don't ask me so many questions, old fellow. Let's see what clues we can find. Now, the shot was fired from outside the tent? From behind me. Yes. Look there. See the hole in the tent there by Jovius?

[Dr. Watson]

The footlights would outline your shadow on the back of the tent. Whoever it must have, must have, must have fired at your silhouette.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The question is where did the bullet embed itself?

[Captain Maxwell]

Aha.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Look here Watson, you got a pen knife? Wait a minute here Holmes. This shouldn't be hard to extract. Look at this splintered tent pole. A minute. Here we are. Excellent. Very interesting.

[Dr. Watson]

What's so interesting about it? Just a revolver bullet, isn't it?

[Sherlock Holmes]

No it isn't Watson. It's far from just a revolver bullet. This bullet was fired from a German Luger pistol.

[Dr. Watson]

A German pistol? There must have been a spy here behind our lines.

[Sherlock Holmes]

That's a reasonable enough assumption. Yes. We may be sure that no English soldier would carry such a weapon and face inspection. Come on. I want to talk to Mrs. Morris. Misses Morris, I want you to be very frank with me.

[Mrs. Morris]

But of course Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You know why your husband's missing, don't you?

[Mrs. Morris]

No, no I don't. Have you found out anything?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Come on, why keep up this pretense any longer? I know that your husband is a spy or at least a great sympathizer with the German cause.

[Dr. Watson]

The General's brother a spy? Good Lord.

[Mrs. Morris]

How dare you say that?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Because it's true. Foreign Office have been suspicious of his sympathies for some time. His own brother knew it. That's why he asked to have me sent up here to keep an eye on him during his visit.

[Mrs. Morris]

It is true. Why should I keep up the pretense any longer? You see, Maitland was a disciple of Stuart Houston Chamberlain.

[Dr. Watson]

Oh, who was this Stuart Houston Chamberlain?

[Sherlock Holmes]

An Englishman who married one of Richard Wagner's daughters and became a German citizen and an arch enemy of England.

[Mrs. Morris]

I tried to dissuade Maitland. I implored him to consider his British heritage, his brother's name and mine. But Maitland was a strange man. His life was one of frustration and envy.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Envy of his brother I suppose.

[Mrs. Morris]

Yes. When Stanley was knighted it hurt Maitland terribly. He said it was typical if the English would knight a soldier and yet leave a great artist like himself unrecognized. In Berlin they really understood and rewarded the artist.

[Dr. Watson]

Well, if the authorities knew that it's amazing they allowed him to come so close to the front lines at a time like this.

[Mrs. Morris]

It was at the General's request. He wanted to plead with my husband to warn him that his secret was known. And now Maitland's gone out of the German lines.

[General Stanley Morris]

Oh it's terrible.

[Dr. Watson]

Worse than that it's disastrous. You can give them information. This is the strength of our troops here. He knows the password. He might even know the hour the attack is time to start.

[Sherlock Holmes]

How did your husband expect to enter the German lines in safety, Mrs. Morris?

[Mrs. Morris]

He speaks fluent German, Mr. Holmes. I fancy the autograph book he was carrying containing the signature of Field Marshal von Toknitz within reality. He's passed through the German lines.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You've told the general that his brother was gone?

[Mrs. Morris]

Of course I haven't been able to. He moved up to the front line position immediately after the first performance. Though I had warned him what I thought Maitland was planning to do. I think he intended to give his performance first then cross the lines immediately afterwards. But something must have made him change his mind. Perhaps he suspected I'd warned the general. Anyhow, as you know when I got back to our quarters he'd gone.

[Dr. Watson]

Did he leave any note, madam?

[Mrs. Morris]

Yes he did. Here it is.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank you. I have gone. My dear, try and understand and forgive if you can. You wouldn't come with me and so I'm taking what is left of my heart and my hopes where they belong. Among the friends that understand and appreciate me. It is something stronger than love and blood and country that makes me do this. It is something dearer to me than life itself. Dearer to me than life itself.

[Mrs. Morris]

Oh how could he? How could he? The shame of this will kill poor Stanley. Mr. Holmes, will you break the news to him? I know it's cowardly of me but I just can't tell him myself.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Don't worry Mrs. Morris, I'll tell him. Dr. Watson and I will ask Captain Maxwell to escort us to the General's frontline headquarters. In the meantime try and keep calm. We'll tell him.

[Captain Maxwell]

If you will wait in the dugout, Mr. Holmes, I'll tell the general that you're here.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank you. And be sure to let him know the urgency of the matter.

[Captain Maxwell]

Yes, Art.

[Dr. Watson]

Holmes, this is a dreadful visit.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes it is Watson. Though if my plans work out correctly I think the success of tomorrow's battle may not be impelled.

[Dr. Watson]

What plan?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Listen.

[Dr. Watson]

You know Holmes, a strange silence from the German line since we came here might be accounted for by the fact that they knew Maitland was making his getaway. They wouldn't want to risk wounding such a valuable spy.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Quite possibly.

[Dr. Watson]

What I still don't understand is who shot at you with a German pistol and why.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You're being very dense, old fellow. Surely it's obvious that Here comes General Morris now, poor devil.

[Dr. Watson]

This is going to be a dreadful shock to him. Hello, Holmes.

[General Stanley Morris]

Dr. Watson.

[Sherlock Holmes]

General Morris. I'm afraid that I've bad news for you. Your brother has gone over to the German lines.

[General Stanley Morris]

Maitland did go there. I should have put him under an armed guard as soon as he came here but. But I thought I could reason with him, appeal to his sense of honor.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Instead of which. You tried to shoot him, sir. But fortunately for me, you missed. You see, I took his place at the first performance.

[Dr. Watson]

But that shot was fired from a German pistol.

[Sherlock Holmes]

True, that was when I first knew the General had fired the shot.

[Dr. Watson]

But I still don't see how you could.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Now only a high ranking officer not subject to inspection could carry a non regulation firearm. You're an old army man, you should know that. In any case you'll observe that the General carries a Luger at his.

[General Stanley Morris]

Great heavens, Holmes, I thought I was firing at Maitland. I had no idea that it was you.

[Dr. Watson]

You intended to kill your own brother, sir?

[General Stanley Morris]

Yes, and I'm sorry I failed. I'd rather see my brother dead than alive and a traitor to his country. But now he, he's safely in the German lines. Heaven knows what secrets he may be imparting. One thing we can be certain, a chance of a surprise attack in the morning is gone.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Possibly not, sir. What do you mean? You see, I took the liberty of altering your brother's credentials quite extensively.

[Dr. Watson]

How, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I knew of his German sympathies. Mycroft had given me a great deal of information about him and so I took it on myself to decide that it was unsafe to allow him so near the enemy lines with his own identification on him.

[General Stanley Morris]

Well what did you do, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I took the liberty, sir, of stealing his autograph book. The one containing the magical signature of Field Marshal von Toknitz. I have it in my pocket now. I think we shall find within its pages a code concealed in the various autographs giving valuable information to the enemy.

[Dr. Watson]

Good Lord.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I also switched military permits on him. I felt that in the event that he did go over to the German lines his welcome might be less cordial if they were under the impression that they'd captured Sherlock Holmes. To make that identification doubly sure. I also slipped in his pocket a slight souvenir of my own.

[Dr. Watson]

Joe Holmes. You mean that medal presented to you by the University of Leipzig?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Exactly, old fellow. I no longer wish to own a decoration given me by a country of barbarians. And it seemed a rather neat and effective way of returning it to them.

[General Stanley Morris]

So the Germans Will think they've captured Sherlock Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, sir. And unless I'm much mistaken, he'll receive very short. Stripped of their hands.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes. I hate you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

There's your answer, sir. I'm sorry.

[General Stanley Morris]

Don't be sorry, Holmes. It's better that way. Now his secret can die with him.

[Captain Maxwell]

Excuse me, sir.

[General Stanley Morris]

Yes Maxwell, what is it?

[Captain Maxwell]

Would it be in order for me to return to headquarters now, sir? It's very nearly time for the second performance and I've still been unable to trace the whereabouts of your brother.

[General Stanley Morris]

Well, my brother will not be acting tonight, I'm afraid. Holmes, I wonder if I might ask you to take his place once again.

[Sherlock Holmes]

If you want me to, General.

[General Stanley Morris]

I do. Maitland had been plan to do the Saint Crispin speech from Henry V. He knew how much I loved him.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I realized that, sir. Well I was told the password up here.

[Dr. Watson]

Can you remember the speech, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, I think so. At any rate, I can try.

[General Stanley Morris]

Then do it for me my dear fellow.

[Narrator]

Will you?

[General Stanley Morris]

For me?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'll be very proud to do it, General. Goodbye and good luck.

[General Stanley Morris]

Thank you, Holmes. Captain Maxwell, take them back to headquarters, will you? The men will be waiting for the performance.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And Crispian. Crispian shall ne' er go by from this day to the ending of the world, but we in it shall be remembered, we few, we happy few, we band of brothers. For he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother, be he ne' er so vile this day, so gentle his condition. And gentlemen in England now abed shall think themselves accursed they were not here.

[Dr. Watson]

And hold their manhoods cheap while any.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Speaks that fought with us upon Saint Crispian's day.

[Narrator]

Well Doctor, that was a bit of an exciting adventure.

[Dr. Watson]

You know I, I can still remember that awful feeling I had when I heard the shut in the tent to realize someone had tried to kill Holmes.

[Narrator]

He did have a narrow escape, didn't he?

[Dr. Watson]

Well, Holmes always said there was no such thing as a narrow escape. He said you either escaped or you didn't. If you did, well, why worry? And if you didn't, you couldn't worry. So what?

[Narrator]

Quite a philosophy. I'd like to discuss it with you further.

[Dr. Watson]

Over a bottle of wine?

[Sherlock Holmes]

How else?

[Dr. Watson]

What kind of wine?

[Narrator]

Naturally.

[Dr. Watson]

Naturally.

[Narrator]

You couldn't ask for a more delicious wine than Petri. That's because the Petri family knows how to make good wine. They ought to. They've been making fine wine ever since they started the Petri business way back in the 1800s. And because the business has always been family owned and operated well, they've been able to hand on from father to son, from father to son, all they've ever learned about the art of turning luscious grapes into fragrant, delicious wine. That's why no matter what type Petri wine you buy for any occasion, you can be sure it's good wine. Because Petri took time to bring you good wine. And now, Dr. Watson, how's about giving us a clue to next week Sherlock Holmes?

[Dr. Watson]

Well, next week, Mr. Saturday, I'm going to tell you an almost unusual adventure in which Holmes and I are trapped in an airtight metal chamber, our only companion being a murdered scientist.

[Narrator]

It sounds like a story we don't Want to miss, Doctor. See you next week.

[Dr. Watson]

Yes. Oh, just a second, Ms. Nata. Before we go, I. I just want to tell our listeners that tonight we're broadcasting from the stage of the Paramount Theatre here in Hollywood. On behalf of the Seventh War Lone Drive, the ticket of admission to the theater was a war bond. I'm mentioning this to remind you, our friends, that you have an important part to play in making the Seventh War loan a success. Buy more and buy bigger bombs than ever before. They are needed to pay for new super forts, new jet propelled fighters, newer and bigger weapons to lick Japan. Remember, in spite of the magnificent achievements of our forces in the Pacific, the Japanese war has just begun. So let's go all out for the mighty seventh warload.

[Narrator]

Tonight. Sherlock Holmes Adventure is written by Dennis Green and Anthony Boucher and is based on an incident in the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle story, the Adventures of the blanched soldier. Mr. Rathbone appears for the courtesy of Metro Goldwyn 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 invites you to tune in again next week, same time, same station.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, the Petri family took the time to bring you such good wine. So when you eat and when you.

[Narrator]

Cook, remember Petri wine to make good food taste better. Remember Pet.

[Dr. Watson]

Pet. Whoa.

[Narrator]

This is Jack Slattery saying good night for the Petri family. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.